Re: Saw a Colt Gold Cup National Match yesterday.....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Can you say UAW?
Having worked on just about every brand of 1911 made at one point or another, Colt has always had consistent quality of metal and accurate barrels. <span style="font-weight: bold">Say what you want about a factory gun</span> but, when building a custom pistol the Colt produced a nicer finished product.</div></div>
EVERY Colt I've shot has been WAY less accurate than EVERY Kimber I've shot. Haven't shot a Springer yet. </div></div>
Speaking of subjective. How do you define "way less accurate". What were your methods for testing? Did you use a machine rest? Were you using the same ammo in each pistol? Were the tests done at the same distance under the same weather conditions?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The statement about Colt producing a nicer finished product is subjective. A $900 Dan Wesson was SEVERAL rungs above the Gold Cup NM I viewed, and probably every other Colt I've seen. Kimber's Gold Cup Trophy or whatever was miles ahead of Colt's Gold Cup NM. As far as fit, finish, slide to frame fit, trigger pull, etc., I find Colt to be a less nice finished product.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Weather it be fitting a grip safety or installing low mount Bo-Mar sights, they cut consistent. I can't say that for the other brands. Maybe it is the little details that most people don't get to notice like the size of the trigger slot when fitting an aftermarket trigger or the radius of the front strap when setting up to machine checker. All of these things go unnoticed by the consumer but, when you have to deal with these things you understand why shops set standards for the brands they work on. </div></div>
The consumer does notice trigger pull, slide to frame fit, quality of finish, etc., and for Colt, those all seem to be lacking. I guess you're saying all their cuts are uniform in their lacking, so custom shops can count on consistency? Like the other poster said, they'll be able to charge more hours to consistantly make the same improvements? By the way, the Colt grip safetys I've handled make a loud popping noise when you let off. No other brand I've handled makes a noise upon release, only when pushing in.</div></div>
I am not aware of any shop that charges more to do the same job based on brand of the same model.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I hate to break it to you National Match and Gold Cup lovers but, there isn't anything "Match" about them. They roll out of the factory needing the same improvements as the plain ol Government model. Aside from a few feature differences like the wider trigger, those horrible Elliason sights, and a few internal pieces, they are the same.
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And that justifies the nearly 75% increase in price? When you move up the Springfield or Kimber ladder, you definately notice the attention to details, the jump up in quality, and the price is justified.</div></div>
No, I never said there was any justification for the higher price of a Gold Cup. If you will read my statement again, you should find it says the exact opposite. I would say the majority of improvements you get as you move up the "ladder" with any brand are feature based.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberseries1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Once again, I'm not trying to start a flame war because I don't pick sides no matter what my screen name or sig. says. I'm trying to understand why the $1300 Gold Cup NM is basically the same thing as a $800 Govt., but with shittier grips, loose slide to frame fit, no beavertail, spur hammer, same trigger, streaky finish, but 60-70% increase in price and the title "Gold Cup National Match" in the midst of this "Colt Comeback". And why rabid Colt fanboys will defend this and others will say they have superior manufacturing, but I just can't seem to find it. I guess I'd have to be big dog custom builder(re-worker) to appreciate it..... </div></div>
Think of the Colt like a Remington 700. If a custom gun is your goal and you already have one, it's a great place to start. If you don't have a pistol to start with, buy a custom.
