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.

[Trailerpark Badass]

Wow. I almost bought one of these too. If you were to buy a 1911, which would you get?

I would either buy a basic Colt and send it off to a competent smith to be worked over, or I would go for one of the semi-customs, like a Nighthawk, Wilson, or Ed brown.

The 1911 is not a $500 gun anymore. If you want one that works well, you need to put at least $1500 into it.

Or you can get a Glock 21 or a HK45.

[griffin]

Very Happy Series 70, Anaconda and AR owner. Need a Delta Elite and Python to add to the collection.

[yarddog]

The best thing to use is a cratex point with a dremel tool tho they seem to be getting harder to find. I am down to my last one and it is almost worn out.

It removes virtually no metal but polishes better than anything I have ever seen.

I have been amazed at the poor finish of feed ramps on expensive guns which were otherwise beautifully finished. I specifically recall a Browning Hi-Power which had several deep tool marks in the feed ramp yet was otherwise a work of art. It actually fed perfectly anyway so I didn’t try to remove the gouges just polished them.

[Squantos]

I’m a point shooter per se with handguns an only use the sights for long range or “stop target” per se. Minute of torso is accurate for me.

For long time my EDC carry gun was a clark meltdown with sights removed. My favorite rig still but work requires me to pack a Glock 31 these days so I stay muscle memory-matic with that rig.

Still use the meltdown stainless as my BBQ gun.

Stay Safe !!

[Squantos]

Yep. All man made gizmos are fallable. I have the cheap ugly Norinco that I paid less than 200 for an I have tens of thousands of rounds through it never a burp.

Expensive custom I saved up many paychecks for failed mechanically so many times I replaced almost every so called whizbang better part on it.

For my 1911A1s I use the KISS principal.

I would like to get one made of unobtainium someday. Until then keep key spares for all yer rigs

[Squantos]

Dang weather.....so much rain farmers can’t get crops harvested. Well we prayed for rain an got rain ......:o)

[hiredhand]

Before I did this, I called a buddy of mine who's qualified. He told me that it would take a long time, but to use a polishing mop and rouge. It took a long time, but in the end it was very slick and shiny and fed EVERYTHING....SWCs included! I did this same thing to a Walther PP/S that a friend of mine owns...shoots the .32ACP. It worked as well too! :-)

[hiredhand]

You mean ejector (the thing that pops the empty out the port) or the extractor (the thing that grabs and drags the empty out the chamber? I’ve heard of more extractor problems than ejector, especially externals.

Yes. I meant the extractor...that little rod inside the slide which hooks into the groove just above the case head. :-)

[hiredhand]

I remember back in the day...everybody turned their noses up at those Norincos! If I had known then (famous last words!) I would have bought 50 of them...greased them...and put them “away”. :-)

[Still Thinking]

Thanks for the heads up. I’ll look for those cratex tips. Sounds like they might be useful for a number of things.

[Stonewall Jackson]

Kimber makes some very nice 1911’s. They range in price anywhere from $650 to $2000+, depending on which model you are after.

[EGPWS]

Guess my 1942 issue model won't be affected.

If it's made it this far, you can bet on being safe from recalls. ; )