Posted on 08/17/2009 3:59:43 PM PDT by 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.
I have 3 colt model 1911s and they are all accurate and totally reliable.
You’re shooting original Colt Black Powder revolvers? What models are they? Can you post any pictures?
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.
I’m certain that a part of the retrofit will include an RFID tag and a GPS.
That's it.
L
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.
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.
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.
You’re funny!
In reality, good quality and sales success are not mutually inclusive.
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.
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)
“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’.
My Colt was picky about ammo until I had the feed ramp polished. Now it eats anything I feed it.
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...
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....
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.
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.
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.
In its case, it failed at both. Was joking :P
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