Which Colt?

[kendradad]

I am going to buy a Colt 1911 in the next couple of days. I am looking at the model 01070SXE. It is the model 70, 5in. barrel in stainless .45.

A couple of questions:

Do you have any other Colt model recommendations?

Finally, what is the difference between the 70 and 80 series? I know it has something to do with a firing pin safety, but can someone educate me a little further on that and any other major differences.

THANKS!!!!!!

[dakota1911]

The 80's have the safety, the 70's do not. I think you are making a good choice.

[DuckRyder]

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/XSE.asp

O1070XSE is a Series 80 pistol (despite the model number) as are all XSE series that I am aware of.

I still think it is a fine choice.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/Series70.asp

O1070A1CS is a series 70 pistol.

[kendradad]

Thanks DR.

[PaleRider187]

Well, actually you are buying a series 80s style pistol without the firing pin safety and all that jazz. True series 70 pistols had a collet bushing.

[kamerer]

Well, actually you are buying a series 80s style pistol

Yep, and that just irritates me to no end - it's not a Series 70, it's just marked as one. It's really a pre-70s commecial model it seems to me.

I voted with my wallet and went and got another REAL '70s Series last week - like new but no box, and a few hundred less than the new-marked one.

It's still a good gun, but between that and the WWI, I think the WWI is just much more compelling. The S70 new model that had the factory "O" package that is in the classifieds was really interesting, though, as a potential carry gun. That was a great looking and practical gun it seemed to me.

[PaleRider187]

You are right kamerer, I really wish they would market it as a traditional 1911a1 instead of a s70. I think most people would rather have a pistol like that before Colt started down the path of re-engineering Browning's work.

[DuckRyder]

That is true it is a 70 Series "Reproduction" although the "O10" part means we are talking about stainless and there wasn't ever a stainless original Series 70.

While I agree that the WWI is very nice, the sights really can be an issue for some.

I am one of those people that has no problem with the series 80 stuff, and would not hesitate for one second to buy an O1070XSE if that is what I wanted.

You might also like the Combat Elite, it has a few extra features such as an S&A beavertail and real Novak sights.

[dakota1911]

Yup, it is sort of like a a pre 70s (sights are better).

[kamerer]

the sights really can be an issue for some.

Yes, that is tue. I have two with the "GI" sights (Series 70) and they require more concentration. I don't think it affects accuracy, but it does require just a tad more work. I hope they are not annoying to me in 20 more years!

I also don't have a big issue with the 80 parts, but from a marketing standpoing Colt really goofed by making the gun a hybrid and Calling it a "Series '70."

1) If they had marketed it as a "1911a1 Governmnet Model" it still would have been really well received, and

2) They would have left a place in the marketing line up to bring out a true Series 70 with an accurizer bushing, correct grips and done it properly.

Then they could have lain the groundwork for the future, when hopefully they have sales up and production more rationalized, and they would have a good base of costumers to buy other premium model reissues, like say a "Pre-War National Match" or "1911 Commercial," etc. With the boom in collecting really exploding the last few years, there would be a strong demand for these type models. Since they each have unique model identity, but a pretty small production difference, it would be a good way to stretch premium models without huge new production demands. That's how profits are made, my man! Good for them, good for us.

[paul45]

There are quite a number of good stickies here you should be aware of......then you can immediately read the answer to your questions! I have found in 99.9% of questions I have had, someone has already asked.......and a sticky is in place.

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



Do you have any other Colt model recommendations?

I like the XSE the least, as I prefer a classic, "old style" looking Colt more, and I don't like FCS, although I have 2 Colts with them. I think Colt should do away with them and do a dehorn instead (on all Colts).

I guess my first NIB Colt would be a series 70 or a WWI repro

[OD*]

True series 70 pistols had a collet bushing.True series 70 pistols had the collet bushing AND the accurizor barrel, ya didn't get one without the other. ;)

[OD*]

Colt really goofed by making the gun a hybrid and Calling it a "Series '70."
It is closer to a Series 70 than a Series 80 though.

1) If they had marketed it as a "1911a1 Governmnet Model" it still would have been really well received, and
Now that would be your hybrid, it's either a Commercial Government Model or a M1911A1, Colt has already released a decent copy of the M1911A1.

2) They would have left a place in the marketing line up to bring out a true Series 70 with an accurizer bushing, correct grips and done it properly.
And the public wouldn't like the collet bushing and accurizor barrel anymore today than they did in the past.
Colt stopped using that set-up for a reason.

[frankengrant]

True series 70 pistols had the collet bushing AND the accurizor barrel, ya didn't get one without the other. ;)

Yep! I know some people hate that collet bushing but I love it. My Combat Govt is the most accurate stock pistol I have ever owned.

[kenhwind]

I think that the Series 70 retro was to differentiate it between the Series 80-90 that have a firing pin safety in them, and the Series 70 that did not.

[daveyisgreat]

I went with the series 80 because it seemed to me I would be less hesitant to make changes as time goes on.

[PaleRider187]

With all that said..... You arent really getting a s70 pistol and you are paying more money for that. You could just buy a new s80 and remove the FPS system if that is a big deal and you be saving yourself some real money. The s80 pistols are really nice pistols especially the new ones.

Was the s70 accurizer barrel just thicker and better fitted?

[dakota1911]

My opinion. It was a good idea at the time but time and technology have passed it by. I would not throw out the old barrels by the way.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/r_barrels_bushings.jpg

[OD*]

With all that said..... You arent really getting a s70 pistol and you are paying more money for that. You could just buy a new s80 and remove the FPS system if that is a big deal and you be saving yourself some real money. The s80 pistols are really nice pistols especially the new ones.
You are getting a pistol closer to the original Series 70 than you would be by getting a Series 80 and removing the FPS system, you have to replace the parts in the frame with a slot filler or your sear will walk. By removing the firing pin plunger and it's spring from the slide, it will leave you with a empty hole, it may not be any big deal but it is something the Series 70 did not have. With the Series 80, you will have the 10mm cutout in the frame that you will not have an the late Series 70 repros.



Was the s70 accurizer barrel just thicker and better fitted?
It had a very slight flair at the muzzle.