Hello,
I would like to get my first and only 1911. I am purist and I want a traditional design but… does a modern design worth it over a classy Colt 1911 70 series?
Of course I am not interested in monstrosities like the Infinity.
Kindest regards.
I have and really like both guns, but there is just something about a Colt. The Colt is always said to have good metal and is the premier base gun for customization. That said, my S&W is a sweet pistol.
Your interest in the Smith and Wesson 1911 coincides with the introduction of new models by S&W. Their new ‘E’ series 1911s have a lot of promise, but they are just hitting the street. I’m interested to see how they perform - they have a lot of desirable features at an impressive price point. Definitely worth watching.
On the other hand, every time I see one of the MARS Armament builds on this forum I’m tempted to buy a Series 70 and send it to Steve Morrison.
Yes, a good plan !
I thought my TRP would be my only 1911. Don’t know how long that will last.
Between Colt and S&W companies, I’d choose Colt.
Between series 70 and ‘series 80’ design, I’d choose series 70.
I think you’d enjoy the Colt more…
I love my series 70 reproduction, but which one are you talking about a repro like mine or the old series 70 with the collet bushing?
The only issue I have had with mine is that the ejection port is not lowered and my brass seems to throw just over my right shoulder a little too close to my head. Some people also don’t like the sharp lines of the new Colts but personally I love that aspect about them. I’ve got a blued one with ivory stocks and it looks amazing. Actually it reminds me more of a WW2 1911A1 than the old series 70, especially with the crappy low sights, which is usually the first thing people replace, but I’m stubborn and like my Colt the way it is.
I mean a recently produced 70 series. I am a totally new to 1911s.
Go with the real deal. Colt. 
Good luck, let us know what you decide.
I mean a recently produced 70 series. I am a totally new to 1911s.
Ok well that’s what I have purchased and it took me 5 months to get it after ordering it through my local fun store. I absolutely love it. A lot of people use these as a base for a custom gun. However I have no desire to do that as of yet.
5 months? OMG. The store told me 4 weeks!
Three Colt’s later, I have no regrets. Go with the pony.
I started with a Kimber(a mistake and a story on it’s own), but eventually bought a new Colt 70s Series. There is a lot of satisfaction in owning an actual Colt that I don’t get out of other brands. I shot and carried it a little, and eventually sent it to MARS ARMAMENT. I will keep my next one fairly unmodified, but it will definitely be a Colt 
If you’re going for a purist gun, I’d recommend the Colt.
If you’re going to for a gun that will hold it’s value, I’d recommend the Colt.
If you’re going for a gun that you will have pride of ownership of, I’d recommend the Colt.
I’m trying to think of a reason to go with the S&W. I’ll get back to you.
I went with Colt for my first 1911 and I have never had ANY regrets. In later years I bought a couple more Colts and stil have NO regrets other than I wish I could shoot the piss out of them all the time…Time is not what I have right now.
Smith looks promising and their reputation is well storied. I would say Colt because I own them and have used their CS and was very satisfied. I may try a Smith for my next one.
1911s were meant to say Colt on the side. Although my taste runs to custom guns, and I’ve been considering a Les Baer as a training double.
“First and only” won’t last very long.
Get the Colt Series 70.
I say go S&W. Sure the Colt is nice and most likely will be fine, the poor quality control seems to be a thing of the past, but the S&W will have more of the often added later features to a base model Colt. Lowered and flared ejection port to name the most common, the Colt also will have the standard grip safety while the Smith will have the more modern high grip and will also have night sights if you go E series.
My suggestion would be to handle both before you decide, if you do go Colt you will get a great gun but if you get the Smith you will get a more modern take on the 1911 with some definite deviations from the original design. This is not always a bad thing.
Colt guns are good, Smith and Wesson guns are good. In a 1911, either one will do well.
Smith’s guns are more tightly fit than Colt, so if rattle bothers you, go with the Smith. I’ve also not been highly impressed with the trigger and accuracy of the Colts.
Personally, I believe there are better options out there than the Colt these days, but there is certainly a mystique about having something with the name “Colt” on the side.
However, I no longer own any guns other than custom 1911s, so, I’m not the best judge.
Mmm, I don’t know that I agree with this. Yes, Colt makes some fine 1911s. However, considering that the 1911 was developed to be a Military gun and was actually manufactured from the get go by many different companies, I don’t necessarily agree that the M1911A1 is “meant” to say “Colt”. Colt just had the fortune to work with John Browning to develop the pistol.