used model 1911

[gecollison]

I am looking to purchase my first government model 1911. I am new at this and would appreciate any help. I am looking at a used Colt Mark IV, series 80, government issue, Model # 01070. It is stainless steel. How does this piece compare to a new model 1991 carbon steel? I would appreciate any info you might have on this piece.

[stans]

Some Series 80 pistols were really good and some were among the worst Colt has ever produced, judge each pistol on its own merits. The new pistols seem to be of overall high quality. As to whether I would buy a used Series 80 or a new 1991, I would base the decision on comparing the two side by side and picking the better of the two.

[gecollison]

Thank you. unfortunately I cannot fire the pieces side by side (no range at the store). I will have to bae my deision upon wht info I can gather. The series 80 has a tiny bit of "slop" in the barrel when I push at the chamber. I amalso concerned about stainless steelversus carbon steel.

[stans]

Sloppy fit barrel usually equals mediocre accuracy.

[Wes Janson]

The Gun Digest Guide to the 1911 has a section on buying used 1911s; the author's comments on the barrel test mentioned was that while expected, he didn't think it really tells much about the quality and accuracy. Who knows.. Good book though.

[gecollison]

Thanks for the input. Does anyone have any comments concerning the carbon steel vs stainless steel issue?

[wichaka]

If you're worried about holster wear, marks, etc., then go with stainless. Or you live in a humid area..........go with stainless.

Another advantage with SS is if you do upgrades to the gun, you won't have to worry about re-finishing.

[John]

First of all, carbon steel or stainless steel is not an issue. They usually are of comparable quality, at least in Colt's toys. As Wichaka said, if you live in wet climate, or your perspiration is caustic get stainless. The ability to do things without needing reblueing is also a factor for me here, but may not be for you in US.

Also, for those who do not read M1911.ORG and prefer other sites as references (like Wes :-) ) there are several articles on what to look for, when buying a 1911, in the "Technical Issues" forum here. Have a look.

Rgds

[Wes Janson]

Wha-wha?? ;) Hey, today I got to meet Roger Sigman from STI, and handle some of his race guns. Dammmmned nice. Trigger pull in the ounces...tolerances unbelievably perfect. Incredible thing, to meet and talk to someone who knows these guns so amazingly well.

[Hawkmoon]

As noted, stainless vs. carbon steel is a matter of personal preference, not a matter of quality.

One thing you may wish to research more, if you're new to the 1911 world, is just what a Series 80 is. The Series 80 incorporates some additional firing pin safety gixmos (technical term) in the slide that many 1911 pistoleros don't care for. Once you study up on the extra bits, what they do and how they do it, you may decide to look for a nice Series 70 instead.

[John]

Yes, and then the question is how much you will be asked for a Series 70 one.

Get the Series 80 and invest a few cents to the Brownells plate that replaces the firing pin safety mechanism. This is of course, if the rest of the pistol is in good shape.

Rgds

[gecollison]

decided to go with a new colt government model 1911 stainless steel. Thanks for everybodies input.

[Troy Tedder]

I have been waiting for something I really know about. Carbon vs Stainless.
1st the benefits of carbon, there is a reason that wilson combat, Ed brown and other custom gun makers perfer carbon steel. They can get tighter tolerances with carbon than stainless. Carbon does not wear as much or as easily as stainless. When two pieces of carbon steel wear or rub together they actually produce a smooth spot where they meet, put some oil on them and they rub against each other without further removing metal. Much like a piston rings does on the inside of cyclinder on a engine. With proper care a carbon gun last as long if not longer than any gun.
Stainless steel contrary to proper belief will rust, hence the name stainless, it stains less easily than carbon steel. When stainless rubs against another piece of stainless it actually removes metal, very little but it does. That is why many stainless 1911s of the past had a little more play than their blued counterpart. It took steel engineers many years to produce stainless in the form you see it in today. Ask any gunsmith which guns will wear out faster and if he knows his beans he will tell you it is a toss up. With propere care they will both last. As for me I like them both and have both in 1911s, however I think a stainless 1911 is over all more durable.

[gecollison]

Shot my new 1911 today. It was much better than I expected. Glad I decided to go with the Colt.