Colt Recall: Six 1911 models are affected

AmericanRifleman.org ^ | August 2009 | NRA Staff

[Stonewall Jackson]

Colt Manufacturing Company has announced a recall of six 1911-styled pistol models because parts were not manufactured to Colt specifications and could break, causing safety issues with the handguns.

The following models sold after March 2007 are affected by the recall, which will require replacement of the Slide Lock Safety, the Recoil Spring Guide Pad or both:

• 1911 WWI Replica (O1911) - 4597WMK to 5414WMK (safety)
• 1918 WWI Replica (O1918) – 1001WWI to 3431WWI (safety)
• Combat Elite (O7810D) – CG10000E to CG11293E (safety)
• Defender (O7000D) – DR33036 to DR35948 (guide pad)
• Talo Night Defender (O7000NDF) – NDF0001 to NDF0400 (guide pad)
• New Agent (O7810D) – GT01001 to GT04505 both parts require replacing

Customers owning models in the listed serial number range should stop using the handgun immediately, and contact Colt Customer Service for instructions. The models requiring the Slide Lock Safety replacement must be returned to Colt for repair, while the Defender models can be repaired at home with a replacement part.

Customers can contact Colt Manufacturing Company LLC by phone, mail or online at:
• (800) 962-2658 (Option 2)
• 545 New Park Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
• www.coltsmfg.com
• Recall@colt.com

Colt determined that the parts for the models listed above were of improper hardness, and could wear, bend or crack, causing safety issues or rendering the pistol inoperable. While there has been no reports of injuries or property damage, Colt advises owners to immediately stop using the affected firearms, and contact Colt to learn how to have the handguns repaired at no cost.

[Stonewall Jackson]

I saw this in my copy of American Rifleman just a few minutes ago and thought that folks here on FR would be interested.

[Stonewall Jackson]

FYI

[ExpatGator]

As a gunsmith, all I can say is:

More of the same from a once great company. They ought to recall everything they have sold in the last 35 years. Add their shoddy work to their contempt for the American civilian market and you have a company that would have gone bankrupt decades ago if they did not have the contract connections that they have. Piss on them.

[Stonewall Jackson]

I have a government issue Colt 1911A1 that was manufactured in 1943. My grandfather had it reworked by a German master gunsmith in 1954 when he was stationed at Fulda and it is one of the most accurate pistols I have ever fired.

[Gaffer]

Thanks bunches....I actually own one of each....the 1911 is way before the S/N range, but the Defender I have is in the range....just fired off an email to them.....thanks again!

[Repeal The 17th]

“More of the same from a once great company.
...Piss on them.”
-
Who do you like, quality wise?

[PowderMonkey]

A crying shame. I was about to transition to the 1911 scene by investing in a Colt 1991A1 Govt. model. They’ve slid that far, have they?

[Retired Greyhound]

I agree. The are riding the name alone at this point.

[PJammers]

Springfield Armory makes some mighty fine 1911s.

http://www.springfield-armory.com

The XD series is pretty impressive also.

[paul51]

get a Sig

[PackerBoy]

Agreed. I have a .45 ACP Trophy Match that I really like to shoot.

[Stonewall Jackson]

I go over to the local gunshop about once a month and drool all over their Springfield display case. ;-)

[Cosmo]

Kimber or Wilson

[yarddog]

I have owned many Colt Government models and others such as the Combat Commander made from maybe the thirties to around 1990 and never had a bad one despite a lot of criticism I have heard.

To be honest I did not even know Colt was still making them since I never see them in stores anymore. Most of them including right up through 1990 were what I would consider beautifully made.

The parts are so easy to change that I am surprised they don’t just mail them to you and let you return the old ones in an envelope.

[rigelkentaurus]

I have a Springfield XD-45 tactical - it’s a joy to use. Wish I could get ammo easier though...

[PJammers]

I broke down and bought an XD9. I don’t regret it one bit. It was actually $50 cheaper than the Glock. I could have bought the XDM. I’m not a match shooter so it didn’t make sense to spend the extra $100.

[PJammers]

I know the feeling. Once you pick it up you just can’t stop. When I fire my XD9 it’s like I’m pulling a handle on a slot machine. I just want to keep feeding it!

[vetvetdoug]

All of the Colts I own are over 50 years old. Some are even 150 years of age. Has anyone else had a problem buying fffG black powder lately?

[Tolsti2]

Are you going to say that the Colt All American wasn’t a success?

[skimbell]

They haven't slid anywhere.

Colt is making some things right on several of it's 1911 pistols. I have two of the guns that were recalled. Colt sent me shipping labels for the guns, I sent them in via FedEx and had the guns back in my hands repaired in six day. My guns needed the thumb safety replaced. The repair parts were installed and they match the finish of the two guns perfectly.

Colt did the right thing. Colt doesn't advertise in the big gun rags the way that Glock, SIG, Kimber and SA do so the Colt recall wasn't covered up the way recalls on these other guns have been.

Go to the different 1911 forums and read what the Colt owners have been reporting.

Anyone who thinks that Colt is inferior to these other copy 1911's simply hasn't been paying attention.

Colt is still where it's at!

[Roklok]

I have 3 colt model 1911s and they are all accurate and totally reliable.

[Shooter 2.5]

You’re shooting original Colt Black Powder revolvers? What models are they? Can you post any pictures?

[ExpatGator]

Yeah, the 1911’s can be accurized to a very great degree. I just built one for myself with a Caspian frame and slide. A Kart National Match barrel and bushing and meticulous hand fitting made it a real shooter. Love those 1911’s.

I wish that Colt paid the same amount of attention in manufacturing that they used to.

[j_tull]

I’m certain that a part of the retrofit will include an RFID tag and a GPS.

[Lurker]

I'm shooting a stainless steel Combat Commander I bought used sometime in the 1980's. So far I've had to replace 1 slide release and several sets of springs.

That's it.

L

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

I have owned two 1911-style pistols. One was a Colt Gold Cup.

I hate the 1911 pistols are so picky about ammunition they will reliably feed.

I bought a Springfield Armory XD45 and it shoots any kind of .45 ACP round I put in it. It has flawless performance and accuracy at half the price of a 1911.

If you want a piece on which you can bet your life when the pistol absolutely has to save your life, get an XD or XDM in 9mm, .40 Cal. or .45 ACP (no XDM45 yet).

They are made in Croatia and they are very good quality.

[ExpatGator]

Caspian frames and slides are good if getting one custom built. Of course Kimber, Ed Brown, and the other big name custom house provide well machined, finished, and very importantly, hardened products. Many of these parts are manufactured at the same places.

I just bugs me to no end how far Colt has fallen. Once upon a time you could not talk me out of a Colt. Now you could not talk me into one, unless of course it was an old one.

[ExpatGator]

As mentioned below, Springfield has improved and is a deal for the money. I did not mention Wilson either. They make good gear, but are now importing some parts, as are a few other companies. Always ask for American made parts from these places, as the metallurgy is more consistent.

[ExpatGator]

You’re funny!

In reality, good quality and sales success are not mutually inclusive.

[PJammers]

Not to be picky but, technically all 1911s are copies. John Browning designed the weapon. With John Browning’s approval Colt won the manufacturing rights to produce it for the US armed forces. Colt is most associated with the 1911 because they won the contract.

I would also beg to differ that SA, Wilson, Les Baer and Kimber models are inferior to the Colt. As a matter of fact SA models are carried by the FBI regional SWAT and Hostage Rescue teams. So they can’t be all that bad.

I’m not crapping on Colt. However, there are many people here who believe they sold their soul.

Personally, I prefer something lighter, without the nuisance of a safety switch, and more than seven cartridges.

Peace.

[Squantos]

Yes Sir I am grateful.

... Don’t own any of those in the mentioned serial number ranges

Now I have to drive to town an check the mail if the new issue is out .....:o)

[ExpatGator]

“Anyone who thinks that Colt is inferior to these other copy 1911’s simply hasn’t been paying attention.

I reckon I’ve been too busy at my gun bench to pay attention! I don’t really have a dog in this hunt, because I love all guns! I just fix em’.

[GregoTX]

A recall on all Colt Delta Elites, they must all be sent in...
But uughhh ... you cant send them directly to Colt...
They use a ... uughh a collection point... ya....
The collection point is my address.... ya thats it....
send them to all to me... and I will hold them for Colt
Ya.. thats the rules of the recall
Its like all official and stuff.

[Lurker]

I also own a Springfield XD in .45. It's a fine, fine sidearm.

My Colt was picky about ammo until I had the feed ramp polished. Now it eats anything I feed it.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

There are some fantastic, and extremely expensive alloys, that could be used in “premium luxury” firearms, as much for the novelty as for the capabilities they would add. For those who don’t mind paying as much for a gun as a luxury automobile.

For example, I saw a bolt made from one such alloy, that when smashed by a hammer, that would bend it and crush its threads, it would straighten itself, and its threads would “heal”, regaining its original appearance.

Guns could integrate titanium alloys that would substantially lower their weight, other alloys that are easy to clean, or coated with nanoparticles to make them “self-cleaning”.

And if you were willing to pay premium prices for ammo...

[Squantos]

2 colt factory 1911A1’s an 4 Springfield Armory of which two I built from just SA frame an slides

Also have the TANK of 1911A1s.....a 180$ Norinco. Ugly but I use it sometimes in IDPA an 3 gun matches to prove its the skills not the tools to the gadget gun fools

Stay safe....

[MileHi]

How things?

Sure wish Colt still made the Python and the Detective Special. The Python is old school, I know, but I still love ‘em. 1911s, well we (civilians) don't need Colt to get good ones, and it seems they don't care much about us.

[Shooter 2.5]

Early 1911’s up to 1990 need the barrel ramp polished and throated. The ramp is too narrow on the original design.

I had a Remington Rand that chambered empty brass. That’s the standard I use on the rest of my 1911’s.

Check out the two on my profile page.

[MileHi]

I have a Norinco that runs fine, keep it in the pickup. It is one of 3 makes (Colt, Kimber and Norinco) that Wilson will take for a builder as I have it because the steel is good.

[Tolsti2]

In its case, it failed at both. Was joking :P

[EGPWS]

My new agent is affected however has been flawless.

My XSE is not part of it has been flawless too.

[Squantos]

Wilson will work norincos ? That is good to know but I like it as is for showing folks what the chicoms can do with old bumpers an springs etc

We are good here but just got trashed by a major hail storm in the panhandle. Flooding is bad here. White faced herefords are doing the backstroke.

You ?

[EGPWS]

Any gun porn available? ; )

[saganite]

Lucky for me I have a Springfield 1911. I always wanted a Gold Cup though.

[hiredhand]

I just forwarded this info to our Hammer Monkey up the road! Thanks!

[hiredhand]

I have a Series 80 that had that problem. I took a Dremel tool and a polishing wheel to it and that was the end of that problem!

[JimC214]

The UAW is the union that represents Colt workers. Killing the auto and fire arms industry at the same time.

[MileHi]

Been good. We got pounded pretty good here as well. Beat up the house and truck. Think a small twister touched in the night about a mile from here, pushed over cotton woods that we both couldn’t reach around. Have to get the roof done before winter now. Some of them down the road need new houses so I ain’t complaining.

Laptop crashed a while back so I haven’t been here much but got up and running again.

Stay safe amigo!

[Lurker]

Same series as mine, same issue. A quick trip to the gunsmith solved it.

About the only reason I'd pick the Colt over the Springfield in a SHTF scenario is the far greater availability of spare parts.

I just remembered I did have to replace a firing pin after about 10,000 rounds or so. Now I just keep a spare pin or two and a couple of sets of springs around along with a spare Wilson slide release.

That should cover 95% of the field problems I could have.

L

[hiredhand]

A buddy of mine bought a Springfield 1911 back around 2002 or so, and recently had the ejector fail...wear out...WHATEVER it is that ejectors DO when they don't work anymore.

He was shooting a big batch of ammo that we had just loaded for him, and he said that the pistol stopped ejecting correctly. He brought me some of the rounds and they functioned flawlessly from my Series 80 and another Taurus 1911 clone.

He examined it closely and sent me photos of what he discovered, and it actually looks like the ejector is bent AWAY from the case! He bent it BACK and it started ejecting 100% of the time again. But he ordered another (and a spare!) anyway.

Have either of you two ever heard of this happening?