[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Not to go so far as discussing Swartz safeties on Kimbers and such...


But, regarding Colt 1911 series 70's & 80's. Three part inquiry.


What are the differences in the frame/internals?

What are the differences in the slide/internals?

I realize there were probably some changes within each series so if you could highlight them, that would be nice.

What parts frame/slide/internals are interchangable between series? Are there slight modifications that allow more interchangability?

If someone has a web link with a chart for this sort of thing, I'm interested.

-Steve

[rcmodel]

Well lessee?
Frame on the Series-80 has a slot on the right side of the hammer for the lever that pushes up the FP safety. Also a sear lever & tiny spring that works against the hammer lever that operates the FP safety plunger in the slide.

Series-80 uses a different hammer without a intercept notch or half-cock.

Series-80 slide has a vertical hole for the firing pin safety plunger & spring.
And a different firing pin that has an extra flange for the firing pin stop to snag on to. Also a different extractor with a notch to hold the safety plunger in place in the slide.

Some Series-80's may also still have the Series-70 Collet barrel bushing which was later phased out on the Series-80.

Hope I'm not forgetting anything!

rcmodel

[1911Tuner]

The Series 80 parts that are specific to the Series 80 are:

The grip safety. The extractor. The firing pin stop. The firing pin.
The plunger and spring in the slide. The trigger bar lever. The plunger lever.

Series 80 and pre-Series 80 hammers, triggers, sears, sear springs, thumb safeties, disconnects, and all pins are fully interchangeable, as are the mainsprings, mainspring housings and firing pin springs, though the OEM firing pin spring in the Series 80 is shorter than original specs.

Series 80 firing pins, extractors, grip safeties and firing pin stops may be installed into pre-Series 80 pistols without modification, but not vice versa unless the Series 80 specific parts are removed, and the frame shim installed, and are then fully interchangeable.

Moreover, there is no such thing as a Series 70 Commander or LW Commander. Series 70 denotes that the pistol is factory-equipped with the patented collet bushing, and applies to 5-inch Government Models and Gold Cups. No Commander was ever factory equipped with the collet bushing.

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

:D

How about interchangability of series 70 assembled slides on a series 80 frame and visa-versa?

Are there ejector differences between series?

Tuner, you mentioned 'Frame Shim'. Please esplane...

-Steve

[1911Tuner]

How about interchangability of series 70 assembled slides on a series 80 frame and visa-versa?

Assuming that the rail dimensions will allow them to physically fit...Yes. Completely interchangeable as long as the Series 80 firing pin safety parts aren't part of the mating.

Are there ejector differences between series?

No. The Commander and Officer'sModel/Defender use a different ejector than the Government Models...but the two Series are interchangeable as long as the correct type for the gun is used.

Tuner, you mentioned 'Frame Shim'. Please esplane...

The frame blank spacer was originally designed for gunsmiths who do trigger jobs on Series 80 pistols in order to make the often repetitive assembly and disassembly process less of a hassle.

Basically, it fills the area of the frame that was machined to accept the trigger and plunger lever, so the sear won't get catty-wampus in the frame during normal operation. They're available from Brownells for about 5 bucks. (TJ's Frame Blanks)

The spacers werre never intended to be permanent replacements for the levers. Hole wallowing and flanging has been noted in some pistols, though not in all...including two of the five so-equipped Series 80 pistols that I own.

The flanging around the holes interferes with sear reset if allowed to go too far, requiring file dressing about every 2500 rounds. I replace my shims every 3rd redressing.

Now for the disclaimer:

Removing or disabling any factory installed safety device is risking a civil suit should the gun be involved in a shooting...accidental or otherwise...and is therefore not recommended. The choice made to disable mine was based on the fact that they're range-only pistols. I don't carry any of them, and nobody outside of immediate family shoots any of them..and only rarely at that. I accept that risk. If you decide to do it, it's your call and your responsibility.

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Gentlemen, You have been very helpful. Thank you.

-Steve