Gonna trade-need advice

[rockheadd]

I've had a Colt 1911 Series 70, Mark IV in .45 for quite some time (Serial number 83372G**). It has Pakmayer grips and a competition sight, 3 mags, Davis speed holster and a trigger job (so I was told). It's in very good condition, just slight holster wear on the slide. I got it off a guy about 15 years ago in lieu of a debt he owed me. He was into speed shooting, bowling pin competition, etc..
I've shot it about 100 times and just don't like it. No real reason , it just doesn't work for me.
I'm thinking of trading for a 9mm or .40 autoloader, but would like to get something of equal value or at least not be taken advantage of.
Any input as to which line (Glock, Sig, Springfield, Walther, ect.) would be a good trade. I'm looking for reliability number one. Best caliber for "defensive purposes" other than .45 number 2 and mag capacity number three.
Any idea of the value of this weapon? I've been to several sites and the prices are all over the board ($300-$2500)
Thanks in advance!

 

[Oro]

Hard to judge accurately without some detailed photos, but as long as it hasn't been hacked up with poorly done mods, it should be worth $600 to $750 to the right buyer. 1911's are like modern Harleys or Burger King Whoppers - everyone wants it just their way. What might be perfect as is to one buyer is only useful as a skeleton to start their own modifications upon. If it just has a Bo-mar rear sight and patridge front sight, and the original grips removed and the Pachmayr's added, then it should be pretty pleasing to someone.

Series 70 guns are desirable; if it is unmodified it would likely be worth more - stock grips, safeties, sights, etc. FYI, the S/N you posted is the full S/N - the last digits you xx'd out are the model designator (G70). The gun was made in 1978. If you want to post the s/n to obscure part of it, post it as "833XXG70" and that will let someone date it but hide the number.

 

[rockheadd]

Thanks Oro,

Sounds like you know a lot about the 1911's. It also sounds like I could trade this for about any 9mm or .40 and come out behind given the prices of the mainstream Glocks, S&W's, Rugers...
Any preferences on the above if I were to go that route instead of keeping the 1911? Reliability is of utmost importance followed by accuracy, mag capacity, ease of field-stripping and cosmetics ( in that order).
Thanks

 

[Oro]

Sounds like you know a lot about the 1911's

There are LOTS of people here who know plenty more than I do, and maybe someone will chime in with some other valuation ideas. I was shopping for a good used Series 70 last winter and the range was pretty much 600 to 700 for very good to excellent condition used ones.

I can't give a suggestion as to what you might like. 9mm vs. .40 is a huge debate alone. As to what make and model - there are TONS. You can read these boards and maybe search "what 9mm" or such. People LOVE their Glocks, Sigs, S&Ws, H&K, etc. I could make some suggestions, but as to what works for you, you need to handle them, and if possible shoot them. As to value, yes, you can trade for about anything out there and probably even get some cash as part of the deal. Colt Series 70's are very desirable guns. It is one of the most popular cartridge/frame design ever invented. Since it doesn't "work" for you, you probably have a strong sense of what you like and feel comfortable with - so you are going to have to figure that out, else you'll get another gun that you alter figure out you don't like. But hey, shopping for guns is fun! Here's a thread active right now about 9mm vs. .40:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=421254


See if any ranges in your area have rentals - usually you can "rent the cabinet" for like $15. You can try all the 9's and 40s at once - Buy a box or two each of 9mm and .40 S&W, and try some different guns to see what caliber and models appeal to you. Among the major manufacturers, there is almost no such thing as a "bad" gun. But hey, if you decide you want an H&K VP70 in 9mm, come back and talk to me, I'll trade you one and some cash for the Colt!