Colt new issue model 70

area51

I have a number of newer production Colt 1911s and I think they are some of the best built guns to come out of the factory in a long time. Overall fit and finish is very good along with a number of design improvements and solid reliability and accuracy as well.

I have also owned a number of Series 70 guns, most purchased new in the '70s and '80s. While most were decent enough there were also a fair number of not so well assembled guns that were built in those days. So take the time to inspect all of them and see what you think about their quality.

1986-1990 were the UAW strike years. Colt's quality then was questionable at best. Colt, after investing heavily in new CNC machinery a couple of years ago, is now making the best guns of their storied history. I'd go for a new Series 70 replica over an older one in a heartbeat.

I don't have either the new or the old, but I'd rather have the new.

The original Series 70 guns had "collet" style bushing and tiny sights. They also seem to prices inflated beyond what I value them.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/s70_colts.htm

The modern guns have a normal bushing, taller more useable sights, and the neat little dimple on the barrel feed ramp that improves feeding of odd shaped bullets. The modern versions are also done on CNC machines and, I believe are a product of Colt's Custom Shop.

http://www.m1911.org/prodte26.htm

I had an older Series 70 (1980 or so) and it soured me on the 1911 and Colt in particular. At that time, the name Colt was on the decline, but we didn't have the internet and forums like this to read, so I got one. The most unreliable pistol I have ever owned.
On a normal range trip, I could figure on around 5-10% failure rate even shooting good factory ammo. My option was sell it or send it to a gunsmith and put another $500 in it to make it run,I sold it at a loss and bought a different brand. I now have a Glock 22 (.40) that has never jammed, is lighter and much simpler.
Sorry for the rant and I know a few of my friends have and carry 1911s, no Colt's however, with very few problems. All of that said, go with the new Series 70, I have to think they are better in every way.

I had a couple older ones in the past, I now have a new stainless Series 70. The new version seems better to me.

Why yes, yes I can comment on the Colt's Series 70 reproductions. Both the blued and stainless repros are great -- and the Wiley Clapp special editions are Series 70 as well.

Buy yours now before the prices go up again ...

They are fabulous. Here's one in stainless that is a veritable tackdriver.

I bought my first Colt 1911's in the 70's. I have the reintroduced 70 series and think them superior in every way.

I never understood the "Wiley Clapp" premium price difference. How much is the Dick Metcalf?

I have a new Gold Cup NM that outshoots my Dan Wesson Valor.

It annoys me that the advertising flacks think the distinguishing characteristic of a Mk IV Series 70 is its lack of a firing pin obstruction. The original S70 was so named because of the introduction of the collet bushing, which they no longer use.

But I would still buy the new one rather than hunt for and pay a premium price for an old one.

I prefer the short trigger and arched mainspring housing.

I didn't like the one I checked out (and went to the store intending to buy). I bought a Dan Wesson Razorback/Heritage instead.

If I find a nice blued series 70 reissue I'll buy it. But the stainless one I checked out must have been built on Friday afternoon before a 3-day weekend.