well that was interesting,only problem ive had with my 1991A1 is the mag issue you were talking about,but i pretty much replaced all springs,trigger and main spring housing before i ever shot it.i bought it to customize with out messing with the value,1911 is worth more stock,1991A1 who really cares ...lol right
@dietzeeeee I have the exact same Colt.Came with two mags stamped C in the top right corner. 17rd & 18rd. The 8 has problems with the follower not holding back the slide. I noticed that you have a scratch on the frame from the slide release pin.I had same thing,but had pawned it and when I got it out the pawn guy noticed it and buffed it out for me. Can barely see it now. Don't know what he used and he wouldn't tell me.At least it's better.Not fired mine enough to notice any problems with safet
My 1991A1 commander hasn't had any of the problems you describe. I have had it for13 years and it works like a charm. I reload my own ammo and it all works fine. Sorry you have had all of those problems, but don't make it sound like the 1991A1 commander is a piece of shit. I think mine is a great gun.
Hi - I have (had) 2. One in my safe (blued) & One (stainless) I sold to my friend. Mine has never been shot. My friend shoots his & has never had a problem. The first time I heard about this is when I saw your videos. I wanted to buy his back. BUT He told me he hit the target (a TV set) 100 yards away & did not want to sell it back to me. So, what should I do?? Thank You. Sincerely, JAMES.
There are no differences in the internal slide/frame/barrel/mag release/slide stop dimensions in the M1991A1 and any other Colt "1911" of similar vintage. That is, the frame feed ramp is not machined to different specs, the mags should not ride at a different height, the extractor hook is not a different shape or different size, etc., etc., so if there are any issues in those areas, they're problems with your gun.
@Dietzeeeee I have a M1991A1, and a Series 80 Lightweight Commander, and have had no problems with either. I have had issues with mag followers slipping past slide stops, but there was no correlation between the gun and mag manufacture; that is, a Wilson mag wouldn't lock my G.I. M1911A1, but it does lock my '91A1. I've never had a lockback issue with G.I. mags, except in a Detonics Combat Master.
@Dietzeeeee I guess my previous reply was not approved . . . I have four S80 Colts - two .45s - and have had no functional issues with any of them. Someone commented that "factory mags suck", but Colt hasn't made mags for years; they rely on contractors to make their mags. I have had excellent service from Check-Mate Industries mags ("C" stamped in the corner of the baseplate, if it's a "factory" mag).
I'm interested in what you did the 1911 back straps so it has no internal safety? Is their a video about that? When you referred making the gun as it was originally designed, it just made so much sense to me.
As seen the majority of the problems you received with your M1991A1 was caused by faulty mags. I had the same problem. Switched to Wilson Combat Elite mags and all the problems ended. I've never had a feeding error with any round I've shot with the M1991A1. I've also never had a problem with the firing pin and firing pin safety. Never had a ammo cycling problem. But hey maybe I'm just lucky.
@ivdbank I think I was just "unlucky" It is funny though because colt factory mags gave me a lot of problems in this pistol as well. I just think the 1991A1 series 80 was a step totally in the wrong direction. plastic parts weak springs and changing barrel throat dimensions... It was just a way to open up a can of worms on an originally awesome pistol design.
Another reason to own a revolver. Revolvers never jams up, and are truely reliable. I have a series 80 and never had the firing pin problem but I bought after market magazines and have a issue with them. Thanks for the video.
Amen brother. You know your guns and your so right about just put guns in gun safes, that easy, so many careless people just ruin guns for the rest of us sometimes. Later man.
Hi. So in conclusion, would you say that particular 45 is a lemon OR based on your knowledge & study is it a bad design & all or most of those 1991's are flawed in design function? I'd appreciate comments which would help me as I have 2 of these. I do not shoot them as I'm hoping they will go up in value & give me some "retirement returns"-LOL. Thank You. Sincerely, JAMES.
@buzzclark Also I do not think it was a "lemmon" as my dads 4.25" commander series 80 1991 had simular problems. including one of the all but strange firing pin jams " which by the way I eliminated with a heavier firing pin spring."
I'm looking to get a Colt, either a series 70 or series 80. Do you know how many of these problems have been eliminated in the new series 70? I know that it does not have the firing pin safety, but are there still problems with the magazines and slide release and is the backstrap still made of plastic?
@strataxeCB The series 70 has always been good quality.. The early series 80's were junk but I have heard they have worked out many of the bugs in the later ones or more recent ones they have been selling.
@GohModley the 1991 series 80 pistols were ones my dad bought a long time ago. Thinking it was made by colt he thought we were getting good quality.... Little did we know. Yes an ed brown is great if you want to save hard and get something that is target shooting quality. but a springfield seems to fit the bill as a causal target or self defense gun. I have over 1,500 rounds through mine and it never jammed. If I was very serious about pistol target shooting I would probably get an ed brown.
Very interesting vid, Dietzeeeee. I own a colt mark iv series 80 officers model and have never had any of the malfunctions you describe in the vid. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it only likes ball ammo, and also the barrel bushing and guide rod cap is a bitch to put back on the pistol. Other than that have had no problems with the firing pin or the firing pin retainer that you have described.
@dankardas the bushing on mine was loose from day one... I also noticed that the crazy firing pin malfunction occured only when using +P ammo or handloads loaded to max load.. I was able to work the bugs out of my 1991 series 80 but I expected better from colt
boy im glad i bought a cheap taurus pt1911ar that works fine every time instead of buying a colt or kimber with problems. i would demand a new weapon. the taurus is actually the 1991 style wich i have had no problems whatsoever with.
@icyfabo718 This is just my opinion... I would go with a 1911A1 or 1911 series 70 You don't need all those automatic internal safeties and they can cause problems or at least in my experaince. If you want to get a pistol that is more modern with a beaver tail safety and things like that... thats fine I would just avoid the 1991a1 series 80 I had bad experainces with it... though mine was an earlier model.
so wats yur verdict is the 1991 series 80 a reliable safe pistol because im turning 21 soon and planning on getting a pistol cuz i do practical shooting and my instructor lends me his .45 which is wat i qualify and shoot with but i was looking into the model o1918 ww1 reproduction let me know wat you think
@icyfabo718 the 1918 ww1 repros look like a good quality.... as long as they stick to the orginal specs... It should shoot like a champ. Wish I had the money to get my hands on one.
@Dietzeeeee to get a good 1911 you don't have to drain your bank account
I just bought an Auto Ordnance M1911A1 for about 500 out the door, I have heard bad things about those that were made in the 80's and early 90's but since Kahr took over in 99 I have heard mostly good things, bad things... factory mags suck.
basic specs, it is identical to the vintage 1911 that was designed in 1928 with the exception of the firing pin spring being longer like on a series 80.
@MrLee179 I made it about 300 rounds before most of these problems surfaced. Mine was a very early model 1991 series 80 and clearly had a lot of bugs that needed to be worked out.
Your the first person I 've ever heard BASHING a COLT .45....I have a seriously modified S/S 1991 Colt and have had no issues what so ever...Your mag issue are from weak springs in the mag... I modified mine for function,I have a Wilson Combat Full Lenth Recoil Rod with Square Recoil Spring,3lbs of trigger pull and a Wilson Combat Skeletonized hammer with True Dot Night-Sites...I use factory Colt Mags and Chip McCormick Power-10 mags without any problems!! I dont know whats up with your 1991?
@sum12see Its an early model 1991 with a lot of bugs that had to be worked out. also be carefull not to buy into the notion that a mag is faulty because of weak mag springs many failure to feeds on a 1911 are due to to much mag tension on a full magazine. Also the slide stop failures were not due to weak springs. The follower actually skipped up and over the slide stop internally. So my guess is that the slide stop was worn down.
@sum12see My 1991 worked great for the first 500 rounds then went to crap but after some major gutting and changing out of parts I have it running 100% but i expected better from colt. I have no problem with the series 70 1911 I just got a real lemmon.
Im looking at getting a 1911. My heart was set on a springfield milspec and a Colt series 70 gov. Do you notice any quality differences between the two?
@Kopis1911 I think the series 70 generally has a better trigger pull and a better finish than a springfield out of the box. I think you get more "bang for your buck" getting a springfield, but a series 70 is harder to find and of good quality. I can't stress enough to stay away from the series 80 I have just had to many bad experainces.
@chrismc410 The ealry ones had issues... Or at least the 2 I dealt with. Other reports have suggested that recently manufactored ones have all the issues worked out of them... but if up to me after all the problems I had I would stick with a 1911A1 or "series 70"
@PigHunter375 kimber probably makes some of the best out of the box 1911's and springfields are a great basic model with great reliability. I love both brands
i don't know why you didn't just sell the thing and never look back instead of taking time to fine tune the pistol to make is mostly reliable, why not just buy an already reliable gun.
@gullette777 LOL well I tried to convince my dad at the time but he didn't want to part with it. In frustration I bought the springfield 1911a1 and was VERY pleased, but he wanted to hold on to those colt series 80's If it was up to me he would have bought another full sized springfield and maybe a commander sized kimber or a commander sized springfield with some after market parts on it to make it more suited for carry but the decision was not mine so I made the best of it
aww thats cool, well thanks to your video i will stay clear from that series, I just got a S&w stainless steal 1911, its pretty cool, its got factory speed parts on the trigger and hammer, but the guide rod spring is like 30lbs at least, overall the gun is a pretty tight fit.
@callhehempa All factory colt parts including the magazine... I expected better from them. luckily I have not had any problems in the last 300 rounds since I made the fixes...
Im glad you pointed out all the many faults of the modern design. I was looking into a Colt 1991a1 but HATED the idea of a firing pin block. The 1911 was designed around safety and I thought by putting another mechinism into the design, you risk reliability and function. Good thing I opted for the Springfield GI45. Now I just need to replace the main spring housing.
Oh, and I have loads of MecGar mags. Fantastic product and you cant go wrong w/ the price.
@northernpatriot54 Yeah I love MecGar. I have 6 MecGar mads for my browning high power and I love them, great quality at a fair price you can't beat it.
@drivepro Go springfield everyone I have talked to loves them plus I love mine... In fact it looks like the springfield 1911 has been getting a lot of love from everyone LOL
You're very intelligent and I can tell you know what you're talking about, unlike some these other yahoos on Youtube who picked up a gun at Gander Mountain and think they know everything about guns. Nice video, five stars.
Interesting video, but it goes to show how varied quality can diverge piece to piece by the different manufacturers. I have a Colt 1991A1 .45 ACP 5 inch model, and its the most reliable 1911 style pistol I have ever had. I can feed empty cases into the chamber and that is straight from the factory. I had a Springer 1911 GI I had some hiccups at first with it, but found out they used a 16# recoil spring, I exchanged it with a 18# and it feed like a champ.
My 1991A1 was an early model. I think they worked out some of the bugs... As for my sprinfield I was dissapointed that the extractor claw was not tuned from the factory but I am yet to see a stock factory 1911 have a properly tuned extrator claw from the factory.
Good call on going with 18 lb recoil spring esspecially if your stick with 230 grain ammo.
Yeah, for sure, the Wolff 18# spring was perfect for my Springfield GI, as I only shoot 230 grain hardball in my 1911s. I got lucky with my Colt 1991a1, I had a Blued Colt LW Commander, it was a beautiful gun, but it would not reliably feed. I experienced the slide overriding the magazine after the last round was fired, with several magazine types. Over the years from my experiences regarding 1911s, I stick with the 5 inch government model all steel frame and hardball. The HG 130 tempts me
Thanks for the video. One point about magazine springs though. These springs do not weaken or fatigue when sitting compressed. It's during the cycle of compression/relaxing that they wear out. You can leave a magazine loaded for years with no harm to the spring. Repeatedly loading/unloading the magazine is what eventually wears out the spring. 33motor: there is no benefit to breaking down a magazine to let it "rest".
Interesting point. I have noticed that when I have a new magazine If I leave it loaded for awhile it takes a set... and seems to work fine. I have actually had more problems with magazines having to stiff of a spring than to weak of one.
hey thanks for making this video..my 1911A1 colt.45 has the same problem whenever i shot my last round the chamber/upper receiver wont open i tried changing different magazine, but the problem persist..you've mention something about slide stop..question: is it alright for me to grind it a little or should i replace my slide stop a new one.
If anything your slide stop probably fails due to lack of metal so I don't think grinding or removing any metal would be a good thing. I would just get a good after market slide stop. The one I used to replace the one in the auto ordinace that was giving me problems was brand named hard core slide stop. I think Brownells sells it and its not over priced.
oh shit! i just did grind it a little bit an hour ago..hahaha me and my being impatience.. might as well buy a new slide stop thanks for your suggestion.
Great vid, I agree keeping it simple is always better. That being said, I have never encountered any of the issues with my 1991A1 Commander, you addressed, in the 15 years I've owned it. But I'll certainly keep this info in mind should any arise. As for the clip, it looks like the follower is not seated on the spring correctly. I keep my spare clips "broken down" to allow the spring to relax. Many times it can take a moment to get the follower correctly seated. The 1 you demo'd appeared loose.
The followers are seated corrected they get jolted a little bit from the recoil on the last round sometimes and can tip back and miss the slide stop. There are ways to work all these bugs out and I think I have, and I may cover that in a later video but the 1991a1 was more of a head ache than what it was worth in my opinion.
How do i replace the back strap saftey on the 1911 gun, can you explain what happens on this problem are you saying when you carry the gun cocked & locked then click off the saftey to fire the gun it will not fire if this backstrap saftey is not removed entirly on these model guns?
You just need to buy a replace ment mainspring housing / backstrap and drop it in. I will do a video on extractor tuning when I get a chance I am just so busy. Adjusting the extractor is a tricky 1911 fix
How did you fix the extractor problem on your springfield gun, I just bought a new SA Mil- Spec 1911 pistol I went for the extra few bucks vs the GI model due that the Mil Spec comes with a polished ramp & a throated job, so explain the extractor fix , just so if I run into this problem on mine after awhile I can correct it thanks
I plan on buying a 1911. What brand do you suggest? I personally like the Colts. And what are some things to note if I want to avoid buying one that is going to have problems? I don't like Springfields. I hear they always are jamming up.
Everyone I talk to swears by springfields. The only problem mine had was it had not enough extractor tension, but I fixed that.
The only colt 1911 I would get would be a series 70 1911A1 They are a bit pricey and are sometimes a little harder to find but they are out there.
Remember if you extract the round slowly and it falls through the handle then your extractor claw tensions is to low. That plus a bad magazine will be the leading cause of most of your jams.
If your extractor claw is out of wack your best bet is to get a gunsmith to fix it... I will be coming out with a do it yourself video before to long, but if you do it yourself be warned you run the risk of breaking your extractor claw so have a spair on hand. It is a bit tricky and only a video would truly explain it. I am trying to get the videos out as fast as I can I am just so busy.
You have a bad 1991 Send it back to Colt. & let them work on it! That gun is made for hardball ammo only. You should not work on a gun yourself. I have had Colt 1911a1, 1911 for 25 years & i would never work on a gun myself. If your not trained in gunsmith you should not work on them all kinds of think can go wrong!
hi Im from Philippines, i have a colt 1991a1 and i can rely on it, i used it in one of my encounters and i assure you that it never jammed or malfunction in a situation like I've encounter,
Seeing as you would probly know. Im soon to emigrate with My soon to be wife to the philipines (she was born here inengland but is a "natural born philipino" so yh..) but annyway how essential is a gun in the philipines. im most likely going to carry round a 1911 with me but hounestly would i need one?
My Colt 1991A1 has never givin me any problems. i have shot it quite alot and never had trouble. i think its just the "luck of the draw" with alot of products, some have problems, some don't. great video though. very detailed.
I enjoyed your videos very much. I just bought a Colt 1991A1. It was used, but looks like new condition. I'm in Florida, and think someone just needed money. Anyway, I bought a MecGar mag. Great!! no problems. At the range I fired hand load wad cutters & ball, factory ball(Wolf), +P's and even some old Black Talons. All no problems. It just kept shooting. Maybe 200 rds total? I will look out for the problems you spoke of. Maybe change out the plastic parts too. Thanks and keep the videos coming!
Perhaps some work had been done on the pistol before you bought it. Another rummor I heard is the later 1991 models comming out have had some of the bugs worked out of them, but of course I will always favor the 1911. Glad to hear you didn't run into any of these problems.... yet. Knock on wood....
This summer I will definitely be comming out with more videos.
just wondering is your 1991a1 one of the older M1991a1 marked guns or one of the newer series 80's that have the Colt roll marks similar to the series 70? Couldn't tell from the video.
the serial number is laser etched and the markings series 80 and 1991a1 are very fine and not that deep. My 1911 on the other hand has very deep markings.
well that was interesting,only problem ive had with my 1991A1 is the mag issue you were talking about,but i pretty much replaced all springs,trigger and main spring housing before i ever shot it.i bought it to customize with out messing with the value,1911 is worth more stock,1991A1 who really cares ...lol right
kirk7613 1 week ago
@dietzeeeee I have the exact same Colt.Came with two mags stamped C in the top right corner. 17rd & 18rd. The 8 has problems with the follower not holding back the slide. I noticed that you have a scratch on the frame from the slide release pin.I had same thing,but had pawned it and when I got it out the pawn guy noticed it and buffed it out for me. Can barely see it now. Don't know what he used and he wouldn't tell me.At least it's better.Not fired mine enough to notice any problems with safet
libertyss35 1 week ago
5:32 doesnt get more simpler than that bro, well said
Le78753 4 months ago
i agree, with less moving parts, the BETTER...
AXIONPAK 5 months ago
My 1991A1 commander hasn't had any of the problems you describe. I have had it for13 years and it works like a charm. I reload my own ammo and it all works fine. Sorry you have had all of those problems, but don't make it sound like the 1991A1 commander is a piece of shit. I think mine is a great gun.
chas2600 6 months ago
fuck all you guys i live in canada :(
416Toronto069 8 months ago
the older model is better
MaksTheMarine 9 months ago
You must have an older series 80 that needed the "kinks" worked out. I never hear any complaints about the new series 80's.
House6409 10 months ago
@House6409 Agreed
Dietzeeeee 10 months ago
Hi - I have (had) 2. One in my safe (blued) & One (stainless) I sold to my friend. Mine has never been shot. My friend shoots his & has never had a problem. The first time I heard about this is when I saw your videos. I wanted to buy his back. BUT He told me he hit the target (a TV set) 100 yards away & did not want to sell it back to me. So, what should I do?? Thank You. Sincerely, JAMES.
buzzclark 10 months ago
well true , i dont have those problems with my 1911
Redhairstyle 11 months ago
very nice and informative video.....
wainwright74 1 year ago
@mrswails Yes I had simular problems with it as well.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
There are no differences in the internal slide/frame/barrel/mag release/slide stop dimensions in the M1991A1 and any other Colt "1911" of similar vintage. That is, the frame feed ramp is not machined to different specs, the mags should not ride at a different height, the extractor hook is not a different shape or different size, etc., etc., so if there are any issues in those areas, they're problems with your gun.
kimisdaman 1 year ago
@kimisdaman See I would agree with you but I had the same problem with both the full sized series 80 and the combat commander series 80
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
@Dietzeeeee I have a M1991A1, and a Series 80 Lightweight Commander, and have had no problems with either. I have had issues with mag followers slipping past slide stops, but there was no correlation between the gun and mag manufacture; that is, a Wilson mag wouldn't lock my G.I. M1911A1, but it does lock my '91A1. I've never had a lockback issue with G.I. mags, except in a Detonics Combat Master.
kimisdaman 1 year ago
@Dietzeeeee I guess my previous reply was not approved . . . I have four S80 Colts - two .45s - and have had no functional issues with any of them. Someone commented that "factory mags suck", but Colt hasn't made mags for years; they rely on contractors to make their mags. I have had excellent service from Check-Mate Industries mags ("C" stamped in the corner of the baseplate, if it's a "factory" mag).
kimisdaman 1 year ago
Factory mags suck!
fire1777 1 year ago
I'm interested in what you did the 1911 back straps so it has no internal safety? Is their a video about that? When you referred making the gun as it was originally designed, it just made so much sense to me.
aaronscrewme 1 year ago
As seen the majority of the problems you received with your M1991A1 was caused by faulty mags. I had the same problem. Switched to Wilson Combat Elite mags and all the problems ended. I've never had a feeding error with any round I've shot with the M1991A1. I've also never had a problem with the firing pin and firing pin safety. Never had a ammo cycling problem. But hey maybe I'm just lucky.
ivdbank 1 year ago
@ivdbank I think I was just "unlucky" It is funny though because colt factory mags gave me a lot of problems in this pistol as well. I just think the 1991A1 series 80 was a step totally in the wrong direction. plastic parts weak springs and changing barrel throat dimensions... It was just a way to open up a can of worms on an originally awesome pistol design.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
i would get the older ones from WW2 and things like that. guns from that time are way better then now.
USSWISCONSIN64 1 year ago
Another reason to own a revolver. Revolvers never jams up, and are truely reliable. I have a series 80 and never had the firing pin problem but I bought after market magazines and have a issue with them. Thanks for the video.
Mr2wings 1 year ago
Amen brother. You know your guns and your so right about just put guns in gun safes, that easy, so many careless people just ruin guns for the rest of us sometimes. Later man.
jason1064 1 year ago
Hi. So in conclusion, would you say that particular 45 is a lemon OR based on your knowledge & study is it a bad design & all or most of those 1991's are flawed in design function? I'd appreciate comments which would help me as I have 2 of these. I do not shoot them as I'm hoping they will go up in value & give me some "retirement returns"-LOL. Thank You. Sincerely, JAMES.
buzzclark 1 year ago
@buzzclark If your looking for an investment I would get a 1911 series 70. They are and have always been in higher demand.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
@buzzclark Also I do not think it was a "lemmon" as my dads 4.25" commander series 80 1991 had simular problems. including one of the all but strange firing pin jams " which by the way I eliminated with a heavier firing pin spring."
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Sadly, they do not make Colts like they used to...
Lepper36 1 year ago
@Lepper36 So true
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
You should get a STI Frame
Shazee083 1 year ago
@Shazee083 If only I had the money
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Wow!
Very informative, thank you sir!
Springfield Armory 1911 Operator it is.
REDKNYT 1 year ago
I'm looking to get a Colt, either a series 70 or series 80. Do you know how many of these problems have been eliminated in the new series 70? I know that it does not have the firing pin safety, but are there still problems with the magazines and slide release and is the backstrap still made of plastic?
strataxeCB 1 year ago
@strataxeCB The series 70 has always been good quality.. The early series 80's were junk but I have heard they have worked out many of the bugs in the later ones or more recent ones they have been selling.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
very informative...I have a 1991 a1 and someone removed the firing pin safty....is that going to effect the operation and the safty of the gun?
bob
rwseemore 1 year ago
@rwseemore I don't think it should negitively effect it at all.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
...and that's why I didn't buy a Springfield 1911 but a Colt Gold Cup. To this day it was worth every extra dollar.
lcromy 1 year ago
@lcromy as long as it was a series 70 then it was I have never had an issue with my springfield 1911a1 ever
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Do you know how to use a fkn camera???????
supermegadeesnider 1 year ago
@supermegadeesnider better than you considering you have NO videos
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Great piece ,very informative !
Also , I totally agree with your opinion at the very end .
The fear of litigation will ruin a firearm and in my opinion a country as well.
rcruz003 1 year ago
why did you buy so many lousy 1911s? why not just save up an buy an Ed Brown? colt is only good as a platform to be customized.
GohModley 1 year ago
@GohModley the 1991 series 80 pistols were ones my dad bought a long time ago. Thinking it was made by colt he thought we were getting good quality.... Little did we know. Yes an ed brown is great if you want to save hard and get something that is target shooting quality. but a springfield seems to fit the bill as a causal target or self defense gun. I have over 1,500 rounds through mine and it never jammed. If I was very serious about pistol target shooting I would probably get an ed brown.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Very interesting, man. Looks like I'm sticking to the 1911A1 and not get a recent version.
Zurei 1 year ago
Very interesting vid, Dietzeeeee. I own a colt mark iv series 80 officers model and have never had any of the malfunctions you describe in the vid. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it only likes ball ammo, and also the barrel bushing and guide rod cap is a bitch to put back on the pistol. Other than that have had no problems with the firing pin or the firing pin retainer that you have described.
dankardas 1 year ago
@dankardas the bushing on mine was loose from day one... I also noticed that the crazy firing pin malfunction occured only when using +P ammo or handloads loaded to max load.. I was able to work the bugs out of my 1991 series 80 but I expected better from colt
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
i shot about 5000 rds through this M1991A1 and i have never had ANY problems ...
Jackel678 1 year ago
do you prefer silver over black or othere colered slids and grips
scoodlers 1 year ago
@scoodlers I like stainless with wood grips or blued with wood grips the factory grips were like a hard rubber.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
boy im glad i bought a cheap taurus pt1911ar that works fine every time instead of buying a colt or kimber with problems. i would demand a new weapon. the taurus is actually the 1991 style wich i have had no problems whatsoever with.
f8talh8red 1 year ago
@icyfabo718 This is just my opinion... I would go with a 1911A1 or 1911 series 70 You don't need all those automatic internal safeties and they can cause problems or at least in my experaince. If you want to get a pistol that is more modern with a beaver tail safety and things like that... thats fine I would just avoid the 1991a1 series 80 I had bad experainces with it... though mine was an earlier model.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
so wats yur verdict is the 1991 series 80 a reliable safe pistol because im turning 21 soon and planning on getting a pistol cuz i do practical shooting and my instructor lends me his .45 which is wat i qualify and shoot with but i was looking into the model o1918 ww1 reproduction let me know wat you think
icyfabo718 1 year ago
@icyfabo718 the 1918 ww1 repros look like a good quality.... as long as they stick to the orginal specs... It should shoot like a champ. Wish I had the money to get my hands on one.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
@Dietzeeeee to get a good 1911 you don't have to drain your bank account
I just bought an Auto Ordnance M1911A1 for about 500 out the door, I have heard bad things about those that were made in the 80's and early 90's but since Kahr took over in 99 I have heard mostly good things, bad things... factory mags suck.
basic specs, it is identical to the vintage 1911 that was designed in 1928 with the exception of the firing pin spring being longer like on a series 80.
a true ww2 replica.
Alexn1067 1 year ago
I have a 1991 a1 and have put over 1000 rounds thru it and never hadf a problems
MrLee179 1 year ago
@MrLee179 I made it about 300 rounds before most of these problems surfaced. Mine was a very early model 1991 series 80 and clearly had a lot of bugs that needed to be worked out.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Your the first person I 've ever heard BASHING a COLT .45....I have a seriously modified S/S 1991 Colt and have had no issues what so ever...Your mag issue are from weak springs in the mag... I modified mine for function,I have a Wilson Combat Full Lenth Recoil Rod with Square Recoil Spring,3lbs of trigger pull and a Wilson Combat Skeletonized hammer with True Dot Night-Sites...I use factory Colt Mags and Chip McCormick Power-10 mags without any problems!! I dont know whats up with your 1991?
sum12see 1 year ago
@sum12see Its an early model 1991 with a lot of bugs that had to be worked out. also be carefull not to buy into the notion that a mag is faulty because of weak mag springs many failure to feeds on a 1911 are due to to much mag tension on a full magazine. Also the slide stop failures were not due to weak springs. The follower actually skipped up and over the slide stop internally. So my guess is that the slide stop was worn down.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
@sum12see My 1991 worked great for the first 500 rounds then went to crap but after some major gutting and changing out of parts I have it running 100% but i expected better from colt. I have no problem with the series 70 1911 I just got a real lemmon.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Im looking at getting a 1911. My heart was set on a springfield milspec and a Colt series 70 gov. Do you notice any quality differences between the two?
Kopis1911 1 year ago
@Kopis1911 A series 70 is good. I would just avoid series 80
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Is their any difference between the quality of either in your opinion? (materials, shootability, acceptence of after market magazines, ect.)
Kopis1911 1 year ago
@Kopis1911 I think the series 70 generally has a better trigger pull and a better finish than a springfield out of the box. I think you get more "bang for your buck" getting a springfield, but a series 70 is harder to find and of good quality. I can't stress enough to stay away from the series 80 I have just had to many bad experainces.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
Thankyou for your help.
Kopis1911 1 year ago
@Dietzeeeee What's wrong with Series 80? My 1991A1 is a Series 80, I've not had issues with it.
chrismc410 1 year ago
@chrismc410 The ealry ones had issues... Or at least the 2 I dealt with. Other reports have suggested that recently manufactored ones have all the issues worked out of them... but if up to me after all the problems I had I would stick with a 1911A1 or "series 70"
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
@Dietzeeeee Ah. My 1991A1 has given good service over the years though it is not my primary piece.
chrismc410 1 year ago
@chrismc410 Wish I could say the same for mine.
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
loved your vids, still waiting for the vid on how to change extractor tension.
frederickfrenchjr08 1 year ago
It's a shame that Colt would even put out such a POS like that.
I am going to stick with Kimber and Springfield.
PigHunter375 1 year ago
@PigHunter375 kimber probably makes some of the best out of the box 1911's and springfields are a great basic model with great reliability. I love both brands
Dietzeeeee 1 year ago
amen to your last part... i totally agree, they spoiled a good thing.
Davidbirtles1 1 year ago
colt apparently has worked out the bugs with this but still they shold have stuck with the 1911 and never thought of the 1991
jakesplosion111 2 years ago
@jakesplosion111 Agreed
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
i don't know why you didn't just sell the thing and never look back instead of taking time to fine tune the pistol to make is mostly reliable, why not just buy an already reliable gun.
gullette777 2 years ago
@gullette777 LOL well I tried to convince my dad at the time but he didn't want to part with it. In frustration I bought the springfield 1911a1 and was VERY pleased, but he wanted to hold on to those colt series 80's If it was up to me he would have bought another full sized springfield and maybe a commander sized kimber or a commander sized springfield with some after market parts on it to make it more suited for carry but the decision was not mine so I made the best of it
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
aww thats cool, well thanks to your video i will stay clear from that series, I just got a S&w stainless steal 1911, its pretty cool, its got factory speed parts on the trigger and hammer, but the guide rod spring is like 30lbs at least, overall the gun is a pretty tight fit.
gullette777 2 years ago
Good points there Dietzeee and nice video!
The firing pin problem can come through a week spring alone though. I've had it happen on my Series 70 as well. Just to be fair to Colt ;o)
dullbrass 2 years ago
your pistol is a old modell and look at your magazine it's a disaster
callhehempa 2 years ago
@callhehempa All factory colt parts including the magazine... I expected better from them. luckily I have not had any problems in the last 300 rounds since I made the fixes...
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
Im glad you pointed out all the many faults of the modern design. I was looking into a Colt 1991a1 but HATED the idea of a firing pin block. The 1911 was designed around safety and I thought by putting another mechinism into the design, you risk reliability and function. Good thing I opted for the Springfield GI45. Now I just need to replace the main spring housing.
Oh, and I have loads of MecGar mags. Fantastic product and you cant go wrong w/ the price.
northernpatriot54 2 years ago
@northernpatriot54 Yeah I love MecGar. I have 6 MecGar mads for my browning high power and I love them, great quality at a fair price you can't beat it.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
you said you own a springer as well, Witch one do you like better? ive got the cash for either one, and cant decide....
drivepro 2 years ago
@drivepro Go springfield everyone I have talked to loves them plus I love mine... In fact it looks like the springfield 1911 has been getting a lot of love from everyone LOL
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
who do you know swissvale 1991A1??
nokia26300 2 years ago
@nokia26300 I don't think I have heard of that
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
The best safety any firearm has ever had is not part of the firearm itself. It's the person behind it.
LupisLupine 2 years ago
Couldn't agree more.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
it was very interesting but can you talk more about the M1911 next time, k?
HECTORDIC24 2 years ago
I am planning on making a multi part review for the 1911 this summer "Time Permitting" First in line is probably the AR-15 review.... will see...
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
As always if you have any 1911 questions just ask and I will do my best to answer... though answering may be slow im a week away from finals...
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
You're very intelligent and I can tell you know what you're talking about, unlike some these other yahoos on Youtube who picked up a gun at Gander Mountain and think they know everything about guns. Nice video, five stars.
bulletdeposit 2 years ago
I don't know everything and I accept the fact that I am actually very young lol... I just tell you what I know and thats it.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
Interesting video, but it goes to show how varied quality can diverge piece to piece by the different manufacturers. I have a Colt 1991A1 .45 ACP 5 inch model, and its the most reliable 1911 style pistol I have ever had. I can feed empty cases into the chamber and that is straight from the factory. I had a Springer 1911 GI I had some hiccups at first with it, but found out they used a 16# recoil spring, I exchanged it with a 18# and it feed like a champ.
myakkaa 2 years ago
My 1991A1 was an early model. I think they worked out some of the bugs... As for my sprinfield I was dissapointed that the extractor claw was not tuned from the factory but I am yet to see a stock factory 1911 have a properly tuned extrator claw from the factory.
Good call on going with 18 lb recoil spring esspecially if your stick with 230 grain ammo.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
Yeah, for sure, the Wolff 18# spring was perfect for my Springfield GI, as I only shoot 230 grain hardball in my 1911s. I got lucky with my Colt 1991a1, I had a Blued Colt LW Commander, it was a beautiful gun, but it would not reliably feed. I experienced the slide overriding the magazine after the last round was fired, with several magazine types. Over the years from my experiences regarding 1911s, I stick with the 5 inch government model all steel frame and hardball. The HG 130 tempts me
myakkaa 2 years ago
Thanks for the video. One point about magazine springs though. These springs do not weaken or fatigue when sitting compressed. It's during the cycle of compression/relaxing that they wear out. You can leave a magazine loaded for years with no harm to the spring. Repeatedly loading/unloading the magazine is what eventually wears out the spring. 33motor: there is no benefit to breaking down a magazine to let it "rest".
podxtlive 2 years ago
Interesting point. I have noticed that when I have a new magazine If I leave it loaded for awhile it takes a set... and seems to work fine. I have actually had more problems with magazines having to stiff of a spring than to weak of one.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
hey thanks for making this video..my 1911A1 colt.45 has the same problem whenever i shot my last round the chamber/upper receiver wont open i tried changing different magazine, but the problem persist..you've mention something about slide stop..question: is it alright for me to grind it a little or should i replace my slide stop a new one.
sweetyvash 2 years ago
If anything your slide stop probably fails due to lack of metal so I don't think grinding or removing any metal would be a good thing. I would just get a good after market slide stop. The one I used to replace the one in the auto ordinace that was giving me problems was brand named hard core slide stop. I think Brownells sells it and its not over priced.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
oh shit! i just did grind it a little bit an hour ago..hahaha me and my being impatience.. might as well buy a new slide stop thanks for your suggestion.
sweetyvash 2 years ago
Yeah you want as much internal engagement as possible so the follower of the magazine wont slip up over it.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
Great vid, I agree keeping it simple is always better. That being said, I have never encountered any of the issues with my 1991A1 Commander, you addressed, in the 15 years I've owned it. But I'll certainly keep this info in mind should any arise. As for the clip, it looks like the follower is not seated on the spring correctly. I keep my spare clips "broken down" to allow the spring to relax. Many times it can take a moment to get the follower correctly seated. The 1 you demo'd appeared loose.
33motor 2 years ago
The followers are seated corrected they get jolted a little bit from the recoil on the last round sometimes and can tip back and miss the slide stop. There are ways to work all these bugs out and I think I have, and I may cover that in a later video but the 1991a1 was more of a head ache than what it was worth in my opinion.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
How do i replace the back strap saftey on the 1911 gun, can you explain what happens on this problem are you saying when you carry the gun cocked & locked then click off the saftey to fire the gun it will not fire if this backstrap saftey is not removed entirly on these model guns?
MyREDTAIL 2 years ago
You just need to buy a replace ment mainspring housing / backstrap and drop it in. I will do a video on extractor tuning when I get a chance I am just so busy. Adjusting the extractor is a tricky 1911 fix
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
how do i replace the back strap saftey that you mentioned in the video, it is an easy thing to do & do you have a video on how to do this thanks
MyREDTAIL 2 years ago
How did you fix the extractor problem on your springfield gun, I just bought a new SA Mil- Spec 1911 pistol I went for the extra few bucks vs the GI model due that the Mil Spec comes with a polished ramp & a throated job, so explain the extractor fix , just so if I run into this problem on mine after awhile I can correct it thanks
MyREDTAIL 2 years ago
how would I polish a feed ramp at home do you have any videos on how to ?
8948204 2 years ago
Not yet I will try to get one out when I can
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
I plan on buying a 1911. What brand do you suggest? I personally like the Colts. And what are some things to note if I want to avoid buying one that is going to have problems? I don't like Springfields. I hear they always are jamming up.
hogger129 2 years ago
Everyone I talk to swears by springfields. The only problem mine had was it had not enough extractor tension, but I fixed that.
The only colt 1911 I would get would be a series 70 1911A1 They are a bit pricey and are sometimes a little harder to find but they are out there.
Remember if you extract the round slowly and it falls through the handle then your extractor claw tensions is to low. That plus a bad magazine will be the leading cause of most of your jams.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
What are ways to fix that? I'm not very experienced with firearms in terms of repairing them. You seem to know alot about it.
hogger129 2 years ago
If your extractor claw is out of wack your best bet is to get a gunsmith to fix it... I will be coming out with a do it yourself video before to long, but if you do it yourself be warned you run the risk of breaking your extractor claw so have a spair on hand. It is a bit tricky and only a video would truly explain it. I am trying to get the videos out as fast as I can I am just so busy.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
are kimber's good?
vicdot 2 years ago
From everything I have heard they are great.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
I have a springfield 1911-A1 and it has never jammed on me. I love it, and I have also heard that colt has gotten worse over the years.
thezombie65 2 years ago
I have heard that Colt has gotten worse in their semi auto pistol line. I still hear that they make great revolvers and a great AR-15
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
You have a bad 1991 Send it back to Colt. & let them work on it! That gun is made for hardball ammo only. You should not work on a gun yourself. I have had Colt 1911a1, 1911 for 25 years & i would never work on a gun myself. If your not trained in gunsmith you should not work on them all kinds of think can go wrong!
dcgj45 2 years ago
I had 2 years of gunsmith school buddy, but yes others should heed that warning.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
hi Im from Philippines, i have a colt 1991a1 and i can rely on it, i used it in one of my encounters and i assure you that it never jammed or malfunction in a situation like I've encounter,
c3bhong 2 years ago
You must have had a later model. I had an earlier model that had alot of bugs in it. Thanks for the input !
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
Seeing as you would probly know. Im soon to emigrate with My soon to be wife to the philipines (she was born here inengland but is a "natural born philipino" so yh..) but annyway how essential is a gun in the philipines. im most likely going to carry round a 1911 with me but hounestly would i need one?
nuttyape 2 years ago
what is the brand of ur 1911A1 mine is swissbale us property
nokia26300 2 years ago
Mine is a Colt
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
My Colt 1991A1 has never givin me any problems. i have shot it quite alot and never had trouble. i think its just the "luck of the draw" with alot of products, some have problems, some don't. great video though. very detailed.
PrinceVegeta1984 2 years ago
Thanks.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
dude u know your shit!! good video
pjccannella 2 years ago
I enjoyed your videos very much. I just bought a Colt 1991A1. It was used, but looks like new condition. I'm in Florida, and think someone just needed money. Anyway, I bought a MecGar mag. Great!! no problems. At the range I fired hand load wad cutters & ball, factory ball(Wolf), +P's and even some old Black Talons. All no problems. It just kept shooting. Maybe 200 rds total? I will look out for the problems you spoke of. Maybe change out the plastic parts too. Thanks and keep the videos coming!
colddeadhands61 2 years ago
Perhaps some work had been done on the pistol before you bought it. Another rummor I heard is the later 1991 models comming out have had some of the bugs worked out of them, but of course I will always favor the 1911. Glad to hear you didn't run into any of these problems.... yet. Knock on wood....
This summer I will definitely be comming out with more videos.
Thanks for watching/commenting
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago
just wondering is your 1991a1 one of the older M1991a1 marked guns or one of the newer series 80's that have the Colt roll marks similar to the series 70? Couldn't tell from the video.
xxBleedxxLikexxMexx 2 years ago
the serial number is laser etched and the markings series 80 and 1991a1 are very fine and not that deep. My 1911 on the other hand has very deep markings.
Dietzeeeee 2 years ago