70 Series vintage~70 Series replica

[ranch704]

Would like to purchase a 70 series pistol. I have been looking at 70 series vintage guns and the new 70series replica.The vintage guns run about the same in price as the replicas(sometimes less with no box or paper work and more if the original box and paper work are present). So which would you guys prefer--If the vintage gun was in pretty good condition(not excellent) was a little more or less than the replica---Which one???

Also, are the 70 series replicas identical to the vintage guns in apperance and in the mechanics??

Thanks Tom

[AJD]

I'd read through this write-up. I think it will help you out alot.

http://www.m1911.org/prodte26.htm

[TriumphGT6]

OK it's been a few hours and none of the actual experts who hang around here have answered, so I'll throw in my two cents and wait for the blowback. Maybe I'll even learn something....

Differences between the original Series 70 and the new ones now coming out of the Custom Shop:
The 30 yr-old pistol will have smaller, GI-style sights; the hammer will have a true half-cock notch, and (unless it's been replaced, as they broke pretty often) it will have a collet-style barrel bushing.

The new ones have larger (and better) sights; a standard, solid barrel bushing; and a Series 80 hammer with the interruptor step rather than a true half-cock notch. There may also be cosmetic differences, i.e. medallions set into the grip panels, and perhaps other small differences. The new ones also sport the Series 80 slide which added the firing pin block, but the internal parts aren't installed on the new Series 70's. (Colt gets away with that by issuing these from the Custom Shop, though I have no idea why that should make a difference to the lawyers.)

Which one should you buy? Which do you like? The Series 70 hasn't gained any special following with collectors that I ever heard of, though that may change some day of course. So, either should be a fine candidate for a shooter. With a new pistol, you get a factory warranty. With a used one, your protection will depend on the fellow you bought it from, should it prove defective.

[Hawkmoon]

GT6, I don't believe the new Series 70 pistols have the series 80 style hammer. I'm not positive, but it was my understanding that they replicate the original pre-Series 80 fire controls. I know they don't have the firing pin safety and I can't imaging Colt letting the guns out without a capture notch in the absence of the firing pin safety.

To the original question, the current Series 70 pistols are made in the custom shop and are excellent pistols. If you can find a new one for the same price as or less than an older one, I would not hesitate a nanosecond to buy the new one. In fact, due to my legendary distrust of anything pre-owned, I would probably pay up to 10% more to get a new one rather than a used one. It's absolutely astonishing the lengths to which some people will go to mess up what began life as a fine pistol ... and then they sell it for a premium because it has been "enhanced." (cough, cough.)

[wichaka]

TriumphGT6, right you are..........the original Series 70's really don't have much of a following for collections........YET!, but I think its coming. They are the last true solid steel guns that Colt put out.........most of the internals are solid steel, which makes for a great base for a build up without having to get a lot of new parts.

[Dr. Dickie]

GT6, I don't believe the new Series 70 pistols have the series 80 style hammer. I'm not positive, but it was my understanding that they replicate the original pre-Series 80 fire controls. I know they don't have the firing pin safety and I can't imaging Colt letting the guns out without a capture notch in the absence of the firing pin safety.

To the original question, the current Series 70 pistols are made in the custom shop and are excellent pistols. If you can find a new one for the same price as or less than an older one, I would not hesitate a nanosecond to buy the new one. In fact, due to my legendary distrust of anything pre-owned, I would probably pay up to 10% more to get a new one rather than a used one. It's absolutely astonishing the lengths to which some people will go to mess up what began life as a fine pistol ... and then they sell it for a premium because it has been "enhanced." (cough, cough.)

I think you are right Hawkmoon. If I remember correctly my repro Series 70 has a Series 80 firing pin and extractor (just no plunger or lever from the safety system). The Series 70 pistol is a beautiful one, and shoots as good as it looks.
I hear ya on the used, but I have to say I got in my 1991A1 commander and it is as advertised in "excellent" shape. I have a 1978 satin nickel commander coming in later this week and I will post pics and let you know how that one is. I got both from minimum on-line bids. ;)

[OneJaggedHole]

I just purchased a new 70 series repro a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't be more pleased. The new 70 repro does not have an 80 series slide. it is a True 70 series slide. There is no place for any of the safety pieces.

[TriumphGT6]

The new 70 repro does not have an 80 series slide...There is no place for any of the safety pieces.

That's cool, I stand corrected. I have been shooting a new Series 70 for about a year now and I agree, it's a fine pistol. Mine does not, however, have a half-cock notch. It has a Series 80-type hammer, which will drop from the not-a-halfcock-notch when the trigger's pulled. I also forgot that the original Series 70's could be had in blued or nickel plated carbon steel, while the new ones come in stainless or blued carbon.

I apologize for spreading misinformation about the slide; I was repeating what others have said and have now administered the dope slap.

Wichaka, what, other than the grip panels, isn't steel? Everything on my (blued carbon) model reacts to a magnet, including the MSH and trigger.

[Doug Casner]

Boy, The climate around here sure has changed. I couldnt get my old series 70 gold cup to shoot. Tried different loads finally got on here and said I was gonna trade. Alot of guys about had a cow. They said thet would buy my pistol if I wanted to get rid of it. The new ones are stamped instead of machined. Had a new barrel and bushing put in. Shoots as good as I can hold it now, with the right load. Doug

[wichaka]

Wichaka, what, other than the grip panels, isn't steel? Everything on my (blued carbon) model reacts to a magnet, including the MSH and trigger.


They are still steel..........just that the new ones have more cast parts than solid barstock stuff like the originals.

But I would still take one over anything else........

[OD*]

Mine has the Series 80 hammer and the 10mm cut-out of the frame rail. A lot depends on whether or not you buy an early issue or a later one.

[ranch704]

Thanks guys for the great info--with the article that i downloaded and other comments i now have the right info to make an informed decision---maybe buying both would ge a good idea???
One other thing--are the collet bushings on the vintage guns interchangeable with solid bushings on the repro guns???I have a 70 series GC nat match with the collet bushing and would like to get a spare!!!!

Thanks again Tom

[RandyColt]

I have several original Series 70 pistolas and I would not trade any of them even-up for a new Series 70. Not that they are more valuable, just something about the fit and finish and feel that I like. I have one that I know has well over 25,000 through it with no problems, not even the the collet bushing. I will probably buy a new Series 70 SS GM when I find a good clean used one at the right price.

[OJ]

Dunno about the new ones but, the "old" ones hold up pretty well. ;)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/kmastf/P3130001A.jpg

:D :D

[NickF]

Thanks for starting this thread as I have a Colt Series 70 repro and appreciate reading what others have to say.

Also, the article was great reading, and although I held my breath at first, was pleased to find that it was a good review.

While I like the Colt mags, I did pick up a couple of Wilson Combats for it.

Anyway, here's a picture:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/nfalcone1/0002.jpg

[Joni Lynn]

I would probably go with the new production series 70.
Doug I'm glad your GC is shooting to your expectations now.
Remember, you can never have too many 1911's! ;)

[DReed]

Wouldn't trade my original for a copy either.

Here's a Pic


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/OState77/18754N70D.jpg

[Doug Casner]

Thanks Joni, Mr. Rodgers made er shoot. Bob said he liked the old series 70 because they had more machined parts. He put a cart barrel and bushing in it said the factory trigger was good, told me a load with 231 and 200 cast bullets. Shoots as good as I can hold it now. I didnt buy it to collect anyway. So if all the parts arent colt it doesnt matter to me. Doug

[dakota1911]

I would vote for the new one also if you can't buy both.

I do buy used guns, but I am lucky that the gunstore I use for that purpose has a 30 day return policy and they have a couple gunsmiths on staff who check and test fire the guns they get used before putting them in the case, although a grey area exists with old and out of production NIB guns, but they sell few of those.

I think I would want to tear it down and replace the springs in an old pistol. Also, when I bought a real mod 70 in 74 I didn't think about having the ejection port opened and new sights put on it in addition to a flat mainspring housing and new grips. Some of those things are easily reversible and some are not. I would shoot an older gun but I don't know if I would do anything to it that would not be easily reversible.

Some of this is I think the collector value of some of the 70's and 80's series guns is increasing starting with special issues and rare models like the Commander Gold Cups plus low production calibers.