My first Colt- Series 80 Officer's ACP

[kenoc]

Well, i finally did it. Traded my RIA Tactical 1911 plus $325...
Hopefully was a worthwhile deal, as she is now all mine. Have been looking for my first CCW gun. Hope this is considered a good one? Just cleaned and lubed her....looks like she had not been cleaned in years, but barrel was A+ so doesn't appear she was ever fired much. Likely someone fired a box 20 years ago and put her in the safe without cleaning.
Anyways, I would appreciate any feedback? Anything i should be aware of or check out? Should she be reliable as a carry gun?
http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/images/colt80.jpg

[Hawkmoon]

Internet lore claims that the "weak spot" in the Officers ACP is the recoil spring plug. The recoil spring plug in the pistol shown in your photo appears to be aftermarket, and presumably corrects the supposed "weakness" of the original design.

Good choice. Great little pistols. I've been carrying a Colt M1991A1 Compact (same pistol in a plainer wrapper) for the last several weeks.

[Hammerdown]

Nice. There was one just like that sitting in my local shop's case a few months ago. I'm kicking myself now for not buying it...

[Hunter]

Very nice little Colt.
They are fine pistols.

[kenoc]

Ok, moron alert here. I should have read the field stripping instructions BEFORE i did it, not after. I ASSUMED it would be like my other semi-auto...
Instead of removing the recoil plug and spring first, I instead aligned the slide and stop hole and removed the slide stop pin, then removed the slide and recoil assembly...
same thing for putting it back together, the last thing i did was align the slide and stop hole, under spring pressure of course, which made it difficult to get the pin back in..but a blood blister later, i got it in.
My question is, aside from my damaged pride and finger, any chance i damaged the gun by doing it out of order and under spring pressure this way?

[kenhwind]

No! The recoli system in that gun looks like the Defender in the end. Which menas as Hawkmoon posted the gun has an aftermarket recoil spring guide assembly in it. The bushing does not look like stock either.
I have the Defender, but had a Double Eagle Officers ACP, Lighweight, with a full size grip. Something tells me I should hace kept that one.
Nice pistol

[kenhwind]

That mat be the right way to disassemble it. that is how a Defender is disassembled

[kenoc]

I actually just posted a photo of the same model i have..my camera batteries are dead, so have not yet posted the ACTUAL photo of the gun. Will do so later...Here is what the end looks like though, so i think i do have the original recoil assembly...
http://www.sekito.co.jp/image/wa-flbf.jpg
No! The recoli system in that gun looks like the Defender in the end. Which menas as Hawkmoon posted the gun has an aftermarket recoil spring guide assembly in it. The bushing does not look like stock either.
I have the Defender, but had a Double Eagle Officers ACP, Lighweight, with a full size grip. Something tells me I should hace kept that one.
Nice pistol

[kenhwind]

Well you fooled me, there.
FRONT AND CENTER
:fp:

[kenoc]

My bad...just got batteries, and took a real pic of the actual gun. My photo taking skills are horrid, but there she is in the original post. SO could i have damaged the gun by field stripping it like i did?

Well you fooled me, there.
FRONT AND CENTER
:fp:

[kenhwind]

I doubt it, I disassemble GM that way sometimes.

[dakota1911]

I think what is being discussed is what in the 1911 world is sometimes called a "field takedown". Exactly how it is done varies from gun to gun. I just did it on the Colt Commander I carry in about a minute; takedown and put it together, but I have been doing this for like 40 years or so. I would follow the directions in the owners manuals for any gun you take apart and put back togeter. To state the obvious: ALWAYS be sure the mag is out and there is NOT a round in the chamber.

On the Officers mod, you got a good deal. I couldn't test the takedown on it as the only one I have in my collection now is a Double Eagle, and their bottoms are different to say the least. On the good news front, even if Colt has a "New Officer", it will be based on the Defender I think, so the originals will grow in collectible status and value.

[KPSquared]

Kenoc...very nice pistol...I love all Colt OACPs!!!!!!!!

If the picture you have up now is the actual pistol then it looks like you have the original recoil system.

I don't disassemble mine like the manual says.

I disassemble mine by first taking the slide off as a unit, with all the springs. I just cover the gap that is made between slide and dust cover with my hand to keep the springs from flying out. When I reassemble, I put the slide plus springs on as a unit, again using my hand to keep them in place as I slide the slide on the frame.

Here's mine, one of those 100 new productions ones that came out a few months ago:
http://home.insightbb.com/~kevin.paul/Quickstart/ImageLib/IMG_5377.JPG

[kenhwind]

Here's mine, one of those 100 new productions ones that came out a few months ago:
Is that the way it comes with the uoswept grip safety?
I would like e a SS compact or OM ACP, so I can whittle on the frame.

[KPSquared]

Nope...that's a Wilson drop in...came with the Colt duckbill safety. Here is what it looked like brand new:

http://home.insightbb.com/~kevin.paul/Quickstart/ImageLib/newleft.JPG
http://home.insightbb.com/~kevin.paul/Quickstart/ImageLib/parts.JPG
http://home.insightbb.com/~kevin.paul/Quickstart/ImageLib/frame.JPG

[kenhwind]

Thank you my friend.
My Defender had that duckbill thingy too, it now has a Wilson like yours.
I really like those roll marks, not to partial to tthe MKIV Series 80 roll marks.
They only made 100?

[KPSquared]

That is what I've heard...they were out and gone with no publicity.

http://home.insightbb.com/~kevin.paul/Quickstart/ImageLib/box.JPG
http://home.insightbb.com/~kevin.paul/Quickstart/ImageLib/newright.JPG

[MCPO]

My OACP is below. I have kept mine stock (except grips) - the oem plug & dbl springs. I was lucky enough to find a couple sets of the dbl springs and a couple of the oem plugs, so if I ever do 'shoot one' I've got spares :)
Mine was manufactured in '94 and has just a tad less than 2000 rds through her. Shoots FMJ & HP's w/out a hiccup.

I did have to replace the slide stop at 1650 rds due to the inside tip breaking off. I use to release the slide using the slide dtop after a mag change. Now I sling shot.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i54/ivan2001/ColtwithStagHorns.jpg

[Hawkmoon]

I really like those roll marks, not to partial to tthe MKIV Series 80 roll marks.
They only made 100?

That is what I've heard...they were out and gone with no publicity.
It's interesting that the box indicates an M1991A1 Compact, while the right side of the slide says "Officers ACP." Back in the 90s, the Mark IV Officers ACP was one model, and the M1991A1 Compact was a separate model.

[rickinil]

if the first pic is your actual gun you have the bone
stock setup as i m looking at mine right now
scheduled to get changed as soon as smith gets back from vac.

[KPSquared]

It's interesting that the box indicates an M1991A1 Compact, while the right side of the slide says "Officers ACP." Back in the 90s, the Mark IV Officers ACP was one model, and the M1991A1 Compact was a separate model.

What were the differences?

[Hawkmoon]

What were the differences?
First, the Mark IV had a blued finish, the M1991A1 had a sort of Parkerized or black oxide finish. And the roolmarks were different. The Mark IV had a rollmark such as pictured above. The M1991A1 had the ugly, "billboard" rollmark that is referred to in 1991 circles as the "old" rollmark, or "ORM." (The newer 1991 rollmark is smaller, less obtrusive, and mush more tasteful.) And the M1991A1 Compact was officially called the "M1991A1 Compact," it was not called "Officers ACP."

[TJH3781]

I am having a problem.
Is the recoil assembly from an Airsoft?
At least the jpg on one of the posts looks like an Airsoft.

[kenoc]

How do you guys feel the OACP is in quality compared with the Defender/New Agents?

[Landman]

How do you guys feel the OACP is in quality compared with the Defender/New Agents?

I own 2 Officers and a New Agent. One Officer is still new in the box and never been shot. I have never owned a Defender but have shot a few. In my opinion, all three are very high quality pistols. I love the New Agent for a lightweight carry pistol but if I could only have one I would choose an all steel Officer. That choice is based more on appearance and the fact I prefer the heavier pistol if I am going to shoot it a lot. Also, for what it is worth, I have a stainless steel Officer with the original factory recoil spring plug and I have shot many rounds through it with no problems or signs of wear on the plug. I have even shot quite a few Winchester Ranger +P T Series hollow points through it. I did replace the factory double spring with the single spring from Wolff Springs. Through the years I have picked up replacement recoil spring plugs whenever I run across one in case I ever need one but haven't yet. Below is a picture of my stainless Officer.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/onexco/Gun%20Collection/Colt_Officer_SS_01_Small.jpg

[smokey]

I solved the whole "problem"[if there was one], with the recoil spring plug by replacing the entire top end with a Commander top end. Better sight radius,better carry stability and concealability,no plug problems, and DARN, it looks SO good! Like you washed your full size.45 and it shrunk in the right proportions.I Carry with an Officers Mod. Mag and back it up with two full sized[8 rd.] mags.Brownells sells little stop "gizzies" for the full sized mags but I haven't needed them as long as the slide is forward when reloading[Don't shoot it dry!]I really like this set up better than my Ed Brown Bobtail for Miami Classic shoulder rig especially with my Light Weight Officers frame. Nick

[kenoc]

DO you have a pic? And i am confused..how does a Commander top have better concealablilty than an Officer's top? Isn't the commander top 3/4 inch longer?Would love to see your set-up.
I solved the whole "problem"[if there was one], with the recoil spring plug by replacing the entire top end with a Commander top end. Better sight radius,better carry stability and concealability,no plug problems, and DARN, it looks SO good! Like you washed your full size.45 and it shrunk in the right proportions.I Carry with an Officers Mod. Mag and back it up with two full sized[8 rd.] mags.Brownells sells little stop "gizzies" for the full sized mags but I haven't needed them as long as the slide is forward when reloading[Don't shoot it dry!]I really like this set up better than my Ed Brown Bobtail for Miami Classic shoulder rig especially with my Light Weight Officers frame. Nick

[Hammerdown]

The top isn't the hard part to conceal (as it's down your pants). It's the grip that prints. The shorter grip of the Officer's model is much easier to hide in that regard.

[Landman]

Kenoc,

Here is a picture of a Commander slide on an Officer frame. Hammerdown hit the nail on the head :) ....the grip is much harder to conceal than the barrel.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/onexco/Gun%20Collection/Colt_Commander_Officer_01_Small.jpg

[kenoc]

Yes, i understand the grip is hardest part to conceal. It just made no sense to me when it was stated a commander top on an officer frame is easier to conceal than officer/officer....
Kenoc,

Here is a picture of a Commander slide on an Officer frame. Hammerdown hit the nail on the head :) ....the grip is much harder to conceal than the barrel.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/onexco/Gun%20Collection/Colt_Commander_Officer_01_Small.jpg

[smokey]

kenoc, Here's how I do it if your pistol have the stock spring and guide.First,the disclaimer. Remove mag, make sure the chamber is empty. Push the spring plug back until the barrel moves out if battery.[barrel should be about 1/8" forward] This is best done using a screw driver that fits the slot in the spring plug.Turn the bushing approx. 1/8th turn counterclockwise[as you view it from the front]Remove bushing.Push the spring plug back far enough to clear the "tooth"from its' slot in the dust cover.Turn the spring plug either left or right so the "tooth" lines up with the space between the barrel and the inside of the dust cover. Remove the spring plug. Push slide to rear as usual to remove the slide stop,etc,etc, etc.Re-assemble in reverse order.Regards, Nick

[smokey]

kenoc, the sense in the Commander slide concealing better comes from the little longer slide pushes against your buttock[or hip] to keep the grip tilted into your waist line and minimize "printing". Of course,that assumes a waist line inside or outside the pants carry. Obviously the shorter slide of the Officers Mod. would hide better in a horizontal type shoulder rig.[although some folks are big enough through the chest to conceal a full sized piece that way,but not me]The Commander slide on the Officers frame balances and points better ,soaks up a felt recoil a little better, has a better sight radius,and avoids the problem[if there is one] with the springplug tooth shearing off and tying up your pistol in the Officers Mod.BUT best of all, It looks great[sort of like a 1908 Pocket Pistol on steriods!] As "Mikey" would say, Try it you'll like it!. Nick

[kenoc]

Well, took to the range for first time today and am not a happy camper. Not sure what you call this problem, but it happened about 6 or 7 times in 50 rounds.
What would happen is i would fire off 5 rounds just fine, and then on the last round, it would not feed properly. Instead the bullet would get stuck with the top pointing up, sticking up through the ejection port...causing it to fail to return to battery. Not the spent case, but the actual next live round is doing this....did it on 3 different types of ammo...any ideas?

[Hammerdown]

Magazine problem. Either needs a new spring, different follower, or a whole new magazine. Can you take a picture of the magazine, specifically the feed lips and follower, and post it?

[kenoc]

Will do as soon as i find my camera..daughter seems to have 'misplaced' it. Glad to know it is likely just the magazine, as other than that the gun handled quite nicely and shot good groups at 25 feet. About the same as my RIA 1911 compact...I don't shoot handguns beyond that distance yet, because i still stink at anything past that. After a 10 year hiatus, i have only been shooting again for a couple months now....but I now have a serious issue of shooting a few inches low and to the right for some reason....i can't imagine both guns would be the same, must be me.

Magazine problem. Either needs a new spring, different follower, or a whole new magazine. Can you take a picture of the magazine, specifically the feed lips and follower, and post it?

[rickinil]

i actualy thought about goin the other way
an officers slide and works on a commander frame for a better grip: just change the slides out
CAN THIS BE DONE??

[dakota1911]

Colt sort of tried that with the Defender Plus. Defender slide on full size grip. It is rare because everything I read said they did not sell many, and stopped making it.

[compassman]

i actualy thought about goin the other way
an officers slide and works on a commander frame for a better grip: just change the slides out
CAN THIS BE DONE??

Colt made that model in limited runs over the years. The Compact Model: NCO, Tanker, Commanding Officer, Night Officer.....ECT

I have a Night Officer and love it. The benefit for me with a short barrel is the ability to conceal it under my jacket and sweater. Longer barrels tend to stick out on me. I also find shorter barrels much more comfortable when sitting. With a FBI canted holster I have no problem concealing the butt of the pistol.

As for the function A full size frame makes the pistol more reliable. A pistol with a shorter barrel is much fast to clear your holster. The ability to quickly clear the holster and get the pistol into action is a huge benefit I learned that every second counts. I also like the extra grip length I found under stress a small grip is harder to grab. I want to make sure I get a good solid grip on the pistol and with the extra length it offers more room to grab. The other benefit is extra capacity in the magazine. When transferring from a gun fight to a defensive fighting position I want a good solid grip on the handle and don't want any fingers dangling off the grip.

I learned alot form my past experiences and developed my own techniques and equipment. What works for me might not work for you.


This is only my opinion bases on my experiences.

Wilson is the only company producing a officer size barrel on a full size frame. All the other companys use the same idea using 4 inch barrels. Still the same concept short barrel full size frame.

The Sentinel Professional model is a 3.6 inch barrel on a full size frame. Wilson had the Professional with a officers size barrel they now have a 4 inch barrel. The Springfield Champion has a 4 inch barrel option with a full size frame. Kimber Compact Stainless II 4 inch barrel and a full size frame. Safari Arms Journeyman 4 inch barrel and full size frame. Most are set up with 4 inch barrels with full size frames. The benefit with this is the recoil system. Actually, this is a very nice set up.

All for Wilsons web page:

From Wilson Wilson Combat’s® "Sentinel Pistol has set the standard for a reliable short-barreled pistol since its introduction. At 3.6”, the barrel is the minimum length that we believe will give the 100% reliability a defensive pistol must have. Initially introduced with a correspondingly minimal sized grip that afforded a six-round magazine, the Sentinel has been one of our most popular firearms."

"When customers wanted the concealable characteristics of a 3.6” barrel with longer traditional grip sizes, we mated the Sentinel slide and barrel with a compact frame - the Sentinel Compact, with 7-round capacity. To complete the Sentinel line, we also used the Sentinel slide and barrel with a full-size frame, resulting in the Sentinel Professional model."

"If you ever dreamed of the concealability of a Sentinel slide, and the comfort and control of a full-size 1911 grip, with an eight-round capacity magazine – you’re going to love this combination. Like most of our pistols, you can even get the Sentinel Professional with a lightweight alloy frame, resulting in the lightest full-size frame daily carry pistol we’ve ever built."

"If you’ve always liked the sure grip, control, and eight-round magazine offered by the full-size 1911, but needed maximum concealability, here’s the pistol for you." Sentinel Professional model 3.6 barrel full size frame