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Thread: Series 80 firing pin block.

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  1. #1
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    Series 80 firing pin block.

    I have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. My agency allows 1911s as alternate duty weapons if they have a firing pin block. I currently have a series 80 Commander, so I know it has one. I am looking at purchasing another 1911 and I am wondering what other manufacturers use this system. Several of our armorers and firearms instructors who are very knowledgeable state this is more durable than the Swartz system in the Kimber and S&W guns. I am not asking for a debate about whether that is true, just trying to find out who else uses the series 80 system.

    Thanks for your help.

  2. #2
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    ParaUSA, Auto-Ordnance/Kahr, Remington, Taurus and I think Sig, too. I feel like I'm forgetting someone...
    Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
    M. Setter

  3. #3
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    13th May 2009
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    If forced to go with a FPS I would stick with a Colt and would consider reading the following:

    http://www.10-8performance.com/pages...-Duty-Use.html

    Its good reading for anyone considering a hard use 1911 for duty.

    Strange

  4. #4
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    28th January 2008
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    Having had some experience now and after a lot of thought, I'm with Hilton. The grip-safety-activated firing pin plungers sound like a good idea in theory, and had me leaning that direction for a while, but in practice there are just too many "gotchas." In fact, I've sold my pistols with the "Swartz-type" safeties, and will eschew any further purchase of one. A click when you expect a bang in a serious situation is the loudest, scariest sound in the world. No, thanks.

    Regards,

    Walt
    Author, The M1911 Complete Assembly Guide,
    The M1911 Complete Owner's Guide, NEW The 10/22 Complete Owner's and Assembly Guide,
    The M14
    and M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guides
    and The AR-15 Complete Assembly and NEW Owner's Guides

  5. #5
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    Jstrange, thanks. I read that too after a conversation with one of our armorers. Thanks for the info on the manufacturers. Para is on our list, so I may look at their stuff. I like my Colt, but unless you get into their top shelf stuff, you don't get dovetails, beavertails, etc. I appreciate the help.

  6. #6
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    khiggins498:

    Any of the Colt models in their XSE series of 1911's will have the features you want, and are very tightly fitted and accurate.

    In the last couple of years I've bought two LW Commanders, a LW Government Model and a Combat Elite; all in the XSE series, and all for well under $1000.00 each.

    In my estimation; the Colts are of better quality than all, and cheaper than some, of the other brands noted above.

    Take care,

    Rick

  7. #7
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    I am not proposing that Colt is end all be all of 1911, but I do believe you get a lot for the money. Although I have never owned one I would be extremely leary of a Para for duty use. I have not read great things about their pistols surviving hard use.

    A Colt gives you forged frame and slide and excellent small parts. I am no expert, but I don't see to many high end custom builds starting off with a Para as a base gun.... could be a clue YMMV.

    Jstrange
    Last edited by jstrange; 31st January 2012 at 16:28.


  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by jstrange
    I am not proposing that Colt is end all be all of 1911, but I do believe you get a lot for the money. Although I have never owned one I would be extremely leary of a Para for duty use. I have not read great things about their pistols surviving hard use.
    Last year, the only guns I saw on the SHOT show floor that had working firing pins, were the Para P14-45s on the duty belts of two LVPD officers...

    Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
    Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
    M. Setter

  9. #9
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    After doing a lot of research, I am inclined to agree. I am in the market for another steel framed Commander. I finally found the rear sight I have been looking for at Fusion Firearms, so I am confident I can build the Colt the way I want. Now I just need another Colt so I can have a backup if this one (God forbid) ends up in evidence for eternity. Thanks for the advice.

  10. #10
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    If I were in your position, I would look hard at a Colt XSE 5". The newest version has an improved beavertail grip safety, and is a very good pistol for the price - if you can find one. For duty use, I don't see any advantage that a Commander size pistol offers. With all the other stuff hanging from your belt, the little weight that 3/4" of barrel and slide bring is insignificant.

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