A few 1911 questions please.

[cool45auto]

I'm looking for a 1911 and had a few questions about them.

1. What is the difference between series 70 and series 80?

2. Full length guide rod - good or bad and why.

3. What does the "II" mean after the newer 1911s?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Kruzr]

The original Colt Series 70 had no firing pin safety and had a collet bushing. The Colt Series 80's have a trigger activated firing pin safety.

A full length guide rod vs. a GI type rod and plug is a long story and simply depends on one's preference and what one believes. Maybe a search on the topic will bring up more than you ever want to read.

The II's apply to Kimbers and indicate a Series II which means it has a grip safety activated firing pin safety.

 

[schadenfreude]

I believe one of the things added ont he 80 was a firing pin safety that prevents discharge if the gun is dropped. There might be more.


The FLGR is the first thing I am replacing on my new Springfield loaded. It works itself loose while I am firing. If I tighten it up a lot so it wont come loose, then I need an allen wrench to take it apart. I like being able to take pistols apart without tools so I am getting the standard guider rod and plug for about $20. They are made by Ed Brown and I ordered them through Brownells.

Just my 2 cents

 

[9x19]

Full length guide rods come in two styles: One-piece; and two-piece.

The two piece guide rods can, and often do, unscrew the forward portion during extended shooting sessions.

I prefer the one-piece variety myself, such as those found in most Kimber pistols.

 

[Josey]

I like the Series 80 M1991A1 from Colt for CCW. I like Series 70 Colts for bowling pins, Wild Bunch shoots and Bullseye. I would avoid Kimber Series II for now. S&W 1911s are OK now, not great, OK. I have 2-piece guide rods in my CCW M1991A1 and a tight barrel/bushing surface. Accuracy is good, a 4" plate will ring at 50. I figure I should hit a man-sized target COM at 15 or less. I have had reliability problems galore with Springfield Armory 1911s.

 

[schadenfreude]

I have the two piece that you mention. I shoot about 200-400 rds per trip to the range and if I forget to check it, it'll be nearly out by the time I'm done.

 

[Black Majik]

Furthermore, many have noticed that there is no significant difference in accuracy with the FLGR and the GI rod and plug. Also the FLGR are a pain in the butt to clean. The GI rod and plug is also easier to take apart imo.

For the Series I and Series II (FPS - firing pin safety), the Kimber line is known to have problems in their Series II guns. Also for the hardcore 1911 enthusiasts, they prefer the Series I and say the trigger is better on the Series I than the Series II. I, cannot tell a difference between the 2.

 

[Shmackey]

Black Majik, I've never heard anyone claim that a Series I Kimber has a better trigger than a Series II--except when comparing one particular pistol to another, which is always a crapshoot. The SII clearly has issues, and I won't be getting any, but one thing's for sure: the safety has nothing to do with the trigger pull.

Regarding the questions:

1. This is only a Colt thing.

2. This is only a huge can of worms.

3. This is only a Kimber thing.

 

[PCRCCW]

Good answers thus far..............

70=standard trigger group........80= FPB activated by trigger.

Strictly preference......seriously. Mine is either short std. GI style plug or full length one pc.......Ive seen TWO 2 pc rods shoot down range by people who "didnt know or forgot" what to do with them.

Series 2 is Kimbers version of the FPB gun.................

Shoot well.