Series 80 Transfer Bar vs. Series 70 Safeties?

Colt automatics don't have a transfer bar.
The transfer bar is used in revolvers to transfer the hammer strike to the firing pin.

I assume you mean the Series 80 firing pin lock system??
If so, the Series 80 system adds a level of safety if the gun is dropped or the action somehow fails and the hammer drops.

The Series 80 really doesn't have any down sides as long as it's properly reassembled after a 100% strip for cleaning.
In the early days of the Series 80 system some gunsmiths didn't like it because they thought you couldn't get a finely tuned trigger pull with it in the gun.
Since then gunsmiths have discovered how to get great triggers with the Series 80.

In the end which to have is a matter of personal preference.

Judging from your previous post, I don't think you have a choice unless you're willing to modify your gun. I'm pretty sure that both Colts current Commanders and the Rail Gun are Series 80 only.

Never seen a Colt fail because of the Series 80 system, that's not to say it hasn't happened... But it's not something I'd worry about when buying a Colt, it's a very reliable setup IMHO.

The ONLY thing that bothers me about Series 80 1911s is that it's a little harder to take out the firing pin and extractor for cleaning. Some people whine that the trigger pull isn't as good on Series 80 guns, but I can't really notice a huge difference, not enough to care about anyways.

+1

But I would much rather have neither!

To each his own!

rc

Yes a Series 80 Colt can and has failed due to improper timing of the safety mechanism. It can chew up the parts or halt function but if it is working it is transparent. My only real criticisms of the system are the near necessity of a slave pin to reassemble (not field expedient) and that the FPB encroaches the disconnector slot. Had a chip let loose on one of mine that jammed up the block and scratched the slot which I re-scraped after.

That said, the typical owner has no need of a detail strip in the field and I cannot say my mishap would be a common one. The "standard" 4 lb. SD trigger won't have you noticing a few extra parts which, if they're shipped with the pistol should remain in the pistol. If you prefer they not be there buy a used Series 70 or a new Series 70 Reissue.

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