Have a picture of Uramex/Daisy/colt Colt Govn't 1911A1?, please send it to us.
Picture courtesy of Alex.
| Value for Money | 6.6/10  |
|---|---|
| Reviewer Rating | 7.4/10 |
| Overall Rating | 8.1/10  |
Full review by
Jungle Jim Jam
expert review 
on 17th Apr 2007
User Rating : 3
Respect :
0
Good Points: Solid.
Bad Points: Not really what it pretends to be, not exact as a replica, absolutely awful trigger, disappointing finish, unintelligent in conception. Over-priced. Over-estimated.
General comments: Umarex Colt 1911.
There are two aspects to this gun, as there are to the entire range of Umarex CO2 pistols. They are all replica's of actual firearms, and they also operate as gas-powered air-pistols.
As a replica of a Colt 1911, this gun is modestly satisfactory. It is made of metal, but it's not steel or genuine firearm quality alloy and it's finish is therefore not blued. The metal is something referred to by another reviewer, politely, as "Spelter" and in rather less repeatable terms by an engineer friend of mine. Yes it's heavy, heavier than the real thing. But how much of that weight is "real", resulting from aspects of the construction necessary for it's operation rather than just for weight's sake?
The catches work. But they do not replicate their actions on the real gun. What would be the stripping catch and slide lock on the real Colt here unlocks the magazine compartment. What would on a 1911 be a magazine release here pops-the grip off for loading CO2. The frame safety does lock the trigger and hammer, but not in the same way as on the Colt as it allows it to be cocked even when engaged. Moreover, at least on my Umarex, the gun shoots even without pressure applied to the grip safety, which in effect is only a fake. Now that may be due to a flaw in this specimen rather than true of them all. In which case, what does such a major flaw in the safety mechanism indicate about the quality of manufacture?
A replica should feature all of the actions of the real gun, including field stripping, slide action and breech opening. On the Umarex, the slide is fixed ( apart from two thirds of it popping forwards to admit the magazine ), the breech is a feeble stamped-on feature and there is no provision for user disassembly at all. More seriously, the rear of the fake slide, a single cast piece on the real gun and on a good replica, has a big join running along it lengthwise.
Mine is the "nickel" version, that, contrary to expectation, is not finished in a hardened chrome but is lightly anodised and scratches easily. For example, under the mag release catch along the arc of it's movement. Not only that, but the black paint ( yes, paint ) on the trigger scratches off along the bottom simply through use. On top of which, the "nickel" colour is really very strange indeed, a kind of pale gold, making the gun resemble the kind of cheesy desk-lighter you might see in a drug-baron's den in "Kojak". The black trigger and catches look odd against that setting, as one would expect them on a real gun with a stainless finish to be chromed or bare steel. On such a "pimped" gun the practical black rubber grips also look most inappropriate. I actually swapped them for the brown plastic grips off a Marui airsoft AMT Hardballer ( requiring some fiddling about with blu-tac and a knife ) with a result that makes both guns look MUCH better!
For a good replica, one would do much better buying a decent all metal airsoft pistol, which are exact in every detail, even including trade marks if you pay enough. Not more than for the "de-luxe" versions of the Umarex Colt.
In spite of all of this, I still must concede that this gun is an appealing object to look at and to handle. Probably because I see it in the context of a collection in which its idiosyncrasies and illogicalities are aspects of its unique character. It is hung next to an airsoft Colt that is embellished with ornate scroll-work and Chinese dragon grips. In this context the gun has a place. However, if I were seeking a one and only replica of a Colt 1911 I would not choose this.
Then there is the shooting. The trigger is very heavy in single action ( pre-cocking the hammer with the thumb first ). Requiring the application of pressure back at near the joint of the finger. Not many people seem to appreciate that a good trigger should be operable with the smallest part of the finger. If you need to shift the finger to bring the middle into play, then the trigger is too heavy. As is the case here. When it comes to double-action, cocking and firing from the trigger, this piece requires the gorilla mitts of a Schwarzenegger. I can only just manage it using the forefingers of BOTH hands together.
Accuracy is hard to assess given this terrible trigger, but nonetheless seems to be good. The report is not very loud. But the experience is yet unsatisfactory. Partly because of the trigger. . Partly, also, one is aware that what one is trying to shoot is a rather silly pretense of something that it isn't. It is NOT a "semi-automatic", it is a revolver, with the little cylinder magazine concealed inside a heavy, fake exterior. Pop open the slide and the mag disc drops out for replacement with another, pre-loaded. You get two as standard. Others come in packs of three. Very easily, you could lose them altogether.
Anyway, in the context of a collection, this gun is an interesting contrast piece for occasional shooting. But if I were seeking a one and only CO2 pistol for frequent use, this would not be it.
I know that there are loads of people who love this gun and the others in the series, the Beretta 92 and Walther CP88. I think part of the reason is that they may not be aware of the alternatives out there that are much better either to shoot, or as replicas, or, indeed, in both capacities. It may also be because they have been indoctrinated with the idea that everything made in Germany is inherently superior!
To take but one example of a much better, non-German alternative, the Baikal CO2 Makarov is made from high quality steel with a blued finish instead of the cheap paint or patina coating that are the options with the Umarex. OK, it cannot take pellets, but with lead BBs and its far superior trigger it can compete with the Umarex for accuracy. If you must have pellets, you would do better to choose one of the honest revolvers that do not pretend to be what they are not. I have the Daisy 44, an American product, and it is a vastly superior shooting instrument at a considerably lower price. With an eight inch barrel, in single-action, it is unbelievably accurate. There is also the Baikal MP451 which has magazines for both lead BB and pellets, weighs a fraction of the Umarex, does not pretend to be what it isn't and comes with an optional shoulder stock that permits a witheringly high rate of fire. In airsoft, several manufacturers produce exact, full metal replicas of the 1911. Then there are the blank-firers and non-firing metal replicas. Of course, in the UK ALL replicas, possibly including the Umarex ones, are soon to become illegal to sell ( although, thankfully, not to own ).
This is the second gun of this main Umarex type that I have owned ( the other being the CO2 C225 ). I got rid of the other pretty quickly. I am keeping this one simply as a collection piece. Partly so I can show people how the reputation of all things German for engineering excellence may largely be down to the proverbial "Emperors Robes". Mainly because no collection would be complete without at least one of these Umarex pistols. But also because it appeals to me as a collectable object in the same way as do the obsolete cameras and other toy guns that I collect. Indeed, I do also own a desk-top lighter in the guise of a full-size replica Colt 1911! But it's finish is not as "pimped" up as this Umarex CO2 version!
Then of course there is the Umarex PPK blow-back pistol, but that's for another review!
In summary, I would only recommend this gun to those who will add it to a selection, if not a collection. I would not recommend it to anyone as their one and only dedicated shooting instrument.
One last point. as someone else has pointed out, many retailers charge a positively ridiculous inflated price for these guns. In the UK, Uttings, Ramsbottom and a couple of other places sell the basic model of any of the Umarex series for around or under £100. but most dealers charge about £140 for the same guns. My local shop sells the basic gun at about £180! Be warned. Shop around. Choose carefully.
P>S> I put this with the other reviews of this gun but they seem all to be under the wrong section heading which ought to be either "Umarex" or "Colt" rather than "Walther".
Jungle Jim Jam's review and ratings | 1501 words | 1 comment added.
Review by
huntman58
on 2nd Mar 2007
User Rating : 8
Respect :
0
Over all a good gun and I got it at a good price. I am used to Crosman guns and have a 2240 I built up and hot rodded
I got this one for plinking and can busting. The 2240 is for target shooting and hunting small varmints like mice and starlings. I have not had it long enough to say about longevity yet or what pellet is best in it. I do like the grips as there real rubber like on my powder burner. I find this is a great gun to train new shooters with before I release them on my powder burning ...
huntman58's full review | 315 words | 1 comment added.
Review by
MPF
on 4th Apr 2006
User Rating : 3
Respect :
0
I bought the blued 1911A1 supposedly new from a reputable gun auction!
In fact it is painted black, presumably because the material it is made from can't be blued.
Still it is a good coating that Umarex have put on it and it looks the real deal.....
The gun feels good and has a nice heft to it, it's easy to load with both the mags and Co2 cartridges.
However the fps leaves a lot to be desired, this is because as with nearly all semi auto Co2 guns with the revolver type of pellet feed the bre ...
MPF's full review | 468 words | 1 comment added.
Review by
ted3929
on 18th Aug 2005
User Rating : 9
Respect :
0
Have had mine for about 2 years. I use it in training since it looks and weighs about the same as a real .45.
A couple points to watch for:
1. Releasing the slide so it goes forward (not backwards like the real .45) means the cylinder will come flying out quickly. Be sure to keep an eye on it and you'll be on the floor looking.
2. The grip safety does NOT work. It's a fake. If the gun is loaded and somebody touches the trigger, it will discharge even if the grip safety is not push ...
ted3929's full review | 307 words | 1 comment added.
Review by
666ANARCHIST
on 2nd Jul 2004
User Rating : 9
Respect :
0
CAUTION!!!!!!
I have reason to believe people are paying large amounts of cash for these guns!!! I know a german/english website that stocks these guns from just £98.00!!!! That is for the black/black model. to get the wooden grips it is just £102.00!! as for the silver gun with sliding lever trigger (read above) I didn't look at the price but believe me, you could save enought to buy all necesary CO2 capsules and large amounts of ammo for the cash you save!! Also the website sells ...
666ANARCHIST's full review | 210 words
Review by
shelxcns
on 29th May 2004
User Rating : 10
Respect :
0
Have the Walther CP99 and Colt 1911 A1, two different guns with different characteristics. The Colt is my favorite. Single-action trigger is crisp and after a few firings one can tell where the break-off is. Double action is a longer pull, but not nearly as long as the CP99. Nice to be able to cock the hammer to go to single action, versus having to pull back a slide. The main dislike I have is the inability to adjust the sight elevation without buying or customizing your own set. Shop aro ...
shelxcns's full review | 148 words | 4 comments added.
Review by
jakemu24
on 26th Dec 2003
User Rating : 6
Respect :
0
I have more of a question than a review. I just bought a 1911 and it's real good except it's weak. It only shoots between 275 and 315 fps when it claims to shoot at 400. I was wondering if there is any way to upgrade it to a higher fps. If so, how?
jakemu24's full review | 72 words | 1 comment added.
Review by
me myself
on 10th Oct 2003
User Rating : 10
Respect :
+1
The Uramex/Daisy/colt Colt Govn't 1911A1 is really cool. I think its the best replica gun one could have. It is realistic and has nice specifications. Shoots accurately and a lot of accessories to have. Get a red dot sight and you feel like you have a real advanced gun.
oh... and its a Colt!
me myself's full review | 86 words | 1 comment added.
Review by
Moley
on 21st Sep 2003
User Rating : 9
Respect :
0
I bought the Uramex/Daisy/colt Colt Govn't 1911A1 yesterday after spending quite a while considering what to buy. Now I have, I think I made the right decision. It bears such a likeness to its derivative that you could show it to someone and brag that you got it smuggled from the States and they'd be none-the-wiser! Only by looking down the barrel (when uncharged and unloaded, obviously) could you see that it's a CO2 copy, and a brilliant one, at that!
It's made with real gun metal which you ...
Moley's full review | 535 words | 1 comment added.
Review by
Silentwind
on 6th Sep 2003
User Rating : 6
Respect :
+2
I have three of these guns and I enjoy shooting them when they function correctly. When these first came out they looked like the best but time has shown some problems. The slide does not function with each shot, and the hammer is functional, it strikes the valve to fire the gun. The gun has a hammer bar safety and will not fire if dropped on the hammer even with the safety off. The velocity of all the Umarex guns is about 390 fps and the accuracy is about 1 1/4 inches at 30 feet. The compensato ...
Silentwind's full review | 320 words
Review by
bmwmpwr
on 30th Aug 2003
User Rating : 3
Respect :
-2
After i bought mine new, i was really happy until i shot it, i liked how quiet it was but it had no power i would shot a soda can from 5 yards away and it would put a little dent in it, i was trying to shot a board one day that was about 15 yards away from me the pellet wouldnt even come close to the bird. i was shooting at my friend one day ( dont ever try that!) and he was able to catch the pellets! i dont no if i got a lemon or some but i no that i will never own this gun ever again unless so ...
bmwmpwr's full review | 125 words | 5 comments added.
Review by
MfaAragorn
on 27th Aug 2003
User Rating : 9
Respect :
+2
The Uramex/Daisy/colt Colt Govn't 1911A1 C02 Pistol seems a bit less powerful than the 6" S&W due to the 5" barrel, but the power is normal to 4 or 5" barrels.
-Will shoot way up , due to the standard sights. Since these are not adjustable for elevation , it will need some getting used-to before a reasonable grouping can be obtained. A taller front sight could solve this. Adjustable sight kits usually include the rear unit as well.
-Handles beautifully in the hand, not too heavy , very b ...
MfaAragorn's full review | 305 words
Review by
SNK.
on 11th Jul 2003
User Rating : 8
Respect :
+7
Only fair to state that this review is based on a rather well used second hand model. The odd pellet jams may be down to a worn magazine cycling catch. This is an all black model, at at guess I should think at least two or maybe even three years with a lot of shots going through it and I am still impressed with it. Very impressed. Accurate, great feel and brilliant build quality. I fitted it with a red dot sight and the accuracy is outstanding. I will be buying a new version of this gun as ...
SNK.'s full review | 132 words | 3 comments added.
Review by
GenghisKaStang.
on 1st Apr 2003
User Rating : 10
Respect :
+3
Over all this is a pretty good pistol, I got it a few month, maybe the weight of the gun, I never miss a coke can in 20 feet, this gun can shoot like 60-80 shot in one co2, my experience is after 60 shot, power is clearly decreasing, but it can still punch through 2 layer of card board. The bad part on this gun is only 8 shot, it's a pain reloading the gun without a reloader, trigger is harder to fire in double action, you need to pull it more to the back than in single action. Overall, this is ...
GenghisKaStang.'s full review | 163 words | 31 comments added.
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