Of the following Colts, which should I have customized into a Tactical/Combat/Fighting pistol:
M1991A1 Series 80
Special Combat Government Comp. Model
Government Model (XSE)
Gold Cup Trophy
Combat Target Series 80
As I stated in a previous thread, I was looking at the Wilson Combat CQB Elite. However, many on this forum believe that it is overpriced for whatever reasons.
What modifications would have to be done to the above pistols in order to make them equivalent or surpass something like the CQB Elite?
Trigger job (3.5-4 ), 25 lpi on the front strap, dehorn, stocks of your choice and a magwell (if desired). I would refinish in Melonite. If you get a recent model (2011) it should have the BT.
Yes. I also would consider a couple things before you decide what pistol to build on. First will you want a WML? Do you mind building on a 1911 with a FPS? I prefer my builds to based upon a Series 70 design which doesn’t have a FPS. Who do you plan on having do the work?
To your original question on the accuracy of the factory barrel here is an illustration from my last build where you can see the Colt barrel and then the Kart barrel… John Harrison worked to fit the factory barrel but just could not get it to the standards we both had.
if you are going to replace the majority of the base parts(safeties trigger sights etc) might as well go with the 1991- why pay extra for things like fancy safes or such when they are jsut going to get taken off by smith to be replaced?
There are a few key parts that you should think about before deciding which pistol to use for a base gun:
Sights - do you want fixed or adjustable sights?
Grip safety - do you want a beavertail grip safety or GI safety?
If you want fixed sights on your future pistol then you can scratch the Gold Cup and any others that already have adjustable sights. If you want a nice beavertail then you’ll probably want to build on a pistol that doesn’t already have one.
Other things to consider: If you want 30 LPI checkering on the front strap then get a pistol that has a bare front strap. Converting the Gold Cup 20 LPI serrations into 30 LPI checkering is expensive. What gunsmith is going to build your pistol? They may have a preference as to which pistol is the best candidate.
I agree with CAVDOC that the 1991 is probably the best choice from your list. Have you considered a new “reissue” Colt Series 70? It is one of the better candidates to use for a custom build for quality and cosmetic reasons.
What modifications would have to be done to the above pistols in order to make them equivalent or surpass something like the CQB Elite?
I think you may be overly optimistic if you think that any of those pistols can be converted into a custom pistol that is equivalent or better than a CQB Elite without spending an equivalent amount of money. You can build something similar but if you want to spend less, you’ll get less and will have to decide what features you want to omit. Even the Wilson CQB, which costs about $500 less, is similar to the CQB Elite but lacks some of the cosmetic enhancements such as serrations on the top and rear of the slide.
The above is exactly what you have to think about. I have had three Colts modified by a very good 'smith (Bob Miller) that are not (in any way) Wilson 1911s but I didn’t expect them to be. They are very accurate, good looking pistols that I am VERY happy to own and they do all I need them to do. I have much less money in them than I would have in a Wilson but they are done the way I want them. Think it over; make a choice. Good luck !
No, that is not what I said. You aren’t likely to customize one of the pistols on your list and attain the quality of a CQB Elite without spending an equivalent amount of money.
You’ll find that different gunsmiths have different opinions on that. Some have a strong preference for building on Colts. Others may have a short list of pistols that they will build on. I prefer to start with an oversized slide and frame and even then, I’m picky about which brands I will use.
You might want to find a gunsmith whose work you like and plan your project with their input. Chuck Rogers’ work is not the same as Heirloom Precision or John Harrison’s work. All build an outstanding pistol but each of them does it in a different way.
If you’ve got $3K to burn, I’d suggest looking at Nighthawk and the SA Custom Shop (Pro Model) too. The Professional is around $2400, and so is the GRP from NH.
The big advantage of a true custom gun is that YOU decide exactly how you want your gun to end up. You do this by first selecting the gunsmith who’s work you like the looks of, then tell him what you do and don’t want done to your pistol. With this level of work you should expect a long wait, and a healthy bill. But if you get the exact pistol of your dreams, then it is money well spent. IF you simply want a 100% reliable, lifetime warrantied, combat ready 1911 and are willing to give up some of your “wants” in favor of a faster turnaround time, and maybe a little money savings, then the “semi-custom” pistols are the way to go IMO. Kimber (before it was a dirty word) set the 1911 world on its ear by offering pistols will several custom features right outta the box, and at prices no reputable gunsmiths could touch. Sure, gunsmiths could still provide a superior level of F&F, but the Kimbers were more than good enough for the majority of 1911 buyers at the time, and sold like hotcakes.
IMO, if you’re willing to sacrifice some of the custom touches that today’s insanely talented smiths can provide, you’re better value is still in the semi-customs from the big names like WC and NW. Yes, you’ll pay for the name, but those names will also help with resale if you change interests down the road. And those names became big largely for good reason. If you’re more interested in having a very special gun that’s uniquely yours, and not available from from the semi-custom companies, then by all means commission one of the metal artists to bring your dreams to a reality. I know it sounds like New Age BS, but there’s really no wrong answer---------just YOUR answer. It’s your expectations and your pocket full of cash. Line 'em up as yo see fit. Then post lots of photos for use to drool over.
