Series 80 safety

[gmannn]

I am looking on the net for a new colt and cannot find anywhere in the descriptions whether any of the new 1991 or the series 70 have the series 80 firing pin safety setup. Basically what are the differences in the workings of these two models? I have a series 80 - luv the gun- but am a little bit hesitant to do a complete disassembly on it and want one without the 80 system. I will be laid up for a while and want to take one down completely,learn something and start to tinker and maybe customize.
Thanks

[DenverHarris]

I am looking on the net for a new colt and cannot find anywhere in the descriptions whether any of the new 1991 or the series 70 have the series 80 firing pin safety setup. Basically what are the differences in the workings of these two models? I have a series 80 - luv the gun- but am a little bit hesitant to do a complete disassembly on it and want one without the 80 system. I will be laid up for a while and want to take one down completely,learn something and start to tinker and maybe customize.
Thanks
The 1991's do have the series 80 firing pin block.

Harris

[DenverHarris]

And there is much smartness here:

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=49257

[Hawkmoon]

The 1991's do have the series 80 firing pin block.

Harris
And the Series 70 (both original and current production) do NOT have the firing pin safety. If you want a new Colt that doesn't have it, your choices are the new Series 70, or the WW1 1918 reproduction.

[gmannn]

Thanks for the info and the link. I am eager to tear down the whole pistol and was wondering what if any problems I would have with the series 80. I have what I think is an excellent video from utube and the original takedown manual that does total disassembly. Any journeyman guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Stanmerrell]

Hi Gmann,
I recently learned how to completely disassemble and reassemble my Series 80 Officer's ACP. I won't say it was easy, but it was fun and rewarding, and the excellent assembly disassembly videos and Series 80 drawings on this site are fantastic. Go to the home page and read down the left side to this topic. You will see quickly for yourself what's involved. This is the best way to really understand how this ingenious design works. I'm not too good at this type of stuff, and if I can do it, I bet you can too. Good luck.

[paul45]

It is like anything else, after you do it a couple times, you realize it is not an issue. I use a dab of gun grease to keep parts in place and a eyeglass screwdriver to line up the pin holes.

[Hill]

What's to be afraid of?

Tear down the gun and put it back together. If it won't work, do it again. Big deal.

You won't break anything.

You might scratch the gun, but not after this warning, right?.

You might lose a part but you'll know it's there sameplace, so find it.

[1911Tuner]

This'll help...

http://forum.m1911.org/showpost.php?p=6425&postcount=2

[gmannn]

This'll help...

wow that does the trick
thanks.

[OD*]

And the picture that's not showing up is;

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

[leade45]

It is a very easy disassembly/reassembly. The only tricky part can be getting the levers/pins/sear/disconnector in place.

Just use some grease on the parts when you reassemble. This will make the parts 'stick' in place while you are putting the pins in. I have a number of toothpicks on hand to get things lined up, then push the pins in while removing the toothpics at the same time.

Just take your time and have some light to work with.

The slide is equally easy to disassemble. Going from memory, I just remove the firing pin stop, push the firing pin safety in, pop firing pin out and then remove the fps safety and last, the extractor. Assemble in reverse.

[daveohno]

Electricians tape or a playing card on the frame will help reduce the risk of an idiot scratch. Both tips I got from postings of members on the forum here.

[kolt1911]

i did it HILL"S way. i just stripped it down and just put it back together. it took me 3 tries to get it right, when i first stripped it down. but this was when the 80 series came out and help was not easy to find.

[TattooPaul]

Since the 80 Series operates off of the trigger, much to the disdain of purists and those seeking optimal trigger feel, I am wondering why there is such dislike for the Swartz system as it utilizes the grip safety for actuation?

I wish these lawyer gizmos weren't needed but was just interested in why trigger actuation was chosen over Swartz's system, seeing that he was a former Colt employee and they did use it pre-war. Maybe they didn't want to deal with his patent, or was it due to the way it can be so easily messed up by improper field stripping? Just wondering…