S&W 1911 or Colt 70 Series

[Engine49guy]

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.

 

[Dump1567]

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.

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.

 

[Broker50]

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).

 

[03Fatboy]

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.

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.

 

[03Fatboy]

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!!!

 

[Series '70]

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.

 

[bmcgilvray]

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]

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

 

[luis]

When a 1981 Colt is worth the money. I am suprised that a dealer would sell it, with the gun not on the CA approved list. I thought that all guns not on the approved list could only be resold out of state.

 

[gr8smiles]

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!

 

[Dump1567]

When a 1981 Colt is worth the money. I am suprised that a dealer would sell it, with the gun not on the CA approved list. I thought that all guns not on the approved list could only be resold out of state.

It was sold on consignment. Original owner leaves it at the shop for them to sell. Transferred like a PPT.

 

[Engine49guy]

Hate to ask this but saw a newer WWI Colt comemorative repro LNIB for $800,
My friend said its a plastic trigger new Colt design,
It looks like an older version ,
Is the WWI repro modern or true old 1911 copy?

 

[Dump1567]

Hate to ask this but saw a newer WWI Colt comemorative repro LNIB for $800,
My friend said its a plastic trigger new Colt design,
It looks like an older version ,
Is the WWI repro modern or true old 1911 copy?

If it's one of the newer ones, it should be a copy of the original 1918 version. Can't comment on the plastic trigger, but $800 is a good price.

 

[senecaap]

Hate to ask this but saw a newer WWI Colt comemorative repro LNIB for $800,
My friend said its a plastic trigger new Colt design,
It looks like an older version ,
Is the WWI repro modern or true old 1911 copy?

If it is the same one I read about, it may have the plastic trigger, but it is not the firing pin block/Series 80 system. It should be internally, just like a true 1911, and for $800, probably a good price.