Colt Government Series 70 for concealed carry

[coltcmdr1980]

I want to solicit opinions on carrying a Government model 1970 series (repro) for CCW. Specifically, do you think a series 80 would be better because of the FPS system (my specific question/concern is whether carrying the series 70 it is advisable to carry it in a holster with a thumb break in case the sear goes). I know it is theoretical but wonder if anyone knows of instances of this happening to a "stock" pistol.


Also, is it foolish to carry the full size instead of a commander size? I have two really good shooting Government models (sereis 70 repros) that I had some work done to and they shoot really well.... maybe I am just getting lazy thinking of a smaller (commander sized) pistol though I know the grips lengths are the same....

Just would like to solicit your opinions because a number of you really have extensive knowledge on the 1911s.

Thanks a lot and best regards.

[Rio Vista Slim]

First things first.....
The firing pin safety on any 1911 is a solution, looking for a problem. A well-maintained Colt (new springs, cleaned and lubed, etc.) is no more likely to have a problem than any other well-maintained pistol.

As far as your question concerning the viability of carrying a full-sized Government Model Series 70 (current production) pistol is concerned, you have to be the judge of that. Many folks on this forum (including my good friend Hunter) carry a full-sized Colt. I have too, on occasion.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_0898.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_2702.jpg

The top photo shows my two current production Series 70 Colts.
The bottom photo shows my Commanders, and my Colt New Agent, which are all equipped with the Series 80 firing pin safety.

I carry the New Agent the most, but have used all of them for that purpose.

[jcork]

I can't imagine there is much difference in how it carries for 3/4" .

There is a difference between carrying the full size and the Lightweight Commander IMO.

I imagine thousands of folks carry both every day.

[Swampfox]

I don't have any experience with a 1911 with a firing pin safety but I do carry a 5" 1911 for CCW. I can't carry it during the week during warm weather because I can't conceal it at work. However, in cooler weather it conceals nicely with a Milt Sparks SSII IWB holster and a pullover sweater or jacket.

[Driver1]

I carry mine about half of the time I carry. With the slide safety, grip safety and last but not least my trigger finger, I don't give it a second thought. I'm almost to the point I would rather carry it because it doesn't have an Ambi safety to get snagged on clothing and accidently pull off. Just my .02

[Rich-D]

For me, 3/4 of an inch and a light weight frame, make a big difference in carry comfort. I carried a Commander length until the Colt New Agent was written up in our E-zine by Hunter. I bought one, and found it to be a 24/7 carry gun. At 25ozs and with a 3" barrel it is a pleasure to carry and easy to conceal.

Rio Vista Slim has one shown in his second photo at the bottom of his Commanders.

Best of Luck!
Rich

[daveohno]

I prefer a smaller, lighter pistol for concealed carry. I prefer to shoot with full size handguns. My range pistols are Government size and 4" & 6" revolvers. I prefer the 6" over the 4" revolvers.

[Peacemonger]

I commonly carry Commander sized 1911's and have no issues with carrying a Series 70 weapon as far as safety is concerned.

In fact, I prefer the simpler mechanism.

If it really bugs you install an extra strength firing pin spring and a titanium firing pin.

I have read testing showed it took about a 20 foot fall impacting directly on the muzzle to generate sufficient inertial force to fire the weapon with a steel pin and standard spring.

Reference : http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/tech/inertial_discharge.htm

The big issue for me would be the spur hammer. They are not as comfortable as a Commander type hammer and can dig into you at times.

Good luck.

[javichin1991]

First things first.....
The firing pin safety on any 1911 is a solution, looking for a problem. A well-maintained Colt (new springs, cleaned and lubed, etc.) is no more likely to have a problem than any other well-maintained pistol.

As far as your question concerning the viability of carrying a full-sized Government Model Series 70 (current production) pistol is concerned, you have to be the judge of that. Many folks on this forum (including my good friend Hunter) carry a full-sized Colt. I have too, on occasion.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_0898.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_2702.jpg

The top photo shows my two current production Series 70 Colts.
The bottom photo shows my Commanders, and my Colt New Agent, which are all equipped with the Series 80 firing pin safety.

I carry the New Agent the most, but have used all of them for that purpose.

Hello,

Wonderful Colts!, May I ask you where did you get those beautiful wood grips with Colt medallions?

Regards,

[javichin1991]

Regarding the question of carrying a series 70, in my modest opinion it is fine and even a better option than a series 80 pistol, simpler is better, a series 70 is always more reliable than a series 80, imagine that the safety plunger lever of a series 80 break so the pistol will not fire.

Living in Spain I have no right for concealed carry or even home defense but if I were so lucky to live in States (at least in some western and southern states) I will not hesitate to carry or use for home defense any of my two pistols (Colt Gunsite pistol stainless and Series 70 stainless customized by the Colt Custom Shop) just in case you do not mind to deal with the size and weight of a full size government, but a good holster helps a lot, the only problem would be carrying the series 70 in summer days or living in a hot climate, in this case maybe a Commander or a Defender/ Agent would fit better.

Many people opted for a titanium firing pin and a wolff extra power spring when carrying series 70 pistols to avoid an accidental discharge.

Hope it helps,

Regards,

[Hunter]

I carry a 1991A1 everyday IWB and it is not bad. I prefer the full size to any other for carry and otherwise.
I also like the Series 80 FPS but for no real reason other than in my mind it makes me feel better.

[egumpher]

Thank your for the insight.

Although I have full size 1911's I've choose the Colt New Agent as my primary carry weapon over my Walther PPS-9mm (more concealable) or my Colt Lightweight Commander (less concealable).

The thing is that I use Federal HST +P ammo in the New Agent to get the same velocities as a 5" barrel. I don’t think that a treat beyond 30-feet is a legitimate threat and I can always put the New Agent in the black of the target at 30-feet. This kind-of makes the full sizes 1911 not necessary for conceal carry for me. Just my 2-cents. (& it's still a Colt)

Rgds
Eric

[Frank]

I think a Series 70 Colt reproduction would be a fine carry gun. While I personally prefer a Commander size, I have carried a full size; and many folks prefer the full size. I see no real need for a firing pin safety, and my carry guns don't have that gizmo (since they were made by companies that don't use it). And yes, I carry a 1911 in condition 1.

DVC

[Rio Vista Slim]

Hello,

Wonderful Colts!, May I ask you where did you get those beautiful wood grips with Colt medallions?

Regards,
javichin1991,

Please accept my apology for being so long in answering your question. The walnut laminate stocks on the two Series 70 Colts came from Ajax Grips.

http://www.ajaxgrips.com/ajax/ajax?set=07

In the photo featuring the Commanders, most of the stocks were purchased from either gun shops or at gun shows in my area. The exceptions are the stainless Model 04091U on the bottom left hand side, and the factory stocks on the New Agent, bottom right. The Commander's stocks were ordered from CDNN. http://www.cdnninvestments.com/1911.html

I hope this information is helpful.

[coltcmdr1980]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful replies. For years I carried a Combat Commander that I have since sold (1980s). I have two Series 70 repros and have shot them a lot. One's blue the other stainless and I like them both a lot. They seem to fit my hand perfectly.

For work, on duty, I have to carry a double action so I have been carrying a Glock - most recently because I think I have gotten lazy and I am now in more of a desk job than on the street its been a Model 27. Off duty and when I retire I return (or will return upon retirement) to my favorites - 1911s. I like the full sizes because for me they seem to balance better, especially IWB. In the summer (in Missouri) carrying anything is hard, especially for me because I don't like hot weather and much prefer cold vs. warm.

Long ago I rmember someone saying (don't remember where) that you should carry a series 70 with a thumb break in case the sear goes but I haven't ever heard of that happening to a stock pistol.

Again thanks so much for your input and beautiful pics. I think this is the best 1911 site, and some of the pictures make me want to buy more!!!!!

[javichin1991]

javichin1991,

Please accept my apology for being so long in answering your question. The walnut laminate stocks on the two Series 70 Colts came from Ajax Grips.

http://www.ajaxgrips.com/ajax/ajax?set=07

In the photo featuring the Commanders, most of the stocks were purchased from either gun shops or at gun shows in my area. The exceptions are the stainless Model 04091U on the bottom left hand side, and the factory stocks on the New Agent, bottom right. The Commander's stocks were ordered from CDNN. http://www.cdnninvestments.com/1911.html

I hope this information is helpful.

Thanks a lot for the info!

I will order a pair of ajax wood laminates for my series 70 stainless as soon.
as possible.

Regards,

Javi

[NEW_AGENT]

I want to solicit opinions on carrying a Government model 1970 series (repro) for CCW. Specifically, do you think a series 80 would be better because of the FPS system (my specific question/concern is whether carrying the series 70 it is advisable to carry it in a holster with a thumb break in case the sear goes). I know it is theoretical but wonder if anyone knows of instances of this happening to a "stock" pistol.


Also, is it foolish to carry the full size instead of a commander size? I have two really good shooting Government models (sereis 70 repros) that I had some work done to and they shoot really well.... maybe I am just getting lazy thinking of a smaller (commander sized) pistol though I know the grips lengths are the same....

Just would like to solicit your opinions because a number of you really have extensive knowledge on the 1911s.

Thanks a lot and best regards.


Your concern for the firing pin safety is a non-issue..too many other redundant safeties on the gun...

The grip on the full size and commander size is the same, and the grip is the part of the gun that must be concealed...The holster takes care of the rest..The New Agent or Defender has a shorter grip and would be a better size for pure concealment, but with a good holster, it is not too hard to conceal a full size 1911. If you want a commander for the fact it's a commander, then get it, but don't think it makes any difference because of 3/4" of barrel because it does not....

[Frank]

...If you want a commander for the fact it's a commander, then get it, but don't think it makes any difference because of 3/4" of barrel because it does not....
I'd just like to clarify that it can make a difference for some people. I find that I prefer the Commander size because the 0.75" does make a difference to me. When I wear a Government Model IWB in either a Milt Sparks VM2 or a Horseshoe Leather 62L, the muzzle will print slightly. Also, the Commander size is more comfortable when I sit down. I believe that others have had similar experiences.

The point is that this can be a very personal thing, and it's hard to be categorical about it.

DVC

[d90king]

I want to solicit opinions on carrying a Government model 1970 series (repro) for CCW. Specifically, do you think a series 80 would be better because of the FPS system (my specific question/concern is whether carrying the series 70 it is advisable to carry it in a holster with a thumb break in case the sear goes). I know it is theoretical but wonder if anyone knows of instances of this happening to a "stock" pistol.


Also, is it foolish to carry the full size instead of a commander size? I have two really good shooting Government models (sereis 70 repros) that I had some work done to and they shoot really well.... maybe I am just getting lazy thinking of a smaller (commander sized) pistol though I know the grips lengths are the same....

Just would like to solicit your opinions because a number of you really have extensive knowledge on the 1911s.

Thanks a lot and best regards.



I see no reason in the world that a Series 70 repro wouldn't be a great carry gun. Personally I like the fact that you are missing the FPS (one less thing to break). ;)

As far as the difference between carrying a Commander length pistol vs a Government size. I have found that with good leather there is very little difference for me.

[JLH3]

I carried my Series 70 for years as a CCW piece. Take a look at Milt Sparks' line of Summer Special IWB holsters.

[egumpher]

Well now, with the holidays already upon us and the fact that each year my waist seems to get larger for some reason. I still choose the Colt New Agent or my Walther PPS for conceal carry. Those two are already hard enough to conceal. I can't even imagine trying to conceal a full size 1911 here in minimal clothing Florida.

Rgds
Eric

[OD*]

Also, is it foolish to carry the full size instead of a commander size?
No, it isn't foolish, with a proper belt and holster, they really aren't all that hard to carry and conceal.

[coltcmdr1980]

Again thanks for all of your great responses. Thanks OD - you make me think I am not as insane as I thought. I guess I come from the old school - carrying a firearm is special and you should carry the biggest you can reasonably conceal... Someone once said - and I can't remember who but a gunwriter/shooter- carrying a firearm should be comforting, not necessarily comfortable.

Last question - does anyone worry about the lack of a FPS in a series 70... or do you carry it cond. 1 with a thumb safety in case the sear goes..... just wondering ... again maybe I am more insane than I thought!!!!! Or too cautious or something.

[Bluffton45]

As a vol range officer at our club's public range I have fired a number of the officer's frame size 1911's. From 1st to last I have been pleasantly surprised at how close they are in handling to the full size gun. Recoil is not much different. Most of my experience is in bulllseye target shooting so I shoot heavy 1911's most of the time. I use the 22 conversion on the 1911 & a 38 spec conversion to some extent. I shoot 15k annualy so one would expect if there were to be a problem in going from large-heavy to small-light I would encounter it. All this to say why bother carrying the big gun? As mentioned earlier in this thread if it's further than 30 ft it's not much of a threat, at least from a legal standpoint. In short I don't see the need.

The agent pictured above looks great....if it just had a set of Novaks it would fill the bill for me.

But then we all have preferences & opinions, each being as good as the other!

Ron

[cwo4uscgret]

As a vol range officer at our club's public range I have fired a number of the officer's frame size 1911's. From 1st to last I have been pleasantly surprised at how close they are in handling to the full size gun. Recoil is not much different. Most of my experience is in bulllseye target shooting so I shoot heavy 1911's most of the time. I use the 22 conversion on the 1911 & a 38 spec conversion to some extent. I shoot 15k annualy so one would expect if there were to be a problem in going from large-heavy to small-light I would encounter it. All this to say why bother carrying the big gun? As mentioned earlier in this thread if it's further than 30 ft it's not much of a threat, at least from a legal standpoint. In short I don't see the need.

The agent pictured above looks great....if it just had a set of Novaks it would fill the bill for me.

But then we all have preferences & opinions, each being as good as the other!

Ron
I'll play. My first 1911 is my 1970 Combat Commander that I paid $325 for back in 1981. Since then I have added 3 full sized (Sig GSR, Taurus PT1911, and Rock Island 1911A1 .38 Super), and 4 sub-compacts (ParaOrd C6.45LDA, Stealth Warthog, P10/40, and a Colt New Agent). OK I like 1911s...

I spent 30 years on active duty in the military; 4 Navy and the final 26 in the Coast Guard. At the time in the Coast Guard I was doing Law Enforcement Boardings we were trained to carry hammer down on an empty chamber (always hated that). Up until last year I carried my 1911s hammer down on a loaded chamber - never ever lost control of the hammer...

Now I have joined the rest of the world and carry like I should; round chambered, cocked and locked. It took me a while to resolve the two things that held me back; prior training and the thought of being locked and loaded. With the guns unloaded I have tried and tried to cause the guns to drop the hammer - and gee the safeties all work...like advertised.

I guess the ideal three gun off-duty carry (primary, back-up, and secondary back-up - but who really needs 2 spare guns with a 1911 and spare magazines?) would be my Sig GSR, Colt Combat Commander, and Colt New Agent!

[OD*]

Again thanks for all of your great responses. Thanks OD - you make me think I am not as insane as I thought. I guess I come from the old school - carrying a firearm is special and you should carry the biggest you can reasonably conceal... Someone once said - and I can't remember who but a gunwriter/shooter- carrying a firearm should be comforting, not necessarily comfortable.

Last question - does anyone worry about the lack of a FPS in a series 70... or do you carry it cond. 1 with a thumb safety in case the sear goes..... just wondering ... again maybe I am more insane than I thought!!!!! Or too cautious or something.
You're welcome, Sir. I've been carrying a GM of one kind or another for nearly 30 yrs, it isn't as hard as some would have you believe. ;)

[Phil]

IMHO.....carry what you're most familiar with - not what someone else thinks you should carry. And if the pistol is stock - hasn't been messed with by some amateur gunsmith - don't worry about the thumb break - a nice, soft IWB holster like one of the old Brauer Bros. will do nicely, although if you have a real spare tire, you might want to ocassionally check to be sure the thumb safety is still on after sitting or squatting down. :D

[Bluffton45]

Guys,
Carryin as much gun as you can is darn good advice! IMO. Interestin comments from you all as to your 1911 batteries. I have a special situation, atho I shoot the 1911's as much as possible, I'm confined to a wheelchair & find concealment and accessability a problem. I have resolved by carryin a modified MK9. The chg's do NOT involve function, only esthetics & grip...stippling.

It is indeed a serious business.

Ron

[Peacemonger]

You can count on one thing for sure:

If you ever need to use your weapon to save your bacon no gun, absolutely NO gun, will seem too large.

I had a little scare once (OK, I almost wet my pants) while packing a 5 shot .38 S&W J frame and instantly found myself wanting the 1911 back in my safe ..... and a mini gun, artillery, close air support, and an Abrams tank. :scared:

Good luck.

[captiva]

I do it all the time.

The catch is you have to have a good "carry system" when carrying 3 pounds on your waistline:

1. Pants that ride on your waist properly

2. Pants with properly spaced belt loops

3. TheBeltman.net belt (or similar quality "gun belt")
http://i36.tinypic.com/30dkv2d.jpg

4. Perry Suspenders from Wal-Mart
http://i38.tinypic.com/2zns5zc.jpg

5. A really expensive holster that you have to wait forever for
http://i33.tinypic.com/20iduz9.jpg
http://i37.tinypic.com/90rleg.jpg

[coltcmdr1980]

Thanks for all of your comments. Very good points to consider. I like the full size GM and Commander size. With an IWB holster the extra 3/4 inch isn't too noticeable.