Colt for "smithing" which series?

[NJHunter]

I want to buy a NIB Colt to send out for smithing but am not sure which series is the best platform to start between the two(70 or 1991)?

[cliff731]

What kind of "smithing" are you contemplating? :confused:

FWIW, I would be less inclined to alter a Series 70 Custom Replica than the 1991 Series.

[d90king]

I want to buy a NIB Colt to send out for smithing but am not sure which series is the best platform to start between the two(70 or 1991)?



I would go with the series 70 repro because of the lack of the series 80 safety.

[clughog]

Depending on what you're planning on having done, of course, but I'd probably go with the 1991 just because it costs a tad less. Plus it already has the lowered ejection port.

[Hawkmoon]

Depending on what you're planning on having done, of course, but I'd probably go with the 1991 just because it costs a tad less. Plus it already has the lowered ejection port.
Plus it just seems wrong somehow to take a Custom Shop gun out of the box and start carving on it. The 1991 still has the same basic forged slide and forged receiver, and uses the same barrel, so it's an excellent candidate for custom work.

[cliff731]

Plus it just seems wrong somehow to take a Custom Shop gun out of the box and start carving on it...

Yes... exactly what I was thinking... http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

[d90king]

Plus it just seems wrong somehow to take a Custom Shop gun out of the box and start carving on it. The 1991 still has the same basic forged slide and forged receiver, and uses the same barrel, so it's an excellent candidate for custom work.



There is something to be said for the old roll marks though. ;) On a custom I prefer the "old school" look. I also know that most "custom" smiths prefer Series 70 pistols to a series 80's. Personally I might look for a used Series 70 to send out as a base gun. Just my 2cents.....

[Hill]

There is something to be said for the old roll marks though. ;) On a custom I prefer the "old school" look. I also know that most "custom" smiths prefer Series 70 pistols to a series 80's. Personally I might look for a used Series 70 to send out as a base gun. Just my 2cents.....

That's what I thought so I found and bought a worn 70 series gun. It turned out to be better than I expected and now I kinda' like it as it is: http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/firearms/70_GOVMTb.jpg

I'll have to start over and either buy either a MORE beatup gun or a new 1991 to send away.

[d90king]

That's what I thought so I found and bought a worn 70 series gun. It turned out to be better than I expected and now I kinda' like it as it is: http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/firearms/70_GOVMTb.jpg

I'll have to start over and either buy either a MORE beatup gun or a new 1991 to send away.


Yeah Hill the "more" beat up route might be the way to go. That pistol looks great.

[Hill]

It's in the detail. See the little spot about 3/8" behind the muzzle? It's corrosion or rust. And the front edge of the frame? It looks like it wore there if that line is supposed to be straight all the way to the edge.

The guy had led me to think it would be worse than it is.

[Joni Lynn]

If you are having a full custom made then the cost of the gun is minor compared to the amount you'll be putting into the project. I'd send in a series 70 either old or new or a pre 70 gun since they don't have the firing pin safety. Depending on what you are having done, a 1911 might be a better way to go. If you're having a carry gun built then the firing pin safety might be a good feature to have in the gun.

[dakota1911]

If a new one I would vote all steel. If an older one it sort of depends on your luck. I have been looking for an old 70 series GCNM for some time, and the beat to heck ones seem to sell at about the same price as the hardly used ones. I want to send one out for hard chrome and some other upgrades, but can't send a pristine one out that has only been shot a little.

[WJR]

I think the Series 70 you bought would be an excellent candidate since it is on hand per se.

However, the Series 80 was the platform I chose and I had John Harrison work on an ORM 1991 for me.

I plan to get a stainless NRM 1991 at some point and have him do more of the same.

WJR

[elijdub]

I don't think you could go wrong either way. They're both great platforms and would work well for custom work. The firing pin safety is probably the single most differentiating feature of the two...
Good luck and keep us posted!

[wetidlerjr]

What kind of "smithing" are you contemplating? :confused:
FWIW, I would be less inclined to alter a Series 70 Custom Replica than the 1991 Series.

Plus it just seems wrong somehow to take a Custom Shop gun out of the box and start carving on it. The 1991 still has the same basic forged slide and forged receiver, and uses the same barrel, so it's an excellent candidate for custom work.

I disagree. The present Series 70 isn't a true custom or a true Series 70 and I wouldn't hesitate to alter one in a heartbeat (and I did !). Besides the OP may want a Colt without the Series 80 safety and the 70 roll marks are cooler in any case. :D

[NJHunter]

Thank you all for the info. and I really am not too familiar with the safety on the 1991. I was thinking of the following to be done(as a start):
3.5 Pound Trigger
Beavertail Grip Safety
Checkered Mainspring Housing
Dehorned
One Piece Full Length Guide Rod
Beveled Magazine Well
Breech Face Tuned and Extractor Tuned
Extended Ejector

[Nic]

I would be more inclined to go the series 70 route. Nic

[daveohno]

Whatever Colt you pick should be fine.

[NJHunter]

Decided on the series 70.. If anyone knows/has a 5" blued in decent condition at a reasonable price plese give a heads up... Thanks for all the feedback....

[BMR]

I would not hesitate, either, to customize a new Series 70. I sent both my blued and stainless in to the Colt Custom Shop and they are better pistols now than they were. For one thing, the edges were way too sharp for carry as they came out of the box.

[wetidlerjr]

Thank you all for the info. and I really am not too familiar with the safety on the 1991. I was thinking of the following to be done(as a start):
3.5 Pound Trigger
Beavertail Grip Safety
Checkered Mainspring Housing
Dehorned
One Piece Full Length Guide Rod
Beveled Magazine Well
Breech Face Tuned and Extractor Tuned
Extended Ejector

All sounds good but for FLGR. I look at that as it won't hurt but it won't help so you will spend money for no gain. YMMV, though. :D

[NJHunter]

Well, I found an original series 70 Gold Cup and one 70 Gov. model both in about the same condition, are there any major differences between the two?

[nralife71]

Plus it just seems wrong somehow to take a Custom Shop gun out of the box and start carving on it. The 1991 still has the same basic forged slide and forged receiver, and uses the same barrel, so it's an excellent candidate for custom work.
Get the 1918, do not do anything to the outside. Strip the insides out and make YOUR one of a kind Colt. That's my plan... Than, I am going to do the 01070XSE. That...in 6 or 7 months will the the most amazing 1911 on this site. BEFORE YOU ORDER IT...did you know you can get a custom serial number for your 1911. It is $300.00.... but if you want "your Perfect Gun" I would start with that first. Call the custom shop. You can order custom parts and features that will be made at the factory with assembly.
Hope it helped...good luck.

[NJHunter]

Thanks all for the input. I just picked up my original Series 70. I think I will send it out maybe in Oct...