Colt Government Model Series 70 9mm

[Shear_stress]

So this one shop out in the country seems to be the local source realistically-priced, shooter-grade Colts. Anyway, I put a little money down on one I thought was particularly neat: a blued Government Model Series 70 in 9mm, serial number 70L05xxx. I've wanted a 9mm 1911 for a while and wasn't aware that Colt ever chambered a full-sized gun in that caliber until I saw this one. The collet bushing I could do without, but it isn't a show stopper.

I've poked around with the search feature and haven't seen too many references to this gun. Anyone have experience with one?

 

[bannockburn]

I've had a few; at the time (early seventies), they were just about the only decent show in town (don't even mention Llama), in terms of 1911 style guns. Blued or nickeled, they were well finished on the outside and easy enough to fix on the inside if the trigger pull was heavy, or the feed ramp was a little rough. Quality overall was very good, at least in my experience. The only problem area in the design was in the collet bushing; those spring-like fingers were prone to breakage over time. If your concerned, replace it with a solid type bushing, and you'll be fine.
One nice thing about the 9mm Government is that it can easily be converted to Super 38, and with a .22 conversion unit, you could have three caliber versatility in one gun.

 

[farscott]

I had a gun very much like the one described by the OP. I wish I had kept it. I had to buy a Series '80 Colt to rectify my mistake. The only issue with a 9x19 Colt 1911 is magazines, and that problem is solved. The "Springfield Front Ramp" magazines sold by Metalform are the best 9x19 1911 magazines I have encountered.

I would shoot the pistol with the collet bushing in place. Usually they break early in life; if the pistol shoots well with it, it will usually shoot well for a long time. Remember to turn the bushing with the barrel out of battery to avoid damaging the spring fingers or the barrel/bushing fit .

The collet bushing was an attempt to get match barrel/bushing fit without hand work; the springs in the bushing are supposed to provide the uniform fit. However, if the specs on the barrel or slide were too far out, the bushing fingers could break.

Enjoy your new Colt.

 

[Shear_stress]

Hi folks,

Thanks for the information. I'll head to Brownells for those Metalform magazines.

 

[lindermant]

congrats - you're gonna love it!