We all know that the 1911 platform is a fine weapon, and we also know that they can be picky about the kinds of ammunition they will run. Â That is one of the many reasons why more than a few firearms instructors suggest guns other than a 1911 for self-defense purposes.
For years, I have seen gunsmiths offering a variety of packages to improve the reliability of the venerable 1911.  But, I did not realize that Colt offered one of those same packages at the factory. The Colt Enhanced Reliability Package is a deal offered through the company’s custom shop and can be purchased prior to the acquisition of the firearm to get it tuned before delivery.  Also, current Colt owners can ship their existing 1911 back to the shop for improving reliability.
Among the enhancements performed on the guns:
- extractor tension adjustment
- tuning of the sear and disconnector
- polishing and contouring of the barrel throat
- adjustment and test firing of all included mags
- adjustment of the ejector
- lowering and flaring of the ejection port
- polishing of the feed ramp
A cynic might suggest these things be done before any 1911 left Colt’s factory or that the above actions would be better titled “warranty work.” Â Some might point out that Glock doesn’t offer a “enhanced reliability” package on that company’s pistols.
I’m not here to bash Colt or 1911’s, but it does seem to me that if the company has to offer a package to enhance reliability, they might make at least some of these things standard with all of their pistols except maybe a GI-style gun.
Your thoughts?
8 replies on ““Enhanced Reliability” Package from Colt”
I’ve got a lot of rounds through my 1911, but it is a more complicated design than a lot of modern pistols. That is but one of the reasons why I carry an M&P for self defense.
Well I can’t speak for anyone else but as for me being an american company right here on american soil says it all! Colt has been part of the american way of life for the past 100+ years. Producing weapons that has helped to get this nation started and keep it free from foreign agression. To me that has earned Colt the right to keep a world war I designed weapon on the market. The colt 1911 is a very old design so what! Maybe it does need a little tweaking to be as relialble as a Johnny come lately Glock, Kimber or Ruger, so what! You want to talk reliabilty! Colt has been in bussiness and oh did I mention on American soil, for 177 years. They have been making weapons that helped tame the wild west the US military has been using colt firearms from as far back as before the civil was. I don’t know about you but that seems pretty darn reliable to me!!!!!1