1911 Series 70 or 80?

[JTQ]

The Kimber is not a true Swartz safety and adds no stack or pull to the trigger and people can have their opinions but I like my Kimbers and many, many people do as well and I specifically like the safety system whether you and Ned do or do not.

I'm not familiar with the differences between the Kimber firing pin safety and the Swartz? Could you describe how they differ?

I didn't say I didn't like it. I'm just letting you know a knowledgeable guy on the subject of 1911's has concerns about the system, and has things to look for to make sure yours is working properly.

 

[3Crows]

I'm not familiar with the differences between the Kimber firing pin safety and the Swartz? Could you describe how they differ?

I didn't say I didn't like it. I'm just letting you know a knowledgeable guy on the subject of 1911's has concerns about the system, and has things to look for to make sure yours is working properly.

Sorry, I corrected to Series 80, I was not paying attention, sorry for that, I thought I had changed it before posting, you are right. I understand that some knowledgeable people have their opinions and I think Kimber and Colt probably have some knowledgeable people working for them also.

I am probably wrong, hang me, but is not the Series 80 type actuated by the trigger and the Swartz type activated by the grip safety?

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

The Series-80 guns fix a problem that never existed. Your choice.

 

[JTQ]

I am probably wrong, hang me, but is not the Series 80 type actuated by the trigger and the Swartz type activated by the grip safety?

That is correct.

 

[gyp_c2]

For carry, the important thing is actual reliability, not speculative reliability. Using other people's notions is merely speculative. Only your own experience can really educate

This. Always.
I'll buy a Colt Commander 9mm right now if anyone feels unsafe with it.
60's,70's ,80's or newly minted...
NO MODIFICATIONS other than factory.
Even interested in 38 Super!

 

[JTQ]

I understand that some knowledgeable people have their opinions and I think Kimber and Colt probably have some knowledgeable people working for them also.

... and has things to look for to make sure yours is working properly.

 

[Constrictor]

The Kimber is not a true Series 80 safety and adds no stack or pull to the trigger and people can have their opinions but I like my Kimbers and many, many people do as well and I specifically like the safety system whether you and Ned do or do not.

I'm sure it's rare but there have been cases of kimber type firing pins getting broken and you don't find out till you draw and try to fire only to hear a dreaded click, and no boom. No thank you for me

 

[JTQ]

I'm sure it's rare but there have been cases of kimber type firing pins getting broken and you don't find out till you draw and try to fire only to hear a dreaded click, and no boom. No thank you for me

Certainly possible, but perhaps you have a typo when you put "kimber type firing pins getting broken". If Kimber firing pins are breaking, it isn't common enough for it to be a discussion topic that I've seen.

Perhaps you meant to say "Kimber firing pin safeties getting out of sync" and getting a click. This has been reported.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have both Series 70 and Series 80 1911s. I really do not find any difference in shooting them.

I'll work on the Series 70 guns including building a few. But I won't work on a Series 80 for improvement. Maybe if it breaks though.

I've have had one Series 70 with a collet bushing. The bushing broke and the broken finger got wedged between the slide and frame. Colt replaced the bushing and I eventually replaced it again with a solid bushing. Ultimately, the broken finger had started a crack in the dust shield that continued to grow while firing 45 ACP. I replaced the slide assembly with a 22LR slide assembly. The crack is no longer growing and I have a dandy 22LR pistol.

The 45 Slide assembly was moved to a new frame and re-barreled to 38/45 Clerke.

 

[army_eod]

Not a valid argument any more. Series 70 and 80 really only pertain to Colts.