Question on Replacement Series 70 Slide

[ZBill]

I have a Series 70 (original issue) blued Colt .45 ACP and the slide has target front and rear sights. I would like to get another slide with lower profile factory sights. I don't know how to approach this. It seems it would be expensive to buy all the parts to put one together. However, I have never seen a complete slide, barrel, and the rest of the parts sold as a package.

Any suggestions on how to approach this? Thanks, Bill

 

[Old Fuff]

The Series 70 slide is identical to previous 1911 and 1911A1 Government Model slides so far as fit to the frame is concerned. The same can be said about other slides that fit clones that don't have some kind of firing pin block.

I believe Colt and Colt parts suppliers have past and current Series 70 slides and internal parts, but If I was in you're boat I would fit an additional slide to the frame (if fitting was necessary), add a new firing pin, spring, & firing pin stop - plus an extractor - and use the present barrel in both slides. If you still have the Series 70 barrel bushing (the kind with spring fingers) I'd pitch it and get a new solid one.

I don't know of any kits either - I suspect you'd have to make up your own.

 

[ZBill]

Old Fuff

I have heard about the Series 70 barrel bushings but never had a finger break on mine. I understand the fingers held the barrel tight for improved accuracy. How would I go about getting a correct diameter "non-finger" barrel? Is there a drop in if I know the OD for my barrel? Thanks, Bill

 

[Old Fuff]

Yup, the idea behind the fingered bushing was that it would grip the barrel and slide when the pistol was in battery so it would be more accurate. Also they wanted a system that wouldn't require any skilled labor (Don't they all?).

When it worked you usually got some improvement in accuracy, but if a spring finger broke the gun would be hopelessly jammed, and you couldn't take it apart. Obviously not a perfect solution for a service pistol, but the bean counters loved it.

Brownells (www.brownells.com) have a number of bushings that will work, running from drop-in to hand-fitted. Also a USGI or current Colt commercial bushing works fine if you are willing to accept 3" groups at 25 yards.

 

[ZBill]

Thanks Old Fuff

Is the 3 inch at 25 yards off hand? If so it would be an improvement . Thanks for the advice, Bill