Availability of the Series 70 Colt

[Jared Nichols]

Greetings all, long time lurker and first time poster here, and I had a question regarding the Mark IV/Series 70 Colt pistols.

I've been trying to find a way to get my hands on one of these for a while now before I committed to a purchase, but every gun store in my area (Los Angeles) has been telling me the same thing when I ask to see a Series 70 Colt. They tell me that all guns comming from Colt now-a-days have the firing pin safety installed in them, and that I'd either have to settle for the 1991A1 or try and find a used model from the 70's.

Now, I know the 1991A1 is a perfectly good pistol and I'd be very happy to own one, but I would like to try and get what it is I truly want first. Besides, less moving parts makes Jack a happy boy.

So, whats the deal? I see the Series 70 listed on Colt Mfg's website, and I've seen it for sale on online gun buying medium (gunbroker, ect). I read on one of these forums that Colt restarted the production of the Series 70 in 2002, but it would seem strange that the owner of the gun store in my area would not know of that development. After all, it's not like the 1911 is a popular pistol or anything ;)

I'd appreciate any advice or insight anyone can give. Should I write down the model number that Colt has listed on their website so I can bring it in to the gun store? Any facts or references I can bring in? Again, I appreciate any help with this matter.

Oh yeah, last question, if they make it a pain in the *** to get a Series 70 or charge an inordinate amount over mark-up for having to order it or something, would you consider the Series 70 worth the investment over a 1991A1 model? I can get a bare bones (I'm not much for adding stuff to pistols, I like simplicity) 1991A1 for just under $700 and my budget doesn't reach too much higher than that. Much as I'd like to pay $1000+ for the pistol of my dreams, I just can't at the moment.

Thank you all again for any advice or assistance you may have.

[John]

Most probably CA does not allow pistols without a firing pin safety.

[Hunter]

The Series 70 does not have the firing pin safety and John has a point about CA having their own set of rules. The Series 70 is an excellent 1911 as is the 1991A1. I would rather have the Series 70 than the 1991A1 if I could have only one only because the Series 70 is a better looking 1911 (to me) but I have both types and like them very much. If the Series 70 is out of your reach for now there is nothing wrong with the 1991A1. You will do well with either pistol.

[Hawkmoon]

California has a "drop" test. Most likely the Series 70 (which, as already commented, does not have the firing pin safety) doesn't pass. Either that, or Colt simply did not submit one for the test. It is not correct that all Colts currently offered have the firing pin safety, but it may be correct that all new Colts coming into California have it.

[OneJaggedHole]

+1 on what these guys have said so far. I just bought my series 70 last week. from what I understand the series 70's are built/or put together in the custom shop, not in main line production, because the slides are true 70 slides not 80 series with the plunger hole filled and filed. You may be able to get a Colt WWI repro if you wanted to go the route of a more traditional type gun without FP safety.

[OJ]

Having the luck of the Irish, I found this cherry Colt MKIV Series 70 Government Model at my local gun dealer - Shootin' Den - who has treated me well over the past 20 years.

Practically unfired - "in box, with manual" - evidently in an estate. Serial # places it in the last half of 1970 production.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/kmastf/P2240004.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/kmastf/P2240002.jpg

There are some around still - he had another but it had been modified with adjustible rear sight and different springs, making the choice easy.

It shoots as good as it looks.

Now, if I were only Irish. ;)

:D :D

[wichaka]

Yep you got an early one there........evidence of the correct rough cut grips. They changed to checkered grips........I believe in late '71 or early '72.

[OJ]

Yep you got an early one there........evidence of the correct rough cut grips. They changed to checkered grips........I believe in late '71 or early '72.

Right1 The serial number is visible in the pic and is 70G04270 - the last four numbers in serial numbers produced in 1970 were from 1001 to 5550.

The only other guns in my collection with triggers this smooth are my 1957 Python and my Winchester 95 30-06.

Life is good!!

:D :D