Colt Series 70 or 80?

[schmeky]

I have found a few pretty good deals on some series 70's. I have also found some even better deals on a few series 80's.

I know the main difference is in the firing pin saftey, but realistically, other than the firing oin saftey, is there any other significant difference?

On another note, the 1991(A1) series are a cheaper, is this mainly because of plastic triggers and MIM parts?

Colt had a good thing going and it seems they just continually screwed it up with cheaper and cheaper manufacturing methods.

As an aside, I was formerly a compressed air professional. Colt industries had the very best reciprocating air compressor in the world, the QR series. They managed to screw it up with substituting solid brass parts for hollow core plastic parts as one example, effectively kiling their reputation. It is so sad to see something so durable become substandard.

So, 70 or 80 series?

 

[SWMAN]

I bought a series 80 1991A1 because of the safety feature it affords over the 70 series type, which I also have. I use the 80 series for concealed carry, primarily why I bought it. I never think about the trigger pull, nor do I really notice the difference when I shoot. The purists insist that its bad, wrong, whatever, to have an 80 series. I just look at it as a hedge against liability if I use it in a shooting and get hauled into court. At least with the 80, your a lot less likely to accidently pull the trigger during a stressful moment than with the 70, the trigger pull is heavier. An added benefit is that the pistol won't go off unless the trigger is pulled to lift the block out of the way of the firing pin. I'm happy with Series 80 and plan on buying a Commander in a Series 80 configuration or buy a Kimber. My $.02.

 

[wildehond]

schmeky,

I own a Series 70, but I must admit that there is quite a bit of hype connected to the Series 70. If you can get a good deal on a Series 80 go for it. If there is no specific reason you want a Series 70 you will be happy. The only reason the buy a Series 70 is if you are going to use it for Bullseye shooting exclusively. Then you should be looking for a Series 70 Gold Cup anyway. The trigger feeling might be better on the Series 70 for target shooting. If you are going to use it for a CCW or defence shooting get the one you like the most and you can get a good deal on.

I hope this helps you.

Regards

wildehond

 

[45auto]

Isn't the polishing/blueing better on the new series 70 than the series 80?

 

[wildehond]

finish

I have an original Series 70 and I must say that the polishing is pretty good and the blueing is pretty good. I wear it most days and and after a few years it still look very good.


I have not seen any of the new Series 70's around here.

wildehond

 

[Upriver]

I have a stainless NRM Series 80 that I picked up in the last year - the trigger pull was crisp out of the box, and substantially better than my Springfield G.I. (no take-up). If the firing pin block is making a substantial difference in trigger pull, I can't tell.

Plus, 80's seem to go for quite a bit less around here...

 

[schmeky]

Thanks for the replies. I personally prefer to error on the safe side, so the 80 is fine by me. I have frequently heard the 70's can be more easily tuned for a moderate weight crisp trigger pull, but I am looking at a Commander, so target shooting will not be a concern.

I have a Kimber Classic Combat that shoots tighter groups than a Series 70 Gold Cup I had many years ago, so I have my target gun in a 1911 covered.

 

[johnster999]

My S.80 Commander has a better trigger than my Springfield Fullsize Target. The gun likes plenty of oil. It was not 100% reliable out of the box w/ hollowpoints. Needed plenty of break-in. This is a stainless gun. Fit and finish is decent. Accuracy is good.

My S.70 replica Gov't model (new production) has better fit and finish and has been 100% functionally from day one. It's also stainless. Trigger is better than the S.80. Very accurate.

999

 

[10X]

I like the trigger better on the series 70 rather than the 80, but I am a bullseye shooter. One thing I don't like about the series 80 is on half cock and pulling the trigger the hammer moves. I like the series 70 solid hammer doesn't move when on half cock. Now that is me. For bullseye I would go with the series 70. Otherwise find a good one of either series for the best deal and you will be fine.