new series 70 now have gone to a Titanium firing pin?

[javichin1991]

Hello,

I have read in other forum that recent production series 70 now have gone to a Titanium firing pin and extra power firing pin spring.

Any info about this matter would be appreciated, thanks.

Regards,

Javi

[dakota1911]

For folks that have a new one weight would be an easy thing to test for the difference between Titanium and Steel. The spring tension would be a wee bit harder to test.

[Servabo Fidem]

For folks that have a new one weight would be an easy thing to test for the difference between Titanium and Steel. The spring tension would be a wee bit harder to test.

I bought my last one exactly one month ago. I don't know about the fps, but the firing pin is most certainly not Titanium. (it does however, exhibit the dreaded dust cover/slide rub, as well as an extremely loose slide to frame fit).

[lksstbls]

The firing pin in my Colt .45 acps (older models) is magnetic and weighs 70 grains. The full size (0.090") firing pin in my Springfield Pro is not magnetic and weighs 35 grains. I assume its Titanium. The listing for Cali approved pistols doesn't include any of the 70 Series pistols (that I can determine)which I assume would have to have the Ti pin to qualify. Given the increasingly wide use of the Ti firing pins by all of the builders, I assume there's no inherent problems with them, other than slightly higher cost.

[John]

As far as we know Colt is NOT using titanium firing pins. Only Springfield is.

[1911 Shooter]

S&W is offering the 1911 (TFP) Titanium Firing Pin model 108309.
I haven't seen one as of yet, but they are in the catalog.

[texagun]

S&W is offering the 1911 (TFP) Titanium Firing Pin model 108309.
I haven't seen one as of yet, but they are in the catalog.

I read on another forum that this model will not be sold to the public. They have pulled it from their current offerings due to liability issues. It's too bad that the lawyers are running the gun companies.

http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=78631&an=0&page=2#78631

The TFP (Titanium Firing Pin) has not been pulled from their website yet.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=91443&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15709&isFirearm=Y

[TacDoc]

I read something about Ti FP and extra power FP Springs regarding to California gun laws. Cant remember where, though.

[dakota1911]

The sad thing is for folks who would like to put a Ti pin and stronger spring in a new mod. 70, (or even an original) you get into having to say you did modify it from its factory specs. And I know how silly the courts can be at times.

[silvereagle]

I read somewhere that Colt was using the series 80 FP in the series 70 guns. I don't know if that's true, but it's a good idea as the 80 FP is lighter. Can anyone with a new series 70 veify that?

[Mj0lnir]

Since at least 2007, Colt has been using Ti firing pins; most recent WWIs (black oxide) have them as well.

Could it be beryllium-copper?
Feels too light.
Magnesium?
Very doubtful.
Gold plated Bl? Or is that redundant?
(Bl is the symbol for the Element "Bling")
Until someone submits one to a lab for material analysis, I'm betting on Titanium.

[javichin1991]

I read somewhere that Colt was using the series 80 FP in the series 70 guns. I don't know if that's true, but it's a good idea as the 80 FP is lighter. Can anyone with a new series 70 veify that?


Yes, that is true, my Colt Gunsite made in 2005 and series 70 repro made in 2007 both use the series 80 firing pin (easily identificable).

By the way my former WWI repro made in 2007 used a series 80 firing pin also.

Regards,

Javi

[myanof]

As far as we know Colt is NOT using titanium firing pins. Only Springfield is.

This is my understanding as well.

[myanof]

I read somewhere that Colt was using the series 80 FP in the series 70 guns. I don't know if that's true, but it's a good idea as the 80 FP is lighter. Can anyone with a new series 70 veify that?

You are correct, the new Series 70 has the Series 80 FP.

[jtmo3]

When I got my series 70 repro about 6 months ago, I called Colt to ask them about the "strange" firing pin and they confirmed to me that it was indeed a Ti firing pin. It also has a series 80 firing pin stop and extractor.

John

[daveohno]

My Gunsite Pistol was having many light primer strikes a while back and Colt sent me a titanium firing pin as a replacement. I changed the spring and the pin and it's been fine since.

[myanof]

When I got my series 70 repro about 6 months ago, I called Colt to ask them about the "strange" firing pin and they confirmed to me that it was indeed a Ti firing pin. It also has a series 80 firing pin stop and extractor.

John

That's interesting information. I am going to call on Monday and see what they tell me. My understanding is it is merely a series 80 FP. I would think Colt would mention this in the specs if they changed to a ti FP. They actually state "Original Series 70 firing system (closer to original 1911 pistol)" in their specs on the web site.

Thanks

[Mj0lnir]

Myanof, it merely has the same outline or contour of the Series '80 firing pin.

That is to say, it is a Series '80 pin, but made out of Titanium.

I think their phrasing merely implies the lack of the firing pin block levers, and accompanying cutouts in the frame and slide.

As jtmo3 mentioned, they also use '80 firing pin stops & extractors.

Colt mentioning changes to production parts? :D

[myanof]

Myanof, it merely has the same outline or contour of the Series '80 firing pin.

That is to say, it is a Series '80 pin, but made out of Titanium.

I think their phrasing merely implies the lack of the firing pin block levers, and accompanying cutouts in the frame and slide.

As jtmo3 mentioned, they also use '80 firing pin stops & extractors.

Colt mentioning changes to production parts? :D

So would the Series 70 re-issue pass the California drop test as SA has done with their Ti FP and heavy FP spring? Not that I care about Cali, but I am just curious.

[jtmo3]

Myanof, from what I understand, that is their reason for using the Ti firing pin in the series 70 guns. There really is no other reason Colt would use them. There is some trade off with the Ti firing pin from what I understand. They are harder and more brittle but lighter. I don't get anywhere near Cal. so I swapped mine out with a regular steel pin. It's just a cure looking for a problem to fix and found it in Cal. Figures, I guess.

John

[lksstbls]

I'm not knowledgeable on Colt model numbers but it doesn't look to me like any Series 70 pistols are currently approved by Cali:
http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

[javichin1991]

Myanof, from what I understand, that is their reason for using the Ti firing pin in the series 70 guns. There really is no other reason Colt would use them. There is some trade off with the Ti firing pin from what I understand. They are harder and more brittle but lighter. I don't get anywhere near Cal. so I swapped mine out with a regular steel pin. It's just a cure looking for a problem to fix and found it in Cal. Figures, I guess.

John

All new production series 70 and WWI I have handled (including my personal guns) feature conventional series 80 firing pin, that is no Ti, but take in mind that I am talking about guns being made between 2005- 2007. No chance to put my hand on a 2008 or 2009 production series 70 or O1918 model.

Regards

Javi

[Steve C]

I'm not knowledgeable on Colt model numbers but it doesn't look to me like any Series 70 pistols are currently approved by Cali:
http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

How would they handle the new CA requirements for an easily recognizable loaded chamber indicator and a magazine disconnect?

Pretty soon it will be impossible to sell a new "1911" in CA.

[myanof]

When I read this thread I was intrigued, as I have a new Series 70, so I called Colt on Monday to ask the question about Ti FPs.. The guy who knew the answer wasn't in so they called me back this morning with the answer. According to the tech group, Colt is installing titanium FPs in the new Series 70, but they are not using extra power FP springs. I could not get any answers why Colt decided to go with a TI FP and not a extra power spring. If anyone talks to Colt, and can get any more information as to their rational, please let us know.

[jtmo3]

They are using the Ti firing pins to pass the Ca. drop test so they can sell there and any other place that requires they pass that test. Extra power spring not required with Ti pin because it is a lot lighter than standard firing pin.

[dakota1911]

Titanium has other benefits than meeting Human law, and the firing pin is not a hugely expensive thing. If they are using them it would be interesting to know where they are getting them from. If they are making them in-house, then that would be exciting.

[javichin1991]

When I read this thread I was intrigued, as I have a new Series 70, so I called Colt on Monday to ask the question about Ti FPs.. The guy who knew the answer wasn't in so they called me back this morning with the answer. According to the tech group, Colt is installing titanium FPs in the new Series 70, but they are not using extra power FP springs. I could not get any answers why Colt decided to go with a TI FP and not a extra power spring. If anyone talks to Colt, and can get any more information as to their rational, please let us know.

Myanof,

Thank you very much for bring to the forum this important info!

Regards,

Javi

PD

Now I have to get these some of these new TI FP for my Colts...

[javichin1991]

Maybe this could be of some interest:

New Titanium firing pins are available directly from the Colt Customer service at a retail price of $14.95 plus shipping.

Regards,

Javi