Advice on neglected Colt Series 70 1911 Government

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matt2011

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Hi,

I have been lurking on this forum for a while now as I enjoy the discussions and knowledge. However, I decided to register and post as I was hoping to perhaps get some advice on what steps I need to do to get an old Colt Series 70 1911 Government in good shooting shape. My dad, who isn't into pistols, purchased it many years ago, but has left it sitting in a holster inside his safe for the past 10 years or so with no rounds fired in that time. He asked me to take a look at it to get it back to great shape. From his description, it appears to just have some minor surface rust, but I won't know the full extent until I see it when I visit home.

Are there any particular things that I should do or replace on such an old gun? I have been away from guns for roughly the same amount of time (10 years) as I moved to a gun unfriendly city... My current plan of action is to:

1) Take care of any surface rust. (What products do you recommend for this?)
2) Disassemble it completely and clean it thoroughly. (I could use your suggestions on the cleaning product.)
3) Lubricate it. (Breakfree CLP seems to be a recurring recommendation in other threads I've seen, but I'd love to hear other suggestions as well.)
4) Replace all the springs with a new set to ensure proper, in spec functioning. (This seems like a good idea given the age of the gun. I would really appreciate recommendations on the exact spring set to purchase.)
5) Purchase new magazines to replace the original one that came with the gun. (Looking at perhaps Mec-Gars?)
6) Treat it with some form of rust preventative measure. (Any suggestions on this?)

Is there anything else that I am missing or that would be a good idea? Any particular parts that would be good to replace as a preventative measure? I want to make it as reliable and as in good a shape as possible.

I really appreciate any help that anyone would like to chip in on this. Thank you very much in advance.
 
Try spraying it with PB Blaster,before you disassemble it. PB will work into small areas and help break down the rust. once it is freed up, you can clean the parts better,and apply a good oil. I used PB on an old pistol I found buried,and rusty, and it worked great!!
 
1) Take care of any surface rust. (What products do you recommend for this?)

I'd start with oil and a coarse cloth. If it is rustier than that will handle, the next step is very fine 0000 steel wool and oil, or better; bronze wool.

2) Disassemble it completely and clean it thoroughly. (I could use your suggestions on the cleaning product.)

For bore cleaning I like M-Pro 7 because it is low odor. But bear in mind that CLP stands for Clean, Lubricate, Protect and some people use nothing but. Simplifies the inventory, anyhow. For the rest of the gun, just a good scrubbing with oil and a stiff brush.

3) Lubricate it. (Breakfree CLP seems to be a recurring recommendation in other threads I've seen, but I'd love to hear other suggestions as well.)

There are many gun lubes and many home brew formulas, they all work pretty well. Just get some Breakfree and go. That works in 1 and 2 also.

4) Replace all the springs with a new set to ensure proper, in spec functioning. (This seems like a good idea given the age of the gun. I would really appreciate recommendations on the exact spring set to purchase.)

The springs have not aged on the shelf. If you just must, get a Wolff conventional wind 16 lb recoil spring which comes with a fresh firing pin spring.

5) Purchase new magazines to replace the original one that came with the gun. (Looking at perhaps Mec-Gars?)

What is wrong with the original? Any road, I like the McCormick Power Mag which can usually be found on sale somewhere at any given time.

6) Treat it with some form of rust preventative measure. (Any suggestions on this?)

If you are going to use the gun and generally keep an eye on it, all that is needed is a wipedown with an oily rag. If you are going to put it back on the shelf, then there are grease and wax products for long term storage.
 
@jhngardner367

Thanks for the suggestion on PB Blaster. I'll pick some up.

@Jim Watson

I appreciate your very detailed response. I was thinking that replacing the springs would be a good idea as I do not recall the gun to have been very reliable years ago when it was last shot. I thought that perhaps a set of new springs would help. Looking at the Wolff springs sets, I found this particular one on Midway. What do you think?

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=576439

As for the original magazine, my father told me that the old one seems to have a very weak spring, barely able to push all the rounds up.

---------------

Once again, thanks for your guys' help and advice. Much appreciated.
 
Thanks for the links, Jim. I'll be picking both of those items. I really appreciate the help.
 
Matt,
Don't put it back in the holster! You might consider having Colt's custom shop re-blue the piece. If you guys are going to shoot it get some spare magazines.
Best,
Rob
 
Matt,

Find someone like myself that can clean, maintain or replace what is needed internally and refinish the outside.

The final product of such a service will be a better all around pistol, both for function and looks.
 
If the magazine spring seems weak, it may just be a dirty magazine. Push the follower down with a rod and check. I've seen all sorts of grit cleaned out of magazines, and they worked much better when cleaned.
 
It may not need anything but a good cleaning to restore function. I wouldn't change anything unless I found it needed it after taking it to the range.

To restore the finish after rusting depends on how "like new" you want to get it.
 
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