Colt question

[Tedfs]

Colt's web site isn't much help so I might as well ask here.

Does Colt currently make a full size, 70 series with 3 dot sights and a beaver tail grip safety ? Blue or stainless doesn't matter I'm just seeing what's out there for a future purchase. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the 80 series but if given a choice I'd rather not deal with it. Plus it would save time fitting parts and rebluing.

If they don't have a model like this currently, my other option would be to buy a 70 series government and add the features mentioned. If they make one like that already I'd prefer to buy that instead.

I wish Colt would mention which series all of their pistols are on the description page for each one. It would help newer Colt enthusiasts like myself make a purchase decision.

[Joni Lynn]

I don't think they do. I have wanted just about what you are describing..........and I have a stainless 70 parked in a safe. I was thinking of sending it to Novak's for a sight package and maybe a beavertail installation. I already changed out the arched main spring housing and trigger.

[elijdub]

Tedfs, Just so you know, as far as i know, the only 70's series that Colt currently manufactures is the series 70 Reproduction. I think that's why they don't mention the series' when they list their guns on their site (all the others bein' series 80's). I'm a relative Colt newbie myself.
Seems like your best bet would be to do as you suggested: buy a series 70 and modify it's sights and GS. That'd be a cool gun. I'd like a 70's Commander with that same set-up (plus a de-horn, and front-strap serrations of some variety).
Good luck

[Tedfs]

That's too bad, I was hoping they offered something along those specs. Bet they would sell fairly well if they did offer something along those lines.

I'd just hate to buy the 70 series government and then spend a few months making it the way I want it. Doing the modifications doesn't bother me too much it's just the waiting I guess. ;)

[Joni Lynn]

Novak's has a fairly fast turn around time on sight installations. (that's if you like their sights)

[TNPara]

Could someone explain the differences in the 70 vs 80 series for a newbie? Which is the most similar to models produced currently by the major manufacturers? What are the advantages/disadvantages of the two versions? Thanks

[Hunter]

The Series 70 uses a collet barrel bushing and an accursizer barrel without a firing pin block.
The Series 80 uses a solid barrel bushing and has the firing pin block.
I believe Para is the only other manufacturer that uses the Colt Series 80 firing pin block. Kimber and S&W uses a Swartz safety actuated by the grip safety instead of the trigger.
Some prefer the Series 70 designed Colts because of the no firing pin block. The current Series 70 repo uses a solid bushing and no firing pin safety.

[cameroni]

The Series 70 uses a collet barrel bushing and an accursizer barrel without a firing pin block.
The Series 80 uses a solid barrel bushing and has the firing pin block.
I believe Para is the only other manufacturer that uses the Colt Series 80 firing pin block. Kimber and S&W uses a Swartz safety actuated by the grip safety instead of the trigger.
Some prefer the Series 70 designed Colts because of the no firing pin block. The current Series 70 repo uses a solid bushing and no firing pin safety.

Looks like I have remedial reading to do regarding the S80 vs.Swartz; I have the big 3 now(70/80/Swartz);so of course I'll dissect and inspect til I get into trouble then read the stickys.

One point I would like to have been aware of sooner regarding basic Colt anatomy is the full-frame rail vs.the cut-out frame. Not a big deal to some;maybe to others.

I've been shooting an original S70 GC with collet bushing/accurized bbl./an extra spring somewhere;it's easier for me to assemble than the S80;but I ain't too slick on either(SLOW).

Glad nobody can see me working on my guns :o On the other hand I'd love to see an experienced gunsmith/gunny/armorer maintaining all types of 1911s. I'm sure I would gladly accept the "IDIOT" award for the forseeable future. Now I remember seeing the CD-ROM gunsmithing ads.....hmm.

The tiny bit I know about 1911 maintenance:you shouldn't have to force anything(except maybe a very tight bbl. bushing);get a strong air compressor,become the lube,and research "idiot scratch" exhaustively.

'Course there's a whole 'nother lot more :brand,model,ammo,magazine,finish,sights,holsters,cleaning,lubeing,"upgradeing",accurizing,eye and ear protection...and that's just for us gear heads.

Actually using the pistol safely and efficiently requires a more "Col.Cooper" wisdom that can only come from repetition/muscle memory, general knowledge and respect for your chosen firearm, and what some might call basic intent or "the force".

I guess I can lump Series 90 in somewhere above?

This entire forum/website is my "sticky".

"...carry it always." is very good advice.

In Gratitude,

mike

[Ogie]

The Series 70 uses a collet barrel bushing and an accursizer barrel without a firing pin block.
The Series 80 uses a solid barrel bushing and has the firing pin block.
I believe Para is the only other manufacturer that uses the Colt Series 80 firing pin block. Kimber and S&W uses a Swartz safety actuated by the grip safety instead of the trigger.
Some prefer the Series 70 designed Colts because of the no firing pin block. The current Series 70 repo uses a solid bushing and no firing pin safety.

If I am not mistaken there is no collet bushing on the Series 70 Repro though.

I believe the SIG GSR uses the Series 80 firing pin block.

[Hunter]

You are correct.
The current Series 70 repo uses a solid bushing and no firing pin safety.

[Ogie]

You are correct.

Oops! Sorry!

[OD*]

I believe the SIG GSR uses the Series 80 firing pin block.
You're correct.

[OD*]

The Series 80 uses a solid barrel bushing and has the firing pin block.
The Series 80s used the collet bushing and an accusizer barrel up to around 1988/9 (maybe later) also, Hunter. The exception being the stainless Colt's with the Ultimate Finish.

[dakota1911]

Colt is first grade. For second grade we will go over and try and figure out the whole Kimber line and its history.