[boogalou]

I was at a gunstore to pick up a shotgun and noticed a MkIV Series 70 for sale. Except for some surface rust, the pistol looks like it has hardly been fired. It has the G70 suffix, colt medallion grips, and matt finish on the frame and top of the slide. I really couldn't find anything wrong with it except for the rust. Any info on when this gun was manufactured and Colts quality at that time would be greatly appreciated. The price was less then $400.

[Rangegod]

I bought one new almost 30 years ago ($183 out the door at the time). Nice gun in its day, but it was not set up to feed WC or HP, had a small ejection port, poor sights and all the other short comings of a stock 1911 of that era. Twenty years ago I sent it to Richard Heinie for some basic upgrades (sights, long trigger, lowered ejection port, barrel throated, trigger job, etc.). I do love this gun and today it is the oldest surviving member of a fairly extensive collection. However, I would not buy this gun today unless I had collecting in mind (which I don’t). By the time you buy the gun and have the desired upgrades performed, you would be better off with a new Colt, Kimber or S&W 1911.

I’m sure others will disagree as many feel that if it’s older it’s somehow better but I’m here to tell you that neither the old Colt nor my old self is as good as the best of the new kids on the block today.

JAC

[Edward429451]

Sounds like a reasonable deal. We're not talking rusted shut, just minor surface rust, right?

Ramped, throated, open the port a little and an extended ejector and possibly some sights is all that really needed to make it defense worthy. You don't really have to have a trigger job on em, they came with pretty good triggers. You could polish the back of trigger and disconnector your self, not remove metal, just a polish.

Just my .02

[oscar]

I wouldn't think twice, it would go home with me.

[Jim K]

The price is not bad unless the rust is extensive. As for putting a lot of work and money into it (assuming you buy it), shoot it first. Not all those mods are necessary or even desireable, and what you have done to it depends on what you want to use it for.

Jim

[boogalou]

The rust isn't bad at all, nothing a little 400-600 grit sandpaper couldn't handle. I like it because I'm partial to mil-spec 1911's anyway. I don't really go for all the doo-dads that are available. Reliability is my main concern and I think that is best accomplished by keeping things simple. Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it.

[Old Fuff]

From you're description it sounds like a good deal. I'd get it (if someone hasn't already) and shoot it a bit "as is." I might also get it bead-blasted and Parkerized - something you can do yourself if you want to. That would take care of any surface rust if there wasn't any pitting. After a bit of hands-on use decide if you want to make any modifications.

[boogalou]

Per some remarks of others on this thread, I do wonder if it would be better to purchase a brand new RM 1991 rather then the MKIV. A new 1991 could be purchased for a little over $100 more and have better sights, finish, throated barrel and warranty.


MkIV - better internal parts, trigger, curved MSH, price, closer to orginal configeration.

1991 - better sights, finish, warranty, etc....

Am I missing anything?

[Bill.45]

I really like the older Colts.
Here is a pair old 1974 production 70s and a 1926.


http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL103/636041/1913400/34476134.jpg


http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL103/636041/1913400/21538126.jpg

[Andrew Wyatt]

series 70's are the heat. if you're going to use them for a fightin gun, replace the bushing with a solid one. the four fingered bushings can break, tying up the gun.

[jercamp45]

Yes, it may need alittle work...then again,it may not!
I have a Series 70 purchased in 1976 that fed every kinda ammo I put through it...outta the box!
Over the years I have added a few doodads, sights and ergonomic stuff I prefer...but it has had not reliability work and still functions fine.
Jercamp45

[boogalou]

Thanks for all your comments. I bought it today. Will pick it up next week when I get my purchase permit.

[Edward429451]

The rust isn't bad at all, nothing a little 400-600 grit sandpaper couldn't handle

Whoa, never heard of that. Maybe I just don't know my sandpaper but that sounds much. I'd use 0000 stainless steel wool and breakfree.

Congrats on the new gun.:)