Question for the Colt experts

[rnjj1219]

If you were to purchase the complete package Colt used for range, home defense and the occasional carry weapon with the thoughts of someday having custom work done to it would you go with a NIB Series 70, NIB Series 80 or NIB WWI Repro?

To add to the difficulty of the decision let's throw in the factor you only have money for one pistol - so no purchasing one for custom work and one as a safe queen.

[elijdub]

Well i'm no expert ;), but given the choice between the three you posted i'd choose the Series 70, so long as you're refering to the current production model "NIB" (Repro, replica, whathaveyou), and NOT an out of production, original Series 70, NIB Colt.

If you had been refering to the older model Colt, i'd recommend the Series 80 for your purposes, no question. Personally i think the WWI is just perfect "as is" and wouldn't want to customize it....though i can understand why other's might. Mtngnrs WWI is a perfect example: http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=38385

Now, opening up the floor to other options...? If you had added the option of a Series 80 Commander (along with the three you listed), that'd be my pick. ..I'll try not to muddy the waters any more ;).

[rnjj1219]

To clear the muddy waters it would be a NIB current production Series 70 and I like your idea of the Series 80 Commander however I've convinced myself that my first 1911 should be a full size 5".

[auto45]

No expert either, but I have both series of Colts.

At the same or similiar price between the series 70 and WWI model, I'd go WWI. That's just me and "looks"...and I'd have no trouble "carving" it up to suit me...because your(I'm) buying it as a shooter.

For a shooter, cost-wise, the series 80 is a much "better buy" IMO, if you have no "problem" with FP safeties.

I'm "cheap" though ;) , so it depends. If I'm looking at a series 80 at $750 in the case and a WWI at $1000+...I'm taking the series 80.

If the WWI is $850 give or take...I'm probably standing at the counter with a "dumb look" on my face not knowing what to do! :D

[Hawkmoon]

Once you throw in the possibility of carry, I'm firmly of the opinion that the Commander is the ideal form factor for carry. I also think it balances better (for me, anyway) than a Government. I don't like the modern "stuff" on the XSE series, so my choice would have to be a 1991 Commander. Normally I prefer blued, but for carry stainless would be less prone to rust.

[1911New_User]

Ok guys,i also have a dilemma.What i thought i was buying was a 70 series but it turned out to be a 80 series.So now my question,i wanted a 70 series but a mix up,my fault and their fault,this one was in a box that said 70 series.Without going into detail they said they will make it right and exchange it so now my problem.I can get the colt series 70 nib like i want or keep what i bought,colt gold cop trophy model.The problem is i kinda like this one due to the wide trigger which is smooth,combat hammer and grip safety but it isnt a 70.If i exchanged it for the 70 series then i would have it worked on to get the parts that the 80 already has so it would cost me more money.This will be for home defense and also target shooting but i need some help in my choosing and wife says i need to get what i want so help.
Just sign me confused.

[wichaka]

I would opt for a Commander too............best all around carry/range gun made.

[OD*]

If you're happy with the Colt Gold Cup Trophy Model, I'd keep it, you can always remove the Series 80 parts if they really bother you.

[elijdub]

I agree with OD*, 1911NewUser. If you like the features of the Gold Cup (which is a very nice gun) i'd stick with it...unless you were looking forward to actually having the gun customized. If that's the case, maybe exchange it. The Series 70 repro is a great "base gun" (among other things) IMO. Either way, you just can't go wrong...they're both NIB Colts ;)!

Back to the thread at hand:
To clear the muddy waters it would be a NIB current production Series 70 and I like your idea of the Series 80 Commander however I've convinced myself that my first 1911 should be a full size 5".
While i think it's important to familiarize yourself with the full-size model (especially having taken an interest in 1911's), i think it's more important to have a carry/defense gun that you're comfortable with. I'd recommend going to your local range, and/or seeing if there's a place that rents guns...the idea being trying out both sizes and determining which is most comfortable for YOU.
For ME, the Commander is the ideal carry gun. I agree with Hawkmoon in that it has the best "balance". Even though i alternate between my Commanders and my OfficerACP (b/c it's just a little bit easier for me to carry, especially in the warmer months), i still have a (very large) soft spot for the Commander. It is, without question, my favorite "size" 1911.

[Joni Lynn]

Of the guns you mention I'd go with the series 70. It's quite well made and a great gun stock or modified.

[dakota1911]

Been there done it. Bought in 1974, modified in 1975, carried, 30K rounds, and it seems to always be around when I need it.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/1911A170_r.jpg

[Hunter]

Since you have the Gold Cup Trophy I would hang on to it. I have one and it serves as an all duty pistol and does it well. The GCT is an excellent pistol.
I would not the let Series 80 parts bother me at all.

[Phil]

If you were to purchase the complete package Colt used for range, home defense and the occasional carry weapon with the thoughts of someday having custom work done to it would you go with a NIB Series 70, NIB Series 80 or NIB WWI Repro?

To add to the difficulty of the decision let's throw in the factor you only have money for one pistol - so no purchasing one for custom work and one as a safe queen.Seems like this original thread got a bit hijacked.

With regard to the original question, I have an Series 80 Govt Model in SS that I bought new in 1988. I'll never part with it. I've carried it, kept on the nightstand, and shot it a lot.

But If I was making the decision right now, I'd opt for the Series 70 Repro in stainless. You really can't hurt the finish, it's a 5" like you want, doesn't have the series 80 parts to fool with, and it's a great-looking gun.

You will probably like it so much that you'll do what I've done with my Series 80 in SS - leave it alone. Just enjoy it bone-stock forever.

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=16261

[mtngunr]

As to the original query, in that situation, I chose the O1911...had mine desharped/rollmarks-leveled/parkerized into a faux WWII reissue....great minimalist snag free carry gun, which is what I use mine for....no huge sights, levers, beavertails, curb feelers or fuzzy dice to poke, prod, or hang....just what I was looking for in a Colt.

[Hawkmoon]

As to the original query, in that situation, I chose the O1911...had mine desharped/rollmarks-leveled/parkerized into a faux WWII reissue....great minimalist snag free carry gun, which is what I use mine for....no huge sights, levers, beavertails, curb feelers or fuzzy dice to poke, prod, or hang....just what I was looking for in a Colt.
NO FUZZY DICE? :scared:

[daveohno]

I really like my O1911, it's one of the better pistols I own. I wish I had bought it with the mind to use it as a range pistol because it's such a well put together pistol. I just bought it because it caught my eye, but it's much more than just a pretty face.

[mtngunr]

NO FUZZY DICE? :scared:

Well, it DOES have one of those little dogs whose head bobs up and down, up and down, but I was trying to avoid mentioning that part.....

[Phil]

Well, it DOES have one of those little dogs whose head bobs up and down, up and down, but I was trying to avoid mentioning that part.....With my old eyes, my sight picture bobs up and down - so I've learned to just bob my head to counteract it. Works (sometimes).......
:lm:

[1911New_User]

....no huge sights, levers, beavertails, or fuzzy dice to poke, or hang....

I dont blame you but when we went to Roswell,NM the wife picked up one of those fuzzy green space men and just had to hang it on her side of my truck.
:eek:

Not to hijack but i have decided to keep the gold cup trophy.It has the smoothest wide trigger,combat hammer and grip safety all of which i like.If i got the 70 government i would spend the money to get it the way i want it.I think i made a good choice and now it's getting time to give it a workout.