one eye joe
US Veteran
DITTO ! ! ! The Colt will hold it's value and the '70 Series guns are much sought after. ANYTHING other than a Colt 1911, is merely a copy........
S&W 1911 or Colt 70 Series
- Thread starter 03Fatboy
- Start date
DITTO ! ! ! The Colt will hold it's value and the '70 Series guns are much sought after. ANYTHING other than a Colt 1911, is merely a copy........
Buy the Colt just know you will probably have to get it worked on so it will shoot!
squidsix
Member
I would buy the Colt, but ONLY if you "have to have a 1911" and are getting your second or third pistol in that type.
I would NOT, however, recommend the Colt if it's your very first 1911. I think it's like a teenager with cars: you will not be able to leave it alone, and if you're going to hose it up, do it with something besides your beautiful Colt.
I would NOT, however, recommend the Colt if it's your very first 1911. I think it's like a teenager with cars: you will not be able to leave it alone, and if you're going to hose it up, do it with something besides your beautiful Colt.
Chuck Jones
Member
I think it's actually a crime (or at least 7 years bad luck) to pass up a 70 series Colt, ever, for any reason.
But what you'll do with it is another matter.
In that regard I'll tell you; you never know how it'll shoot 'till you shoot it.
I've had lots of 1911s over 35 years of shooting: Colts, Springfield, S&W, Kimbers, modified, way modified, and stock.
A few years ago I bought a fairly beat up, used, 1991 series 80 as a base gun for a Ted Yost build. At the last minute I changed it for an even more beat up 1911 70 series I stumbled across.
When I got the 1991 back unmodified I shot it and guess what? It shoots like a rifle! Stock! Same chezey plastic trigger, crappy beat up finish, stock bushing, crown, slight creep in the trigger, etc.
The only thing I added was a piece of skateboard tape on the frontstrap, 18.5# spring, and I changed the rear sight (for a Harrison Retro) when it was so loose it started moving in the dovetail.
Don't get me wrong I love my Yost (so sweet!) and all the rest, including my old pin gun built on an essex frame, Clark barrel, S&W adjustable rear sights, and a Hogue beavertail (installed by Jim Hogue himself!).
...but that lowly, stock, 1991 shoots better than some and within 10% of the best.
/c
But what you'll do with it is another matter.
In that regard I'll tell you; you never know how it'll shoot 'till you shoot it.
I've had lots of 1911s over 35 years of shooting: Colts, Springfield, S&W, Kimbers, modified, way modified, and stock.
A few years ago I bought a fairly beat up, used, 1991 series 80 as a base gun for a Ted Yost build. At the last minute I changed it for an even more beat up 1911 70 series I stumbled across.
When I got the 1991 back unmodified I shot it and guess what? It shoots like a rifle! Stock! Same chezey plastic trigger, crappy beat up finish, stock bushing, crown, slight creep in the trigger, etc.
The only thing I added was a piece of skateboard tape on the frontstrap, 18.5# spring, and I changed the rear sight (for a Harrison Retro) when it was so loose it started moving in the dovetail.
Don't get me wrong I love my Yost (so sweet!) and all the rest, including my old pin gun built on an essex frame, Clark barrel, S&W adjustable rear sights, and a Hogue beavertail (installed by Jim Hogue himself!).
...but that lowly, stock, 1991 shoots better than some and within 10% of the best.
/c
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OP
03Fatboy
Member
We'll I bought the Colt! I overly estimated the condition, but it's a bit better than 90%, some handling marks and idiot mark, two mags, no rust, nice bluing, nice original grips and a clean bore. The seller had some flexibility in the price so OTD at $790, I ain't complaining. As a first it should be a fun shooter for general range fun. Seems like a solid 1911. If bells and whistles are wanted later I guess another would be in order, at this time it stays as is....Thanks all!
squidsix
Member
Congrats on your new Colt!
I have only passed on one "great deal" Colt 1911, and this was because not only did it have the idiot mark, but it was DEEP.
Enjoy your pistol!
I have only passed on one "great deal" Colt 1911, and this was because not only did it have the idiot mark, but it was DEEP.
Enjoy your pistol!
Since you live in CA I need to correct some information. The Colt is NOT an orginal series 70 it is the Colt 1991 version with MIM parts. That Colt does not hold the same value as the pre 1991 Colts. New in the box that Colt can be purchased from Buds and others for 850. The S&W will hold the price better.
11e40
Member
still the right choice.
Yes, the Colt he bought was an original series 70 from 1981. It was used and brought into the shop and sold on consignment.
Engine49guy
Member
I was kinda surprised to see the majority input vote for the Colt..
I had a Mk IV series 80 Combat Commander 20 years ago that I sold to a friend and was considering buying back,
That was until I saw a friends S&W 1911 Sc and read this thread.
I know the series 80 is not a series 70 but the Colt seems archaic compared to that S&W Sc.
The Colt series 80 and Smith Sc are about the same price,
Guess I have to do some homework.
I had a Mk IV series 80 Combat Commander 20 years ago that I sold to a friend and was considering buying back,
That was until I saw a friends S&W 1911 Sc and read this thread.
I know the series 80 is not a series 70 but the Colt seems archaic compared to that S&W Sc.
The Colt series 80 and Smith Sc are about the same price,
Guess I have to do some homework.
IMO, it comes down to what you want and intended use.
I like the classic looks and shootability of a series 70 Colt. It's one of those guns you take out on occasions and just enjoy shooting with your friends. You also have to consider the nostasia factor on a board like this. Many of the posters are older, and remember this gun from "the good ol days".
But for a carry piece, target gun, or race gun my choices would be different.
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Broker50
Member
Well, I guess I'm another odd one out. Got my fill of Colt 1911's years ago. They did have nice pretty bluing, but for a gun to shoot & use, there are several much better American made 1911's. The S&W is light years ahead of a series 70 Colt, IMHO. (And Springfield's are Brazilian origin BTW).
OP
03Fatboy
Member
Wow, this came out of left field. Where did you get your information for correction? It is in fact an older Series 70 and as mentioned, dates to 1980.
OP
03Fatboy
Member
Some factors that influenced my decision:
1. I like things with age and great history and I plan on keeping it for awhile. I agree the Colt will not lose value (left stock) and the S&W I was looking at also was not a great dollar deal.
2. I can buy a S&W much easier than the Series 70 in my neck of the woods.
3. The S70 should be very reliable, fun to shoot with myself or buddies. I like the no frills options, a little more basic than the others.
4. This one is my introduction to a 1911. Not mint in box condition, so I won't feel bad shooting it and learning the in's and out's, don't get me wrong it will be well cared for.
5. Here is the zinger! If this one really sparks my interest like I have in S&W revolvers than it won't be my last. I will buy my next one with some of the option's I may need or prefer for comfort, accuracy, target, etc...Bottom line is, I'm primarily a recreation shooter that just enjoys pulling the trigger, hearing a bang and hope I hit paper, sometimes I get lucky!!!
1. I like things with age and great history and I plan on keeping it for awhile. I agree the Colt will not lose value (left stock) and the S&W I was looking at also was not a great dollar deal.
2. I can buy a S&W much easier than the Series 70 in my neck of the woods.
3. The S70 should be very reliable, fun to shoot with myself or buddies. I like the no frills options, a little more basic than the others.
4. This one is my introduction to a 1911. Not mint in box condition, so I won't feel bad shooting it and learning the in's and out's, don't get me wrong it will be well cared for.
5. Here is the zinger! If this one really sparks my interest like I have in S&W revolvers than it won't be my last. I will buy my next one with some of the option's I may need or prefer for comfort, accuracy, target, etc...Bottom line is, I'm primarily a recreation shooter that just enjoys pulling the trigger, hearing a bang and hope I hit paper, sometimes I get lucky!!!
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Just bought an "E-Series." For the price I paid...I got what I paid for. For someone that shoots once-in-a-while or just needs a basic pistol for defense it's good to go. As a competitive shooter I had to change out all the MIM parts and install better sights. All that's left of the original pistol: Slide, Frame, Barrel, Extractor.
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bmcgilvray
Member
Late to this party but the Colt would be most satisfying to me. All others are just clones. I'm in a 1911 mood just now, keeping an eye out for a Government Model. I'm a big fan of plain unadulterated full-sized models. Loath most 1911 bells and whistles and mods. I'm up in the air over obtaining a good Series 70 or holding out for a clean, unfooled-with post-WWII to 1970 Government Model. Bit tricky to balance condition, originality, and price with the pre-1970 Government Models.
USBP SW
Member
I have to agree with the majority. You definitely made the right choice with the Colt, especially living in California. The government model in the 1980's was not a big seller, so there are not that many to begin with. The series 70 is highly sought after and there will be many more opportunities to pick up a "bells and whistles" model later. I don't know if you are aware that in California the only way you can get the Colt is through a private party transfer or a consignment sale. If a store buys that same pistol they would have to sell it outside the state, due to the "safe" gun list in California (series 70 Colts are not on the list). Congratulations on the right choice and enjoy.
Steve
Steve
Brought this home last week. I have had some new Series 80 Colts and they did not hold a candle to my Kimbers. I even have a few Nighthawks. But, when I saw this Nickel Series 70 with the box....Game Over!
