Colt doesn't fit triggers in production guns?

[rathos]

So I recently bought a colt Delta elite as the new models came with the beavertail safety and I THOUGHT (thats what I get for thinking) I wouldn't have to do anything to it for it to be a reliable gun.

After shooting it the first time I noticed not only did it not lock open on empty, but the trigger floats around in the trigger guard moving up and down and making a clanking sound when walking with it in a holster. I sent the gun back to colt to fix those issues. When I received their letter back, they claimed to have refit the trigger to spec, but they also wrote a note that they do not fit triggers in production guns as they are a "drop in part". I am pretty amazed that my springfield loaded pistol and my cheap sub $500 STI spartan have fitted triggers, but spending a grand on a colt delta means I will have to spend more money to have another part fitted.

Has anyone else noticed issues with trigger fitment in recent production colts? I can honestly say I will never buy another one and will stick to springfields. Also, does anyone want to buy a delta elite? :)

[Maple Syrup Actual]

I do! Since it sounds pretty flawed is it going cheap?

[theJanitor]

Are the Springer and STI's really fitted? Or is their drop in part just better sized? I can't imagine the lower level guns from any 1911 manufacturer being fitted. To be fair, I don't follow what happens in most production 1911's

eta: and is the trigger fit better now that it's back? If so, what kind of fitting do you think they did to make it better?

[SecondsCount]

Sorry to sound like a Colt basher but I don't think Colt fits anything in their 1911's anymore. Springfield might in their higher ended guns but definitely not the Loaded models.

If you want something fitted, Dan Wesson makes a nice pistol for just a little more money.

[MattyD380]

So I recently bought a colt Delta elite as the new models came with the beavertail safety and I THOUGHT (thats what I get for thinking) I wouldn't have to do anything to it for it to be a reliable gun.

After shooting it the first time I noticed not only did it not lock open on empty, but the trigger floats around in the trigger guard moving up and down and making a clanking sound when walking with it in a holster. I sent the gun back to colt to fix those issues. When I received their letter back, they claimed to have refit the trigger to spec, but they also wrote a note that they do not fit triggers in production guns as they are a "drop in part". I am pretty amazed that my springfield loaded pistol and my cheap sub $500 STI spartan have fitted triggers, but spending a grand on a colt delta means I will have to spend more money to have another part fitted.

Has anyone else noticed issues with trigger fitment in recent production colts? I can honestly say I will never buy another one and will stick to springfields. Also, does anyone want to buy a delta elite? :)

I had a Wiley Clapp CCO about a year ago. It was my first and only 1911. And yes... I too noticed the trigger was loose-ish. Not, like, terrible. But unbecoming of an $1100 gun.

I also thought the thumb safety felt kind of unrefined. And I thought the grip safety lacked the positive "springyness" of some other 1911 grip safeties. The slide to frame fit was also rattly.

I will say none of these nitpicks affected accuracy or reliability (in the few rounds I put through it). The gun really was a tack driver. And the trigger was honestly very good, aside from the looseness (which I in no way perceived while shooting). The metalwork and the finish seemed good too.

But, all in all, when I compared it to a Sig or Beretta... both felt tighter and generally more refined in every way... it just didn't live up to the price tag. It was cool. I kind of miss it. And I'll have another 1911 at some point. But.... I sold it.

[rathos]

Trigger is still the same, I doubt they even touched it. Even if they aren't fitting it at least they use a part that fits.


Are the Springer and STI's really fitted? Or is their drop in part just better sized? I can't imagine the lower level guns from any 1911 manufacturer being fitted. To be fair, I don't follow what happens in most production 1911's

eta: and is the trigger fit better now that it's back? If so, what kind of fitting do you think they did to make it better?

[rathos]

The dan wesson wasn't that much more, I made the mistake of thinking colt made a quality gun.


Sorry to sound like a Colt basher but I don't think Colt fits anything in their 1911's anymore. Springfield might in their higher ended guns but definitely not the Loaded models.

If you want something fitted, Dan Wesson makes a nice pistol for just a little more money.

[rathos]

I do! Since it sounds pretty flawed is it going cheap?


Define cheap... Luckily I was already heavily invested in 1911s so I only had to buy mags.

[OnionsAndDragons]

That pony just does not mean what it used to... Unless it's on an EBR.

[M2CattleCo]

STI and Springfield don't fit much either.

A rattling trigger is about as important as wobble between the upper and lower on an AR.

The 1911s Colt is building right now are better than anything they've built up until now.

What you usually get with a Colt is a proper feed ramp angle, a proper extractor, a proper chamber, and pretty proper barrel timing. Also, all the small parts are very high quality and nothing really needs replacing out of the box.

Their 1911s are kinda like their ARs. They ain't pretty, but they're built right where it matters.

$1K is base tier for a decent 1911.

[StraitR]

Sorry to sound like a Colt basher but I don't think Colt fits anything in their 1911's anymore. Springfield might in their higher ended guns but definitely not the Loaded models.

If you want something fitted, Dan Wesson makes a nice pistol for just a little more money.

Once a year or so I subscribe to Panteo for a month and watch all their new stuff. The last time I did it, October or November, I watched the Colt documentary and although I can't remember specifics, I do remember being quite surprised at how much hand fitting went into their standard production guns.

[Maple Syrup Actual]

Define cheap... Luckily I was already heavily invested in 1911s so I only had to buy mags.

Ideally...cheap enough to offset both the terrible Canadian dollar and the costs of importing it. So like...really, really cheap.

Seriously though if you're actually like "no way am I keeping this" I was actually going to buy a Delta this year and there are importers I could use, if you really are at the F this point.

[Robinson]

I own and have owned many Colts and so far I have not experienced the sloppy trigger fit described by the OP. I've had one gun I sent back to Colt because it was oversprung -- other than that I've been very happy with the quality of my guns. I will say however that a 1911 from pretty much any maker needs to be thoroughly vetted before carrying it. I never assume one is good to go until I shoot it a bunch -- even Colts.

I've also had good luck with Springfield Armory and S&W 1911s. I've been very impressed by the Dan Wesson pistols I've examined.

[Mr. Goodtimes]

I know everyone says the new Colts are the best that they've ever made but I have to admit, the 1911's I've seen from them over the past few years have seemed "meh." Lots of sharp edges, especially the safety.


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[M2CattleCo]

In the past they did stuff like lopsided slides, recoil spring plug holes off center, dustcover thin on one side, stuff you couldn't fix. Stuff that a custom builder would say that the whole thing is trash. Find a better frame and slide for a base gun.

If all it needs is a dehorn and a little minor work, it's a keeper.

[rathos]

This is my first and last colt. I have a friend willing to fit a new trigger. That should be the last of the issues I have with it for now as long as it actually locks back when empty now. I did have to tension the extractor when I bought it, but it is hard to fault colt for that as I haven't had a 1911 yet that didn't need that done.



In the past they did stuff like lopsided slides, recoil spring plug holes off center, dustcover thin on one side, stuff you couldn't fix. Stuff that a custom builder would say that the whole thing is trash. Find a better frame and slide for a base gun.

If all it needs is a dehorn and a little minor work, it's a keeper.

[cjb1911]

My local gunshop has a m45 and CCU in the case. Of all the colts I bought over the years, these two felt like the best made. I was use to jiggly grip safeties, sloppy slide to frame fit, loose trigger, etc. These two exhibited none of these issues.

My issue is now that these are at >1500 price point, I'm more than likely to get a DW Valor or Specialist, which I consider superior 1911s due to their use of and fitting of barstock parts.

[M2CattleCo]

The only MIM a Colt has is the mag catch and lock, sear, and disconnector. They're top quality parts that will take a trigger job and last as long as any barstock stuff out there.

I understand value perception based on features, but having worked on and carried 1911s for a long time. A basic Colt has a lot going for it when functionality is a priority. I consider the next step up a Wilson Combat or a Springfield Custom.

My priority was always reliability. If I had to dehorn it, put on a new plunger tube, and time the Series 80 bits, I was happy. Very seldom had to touch the extractor on a Colt and I used to use their extractors in any 1911 and usually functioned fine as a drop in part.