My 60th birthday present-Series 80

[dogngun]

I found a series 80 full size Colt 1911, what I think of as the Government Model, kind of flat black with rubber factory grips. It's about the cleanest used gun I have ever seen, tiny holster wear at the front of the slide and top of the rear sight blade, looks like it's had maybe a box of ammo through it, if that. $595 & tax.

I asked the shop owner to put it aside for me, will be there Saturday with a downpayment to hold the gun till June when I can pick it up.

It will be my 60th birthday present to myself (I hate surprises).

What's different about the series 80 that makes it a series 80, and how do they stack up ?

I like the sights..seem a little wider than older models, very easy to see.
Also has a very good trigger, and appears all 100% factory stock, not "improved" with lots of aftermarket junk.

Any help or comments on the series 80 guns is appreciated-thanks.
ADDED: Put money on it today...SN is 27732xx, if someone can date it. Thanks again.
mark

[wetidlerjr]

I found a series 80 full size Colt 1911, what I think of as the Government Model, kind of flat black with rubber factory grips. It's about the cleanest used gun I have ever seen, tiny holster wear at the front of the slide and top of the rear sight blade, looks like it's had maybe a box of ammo through it, if that. $595 & tax... What's different about the series 80 that makes it a series 80, and how do they stack up ?...Any help or comments on the series 80 guns is appreciated-thanks.

mark

SEE: SERIES 80 (http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=975)

[Rio Vista Slim]

I asked the shop owner to put it aside for me, will be there Saturday with a downpayment to hold the gun till June when I can pick it up.
Take a camera with you, and post a photograph of your new pistol!

It will be my 60th birthday present to myself (I hate surprises).
Congratulations on your upcoming 60th birthday!!!!!

Bill has provided you with an excellent link to explain the Series 80 pistols.

[swampthang]

Happy B-Day

[Mick_In_Texas]

...there's nothing wrong with the firing pin block in the slide on a Colt's Series 80. It's a concession to the state of California's hammer drop test. My two Springfields don't have it, the two Rock Island Armory's I've bought (one mine, one gifted to my dad) don't have it, two out of four of my Colt's have it: my 38 Super Government Model, and my 1991A1. My USGI 1911 from 1918, and my WWI Repro Model, of course, do not. Colt's makes a fine firearm. Congratulations on your choice!

Don't worry about it too much. No, it's not "original"; but all my Colt's, and my Ruger P90, which also has a firing pin block in the slide, similar to Colt's Series 80 1911 platforms, are 100% functional and reliable. I can live with that, easier than I could live with my two Springer's ILS locks in their mainspring housings (the part on the back of the grip of a 1911 platform, on the bottom, underneath the grip safety).

Sir, if this is your first 1911 platform... you will be WELL-PLEASED with the Colt's brand, the platform. A 1911 platform is the BEST handgun I've ever handled, shot, carried, field-stripped and cleaned, or had... and I've had many. If you love handguns, and semi-automatic pistols, and the .45 ACP, as I do, sir, you are going to be one happy birthday boy!

Welcome to the club, sir. And this is a GREAT place to learn about this viable, but venerable, and very functional pistol platform. Glad to have you, sir.

Y'all take care.
Mick

[jeff1124]

I have several series 80 style Colts, no problems whatsoever in the trigger group area of any of them! You WILL enjoy it!! 60, man your getting old, oops, I'm going to be 55 later this year! Oh well, At least I can eat off the cheaper over 55 menu at the restaurant! ;)

[Mick_In_Texas]

You and dogngun don't feel bad... hit 53 last month, myself. Do we get a DISCOUNT on GUNS, too??? LoL...

Y'all take care.
Mick

[dakota1911]

After the above posts could I say more other than Happy Birthday!!! And many happy returns. Returns with more Colt 1911s even.

[gottripletsNC]

You and dogngun don't feel bad... hit 53 last month, myself. Do we get a DISCOUNT on GUNS, too??? LoL...

Y'all take care.
Mick

I'll be 33 this year Mick hah

[Mick_In_Texas]

I'll be 33 this year Mick hah

...restaurants OR guns discount, LOL!!!

Seriously I look and feel younger than I am. Age is a number. 33, 43, 53, 23... we're all on this orb together. I take it you and your wife have triplets from your nick; that is cool... and GOOD. We are all good citizens of the world, here, and we all LOVE good guns and especially the 1911 platform. It works. JMB got it right. Single or with family, I can't think of a better weapon to help defend a family!

Although, in deference and honor to your wife in restaurants... any couple which has had triplets, ought to get SOME discount!!! Especially your WIFE... LoL!!!

Sir, you and yours take care and be safe.
Mick

[Barry in IN]

Although, in deference and honor to your wife in restaurants... any couple which has had triplets, ought to get SOME discount!!!

If their kids behave half as badly as ours in restaraunts, they RAISE the prices to keep them out!

Dogngun-
Happy birthday...when it comes.

[gottripletsNC]

Triplet girls, will be 4 on Wednesday, and one of them already knows what the receiver, butt, bolt and muzzle on a long gun is, and told me the other day that that thing (pointed at a magazine) goes in the butt. This was while I was cleaning one of my 1911's.

I was proud...
Lots of estrogen in my house...

And yes my wife can shoot my 1911, but prefers the snubby, but I got something coming that she will really like I think.

[gottripletsNC]

If their kids behave half as badly as ours in restaraunts, they RAISE the prices to keep them out!

Dogngun-
Happy birthday...when it comes.

Well its a sorry frog that won't pad his own pond, so I gotta brag, but my kids are really well behaved in public, now at the house its a different story. And the restaraunt we frequent has free buffet for 3 and under, and mine turn 3 in a few days, so we are taking advantage up to the last minute.

[OD*]

Happy Birthday, Mark. Nice choice in weapons. http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

[OD*]

there's nothing wrong with the firing pin block in the slide on a Colt's Series 80. It's a concession to the state of California's hammer drop test.
Nope, can't blame California for Colt's Series 80 firing pin block, Mick. The Series 80 pistols were introduced more than 25 years (1983) before California implemented the drop test just a couple years ago.

[clughog]

Can't wait to see pictures of your new Colt, Mark. And "Happy Birthday"...that's a perfect present for yourself. I'm right behind ya...I'll be 60 in November. Guess I'll start hinting at a Colt for my birthday, too!

[Joni Lynn]

Congrats on the Colt. The firing pin block usually isn't any problem. 3 or so of my guns have it and only one has it removed so far.
Enjoy it! Stay safe.

[jeff1124]

I'll be 33 this year Mick hah

Gosh, 33 with triplets, if ya could double that, it would be 666, now THAT would be scary! :scared: :scared: :scared: :scared: :scared: :(

[Mick_In_Texas]

Nope, can't blame California for Colt's Series 80 firing pin block, Mick. The Series 80 pistols were introduced more than 25 years (1983) before California implemented the drop test just a couple years ago.

My P90 was the only other pistol, prior to my love of the 1911 platforms... that had it. I figured no one would modify JMB's original, without a reason versus an excuse...

'Course, I work for a state of Texas agency, and we're known internally for fixin' stuff that ain't broke. Shame really. I do love it that my Springers, me and my dad's Rocks, and two of four of my Colt's DON'T have the Series 80 features. But, either way, never had a misfeed, malfunction, failure to eject, or misfire, with my 38 Super Govt or my O1991A1, or the others. I don't think it hurts anything... it's just not original on the M1911 or M1911A1. My P90's NEVER had a prob with it, either: that gun is as reliable as my 7 1911s, and my Taurus PT92AF, and even my Ruger GP100 and Mossberg 500. I think dogngun, just wondered what it was.

I can live with it, regardless. Colt's, like Ruger, seem to have got it right. Regardless of why. Shame some population have to have "idiot proof" pistols, though. We know how to handle firearms, Series 70 or Series 80, or whatever.

Thanks for this, though, OD*. You and yours and all take care and be safe.
Mick

[OD*]

Why did they add it?
Colt added the first firing pin block safety all the way back in 1937, designed by Colt engineer William L. Swartz. With the outbreak of WWII and Colt's relationship with the military, Colt dropped the Swartz safety at the request of the Ordnance Department, who did not want the extras parts in their service pistols, why Colt never reintroduced them, I haven't a clue. So, Colt had been thinking along the lines of the added FP safety for many, many years.

[daveohno]

We were told in class that the firing pin safety was put in the pistols for Mounted Police, them being up so high, if their pistol popped out of the holster, it might discharge when hitting the ground.

[OD*]

We was told in class that the firing pin safety was put in the pistols for Mounted Police, them being up so high, if their pistol popped out of the holster, it might discharge when hitting the ground.
Did they really tell you guys that!?

[daveohno]

Yes. I was surprised myself, but it had something to do with horses, cops and pistols falling out of holsters while mounted and the problem that would cause if a discharge happened. Probably one of the reasons the safety was installed back then.

[OD*]

Cute, that is the first time I've heard that one. ;)
Thanks Dave.

[daveohno]

You know, if you ask 30 people the same question, you get 30 different takes. The guy that told us that, didn't work for Colt at the time Colt did the Series 80, but he did work for Colt before that and is doing the class now, so I would assume that he probably knows. It might have been one of the factors along with the lawyers and their incessent meddling with everything.

[Hunter]

Welcome to the forum and happy birthday! I bough myself a Colt for my birthday too.
There really is something about the Rampant Pony.

[dogngun]

I didn't expect all this response...thanks, everyone.
I have had many 1911's since I bought a Remington-Rand for $170 in 1972, but this will be my first real Colt.
As Joni_Lynn could tell you, I'm mainly a Smith & Wesson guy, and mainly revolvers at that, but this Colt just got my attention (and my money).

My birthday isn't till August, but it's a great excuse to buy this Colt.

Thanks again.

Mark

[Mick_In_Texas]

OD* and dave: wow. I had no idea that the firing pin safety ("Series 80") was in development in the late 1930's, I thought it was something new for the 1970s or 1980s, especially, for the litigation reasons stated in this thread. I haven't had any probs with my "Series 80" pistols, including my Ruger P90: like my 1911s, it's one of the best guns I've ever had. I carried it from 2000 to early 2005, before I got into JMB's 1911 platform. Fires a good round, .45 ACP, any bullet style, and is a 100% reliable gun. So are my 1911s.

dogngun, sir: folks here are very interested in the platform. Sorry I didn't know you'd had experience with the platform prior! I have four Colts, and they are all very, very good guns. Including my old USGI made in late 1918: First Lady. All three of my modern ones, are also good. My WWI Repro, and my 38 Super Government Model, especially. Two of the best guns out of the box I've ever had. The 38 Super was NIB; but found out it'd been in the seller's stock for a while, has to be a pre-1998 production. But, it's a beauty.

I'm sure you're going to LOVE yours with that Rampant Colt on it! Yes, Colt's has had some probs over the years, but mine are all EXCELLENT. The fourth is the O1991A1, I need to shoot it some more. No misfeeds or malfunctions, just curious about the POA on that one. Bluing on it is BEAUTIFUL. Heck, I reckon my O1911 could've been an early Bday present to myself; got it in March... my Bday in April!

Y'all take care and be safe.
Mick

[OD*]

Mick,

The old Colt/Swartz safety isn't the same as the Series 80 safety, they are two different types of safeties. The Colt Series 80 is deactivated by pulling the trigger, the Swartz is deactivated by the grip safety. S&W, Kimber and possibly some other use the Swartz type, Colt, Para and Taurus use the Series 80 type.

Series 80
http://mysite.verizon.net/od45/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/series80safety.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rtset/45samp6.jpg

Swartz type
http://mysite.verizon.net/od45/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/kimbersafety.jpg

The 38 Super was NIB; but found out it'd been in the seller's stock for a while, has to be a pre-1998 production.
Have you called Colt with the serial number?

[Mick_In_Texas]

This is amazing and interesting. Thank you for sharing the diagrams!

Seems the firing-pin block has grown its own legend within the lore and history of the platform... kind of fascinating to me. dogngun, what'd I tell you, sir??? There are folks here who are extremely knowledgeable about not only current models, but the entire history and development of the platform... I know a little, they know a lot.

I'm glad dogngun has had experience with the platform, too! My first pistols were Italian-made Berettas, I just loved them, extremely well-made, reliable, functional. Back in the early 80's, Smith made an excellent revolver; their semi-autos were a little dicey sometimes. They fixed them, back in the mid-80s. I don't know what model it is, but my dad has my step-grandfather's on my mother's side's old LEO Smith .38 Special, in a USGI holster... it's still a good gun. I had the 686 in a 6" barrel, excellent revolver. My Ruger GP100, though, is built like a TANK. It'll definitely handle .357 Mag, or .38 Special +Ps.

Back on thread topic, all: dogngun, I think you will LOVE the Colt's 1911 platform. The majority of mine are Colt's. They've all been excellent so far; the WWI Repro is a BEAUTIFUL gun, as is my USGI 1911, and my 38 Super and 1991A1.

OD*: nosir, I haven't tried to "date" the Super... I called Colt's when I got my O1991 about the blue warranty card, and the woman in customer service said they had offered a limited lifetime warranty without registration since, I think, the 1998 production year. Everything on my 38 was there; still wrapped in the oily plastic bag, all that. Although it's stainless finish. Certainly a fine arm, and it's very, very accurate. I was really astounded at it, first rounds I put through it after a quick field strip and oiling (Colt's ships them pretty dry, it seems, having bought three new ones in the past year)... Excellent caliber, as well, but awfully fast and "small" for the apartment. I still prefer .45 ACP over anything else... I've carried the 38 Super on one or two photography runs out in the back roads of Brazos and Robertson Counties, it's not a "safe queen", but, by golly, mostly I'm a .45 kinda guy anymore. I sure don't want to ever get rid of it, though... It's historic in re: the caliber. I've got 7 other .45s, counting my P90 Ruger and six 1911 platforms, counting First Lady, my 1918 USGI. I still keep my Taurus 9 and my GP100. 12 gauge Mossberg, too. Variety's the spice of shooting life, huh??? LOL...

But I love my .45s, and I love my Colt's as much as any guns I've ever had or have. Since the first 1911 platform I ever handled and cleaned was an old Mark IV Government, a work buddy's that he let me borrow when I was hankerin' for a 1911 a couple of years ago, I guess Colt's was kinda my... touchstone as far as the "45 Automatic". I just didn't think I could afford them. Funny now, because I have 4; and my FIRST Colt's was an authentic USGI 1911 from mid to late 1918 production. There you go. Full circle: got the 38, the 1991, and the fourth was the 1911 WWI Repro. Lucky to have gotten the first and the fourth for what I did, too, I'm thankful... Hah!

The Series 70 Repro sure is calling my name, softly... softly... my wallet and bank account are in recovery right now. But between the Series 70 Repro, and a Springer GI45 in stainless... the Repro is whispering just a little bit louder... We'll see...

dogngun, you be safe and take care, and enjoy! And all y'all...
Mick

[OD*]

Mick,

I would call Colt with the serial number, I would bet what you got was a prepackaged owners packet, Colt wasn't even offering your model pistol in 1998, the new rollmarkings began about circa 2002, IIRC .

The Lifetime Service Agreement applies to firearms manufactured after 1996 (that's what's stated on their web site).

LIMITATIONS
This agreement will not apply to your Colt firearm when it is altered, abused, willfully damaged or damaged by overpressure ammunition. Moreover, this agreement will not apply to those parts of your Colt firearm which have been “tuned” or “gunsmithed” for performance other than customized tuning and other services provided by Colt Custom Gun Shop.
This agreement is not transferable; its benefits apply only to the original retail purchaser for firearms manufactured after 1996.

[Mick_In_Texas]

Mick,

I would call Colt with the serial number, I would bet what you got was a prepackaged owners packet, Colt wasn't even offering your model pistol in 1998, the new rollmarkings began about circa 2002, IIRC .

The Lifetime Service Agreement applies to firearms manufactured after 1996 (that's what's stated on their web site).

Maybe 1996 was it... I'll try to call Colt's with my S/N this coming week. On my 38 Super Govt Model, I sent the blue card off to them. My O1991 and O1911 didn't have them. The O1991 was the one that got me to calling...

My 38 Super's a good pistol, though. Danged reliable and accurate out to 25 yds at least! Heckuva muzzle flash, with the ".38 Super +P" FMJ, but, very flat trajectory, very manageable. Trying to remember, it may "kick"--felt recoil--a little more than my.45s; but seems all 1911s climb a bit up and to the right. 38 Super, or my other .45s. No real problem, when you know it and can practice and compensate for it. All pistols and revolvers have their personalities.

Thank you for this. I'll let y'all know what I find out, Sir.
Mick