My NIB 1911

[dispatch]

Okay guys, I'm pretty much a wheel gunner, but I came across a deal I couldn't sleep on more than a day. Deals done- made a trade, and I have a pristine Colt MK IV series 80 full size government model. sn FG20xxx. With box, manual and two factory Colt stamped mags. Colt Walnut grips. No scratches and no wear on the blueing. It's as good as NIB.
Any ideas on value? I've never brought a gun home that didn't go to the range within a week, but I'm not sure what to do with this one.

 

[berkbw]

Field strip, clean, and shoot it. Send us pix and a range report, eh?

 

[Tribal]

Hmm...what did you pay/trade for it?

 

[Run&Shoot]

They were made by the truckload so I don;t see how they could be worth significantly more than a new one. Not even a Gold Cup or National Match. And it is a Series 80 instead of a Series 70.

Maybe appreciated a couple of hundred bucks? If you can't vouch for how much it has or has not been shot then all you have is the excellent condition. Hard to see why you shouldn't just shoot it and enjoy a fine pistol.

 

[possum]

Field strip, clean, and shoot it. Send us pix and a range report, eh?

yes please, and congrats! what you have to ask yourself is
"am i happy with it?" and that is all that matters.

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

I would add that if yours has the finger-style barrel bushing, you may want to replace it with a solid one.

Sam

 

[GunNut]

I too am looking forward to pictures and a range report......

 

[steelyblue]

Don't shoot it, unless you want to catch the 1911 bug going around. My wife wants to kill the guy that first took me to shoot one.

 

[dispatch]

I don't think Colt makes these anymore- is that right?

 

[Run&Shoot]

It was their basic model for about 25 years and truckloads were made. Colt fanatics love the series 70, but the Series 80 is considered blah. Like I said if it was mor limited in numbers like the Gold Cup or NM then maybe. But a plain jane series 80 I don't think so unless you plan to box it away for 75 years. Would doubling in value in 75 years be worth not shooting it for 75 years? there is nothing special about it except that it is LNIB condition. It is not a collector piece. Wonderful shooting pistol though.

 

[MICHAEL T]

SHOOT IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats what it was made for.

 

[dispatch]

Just curious now and not questioning anyone’s‘ judgment. When I go to the auction sites, I don’t see any 80 series. Why’s that so if there are so many out there?

 

[Run&Shoot]

I just went to one auction site and found eight of them averaging $650 - $800. What about these makes you think they have any collector value? Its like collecting a NIB Ruger GP100.

 

[Hawk]

Here's a little background:
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=15201

The Series 80 soldiers on as the current 1991. I've got one and find it to be a pleasant "back to basics" example of the breed. I like the polished blue flats as it seems most 1911s now are either stainless or some type of tactical Krylon.

They made a metric pantload of the things. The good news is that you needn't waste any time agonizing over whether to shoot the thing. Grab a sack of ammo and have at it - take pics, enjoy and report back.

If you search "Colt series 80" on Gunbroker, you'll turn up 3 pages (including mags, manuals, checkbook covers and the like). But just because there's a fair number out there doesn't make it any less fun to shoot.

 

[dispatch]

I just went to one auction site and found eight of them averaging $650 - $800. What a

I'm not looking at is a collector's gun, but as a trade for a Smith revolver- 24,29,27 or what ever I fall in love with, so I'm trying to determine a $ value.
I like the gun, but I already have the .45 semis that I need and want.
By the way, I would like that NIB Ruger--wait! I've got three that I shoot regularly, and they all look like NIB. I can always use another one though.
Thanks for the info from the auction site- that's getting me where I need to go. I have been striking out looking for these- do you have a link? THX

 

[welldoya]

If it's really not what you are looking for then don't shoot it. Keep it nice to trade for the Smith you are looking for.
BUT, the other guys are not steering you wrong. A series 80 is a nice gun but there is nothing collector-special about it. So, if you are going to keep it, shoot it. Otherwise, start your search for the Smith that you are wanting.