Colt WWI Replica or Series 70

[iunderpressure]

This is my first post on this forum, but i've been reading in the forum for awhile. I have always wanted a 1911 because of their feel in my hand and the history behind them. I'm in law enforcement, so I'm looking for something to carry off duty or with a suit. I'm pretty sure I want a full size 5'' gun, but I was not sure about how easy it would be to carrying a full size 1911 concealed. I have looked at the other brands. I really like how sig doesn't use MIM parts, but their slides aren't true to a 1911. I keep finding myself coming back and looking at colts. I really like the history and trueness of the WWI replica, but wasn't sure how it would stand up to being an every day carry gun. So, I'm asking what do you all think would be the best gun for me? Stainless or Blued? Is a 5'' gun workable for carry? What can i expect to pay for the WWI or Series 70? Does colt have a law enforcement officer discount price on their guns? If you think there is a better gun for me, I'm open to anything. Thanks, iunderpressure

[Rich-D]

In so far as size, it is a matter of personal preference. My favorite carry gun is my 3" Colt Agent. I personally have a difficult time concealing a 5" and carrying all of the weight. I am a thin 150lbs. Plus I work in a very close quarters situation, where there is sometimes only a matter of a few inches between me and the crowd.

On the other side of the coin. The 5" is a more powerful, accurate firearm and also known to be the most reliable of 1911's. Some folks settle on a 4.25" Commander length for carry.

Bud's already low prices are discounted for Law Enforcement Officers. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21

If you decide on a Colt Agent I know a source that is only $735 plus $20 in shipping.

Also check out, http://www.galleryofguns.com/GunLocator/locatorstart.asp
They will provide you with the exact pricing by FFL's in or near your zip code.

Of the two choices you present, I would chose the series 70 for CCW purposes.


Rich

[JustinTime]

Out of the two choices you've given us I truly believe a Stainless series 70 reproduction is the better choice for an every day carry/work firearm. That is just my opinion though.

I like rich carry a 3" Colt New Agent sometimes but usually I have my 4.25" Colt Gunsite CCO with me.

[Rio Vista Slim]

iunderpressure,
Welcome to the forum! We are more than glad to have you as a member. :)

As my good friends Rich-D and JustinTime have pointed out, of your two initial choices I would go with the current production Series 70.

As my sign-on name implies, I am slight of build too. While I can carry a Series 70 concealed, I prefer to use a Commander model. Colt has been producing these for 60 years, during which time these models have gained a reputation for accuracy and reliability. While the virtues of the Series 70 are well documented, you should expand your list to include the Commanders. That .75 inch difference in barrel length really makes a difference in ease of carry.

Once again, glad to have you aboard!

[Hawkmoon]

Out of the two choices you've given us I truly believe a Stainless series 70 reproduction is the better choice for an every day carry/work firearm. That is just my opinion though.

I like rich carry a 3" Colt New Agent sometimes but usually I have my 4.25" Colt Gunsite CCO with me.
I agree with Justin. Of the two you mention, the Series 70 in stainless would IMHO be the better carry weapon. However, for off-duty carry I think a Combat Commander is a better platform. The 1991 is available as a Commander, in either blued or stainless.

[elijdub]

I agree 100% with above advice: I too have a difficult time carrying a 5" gun (5'10", 160lbs) and usually carry a Commander (though i alternate between that and an OfficerACP--3.6" barrel). The subtraction of the .75 inches really makes a difference for me, and i prefer the overall "feel" and balance of this model (not to mention, aeshtetics...i like the "look").

Of the two you mentioned, i agree with those above and the Series 70 would be my carry gun of choice. The WWI is an excellent gun, and is carried by more than a few members of this forum.... Which brings up another point: for those that carry sub-5" 1911's, there are equally as many who stick with a 5" model. It really depends on your "build" and personal preference. It took me a while to realize how much more comfortable a Commander is for me.

Oh, and i think all guns should be "blue"...personal preference.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your purchase!

[TattooPaul]

Were I in your place, I think a full-size 5 incher might be a bit much to carry concealed over time; especially with smaller, exceptionally accurate alternatives available. A Commander size would be a great in-between choice unless you go fully compact with a Defender or New Agent (both great options).

I would agree with the others that the stainless 70 Series is a great way to go if you're heart is set on a full-size 1911. If local laws prohibit pistols without a firing pin safety the 1991 in stainless would fit the bill just the same. The WWI isn't well suited to your needs for several reasons. The Carbonia finish won't last with daily concealed carry and the throwback sights are not well suited to quick sight aquisition, particularly in low-light situations. They are very narrow and there is a reason why they improved them for WWII. It's a beautiful pistol; no doubt, as I look at mine right now, but it's a collectable (should you choose) or one to take to the range on occasion.

Just my 2¢… Good luck and enjoy your shopping!

[M2HB]

Some really good advice has been given. Concealing a Gov't Model isn't easy, but it can be done. It is more accurate and reliable. For durability the SS version of the Series 70 is probably your best choice. However, if it were me and I was leaning toward the SS Series 70, I would go the next step and buy the XSE.

[clughog]

Welcome to the forum, iunderpressure! My opinions:

What do you all think would be the best gun for me? Defender.

Stainless or Blued? Stainless.

Is a 5'' gun workable for carry? Sure, but I'd look at the Commander or the 3" Defender/New Agent (I don't belive reliability is an issue with the short barrels on the new Colts).

What can i expect to pay for the WWI or Series 70? Around $900 for the WWI, around $800 for the Series 70. Just a guess, prices vary around the country.

Does colt have a law enforcement officer discount price on their guns? Not sure, but a lot of the local distributors offer LE folks their dealer prices.

If you think there is a better gun for me, I'm open to anything. Nothing's better than a Colt! And, yes, I'm biased.

Enjoy your quest!

[TattooPaul]

With the XSE, of which I have one, you do have the extra width of the ambi-safety - though that could be changed. One big plus to the XSE is the white dot sights. They help me tremendously but, again, compromise size a bit.

[BHP Fan]

''I really like the history and trueness of the WWI replica...'' me too.I'm NOT in LE,so concealed carry is not that big a piority for me,but let me tell you this.In twenty,even ten years,you are going to be hateing life if you don't buy that WWI.What a piece of collectable history,and,for this brief moment in time ,available to us schmoes.If I could only afford one gun,that's what I'd buy,then get a Taurus stainless snubby for concealment.

[TattooPaul]

The WWI is a gorgeous must-have Colt but in terms of what your initial desire of concealed carry it isn't made for that as well as others. After you get what you need for your carry purpose I, too, say add a WWI Repro if at all possible but I wouldn't recommend it for your CC pistol.

Of course, once your mind is made up and you have your choice in hand - pictures are mandatory! :D

[DENDEN]

Good luck in making your choice. If you pick a Colt you certainly won't go wrong. I alternate a New Agent, Defender and Officer's ACP for CCW. Favorite is the OACP. Unfortunately they are not currently being produced - but they are available on the internet sources.

[iunderpressure]

Thanks for all the replies. Does colt make a more compact version of the series 70, and what kind of sights are on the series 70? Are they usable? Does anyone have good close up pictures of the series 70?

[ColtCustom45]

Does colt make a more compact version of the series 70,

No they don't, the next choice would be a Commander 1991 Series or XSE Series.

[M2HB]

Thanks for all the replies. Does colt make a more compact version of the series 70, and what kind of sights are on the series 70? Are they usable? Does anyone have good close up pictures of the series 70?
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/pistols.asp
The pictures are not close up, but it is Colt's website.
The Series 70 has small fixed sights that are OK, but not as snag free as the XSE Novak style sights. The XSE is a Series 80 and it sounds as if you prefer the non firing pin block guns. For carry purposes I like the Series 80 better, which the Defender has and it also has the Novak style sights.
Good Luck with your decision.

[elijdub]

Thanks for all the replies. Does colt make a more compact version of the series 70, and what kind of sights are on the series 70? Are they usable? Does anyone have good close up pictures of the series 70?
Not in current production, but there are thousands of NIB/LNIB pre-series 80 ("so called" series 70) Commanders out there. ..I refer to New, original Commanders from the 50, 60, and 70's, without the Series 80 FPS. You will pay a bit more for a NIB model, or a model older than 1970ish (and there are plenty of LNIB/lightly used models for less). The pre-series 80's Commanders are my favorite Colt's ;).

I'd recommend checking out gunbroker.com if you're interested in going this route.

As said above, the Series 70 Repro has very small sights...but you could easily change them. I believe RioVistaSlim posted pics of his two models on the previous page.

[iunderpressure]

Could someone explain to me the difference in the blued finishes on the WWI and the series 70, and could you change sights on the guns?

Are both these guns out of the custom shop? As an end user what does that mean for me, anything? I guess what i'm asking is will the gun function better or just look prettier?

Does the series 70 have a full length guide rod or is it like the WWI?

I checked with my local shop and everything is backordered but they said they could get the WWI for $879.99 and the Series 70 in stainless for $829.99

[OD*]

and the series 70, and could you change sights on the guns?
Yes you can, but there is no need to, they do not come with small sights, they come with the larger Series 80 type.

As far as carry, if you WANT to carry a full size, you can. It just takes a good holster and belt and the willingness to put up with the extra weight, I would go with the stainless Series '70 reproduction between those two 5" pistols.

[Joni Lynn]

For a full size carry gun I'd go with stainless. Both the series 70 stainless and the WW1 are nicely made and shoot well but the stainless won't show marks as easily.

[IZinterrogator]

Thanks for all the replies. Does colt make a more compact version of the series 70, and what kind of sights are on the series 70? Are they usable? Does anyone have good close up pictures of the series 70?
The Colt Gunsite CCOs are more compact versions of the Series 70 designed for carry, but good luck finding one, even used.

[TattooPaul]

A stainless Commander 1991 seems, IMHO, to fit what you're looking for to a T. They can be had full-size if your heart is set on that. Too bad the Series 70 isn't available as a Commander - it'd be a winner for sure but being it's a repro like the WWI they're sticking to what was made. That would be a great set-up though, factory new 70 Series + Commander = :)

There are pre-80 Series Commanders available online but NIB would be $$$ and good shape would be $$ unless you are patient and do some digging and get the winning bid. I don't see many, if any of them in stainless either when I browse the auction sites - I may be wrong, just my observation.

[elijdub]

A stainless Commander 1991 seems, IMHO, to fit what you're looking for to a T.
That's kinda' what i think too :).
There are pre-80 Series Commanders available online but NIB would be $$$ and good shape would be $$ unless you are patient and do some digging and get the winning bid. I don't see many, if any of them in stainless either when I browse the auction sites - I may be wrong, just my observation.
From my experience, there are a ton of lightly used pre-series 80's, but i agree, Paul, that the NIB versions tend to get pricey...moreso than a Series 70 Repro or a 1991 Commander for sure! They can definitely be bought in the upper three figures and lower four figures, NIB, but it will take some searching. I'd be happy to help in this endeavor ;)
I've had the same experience with regards to "finish", too, Paul; they're either blue or "electroless nickel" ;).

[Rio Vista Slim]

As said above, the Series 70 Repro has very small sights...but you could easily change them. I believe RioVistaSlim posted pics of his two models on the previous page.
Yes you can, but there is no need to, they do not come with small sights, they come with the larger Series 80 type.

Eli,
As OD* points out, the current production Series 70 pistols come with some highly visible sights (as shown in my photograph earlier in this thread). The only difference between these and the good sights on my Commanders is the absence of white dots.

[elijdub]

Eli,
As OD* points out, the current production Series 70 pistols come with some highly visible sights (as shown in my photograph earlier in this thread). The only difference between these and the good sights on my Commanders is the absence of white dots.
Whoops...sorry gents. I'd thought the 70's Repro had the tiny little Series 70 sights. Thanks for clearing that up RVS.

I wonder why they didn't keep the original Series 70 sights? Does anyone know? Maybe too many complaints about "visibility"...?

[OD*]

I wonder why they didn't keep the original Series 70 sights? Does anyone know? Maybe too many complaints about "visibility"...?
That's some of it I'm sure, and cost savings with the standardization of parts, which is probably the reason they don't come with the collet bushings as the originals did and have the Series 80 firing pins and extractors.

[Hawkmoon]

Since you are an LEO, is it safe to assume that you are legally a sworn officer even when off-duty? If so, even when off-duty and carrying your personal sidearm, your actions in the event of a shooting will be viewed with the perspective that you are LEO, rather than viewing you as a "civilian."

With that in mind, I would suggest that you reconsider both the WW1 and the Series 70, for the reason that neither has a firing pin safety. I don't know what (if any) regulations or restrictions your department/agency imposes on its officers for off-duty carry. Some departments, I believe, either impose some functional requirements or simply promulgate a list of "acceptable" or "approved" off-duty weapons from which you must choose.

Given the general hoopla and hysteria about how unsafe (in the eyes of the untutored) 1911s are, I would think that an LEO who is allowed to carry a 1911 off-duty would probably be well-advised to choose one of the models with a firing pin safety. In the Colt lineup, that includes the 1991 series and the XSE series. An advantage of the XSE series is that they can be had with alloy frames, if the weight saving would be of interest to you. To me, the downside of the XSE series is the front cocking serrations. Aside from the fact that I consider them useless and ugly, it is widely reported that the sharp edges then to chew up the insides of holsters. The 1991 pistols, with no front cocking serrations, don't suffer from this problem. They are also slightly less expensive.

So I would recommend a 1991. And, since I consider the Combat Commander to be the best proportioned and best balanced of the 1911s, I would recommend a 1991 Commander. I really prefer blued pistols, but if you'll be carrying regularly I do agree with others that stainless will suffer much less from degradation of the finish.

[Yankeesace]

Hello everyone. I'm new here, but thought I'd weigh in on this. I'm only 5'8" and around 140 pounds, and I disagree about concealing a full size 1911. I just began carrying my new Springfield Milspec (I also want to get a Colt Series 70), and I'm amazed at how much better the 1911 conceals on me with an IWB holster than the smaller CZ P01 I used to carry.

I'm carrying it in a Kramer fits all/tuckable basic holster with a metal clip on it, and a velcro barrel adjustment, and it's not visible on me at all. I have a Comp-tac MTAC tuckable arriving for it this week. I'm using the Wilderness instructors belt for my belt.

I'm smaller than most that posted, and I can conceal the full size 1911 amazingly well.