Anyone here have a Colt Officers ACP?

[kaltblitz]

Anyone here have a Colt Officers ACP? What are your experiences?

[Honu]

I used to have one many years ago and loved it except when I shot it :)
I have kinda big hands and it really barked into my lower hand a lot

but back when I had it the glock had just come out ;) and I carried a 45 instead of a 9mm round or whatever else

I liked it for its size and the stainless was easy to take care of

but even though it was not comfy to shoot I could shoot it and for a carry gun I did not care as much about the comfort as the size was very nice and small

I guess these days there are so many more choices ? like the kimber ultra carry and others

would I get one again ? maybe just for reliving the 80s when I had it :)

[Ttwwaack]

Yup for the past 20 years. One of my favorite pistols. From the factory it was accuate, reliable and compact. I had a BT grip safety installed and checked the front and rear straps and a reliability/trigger job. The BT helped get the pistol lower in the hand and the checkering keeps in from sliding around under recoil. I stopped shooting rifles and pistols for about 10 years and started up again about 2 years ago. I still love that pistol. It is in need of maintenance, the hemmer started to follow the slide so I took it in. Two trips back to the shop and the hack still can't fit a hammer and sear. It needs some TLC from someone with a jig and a stone but I still shoot it.

[militarymoron]

i had an original officer's all-steel model back in 1985, and sold it a few years later. i got an officer's lightweight (with the 'enhanced' frame), which i still have (shown below). it currently wears the old school pachmayr combat grips which make it more comfortable to shoot (for me). the ivory grips were just for fun/looks.
they're not as pleasant to shoot as a full size 1911, with more muzzle jump. my lightweight is suprisingly accurate, even with the short sight radius. it was a bit more finicky with ammo, especially truncated cone or hollow points, so i polished the feed ramp and chamber entrance which took care of that.
i don't shoot it as often as my other handguns, and if i feel like i need to have something with me (bad areas, travel, camping etc), it's the G19.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/militarymoron/officers2.jpg

[VooDoo6Actual]

DELETED

[OD*]

I have a first year OACP lightweight, it' been 100%.

(I replaced the hammer, grip safety and MSH)
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb274/OD1911/OACP1.jpg

[John Fettes]

A good friend has several and has been pleased with them. His latest was one he found used about a year ago. It is his current carry piece. The ones he has are all steel framed.

John

[one]

I had a LW one for about six months. It carried nicely but it wouldn't feed anything whatsoever in the way of hollowpoint ammo. Even round nose lead would choke the gun.

When I used stock GI ball type ammo it ran without a hitch.

I sold it to a friend that really wanted it and swore I'd never have another subcompact 1911 again.

Somehow or another I've wound up with a friend's Colt Defender she was wanting to sell.

Go figure.

[akviper]

I really like my early lightweight. I added a Wilson drop in grip safety, Brown reverse recoil spring plug, and custom grips otherwise it's stock. It ate 5,000 rounds over two years when I carried it as my primary duty gun and had one malfunction when it didn't quite go all the way into battery. I fed it about a 50/50 mix of Federal hardball and Federal Hydra- Shok. It's one of my most reliable autos.

[POF.Ops]

I had one and in a moment of lunacy (literally) I sold it. It started as a slightly neglected Colt Series 70 Officers model. One of the best, although relatively unknown old-school gunsmiths did his magic with it. It ended up with a radiused frame/trigger area, enhanced beaver-tail grip safety, skeleton hammer, serrated top strap, bull barrel, beveled magwell, fresh bluing, night sights, and stag horn grips. It was my ultimate CCW 1911. Of all the guns I have bought and sold I wish I would have kept this one the most. They don't make 'em like they used to as the saying goes, or more appropriately the 'smith that built it is much harder to come by these days.

[OD*]

I had one and in a moment of lunacy (literally) I sold it. It started as a slightly neglected Colt Series 70 Officers model. One of the best, although relatively unknown old-school gunsmiths did his magic with it. It ended up with a radiused frame/trigger area, enhanced beaver-tail grip safety, skeleton hammer, serrated top strap, bull barrel, beveled magwell, fresh bluing, night sights, and stag horn grips. It was my ultimate CCW 1911. Of all the guns I have bought and sold I wish I would have kept this one the most. They don't make 'em like they used to as the saying goes, or more appropriately the 'smith that built it is much harder to come by these days.
I think you mean a slightly used Series 80, Colt intro'd the OACP in 1985 and never offered it without the Series 80 firing pin safety.

[POF.Ops]

Gee. I don't think so.

[OD*]

1-800-962-2658, ask them.

[CobraBG]

I had one a few years ago and wasn't happy with it. Had failure to feed issues with both the Colt mags and Wilson Combat mags and a variety of ammo. I had the feed ramp polished and it still was not reliable. I sold it and bought a Springfield Lightweight Ultra Compact... sweet, no problems what so ever and it is accurate.

I was surprised with the problems because I also have a Colt Gold Cup National Match and it shoots great.

[VooDoo6Actual]

Here it is now after MARS and IonBond teamed up and it runs like a TOP.
I carry it on a detail every day. After a 12-14 hour day I appreciate it's attributes.

It has become my favorite carry piece traveling as well.


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0104Large.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0073Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0093Large.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0082Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0075Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0084Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/35OfficerTribo413.jpg

[beau1911]

Here it is now after MARS and IonBond teamed up and it runs like a TOP.
I carry it on a detail every day. After a 12-14 hour day I appreciate it's attributes.

It has become my favorite carry piece traveling as well.


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0104Large.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0073Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0093Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0082Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0075Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_0084Large.jpg


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/35OfficerTribo413.jpg


I LOVE that pistol! Im waiting on some stuff from Steve right now, he's a hell of a nice guy. Mind if I ask what your trigger says?

[MX5]

2019

COLT LW OFFICERS ACP

Ed Brown grip safety
Micarta slim grips
Novak rear sight, plain black
Trijicon tritium front sight
Serrated front grip strap
Serrated lightweight mainspring housing
Beveled mag well
Lowered/flared ejection port
4 lb. trigger pull
Bead blasted barrel hood
Black/Gray Gunkote finish

Daily carry for many years & several thousand rounds down range. I admit that most of my practice & training is with either a steel Govt Model or a LW Commander. However, this Officers ACP has been more than a few weekend training classes & has been very reliable. I can't say the same for all short 1911s, but I can vouch for this one.


I recommend changing the recoil springs every 500 - 800 rds, keep well lubed, & closely inspect the barrel bushing, recoil spring plug & barrel lugs whenever cleaning or field stripped.

[mario]

My SS Colt Officers model works about 96% of the time with HP ammo. It was worse before I sent it to Master Pistolsmith Guild member Jim Garthwaite for a reliability job. I've probably owned 10 Colts and Springfields over the years and never had one that would reliability eat HP ammo which isn't too unusual considering they were designed to shoot ball.

[VooDoo6Actual]

beau1911 writes:

"I LOVE that pistol! Im waiting on some stuff from Steve right now, he's a hell of a nice guy. Mind if I ask what your trigger says?"


Yes, Steve's work is flawless and the pistol runs flawless.

I could not be more pleased with the results of this gun.

I have never had a 3.5" tac driver.

The trigger says: "Death To Al Qaeda"

[rodinal220]

I have an early Colt LWOM that suffered the front recoil spring plug failure.Dont know what the Colt engineers were thinking on this,but they screwed the pooch,as well as the barrel bushing(too thin).

I replaced the broken factory crap part with an Ed Brown reverse plug unit.I also added a Kings stainless steel barrel bushing,much better heavy duty design.I replaced the factory dual recoil spring assembly with a single Wolff 22lbs spring.YES,change them every 500 rounds,these shorty .45s are spring killers.

The gun isnt 100% reliable,its about 99.8%.The slide velocity is pretty fast so every once in awhile the slide will close on an empty chamber(last shot).I only use the factory Colt 6 round mags.Feeds ball and Federal HS(old and new style) no problem.I dont use the 7 rounders because the Devel style follower is known to cut into alloy framed guns.

The trigger is quite usable as issued 5 lbs and fairly smooth with just a bit of creep,good enough for close range work.The accuracy is good for its intended purpose. Sights are adequate and much better than most pre/series 70s full size guns with the weld splatter type sights.

[VooDoo6Actual]

rodinal220 writes:


" replaced the broken factory crap part with an Ed Brown reverse plug unit.I also added a Kings stainless steel barrel bushing,much better heavy duty design.I replaced the factory dual recoil spring assembly with a single Wolff 22lbs spring.YES,change them every 500 rounds,these shorty .45s are spring killers."


"The slide velocity is pretty fast"...



I concur 110% as these have been the results of my quest as well.

[decodeddiesel]

Here it is now after MARS and IonBond teamed up and it runs like a TOP.
I carry it on a detail every day. After a 12-14 hour day I appreciate it's attributes...

I agree, awesome pistol!

[VooDoo6Actual]

Thank you for the kind words.

[dcmdon]

I guess I'm kindof resurecting this thread from the grave, but I have a question.

I have the opportunity to buy a used Lightweight Officers ACP for $659 at my local gun shop. They are good guys and will allow me to return it within 2 weeks for a refund if I have problems with it.

I'm interested in any input. If I purchase it, it appears I should replace the recoil spring and install an Ed Brown reverse plug unit.

Thanks,

Don

[VooDoo6Actual]

Still carry it and still making $ w/ it...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/IMG_1062Large.jpg


Don,

Here's what I know from my experience.

The lighweight Officer's can be finicky regarding reliability.

They are notorious for having timing problems etc.

Some people have no problems and swear by them.

If you can test drive then by all means do.

If they stand behind it and give you two weeks then by all means try it out and shoot minimum of 500 rounds.

If there is a reliability problem, you can try different spring tension ratings and they MAY solve a problem.

A Reverse plug works superb for mine.

I use a Briley reverse unsupported plug.

http://www.briley.com/1911autoreverseplug.aspx

If you can find a King's Gunworks reverse plug they work very well too.
King's has gone out of business but there are some around in inventories still.


PN # 306A

http://www.kingsgunworks.com/newcatalog/page04.html


They are a dream to CCW all day when you find a reliable one and hang onto it...


YMMV..
HTH...

[dcmdon]

Thanks. Im thinking I'm going to pull the trigger. It comes with 2 flush fitting blued colt mags. I'm thinking I'll grab 100 rds of Winchester hollow point from wally world on my way back from the shop and some of the .45 reloads I have and give it a try this weekend.

I'll let you know how it works.

Don

p.s. That gun, with the Saudi envelope. Is it a LW Officers? Whats the coating?

[VooDoo6Actual]

Don,

It is a SS Colt Commanding Officer. (Lim. Ed. 500 made)

Officer Slide 3.5" & Commander frame (IIRC, dust cover is slightly shorter on Commander frame than Government model frame).



It is a SS gun done in ION BOND Diamond Black

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e225/teehee321/FBIOfficerCommander2.jpg


Hope it works out for you.

[Mr. Smith]

Love the officer. We do lots of them
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/colt%20officers%20custom%201991A1/KYS_8929.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/heinie%20rear%20sight/COLT%201911/OFFICERS%201911/kyshooters1911.jpg

[VooDoo6Actual]

[QUOTE=Mr. Smith;591313]Love the officer. We do lots of them
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/colt%20officers%20custom%201991A1/KYS_8929.jpg


That Bushing/Plug/Guide Rod setup is/similar to the Kings I have had.


Very nicely done.

[Mr. Smith]

[QUOTE=Mr. Smith;591313]Love the officer. We do lots of them
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/colt%20officers%20custom%201991A1/KYS_8929.jpg


That Bushing/Plug/Guide Rod setup is/similar to the Kings I have had.


Very nicely done.

Same part just a little love on them.

[dcmdon]

I pulled the trigger on that Officers Lightweight on Friday. I got a chance to run 100 rounds of Federal and WWB hard ball through it. No issues.

It ran flawlessly. The only malfunction was that the slide failed to lock back once. I don't think the mag was seated all the way. It was after a fairly quick mag change.

The obvious answer is to only carry a flush mag in the gun, and have all your extra mags fitted with bumpers or a bit extended.

The gun looks better than in the pictures. Its clean with some honest holster wear, but no real scratches to speak of.

Once its proven with HP ammo, I'll start putting some effort into it.
For now, it will be low budget.
1) anodize the frame clear so it looks silver
2) Install a set of XS sights big dot sights myself
3) VZ grips.

Don

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx207/dcmdon/DSC_3019-1.jpg
http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx207/dcmdon/DSC_3018.jpg

[VooDoo6Actual]

Nice blaster.

Enjoy !

[The Dumb Gun Collector]

I think the lightweight officer's Is the best of the reality-based carry 1911s

[dcmdon]

I shot my Baer 5" steel gun just before I shot this. I expected the recoil to be much stiffer. I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't that much more than the Baers.

Its definitely much easier to deal with than my 340PD (10.5 oz .357 magnum J frame). I'm usually only good for 1 cylinder full of .357 before I cry uncle.

In fact it was not uncomfortable at all. The muzzle just came up more than with the Baer.

Don

[Combat_Diver]

I bought a used Lightweight Officers back in 91'. Used to shoot it in stock class of ISPC. My times were always a bit slower then with my 5" Govt (shot both on same courses of fire) Gun was always 100% realibile even with my hot reloads. I probably put between 5-6K through it before I sold it to a friend. When Kentucky was only open carry my 5" got the most use however when they passed the concealed carry the Officers usually got carried 1/3 of the time (split between my 6906 and 3" HB M65).

CD

[DocGKR]

My first off-duty pistol after the academy was a Colt LWOM customized by Bill Laughridge at C&S in 1988. I carried it as an off-duty pistol for a short time before joining an agency that did not allow SA pistols. While the LWOM was fun to carry, I ended up preferring a LW Commander for those times when I got to carry a 1911 off-duty, as the bigger LWC was easier to shoot and maintain. I finally sold the LWOM last year, as I could not figure out when I would ever want to be in a fight with a pistol with a 6 rd magazine when I could be using a similar size G19 that had a 15 round mag and was easier to shoot...

http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/postimages/84996-LWOM.jpg

[The Dumb Gun Collector]

COMMUNIST!:D

[DocGKR]

Hopefully a realist...