Originally, only 1911 government frames had the series 70 collet bushing. There are some key differences between a series 70 and series 80. Series 80 i noted that the trigger was not all it was cracked up to be my colt 1911 enthusiasts. Colt ended the mk iv series 70 in 1983 with the introduction of the series 80.
But the 70 series seem to be sought out after more by the shooters and collectors. I replaced the mainspring housing on the 80 series as it was plastic and with a wilson mainspring housing. The thing is that none of the colt 1911 designs in the officer or commander frames received the collet bushing of the series 70. These were of course modified series 80 pistols, with several factory alterations that many serious shooters would previously have performed by a custom gunsmith.
Ive since repeated my experiment see video below on sidebyside comparisons between probably half a dozen new series 70 colts and the current line of series 80. Some earnestly look specifically only for a series 70 1911 and want to avoid the series 80 firing pin safety system and modifications at all costs. Your 80 series is every bit as good as a 70 series. The biggest change in the series 80 is the firing pin block. Kimber did things different from this video when they issued the series ii firearms with firing pin block. Jan 29, 2018 posts about series 70 vs series 80 written by rdoug. Sure, there are differences in the degree and quality of hand finishing. What the hell is the difference between series 70 and 80 1911s. The 80 series, so called because it was introduced by colt in 1983, is a more modern. Aug 21, 2018 in the 1970s, the mk iv series 70 government model superseded the standard government model. What series 70 and series 80 really means when 1911 shopping. These updates were added in 1983 and were dubbed the series 80 since the previous revision to the base model gun was similarly dubbed the series 70.
What are major difference in 70 and 80 series colts 1911s. What this means is that designwise most of them share commonality with the preseries 70 guns, using neither the firing pin block nor the collet bushing. Colt s manufacturing company firearms, handguns, pistols, rifles, revolvers. The differences between the two are not insignificant nut it is. This change was to prevent the eventual wear and breakage of the hook allowing the hammer to fall.
The series 70 hammer had a half cock notch or hook whereas the series 80 has a shelf. Language cautioning against pulling the trigger with the second finger was included in the initial m1911 manual, and later manuals up to the 1940s. Mar 28, 2017 the markings between the two pistols are also obviously different, although they both sport the colt name and logo. The series 70 made a comeback in 2002 in the new retro line named the mk ivseries 70 government model. In an attempt to improve the accuracy of the standardissue weapons. He has an 197080s colt gold cup which is a series 80. However his trigger has way more travel until firing than mine. A look at the colt series 70 pistol the shooters log. I know there is very little difference between the 70 and 80 but figuring that im wanting the purest 1911 like an a1, its the first time im really taking the 70 vs 80 debate into consideration.
On a pistol that has been around for 108 years, there are a bunch of generations, and here is the difference between the 70 and 80 series. Sep 14, 2015 colt ended the mk iv series 70 in 1983 with the introduction of the series 80. Colt eventually changed the collet bushing, and the series 70 pistol. As was noted a good gunsmith can give you an excellent trigger. The differences between the two are not insignificant nut it. As for 70 vs 80, i think people get a little carried away with it and whats right. A look at the colt mk iv series 70, then you know that the originals differed from the original in more than just the trigger. There were cosmetic differences in the roll marks, sandblasted walnut grips, and plated trigger, but the roll marks were reduced in size and checkered grips and blue trigger were reinstated partway through the production run. Should you buy or modify a series 80 or series 70 1911. In fact, i prefer the 80 series to the new 70 series.
The main modifications in the new model were a slightly heavier slide and a slotted collet barrel bushing. Short steel trigger, no firing pin block like the series 80s, arched steel mainspring housing, nonflared mag well, nonlowered ejection port. In series 80 the ejection port is not only lowered and beveled, but also moved to right approximately 1 mm. Colt s entire line of 1911style pistols were switched to the new design in 1983, so they all bore the series 80 designation even the commander and officers acp models. Out of the box, the current colt series 80 routinely beats the current series 70 on every gun ive tried. The only mechanical difference between a real original mk iv series 70 colt and a 1969 government model was the accurizor collet bushing. This change was a colletstyle barrel bushing with four flexible fingers. In effect, the return to the preseries 80 system at colt is a return to the series 70 style guns and earlier m1911a1s. I think the firing pin safety has merit on a carry gun. Why is a 70 series 1911 better then a 80 series 1911.
Colts series 70 trigger put to the test series 70 vs. I do see a degree difference between manufacturers, however. I just opened up the box and looked at the owners manual. In the 1990s, colt developed an enhanced series of 1911s. I know the 80 series has a firing pin safety block, other then that what are the other differences. When i discovered it wasnt true to what i used in the service i decided i didnt like it and sold the gun. He has an 1970 80s colt gold cup which is a series 80. Browse all new and used colt pistols 1911 series 70 for sale and buy with confidence from guns international. So, if you notice a compact 1911 thats billed as series 70 it actually isnt. When tracking the lineage of handgun development, the. Dont drink the kool aid about them this was the out cry of the traditional series 70 crowd in the early days of internet who were just in shock that colt would mess with the classic series 70 1911 govt. Colt released an updated design of their fullsize 1911 pistol in the.
Many say it doesnt make a difference, and i suppose it doesnt. While it may not be technically correct, its much easier to diagnose a series 70 or series 80 issue becuase you know which parts are there, rather than simply my 1911. The series 70 is also different from the series 80 1911, which are far more popular today, as well. Its all a matter of individual needs and tastes, as far as im concerned. What colt is giving you with the new mk iv series 70 is in fact a series 80 pistol with series 80 trigger system parts, only without the actual firing pin block. The colt series 70 guns were introduced in 1971, which was the first design change since 1926. And the trigger pulls on my 80 series guns, especially my new commander, is as good as ive felt on a production 1911 gun, whether 70s. Colt pistols 1911 series 70 for sale guns international. With the good looks of a bbq gun and the heart of a fighter, the combat elite commander proves you dont have to compromise form or function. Colt merely used the series 70 designation with the new guns as a means of identifying all pistols not using the firing pin safety system.
Mine is a 20 desert eagle 1911 g which is a series 70. Colt no longer manufactures 1911s with the swartz safety. What do i want to get if there are still series 70. To be perfectly honest, i have no idea how tell the difference in series 70 from any other series. Jan 10, 2019 many a keystroke has been dedicated to the differences between the colt series 70 and series 80 pistols. Should you buy or modify a series 80 or series 70 1911 pistol. Nov 29, 2015 series 80 on left, series 70 collet on right. The following photos from hooper gun works illustrate the difference between the. Between 1983 and 1988, government and gold cup models of series 80 guns contained series 70type barrels and bushings.
Alpo is correct in that, colt came out with the series 70 and series 80. My buddy and i were comparing the triggers on our 1911s. Ive converted some series 80 pistols to series 70 with complete series 70 parts and proper spacer to fill frame slot. This is a commonly debated subject my opinion is series 70 is a superior design and the series 80 is not needed and makes a gun less reliable and more likely to fail, malfunction or break. Some claim that this addition makes for a heavier trigger pull. Colt series 708090 firearms talk the community for. Jan 27, 2014 this is a commonly debated subject my opinion is series 70 is a superior design and the series 80 is not needed and makes a gun less reliable and more likely to fail, malfunction or break. Aug 07, 2018 the series 80 iswas the term used to refer to a number of modifications made to the firing mechanism of the colt 1911 pistol. Everything from the rollmark to the 70s series firing system. The belled muzzle on a series 70 barrel is still the same outside diameter as a conventional straight barrel, so a. A few people might have noticed some 1911s are labeled series 70 and some are series 80, and wonder just what the difference is. Its a major difference to 1911 fans, with many preferring the older 70 series for competition guns. The series 80 is simply a 1911 thats has been installed with an internal firing pin block system.
Presently, the catalog includes both series 70 and series 80 guns, along. The series 70 and pre series 70 pistols barrel, are not compatible with the series 80 pistol s barrel. The series 70 made a comeback in 2002 in the new retro line named the mk iv series 70 government model. Well, the series 80 is a number of features added to the basic colt pistol. What were the differences between the series 70 vs series 80. Colt manufactured a series of its iconic 1911s that looked like standard pistols that had shrunk in the wash.
This removes from the triggerfeel equation the internal movement that disengages the firing pin block. What is the difference between a 45 automatic and a 45 colt. Series 8090 pistols with the firing pin safety are cheaper than 70series and original government models from the same manufacturer without the addons. What is the major difference in 70 and 80 series colts. On mine, just pressing the trigger a little and it goes boom. May 04, 2019 alpo is correct in that, colt came out with the series 70 and series 80. Information provided here is approximate, if you wish to support your investment with the purchase of a complete history and letter of authenticity for your firearm or for more information, please contact colts archive department. This m1911 initially retained the split barrel bushing, but it incorporated a new feature hated by m1911 purists. Between 1983 and 1988, government and gold cup models of series 80 guns contained series 70 type barrels and bushings. Colt series 70 government 1911 handgun shooters report. He has an 1970 80 s colt gold cup which is a series 80.
Here at hgw, we still believe that the series 70 style hammer is best as it captivates the sear rather than allowing it to possibly slide off. Many a keystroke has been dedicated to the differences between the colt series 70 and series 80 pistols. I have a tough time telling the difference between the 70 and 80 series guns in terms of trigger. As stated above changing a 80 series to a 70 series isnt a big deal if you really feel the need. Aug 05, 2015 last week i traded for a new colt government model. The colt is a series 80 that individuals complain about. My government series 80 has a trigger that needs no work. I have played with a series 80 hammer in a series 70 pistol and was able to make the sear slip off the series 80 hammer half cock shelf without pulling the trigger. In the interest of covering the basics, this government is a true spec series 70. And yes, to answer another frequentlyasked question, a standard nonoversize solid bushing will work on an early series 70 or 80 pistol.
The series 70 versus series 80 has nothing much to do with reliability or one beingbetter. Colt series 70 vs series 80, the differences may be more than you think. Colt refused to use since colt said the swartz system was unreliable. Last week i traded for a new colt government model. There is another big difference between the series 70 and series 80 pistols, but nobody talks about. This was years ago so the remorse is mostly passed but as i look toward my next 1911 im trying to decide if i really even care between series 70 and series 80. Back in 1991 colt decided to market an economy version of their basic series 80 government model. The fit and finish is better than the 70 series production of previous decades. Colt the main difference between a series 70 vs 80. The series 80 iswas the term used to refer to a number of modifications made to the firing mechanism of the colt 1911 pistol. Colt in the early 1970s introduced a new variation of the 1911a1 pistol called the series 70 model, which incorporated a major change designed to improve accuracy. Because of this it is important to remember that only colt series 80 models, and a couple of clone 1911 makers use a firing pin block. My prized colt is a 80 series built by paul liebenberg when he ran pachmayr gun works. Colts entire line of 1911style pistols were switched to the new design in 1983, so they all bore the series 80 designation even the commander and officers acp models.
The only real difference between the two is that the series 80 has a firing pin lock safety feature that keeps the firing pin locked until the trigger is pulled. Sep 28, 2017 a few people might have noticed some 1911s are labeled series 70 and some are series 80, and wonder just what the difference is. Short steel trigger, no firing pin block like the series 80s, arched steel mainspring housing. If your firearm does not appear in the listing, please understand that this is not a comprehensive database. By describing non colt 1911 handguns as series 70 or 80, it makes it easier to determine parts differences and solve problems. In 1983 colt introduced its mk iv series 80 models, which had an additional passive firing pin safety lock that did not allow the pistol to fire. If you read my previous blog article on the new mk iv series 70 see. Posts about series 70 vs series 80 written by rdoug. Is the hammer different between a series 70 and 80. The collet bushing was replaced with the solid bushing and the phase out was completed around 1988. Colt commander 45 apc series 70 vs 80 series thearmory. Series 70 vs 80, the difference is more than you think. Lets take a closer look at the colt series 70 and how it performs compared to other options out there. Ive wanted a colt 1911 for a long long time, now i wonder if i need.