My Series 70 is back from Colt, and I'm not Happy

[myanof]

Some of you might remember I am one of those guys who had to send in a Series 70 reissue because my frame was rubbing a line on my slide where the recoil plug resides. Also when I was preparing the gun for shipment to Colt I notices I could not remove my grips because the bushings came out with the grip screws, making it impossible to put the original grips back on for shipping.

I originally sent my gun to Colt on 12/4/08, and received it back on 2/11/09. I am not complaining about t he time elapsed, because we went through the holidays where Colt was closed down for a while. What I am disappointed in is the fact that Colt did not fix the problem, and totally neglected to address the bushing issue. The bushing issue is not a big deal, and I can fix that one myself, but my concern is the Colt Product Service Repair Order states "REPAIR SLIDE, RUBS RECEIVER AND STOCK BUSHINGS COME OUT". A hand written comment on the order says "REPLACE SLIDE TEST FOR FUNCTION AND ACCURACY".

As soon as I unboxed my gun I could see a line where the slide had rubbed the receiver, or receiver rubbed the slide if you prefer. I then checked my grips and to my shock the bushings came out with the screws on the right side, just like before. I immediately contacted Karin at Colt to inform her what I saw and I told her I was going to shoot the gun and call her with a report.

The gun shot great, just like before, with good accuracy and reliability. I cleaned the gun, and even touched the line with some cold blue, but as soon as I began racking the slide, the line came back, indicating the gun was not fixed. There are three initials on my repair order indicating my gun must have been through QA somewhere down the line. How three people missed this scratch I'll never understand.

Karin is very sympathetic and has discussed my situation with the head of service. She is in the process of sending me another return authorization. I explained to Karin how much I like Colt, and how sad I am going to be when Colt is forced to shut their doors because their customer service has eaten up all of their profits because they can't do the job right the first time.

I am really sorry to report this situation, and I even thought about letting my gunsmith handle the repair, but for what I paid for this gun, I think Colt needs to make it right. I don't mind a character scratch now and then, but this is called poor quality. I am having a hard time understanding how Colt is having difficulty fitting a slide to a gun they have been producing since the early 1900s.

[texagun]

I even thought about letting my gunsmith handle the repair, but for what I paid for this gun, I think Colt needs to make it right.


That is pathetic service from Colt. I would send the gun in again until they get it right. I had a Colt Defender that I had to send back twice before they got it right. At $65 a pop, it cost them $260 in shipping for a problem that could have been fixed the 1st time. I just don't understand their corporate philosophy in not inspecting these guns for visible defects before they send them out the first time.

[vintage68]

What's your time and aggravation worth? I'd rather pay out of pocket and send it to a gunsmith with a good reputation. I have NO patience for shoddy work or customer service.

[dep2386]

I just got mine, a Combat Elite, back today same problem as yours. I also spoke to Karen. She was very helpful. I am sending mine back again. I am also sending a second letter to the President of Colt, General Keyes. I don't think I will ever buy another Colt product.

[Hunter]

This is not good. I will forward this thread to Colt.

[daveohno]

You tell 'em, Hunter! I, for one, am getting tired of hearing so many complaints about this slide rub mark. They need to correct this problem because it is an annoyance for their customers.

[JustinTime]

With all the returns, complaints this forum is experiencing it is starting to reek of Kimber. Without the mim of course. Whats worse is they aren't even fixing a problem as simple as taking a file to th side of the dust cover. My machining experience tells me that colt is not knocking the sharp edges off of the parts after they pull them from a cnc. COLT! The machine only performs ~95% of your metal work. You must finish out your parts by hand still. Stop being so lazy.

[vashooter]

Good Lord I hope mine gets fixed right the first time...I bought it to shoot and enjoy it. I don't want a UPS paperweight. Plus it could get annoying after one time around being repaired. :( Floyd

[JustinTime]

Good Lord I hope mine gets fixed right the first time...I bought it to shoot and enjoy it. I don't want a UPS paperweight. Plus it could get annoying after one time around being repaired. :( Floyd

Floyd, I hope yours is fixed the first time too.

[JMB Masterpiece]

Fellows,

I have found first hand that Colt's will make it right. I believe General Keys reads the letters and intervenes; I don't believe he replies personally to them. They will reimburse for shipping and if you're pleasant with them and patient they will resolve your problem to your satisfaction.

Mark

[vashooter]

Floyd, I hope yours is fixed the first time too.
Thanks Justintime...I hope everyone gets theirs fixed right the first time. I hope Colt is reading this forum as it has become a litany of complaints here recently about their craftsmanship on the new pistols produced. This has got to be killing their profits and customer service realtions. Floyd

[LAHOT]

I bought a new Colt XSE Combat Commander all brused steel model, this past week and went to the range today. I ran about 160 Federal 230 grain with one jam.

The gun performed well and shot a nice group when I was not trying to quick fire.

My gun also rubed a scratch or mark on the right side just below the slide towards the end of the gun.

I asked the owner of the shop and he said that that was normal.

Is this normal or should this not happen in a Colt right out of the box?

Some of you veterans please reply.

[TacDoc]

Good Lord I hope mine gets fixed right the first time...I bought it to shoot and enjoy it. I don't want a UPS paperweight. Plus it could get annoying after one time around being repaired. :( Floyd

My feelings exactly. If my Combat Elite does not get fixed right the first time, I will demand a NEW correctly build pistol or my money back.

[vashooter]

I bought a new Colt XSE Combat Commander all brused steel model, this past week and went to the range today. I ran about 160 Federal 230 grain with one jam.

The gun performed well and shot a nice group when I was not trying to quick fire.

My gun also rubed a scratch or mark on the right side just below the slide towards the end of the gun.

I asked the owner of the shop and he said that that was normal.

Is this normal or should this not happen in a Colt right out of the box?

Some of you veterans please reply.
I would say that is not normal for any new pistol but post a pic of the mark and maybe we can tell better. Floyd

[option8]

This is what my Series 70 is doing:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/slide.jpg

Rubbing on the same side as yours, vashooter.

The fit is such that I can easily push the slide over to that side, where it would rub, but not the other. (If I push it toward the other side and it stays pretty much centered.)

Mine went back for a cosmetic problem (damaged front sight), ejecting into my face and misfeeding, and while the front sight was replaced and the dehorn job I ordered was done beautifully, there are still a few functional problems I need to make sure are sorted out, range time being a factor. (Ejected cases have a nice dent in them, not sure if that's normal, and it's still having feeding problems, including a stovepipe and a live round that slipped past the ejector and partway up into the barrel.)

I'm going to keep tabs on the slide rubbing issue. Had not paid it too much mind as the other problems were worse, but there it is.

[Peacemonger]

If you check those pistols carefully you might find the spring tunnel drilled off center. My gun, which is also back on its second trip for the slide rubbing, had this problem. The slide is not fixable. They should replace the slide.

Another documented cause of the problem is unequal thickness in the dust cover walls. I would not let them grind the dust cover thinner to solve a slide problem. Its a quick and dirty 'fix' that hides the symptoms, but does not fix the source of the problem.

My gun had no burrs on the dust cover.

I insisted that Colt replace my slide and center it in the frame. They are going to.

Maybe.

Eventually.

Certainly - If I have to drive it up there myself and knock on the president's door.

[myanof]

I started this thread on the 13th so it might be appropriate to give everyone an update. First of all let me make clear that Karen in Colt's CS has assured me my Series 70 reissue will be fixed by Colt. Thank goodnes she is at Colt. What ever they are paying her is not enough IMHO. She is sending me another return authorization , but I suggested an alternative that might be good for all of us involved. I suggested I take my gun to my local smith, who happens to be a Colt expert. If he feels he can fix my gun with a minimum of effort, I will leave it to him. If he can touch up my slide to my satisfaction then the deal is done. On the other hand if he can fix my gun, but not touch up the slide, I will recommend to Karen that I send in my slide for refinishing. Last but not least if my smith feels the gun needs to go back to the factory, then it's on its way. I'm willing to do this because I'm not exactly sure of the severity of my problem, and Colt is certainly working with me to make things right. I will let you and Colt know what my smith says after tomorrow. I'm hoping my smith can take a few swipes with a file, touch it up, and I then have the Colt I always wanted.

[vashooter]

This is what my Series 70 is doing:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/slide.jpg

Rubbing on the same side as yours, vashooter.

The fit is such that I can easily push the slide over to that side, where it would rub, but not the other. (If I push it toward the other side and it stays pretty much centered.)

Mine went back for a cosmetic problem (damaged front sight), ejecting into my face and misfeeding, and while the front sight was replaced and the dehorn job I ordered was done beautifully, there are still a few functional problems I need to make sure are sorted out, range time being a factor. (Ejected cases have a nice dent in them, not sure if that's normal, and it's still having feeding problems, including a stovepipe and a live round that slipped past the ejector and partway up into the barrel.)

I'm going to keep tabs on the slide rubbing issue. Had not paid it too much mind as the other problems were worse, but there it is.Mine is more out towards the end of the barrel, but that is not the norm...look at any number of the older Colt's and you do not see those marks. IMO this is from the new machining process. Contact Colt as I think Hunter is forwarding a lot of these problem threads to them already (thanks to Hunter!!) Floyd

[kenhwind]

I have two older Series 70 Colt pistols that have been shot a lot, an awful lot, and they do not have this diemma. On the very end of the slide maybe. I do not feel that .500 or 1000 in the dust cover would make a difference. The slide is not machined and polished correctly. My guns show file marks now that they are well used.
hope this helps
Ken

[saltydog]

No dis-respect to anyone, 'cept maybe colt mis-management and their qc folks.

Assuming the dang thing works like it should, when it should, I'm not sure I get all upset about frame tracks on the slide.

Kinda curious though, but what is the cause of the frame tracks on the slide? Slide and/or frame not true?...

and what is the fix?...

Reliability is what Colt's reputation was.

I'd settle, gladly, for that.

salty.

[myanof]

I visited my gunsmith today who is very familiar with Colts, and he had me do a quick test to see what was happening to my slide/frame alignment. We removed the barrel and spring and put the slide on the frame. Then we moved the slide in a motion as if the gun were going through a normal recoil. It became very apparent during this test that the hole in the slide where the recoil plug resides was drilled off center. This off center drilled hole caused the outside of the recoil plug cover to be misshapen, which in turn won't allow the frame to make a pass without rubbing on the slide. On a normal recoil spring plug cover both sides of the cover are concave, but one of my sides is almost flat due to the offcenter hole. The off center hole was very hard to spot with the naked eye, because it is a slight offset.

He said it the rubbing was caused by a burr on the frame, he would be happy to hit it with sandpaper or a file, but he recommended I send this one back to Colt for a new slide install. The scary part is I just had a new slide install, according to my work order from Colt.

I talked to Karen this afternoon and after explaining the situation, she agreed it is best to send the gun back for repair. Hopefully the next update you hear from me is to tell you all how happy I am with my newly re-worked series 70 reissue.

[kenhwind]

How did he detemine it was off center, is it visual, or did he mic it? Just curious.
Or is the outside of the slide not milled correctly?
My two guns are over 30 years old and do not show this dilemma.
My Brother had to send a Defender back, cracked frame, and I could see that Colt did not stake the bushings. We traded for the gun at a show,but they replaced frame.
I ain't impressed with the new frame, but I didn't tell him that.

Good luck

I will build my next one.

Ken

[myanof]

How did he detemine it was off center, is it visual, or did he mic it? Just curious.
Or is the outside of the slide not milled correctly?
My two guns are over 30 years old and do not show this dilemma.
My Brother had to send a Defender back, cracked frame, and I could see that Colt did not stake the bushings. We traded for the gun at a show,but they replaced frame.
I ain't impressed with the new frame, but I didn't tell him that.

Good luck

I will build my next one.

Ken

We could immediately see what has happened as soon as we matched the slide to the frame and worked it back and forth. By drilling the hole for the spring plug off center, the shape of the plug cover was no longer symmetrical on the exterior.

[texagun]

We could immediately see what has happened as soon as we matched the slide to the frame and worked it back and forth. By drilling the hole for the spring plug off center, the shape of the plug cover was no longer symmetrical on the exterior.

This has been a very informative post and I thank you for posting the details. It is also very discouraging and I hope someone at Colt is following this.

Is the gun in question a Stainless Repro or a Blue Repro? That may be important because they are probably milled on different machines.

And lastly, would it be possible for you to post any photos of the hole for the spring plug that is drilled off center?

Best of luck with the outcome and keep us informed of the progress. I have been through this twice with Colt in the last few years and waiting for the results is not fun. But the outcome in both cases was worth the wait and the trouble.

[myanof]

This has been a very informative post and I thank you for posting the details. It is also very discouraging and I hope someone at Colt is following this.

Is the gun in question a Stainless Repro or a Blue Repro? That may be important because they are probably milled on different machines.

And lastly, would it be possible for you to post any photos of the hole for the spring plug that is drilled off center?

Best of luck with the outcome and keep us informed of the progress. I have been through this twice with Colt in the last few years and waiting for the results is not fun. But the outcome in both cases was worth the wait and the trouble.

Thanks for the appreciation. My purpose in posting this information is not to put Colt in a negative light. Colt CS is very understanding and realizes there are some internal procedures that need to be addressed. I feel that the purpose of forums is to make enthusiasts aware of issues with the products they love to collect. I think doing this makes for a better company in the long run.

The Series 70 I am dealing with is a blue version. Although the problems I have seen regarding this gun are well known, I'm not sure if the stainless version has had the same issues or not. I thought about posting a picture, but I'm not sure it would show up because the offset hole is very slight. Although slight it made the side of the slide that holds the spring plug lose its concave shape just enough to rub on the frame. I'll take some pictures and see how they come out, and it they are any good I'll post them.

Let me make very clear, at this point I can not get angry at Colt's CS department because they are really trying to help me, but I am very sad to see such a fine historical company facing the production and marketing issues they are facing these days. In my business we would fix these problems by replacing the CEO, and bring in some new leadership to run the company. Leadership is the optimum word here. This has gone on too long. I don't even want to consider the next step for Colt's history if these issues continue.

[afist]

Hey guys, Sorry i'm coming in late, but I have the same problem with the spring plug hole not in the center of the slide. I have not shot the gun yet thank god. I discovered it after I called my gunsmith(one of the LTW guys) and he told me to look for that problem. I sent the gun back last week, but now you guys have me worried that this is going to be a journey. I'm going to call tommrow and hopefully I can get some answers. I will mention this thread to them in efforts to help everyone out.

[myanof]

Hey guys, Sorry i'm coming in late, but I have the same problem with the spring plug hole not in the center of the slide. I have not shot the gun yet thank god. I discovered it after I called my gunsmith(one of the LTW guys) and he told me to look for that problem. I sent the gun back last week, but now you guys have me worried that this is going to be a journey. I'm going to call tommrow and hopefully I can get some answers. I will mention this thread to them in efforts to help everyone out.

Talk to Karen. She is the best CS rep I have talked to at Colt. You will hear the frustration in her voice when you talk to her, but she will help you.

[Fly'nBuff]

Man, I'm glad I checked out this sub-forum. I've been drooling over a blued Series 70 re-issue, but after reading about some of the recent QC "issues", I think I'll hold off. I'm sorry to hear about the problems you guys have been experiencing lately. I'm sure Colt will take care of you and make 'em right in the future. Until then, no NEW pony for me :(

[daveohno]

Man, I'm glad I checked out this sub-forum. I've been drooling over a blued Series 70 re-issue, but after reading about some of the recent QC "issues", I think I'll hold off. I'm sorry to hear about the problems you guys have been experiencing lately. I'm sure Colt will take care of you and make 'em right in the future. Until then, no NEW pony for me :(

As long as you can handpick your Colt, you should be fine. I'm glad all of my new Colt's were from the last several years, mine don't have any of these issues we are seeing now. I bought all of mine from Bud's, Gunsite Ranch, CDNN, Gunbroker and GunsAmerica and they were all keepers. I only had photos to look at from Gunbroker and Guns America. My stainless & blue Gunsite, Colt Custom Super 38, Special Combat Government and bright stainless 1991 were bought sight unseen. I didn't even see a picture of the pistols before I bought them. I still have them and I can't forsee ANY reason I would part with any of these.

[Fly'nBuff]

You make a good point. I shouldn't be so quick to judge the whole lot, but I will make the extra effort to inspect the pistol as best I can. Cheers!

[JMB Masterpiece]

Fellows,

True to human nature it's the negative aspects of a situation that garners the most derision. The percentage of new Colts are fine cosmetically and from a functional standpoint. With patience and a cordial demeanor when dealing with Colt's you will get satisfaction.

Mark

[vashooter]

Fellows,

True to human nature it's the negative aspects of a situation that garners the most derision. The percentage of new Colts are fine cosmetically and from a functional standpoint. With patience and a cordial demeanor when dealing with Colt's you will get satisfaction.

Mark
Welcome to the forum ;) It seems to be a very LARGE percentage of the new pistols not a small percentage. I am not taking issue with you but, read some of these posts. True, we are a micrcocosm of the owners ,but the similairities and occurences are freakish. Especially in the newer runs. Floyd

[myanof]

Well, here we go again. FedEx delivered my Series 70 that has spent most of it's post sales life back at the Colt repair shop. If you will remember this is the second time I had to send it in to fix the infamous slide rub due in part to an imperfect hole drilled in the slide to accommodate the recoil spring plug, and a few other minor things.

As soon as it arrived I visually inspected the exterior, and then removed the slide so I could remove the barrel and spring and reinsert the slide on the frame to see if they would rub each other. I am pleased to report there is no rub that can be seen by my naked eye. I noticed Colt even fixed some things I did not request like the blue on the inside of my dust cover was not very good, but it is now. Also I didn't mention it to them, my slide stop was pretty rough on the inside and scratching my frame. I noticed the slide stop has been buffed and the scratches have been touched up. I will have to shoot the gun to see if some of the shells still hit me in the face, and if the rub is really gone. I hate to be too optimistic, but at first glance this repair job looks like what we all expect from Colt's CS.

I will report back as soon as I have a chance to go shooting.

[gregmli]

Glad to hear this issue's resolved for you

[ferretray]

Fellows,

True to human nature it's the negative aspects of a situation that garners the most derision. The percentage of new Colts are fine cosmetically and from a functional standpoint. With patience and a cordial demeanor when dealing with Colt's you will get satisfaction.

Mark
I disagree that patience and a cordial demeanor will get you satisfaction. Didn't help me any. As far as I'm concerned, Colt may as well not even have a CS department.
Glad to hear the OP FINALLY got some positive results.

[daveohno]

I'm glad to see Colt is using the Call Tag system finally. I'm sure reimbursing us for returns cost them an extra $10 or $20 because when I ship to them, it's usually 60 or $70. When they handle it, the cost is more like 40 or $50.

[vashooter]

:D Well, here we go again. FedEx delivered my Series 70 that has spent most of it's post sales life back at the Colt repair shop. If you will remember this is the second time I had to send it in to fix the infamous slide rub due in part to an imperfect hole drilled in the slide to accommodate the recoil spring plug, and a few other minor things.

As soon as it arrived I visually inspected the exterior, and then removed the slide so I could remove the barrel and spring and reinsert the slide on the frame to see if they would rub each other. I am pleased to report there is no rub that can be seen by my naked eye. I noticed Colt even fixed some things I did not request like the blue on the inside of my dust cover was not very good, but it is now. Also I didn't mention it to them, my slide stop was pretty rough on the inside and scratching my frame. I noticed the slide stop has been buffed and the scratches have been touched up. I will have to shoot the gun to see if some of the shells still hit me in the face, and if the rub is really gone. I hate to be too optimistic, but at first glance this repair job looks like what we all expect from Colt's CS.

I will report back as soon as I have a chance to go shooting.
Outstanding so far let us know how she looks after the range session :D Floyd

[sweet45]

I never purchase a gun unseen. It is difficult with Colt because you don't see too many in the gun stores. I found out when purchasing revolvers of the same model, some lock up tight, and some don't. I always search and hand pick my guns and I haven't been disapointed yet.

[myanof]

I shot my twice repaired Series 70 today, and I am so happy I don't know what to do. As I mentioned in my last post the gun looks good, but after shooting it I can honestly say it is the gun I thought I originally ordered. I'm sorry it took two times back to Colt, but I can't complain about their desire to make things right.

I put the target you see below on the rack and placed it at 10 yards out. My heart was actually beating fast as I was scared that it wouldn't be fixed. This target represents the first seven shots with the Series 70. I examined the slide and frame and they looked perfect. I proceeded to shoot 100 230gr reloads and a few magazines of HST with perfect results from all loadings. I took the target out to 25 yards, and had no trouble keeping all shots on a small paper plate. I couldn't use the table as a rest as I was at an indoor range and the guy next to me was shooting some kind of hand cannon. I think it was full load 357s.

I also requested Colt tweak my extractor so the empty shells would stop hitting me in the face every once in a while, and sure enough no shells hit me all.

This will be my last follow-up on this issue as I am now satisfied with my Series 70. I will write my letter of thanks and gratitude to Karin, and the rest of the folks who gave me support at Colt tomorrow. Although I am sorry Colt is producing guns the hard way, I can't complain about the way they stuck with this problem. :appld:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3391229458_c692ecbd4d.jpg

[JMB Masterpiece]

Good to hear they got you squared away. In my experience with Colt's in particular and people in general patience and a cordial demeanor when dealing with a problem will result in a good outcome.

Mark

[texagun]

What a great report. It's reassuring that Colt still has the skills to turn out a well made gun that is competitive in the marketplace. My experience with their Customer Service has always been excellent. Congratulations on getting a gun that you can put your full confidence in.