Colt 1991 vs 70 series new prooduction quality

[BobN54]

Colt 1991 vs 70, O1911, O1918

Hi, first post here, and I hesitated because I've searched and found the 1991 vs 70 topic beat to death. But my question has a different slant. I want to buy a 1911 for my son. His dream is to have a WWII Colt. The prices for good vintage 1911's are so high, I think the nearest I can get to his dream is a new Colt in blue steel finish. That may be better for him anyway because he will want to shoot it, hopefully a lot, and I want this gun to be one from me to him that he can enjoy for a lifetime.

So the question: With current Colt production is there any difference in built quality, parts quality, and smoothness in function, etc. between the model 70 and model 1991? Is there any point in having Colt Custom or someone else go through the gun after purchase, and if so what do you recommend and what may that cost? Anything else I should consider? I should mention my son is 16, so I will be supervising this for a few years.

 

[JTQ]

I believe the Series 70 Reproduction is from the custom shop which generally accounts for the price premium over the 1991 model. However, I'm not sure the quality difference would be noticeable to most of us.

I think the Series 70 Repro looks more "WWII" with the short trigger and arched mainspring housing. It does have taller sights than the WWII pistols, but I see that as an improvement for a gun you want to shoot.

I think they are both fine pistols and either would be a good choice.

 

[weisse52]

His dream is to have a WWII Colt.

OK, if he really wants a WWII Colt then look at these. True, a WWI Colt replica, but a really nice pistol.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/products-c5-q50-COLT_PISTOLS.aspx

I have both current production 70 series and 80 series. Both REALLY nice guns, I do give the edge to the 70 series, and as was mentioned, this is most likely due to the fact these come out of the Custom shop.

Buy any of them and they will shoot and last a lifetime.

 

[paul45]

I believe the Colt WWI repro is what you are looking for.

 

[rhtwist]

Do not accept delivery of any of the Colt 70 Reissue without thorough inspection inside and out, which I've had specific problems with and possibly all new or newer production Colts, since then you will have to go through Colt Repair Department. Items like loose trigger, poor milling, machine marks internally, slide & dustcover rubbing as well as many other issues which I have personally experienced on one pistol and a custom built second replacement pistol, can be not covered as they are "within specifications". Many people have gotten fine products, but I finally had to send the second pistol after being back to Colt 4 - 5 times for extraction/ejection problems, firing pin stops falling out while shooting, and a slew of others to a private gunsmith and pay for the repair out of pocket.
Good luck, if you don't accept it, it can be replaced without problem normally and hopefully the next one will be in closer to classic Colt quality.
rhtwist

 

[BobN54]

Good advice, I'll consider the WW1 reproduction O1918. But if going that direction, I'd really prefer to find the model O1911 which is the prior run of WW1 repros that are finished in carbonia oil blue. Anybody know where I may be able to find one?

 

[rhtwist]

No sorry I don't, didn't have the money to buy one or the WWII model either. Oh and I was advised by Colt Chief Engineer of Pistols that you should not expect to see the quality and precision of milling in the slide stop frame slot on any new Colt that doesn't have an open top, like my Series 70 Reissues and the WW1 and possibly the WW2 reproductions.
Don't forget the Colt recalls which IIRC include some of the WWI Reproductions and WW2 reproductions. Good luck in finding a good one and please post very well done photos of it, so I can sit and pine away.
rhtwist

 

[rklessdriver]

Bob
There is an O1918 on Gun Broker right now.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141133830

Good luck.
Will

 

[GRAYRID3R]

I have a 1991 I paid a little over $700.00 for, and I really like it. It was a little hard to find, but they do pop up from time to time. Good luck, I hope you and your son enjoy his new Colt.

 

[BobN54]

Thanks Will. I'm going to keep my eye out for a while and see if I can find a carbonia oil finish O1911 popping up for sale. If anyone spots one, I'd appreciate a heads up.


This is the funniest thing...Five minutes after I wrote the above I hopped over to GB and found one that was listed earlier today. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141445113 It is a recall gun and the seller says the recall has been done. The safety was replaced by Colt using one in the same carbonia color. Should I have any concerns about it? We have a big gun show coming up next weekend and I had planned to look there, but then again there has only been one other carbonia finish O1911 listed on GB in the past 90 days, so I decided they are rare enough that I should go ahead and jump on this one. I'd appreciate any comments. I can always resell this one if I find a "perfect" no recall specimen in the next month or two. This is going to be my son's Christmas present from me. The tough part is going to be waiting that long to give it to him!