Best 1911 .45 ACP, Classic Colt Combat Elite Pistol

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Looking for the best 1911 .45 ACP to buy? We review the Colt Combat Elite and reveal why it is the top 1911 .45 ACP on the market today.

On March 29, 1911 John M. Browning’s semi-automatic, single-action, magazine-fed, recoil-operated pistol chambered in the hard hitting .45 ACP cartridge was adopted by the US Military. It was designated to be the M1911, but also referred to as the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). The .45 Auto is a handgun cartridge also designed by John M. Browning, as was the .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .38 ACP, .380 ACP, .45 ACP, .50 BMG and 9mm Browning Long. All of these pistol rounds are commonly used today with the exception of the 9mm Browning Long.

Since then literally millions of pistols have been produced in the 1911 configuration. It seemed like any company who was in the business of making handguns made a 1911. With all of the prevailing makers of the 1911 .45 ACP, one could wonder which manufacture a buyer should choose? When faced with multiple choices of which 1911 semi-auto pistol to buy, one only needs to fall back and pick the company who has been making and selling the 1911 the longest.

Of course Colt Manufacturing Company LLC, has been making the 1911 .45 ACP since 1911 or 106 years. Since Colt sells several 1911 models, I chose the one best suited for the general public and those who have their CCW license. The Colt Combat Elite is a full size large frame semi-auto pistol. I like the Combat Elite for several reasons. The Colt Combat Elite has the Novak low mount carry sights with dots. The enhanced hammer and extended single sided safety lock assists the shoot in times of need. I like the upswept beavertail grip safety which insures when gripping this pistol, the grip safety is engaged. Other great features are the flared ejection port, national match barrel, full length guide rod and front and rear slide serrations. The two tone finish just makes this pistol a thing of beauty.

The Colt Combat Elite, like all 1911 models, has a natural point and shoot design. With my 1911 I can draw and shoot without using sights and get eight out of eight on a man size target at 15 feet. In my opinion three safeties are better than one or none. When I draw my thumb naturally comes to the side-cock safety. If I determine to go forward with using my weapon, I just snap down the safety as I pull the trigger. Simple. The third safety is the half cock feature. If for some reason the hammer falls, it will not strike the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.

To carry a full size 1911 pistol, you should carry it cocked with the side safety locked. This is called “cocked and locked.” I have no qualms carrying my full size Colt 1911 cocked and locked tucked in the back of my jeans. I have to run to the store to get some bread and milk, I jump up and stuff my Manly Warrior Weapon in the back of my jeans. To me it is comfortable and at the same time reassuring.

Yes I know you have a large selection of top quality made in the USA 1911 .45acp pistols with barrels from three inches to six inches in conventional models. There was a Hard-baller which sported a seven inch barrel but are no longer being made. The smaller 1911 have a six round magazine and other will have 10 or more. But here is why I carry a Colt 1911 .45acp semi-auto pistol.

When you hold a Colt .45 1911, you are holding a piece of history. Fellow warriors carried into harms’ way this very same pistol as they fought the Germans in the Forests of Argonne and the Second Battle of the Somme. It is reported that Sergeant Alvin York killed several attacking German soldiers with his 1911 .45 pistol. If you will, imagine in 1918 holding a Colt 1911 .45acp in your sweaty hand with your heart pounding as you prepare to go over the top out of the trenches to run across the open battle field braving the murderous machinegun fire. Those men are true Warriors and American Heroes. When I tightly hold my Colt 1911, I hold 106 years of history of 16 deadly conflicts. The Colt .45 1911 pistol was carried in all wars fought by American Hero Warriors from 1913 in Mexico fighting Poncho Villa to Panama in 1989. When you are not sure of which model 1911 you should buy, go to the company who has the longest and greatest history to fine your Warrior’s Weapon.