Colt yesterday and today?

[Single Six]

I have a series 70, which is a well-regarded pistol. However, I have also read about spotty quality in the 80s and 90s. Mine looks pretty good on the outside, but the inside and barrel fit are quite loose and roughly machined, barrel riding the link, etc. Newer Colts seem to be CNC machined, but I haven't seen the insides of one yet. How are they, and how is the barrel fit, etc.?

Thanks

[jr_roosa]

The inside of mine is very clean. I don't know enough about barrel fit to comment intelligently, but the fit is certainly better than either my Springfield MilSpec or my surplus colt.

-J.

[dakota1911]

Having several examples of 70's, 80's, 90's, and 2000 guns up to 2010, I would the new ones are generaly nicer, and about as hard to find as they were in the 70's at least for me.

[Single Six]

Thanks...how about fit and finish on the inside...where most people don't look?

[nevada 1911]

Thanks...how about fit and finish on the inside...where most people don't look?

Have NRM 1991 100 yrs of service, first thing we looked at was the interior as the exterior was obvious, very clean and smooth.
Compared to the 72 gcnm about equalm.

[Vintage Racer]

I have a series 70, which is a well-regarded pistol.
No doubt. The Colt 70 Series is a good gun. I wish I could find a nice one. :D

Newer Colts seem to be CNC machined, but I haven't seen the insides of one yet.
I can offer just about any picture of the inside view of a newer Colt (just request it). The new machinery process is very good.

I agree with nevada 1911. My new-in-box Colt Governement Model 01991 ($827) is good.

A new and dirty Colt (fired 90 rounds) and now being cleaned.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c154/95CobraR/01991.jpg

I have to remove the grips for a better inspection.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c154/95CobraR/01991a.jpg

It took me five minutes to clean it (and another 15 minutes to do the pictures).
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c154/95CobraR/01991b.jpg

The Colt 01991 is good to go for any situation (even with a cheap holster). Now locked and loaded:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c154/95CobraR/01991c.jpg

[nevada 1911]

These new 01991's are really accurate, wish they still had the old finger bushing like my old GC has, maybe would be even more accurate, whoa.