Series 90?

[phydaux]

Saw a 3 1/2" Colt 1911 that had "Series 90" stamped on the slide.

What is Series 90?

[dvdslw]

I could be wrong but I believe the series 90 designation is for all colt pistols made with an aluminum frame, bushingless slide, and series 80 firing pin safety.

[Hawkmoon]

Series 90 includes the Defender, plus the now-defunct Mustang, Pony, Government .380, Pocket Nine, and I suppose the New Agent. AFAIK it covers both the alloy and all-steel versions, where applicable.

[dakota1911]

Let us not forget the also now out of production Double Eagle.

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

I always thought it was a marketing term and had nothing to do with design, engineering or materials.

[wjkuleck]

—snip—

I always thought it was a marketing term and had nothing to do with design, engineering or materials.
...to make it sound "newer" than "70" (~1970) or "80" (~1980, yeah, I know, was it '82 or '83 or ??).

Regards,

Walt

[Jason8844]

I am no expert, but it seems to me the Series 90 pistols are different from Series 80 pistols in more than just the recoil spring. It seems to me that the Series 90 pistols have slightly different frame and slide shapes.

For example, on the New Agent Model, there is a slight cut-out right behind the trigger guard. This is possibly there to help the smaller frame fit lower in the hand. There is also a cut-out on the slide where the pistol ejects the brass.

I have limited knowledge so please correct me if I am wrong, but I have only seen these changes on the New Agent and now on the new Lightweight Government Model I have seen in another thread. Slight changes in the frame in the 1920's was worthy enough to change the designation of the pistol from the M1911 to the M1911A1. Could'nt similar changes be enough to give us the Series 90?

Once again, I am just a novice at all this. So if I am wrong, please do not crucify me!

[wjkuleck]

I am no expert, but it seems to me the Series 90 pistols are different from Series 80 pistols in more than just the recoil spring. It seems to me that the Series 90 pistols have slightly different frame and slide shapes.

For example, on the New Agent Model, there is a slight cut-out right behind the trigger guard. This is possibly there to help the smaller frame fit lower in the hand. There is also a cut-out on the slide where the pistol ejects the brass.

I have limited knowledge so please correct me if I am wrong, but I have only seen these changes on the New Agent and now on the new Lightweight Government Model I have seen in another thread. Slight changes in the frame in the 1920's was worthy enough to change the designation of the pistol from the M1911 to the M1911A1. Could'nt similar changes be enough to give us the Series 90?

Once again, I am just a novice at all this. So if I am wrong, please do not crucify me!
The trigger guard relief cut is an "Enhanced" feature found on many Colt models, of all sizes. For example, the O1880XSE "Lightweight Government Model" I have pictured in a nearby thread has the cut. And yes, the relief cut is intended to allow the pistol to sit a little deeper in the hand. Likewise, the ejection port flares are found on many Colts.

Neither "enhancement" triggered (pun intended) a change in designation or nomenclature.

Remember, none of us was born knowin' this stuff. The only dumb question is the one that goes unasked.

Best regards,

Walt