Series 70 / Series 80 / 1991 Series ???

[Hawkmoon]

I encountered a person on another forum who wants to buy a 1911 for his father. He's looking to buy new, but wants something as close as possible to what his father carried as a GI in Vietnam. I, along with several other people, suggested to him the Springfield GI replicas and the Colt WW2 replica. I also sent him here for more info, but I don't see any indication that he has posted.

He PMd me through the other site to comment that he couldn't find the WW2 model on the Colt web site, and he asked if the Series 70 is what he should be looking at. I checked, and sure enough, Colt's web site is copyright 2003 and does not specifically mention the WW2 replica, although it does reference the WW1 replica.

However, in the course of doing this research I confused myself still more. Mechanically, I sort of understand the difference between a Series 70 and a Series 80 -- at least enough to know that I do NOT want a Series 80. I am, however, still looking to buy a Commander (or someone's Commander-size clone, but most of the clones seem to have 4" barrels rather than 4-1/4"). The Colt website does not list a 4-1/4" barrel version under the Series 70 section.

They do list two Commanders under the 1991 series (one blue, one stainless). The specs do not describe the action in detail. The question: Are the 1991-series pistols Series 70 or Series 80? If Series 80 mechanically, does anyone know if Colt currently manufactures/offers any Commander-sized pistols that are mechanically series 70?

Thanks.

[wichaka]

Hawkmoon, the 1991's still have the Series 80 guts. The only Colt pitolas made now that don't have the '80's guts are the new series 70's and the WW I replica.

So your answer would be .......no. They do not make any commanders that are true 70's gun.

BUT.......you may want to check with Colt to see if they make the Commander under the New Series 70 designator. I've been asked this question many times, and I've not found the time to get the answer. But now I will this next week.........unless someone else beats me to it.

[Hawkmoon]

BUT.......you may want to check with Colt to see if they make the Commander under the New Series 70 designator. I've been asked this question many times, and I've not found the time to get the answer. But now I will this next week.........unless someone else beats me to it.
If you get an answer, please let me know. I am currently outside of CONUS for a couple of months, so the 800 phone number for Colt is useless for me, and their web site does not list an e-mail contact address. If you have the time and the inclination to give them a call, please do so. I'd settle for about any Commander-sized 1911 from Colt, but ideally it would be it would be a very basic, bare bones model with traditional side grooves, Commander/combat hammer, and minimal beavertail, as I want it for concealed carry. No frills, just a reliable gun.

[Cameron]

I know you said you didn't want a Series 80 Commander but I would suggest that you reconsider. I purchased a 1991 Colt Commander that has been amazingly reliable. I use mine, and have no problem at all, with the Series 80 parts but if you really didn't like them you could simply take them out.

I paid $599 for this about 6 months ago.

1991 Series 80 Colt's Commander Model
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/cameronpersonal/Colt/ColtsCommanderModel.jpg

With it's big brother.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/cameronpersonal/Colt/ColtsRightNOSNsmall.jpg


Now having two series 80 Colts and nearly 10,000 between them, without a single failure to feed, fire or extract, I am sold on the reliability of the Series 80 parts.

BTW Colt does not, at this time, produce a Commander without the Series 80 parts.

Regards,
Cameron

[canuck]

Cameron those are great looking pistols, I know people think the new Colts aren't reliable but then I hear reports like yours.I certainly would have one if I could buy for 599 up here in Canada!

[stans]

The Colt firing pin safety system is pretty simple and seems reliable. I just don't think a firing pin safety is really necessary on a properly built and maintained 1911. As to the original question, the closest thing to a WW II issue 1911-A1 is Springfield's GI WW II pistol, with the exception of the ILS mainspring housing (easily replaced with a genuine or reproduction part) and the stocks are usually wood and emblazened with "U.S.", also easily replaced.

[John]

Hawkmoon,

Don't be put off, by the series 80 internals, and do not believe what you hear about bad triggers etc. on Series 80. I know from experience. And if you want, the whole S80 parts can be replaced with a small plate sold by Brownells for less than 1 US$. If Colt is building what you are looking for, externaly, the internals (S80 parts) are of small importance.

Rgds

[Hawkmoon]

I know you said you didn't want a Series 80 Commander but I would suggest that you reconsider. I purchased a 1991 Colt Commander that has been amazingly reliable. I use mine, and have no problem at all, with the Series 80 parts but if you really didn't like them you could simply take them out.

Now having two series 80 Colts and nearly 10,000 between them, without a single failure to feed, fire or extract, I am sold on the reliability of the Series 80 parts.

BTW Colt does not, at this time, produce a Commander without the Series 80 parts.

Regards,
Cameron
Yes, I know that I could buy a series 80 and convert it. In the event I might ever use the gun for the purpose intended (self-defense carry pistol) I might then be faced with explaining in court why I had modified my gun by removing a safety device included by the manufacturer. I'd rather buy a gun that doesn't have it to avoid that potential pitfall.