series 70 colt 1911

[Sonny Slone]

Hello all,
I'm new to the forum thing...Wanted to pose a question to 1911 fans for some insight...Got a mint Colt Mark IV Series 70 Gov't Model. As far as it's value, should I dare customize it (new trigger, hammer, grip safety, etc.) or leave it be & buy another 1911 as a platform for customization??? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated... :) Sonny

[stans]

Colt Series 70 Mark IV's in 100% original condition are fetching $700 to $900 these days, so customizing may not be the best option for this pistol. Of course, if you plan on shooting it a fair amount, you will be reducing its value. Now if you do plan on shooting it and want a better trigger pull, you can install a new trigger, hammer, sear and disconnector and save the originals so they can be reinstalled if you decide to part with this pistol. Cutting the hammer or slide will permanently alter the gun and reduce its collector value.

[Sonny Slone]

Thanks for the reply & info, stans...

[Prezzz]

Ditto what Stans said. Original condition series 70's are bringing a premium right now and will do so from here on. I wouldn't dare alter it in any way. There are too many other 1911's that make great platforms for customization and they are (reletively) inexpensive.

That being the Springfield Mil-Spec or a Colt 1991A1. I see used Mil-Spec Springers for $350 or less fairly often.

[Sonny Slone]

Thanks for the reply & info, Prezzz...

[aerox711]

I too recently recieved a Colt Mark IV Series 70 1911. It was given to me from an uncle of mine that was in the USMC. He loved it, but wanted to give it to me. (being a L.E.O.) It is in EXCELLENT shape. I thought about keeping it in the safe and letting it gain value, but I decided that I should use it. He gave it to me to shoot, so I will shoot it and will be carrying it off duty soon. I have just recently ordered a sleu of parts (trigger, hammer, springs, etc) to make it dependable and reliable. I plan to carry it in honor of my uncle and will put it to good use. I know that this is all probably irrelevant to your personal situation, but I just thought I would share. Enjoy!!!

[Sonny Slone]

Thanks for the reply, aerox711...

[dsk]

Funny thing, but there was once a time when Series 70's were so vanilla that if you thought it would ever become a collectible you'd be laughed at. Then again, at one time the same was true of surplus USGI guns.

Honestly I think the new reproduction Series 70s are better guns than the originals, but serious Colt collectors apparently don't agree as the price of the original ones keeps going up.

[asa]

I tend to agree with D.Kamm's assertion that the new repro 70's are superior to the originals. I have one of each; except for a lack of tension in the extractor-which a local smith who's also a friend fixed-the new model is superior in every way: fit, finish, reliability, and accuracy. The trigger is just about identical at 4 1/2 lbs. I like both guns, but prefer the new 70.

[Hawkmoon]

Honestly I think the new reproduction Series 70s are better guns than the originals, but serious Colt collectors apparently don't agree as the price of the original ones keeps going up.
This is not limited to Colt Series 70 pistols. In the automotive world, "replicars" are always better constructed and more reliable than the originals, but the originals bring the big $$$$ because ... they're the originals. Same with antique furniture. Some people will pay hundreds of dollars for a chair I'd be afraid to sit on, just because it's old and original.