Need help choosing Colt 1911

[tprice]

Been working on my next purchase and have decided on a Colt. However, they have three models I'm interested in:

Model 70 (01970)
Model 1991 (01991)
Model 1918 (01918) - WWI replica

The 70 and 1991 are closest to the 1911A1, while the 1919 is a pure 1911. This is for some shooting, but mostly to have a "non-clone" 1911 -- i have nothing against clones as my favorite shooter is my Kimber.

Anyone have any experience and thoughts?

 

[JTQ]

I congratulate you on your choices. All three are good ones.

I prefer the Series 70 Reproduction or the 1991 over the 1918 WWI Replica mostly because I like shooters more than collectables.

The 1918 has those tiny GI sights and doesn't have the scallops around the trigger area like the 1911A1's have. The 1918 WW I Replica is certainly the most collectable of the three, if not the most collectable 1911 currently being produced by any manufacturer.

I like the arched mainspring housing and short trigger on the Series 70 Repro over the long trigger and flat housing on the 1991. The two have the same size sights, but the 1991 has white dots in them.

I have a Series 80 Colt and have had no problems with it so I'm not adverse to the firing pin safety like many others are, but since I don't have a 1911 without a firing pin safety, I would probably lean towards the Series 70 Repro if it were my choice.

The three are typically separated by about $100 at each increment with the 1991 as the least expensive, the Series 70 Repro $100 above that and the 1918 WW I Replica about $100 above the Series 70 Repro.

You can't go wrong with any of them. Good luck.

 

[xXxplosive]

IMO I would look for a Pre 80's gun in excellent condition.....no one in my opinion needs a Firing Pin Block.

My 1911 Combat Commander and 1911 Government Model are fine shooting pistols and better to my liking than any new production gun.

 

[glocks rock]

I like the 70 series repro. I've got one and it's been fantastic. I think the repro has a little better fit than the 1991. That's just the ones I've seen. That said, I would like to have a 1918 repro. The only thing that holds me back is the fact that I know I'll shoot the snot out of it.

 

[MICHAEL T]

series 70 repro I have several Colts with the fireingpin block Guess my trigger finger isn't calibrated well enough I can't tell difference in 70 or 80 as far as trigger. A little more trouble to reassemble after a detailed strip But thats only thing. I have a defender on at present shoot fine to me

 

[rhtwist]

Howdy,
The 1918 WW1 model has a recall. Probably nothing serious. I my personal experience I would never purchase a Series 70 Reissue, 1st back to factory twice (self destructing) and replacement back 4-5 times for various problems but consistently ejection/extraction problems and poor workmanship cost 1 3/4 years waiting and over $1500 in testing ammo and range fees. Finally spent the money to have fixed by a competent gunsmith, Wichaka. Have a Series 80 Gold cup and had a Series 80 Officers ACP and never noticed or had any difficulties with the firing pin safety. So probably not much help. Just examine the firearm carefully before accepting it's delivery, so you can get a replacement rather than deal with Colt Repair.
Also I don't know your experience with hammer bite and grip tang safety rub, I wear bandaids before I fire the Series 70. But if it is a problem there currently appears to be no alternative than to have the hammer changed to a commander style and install a frame altering grip safety or a Wilson drop-in.
Hope that helps your decision, since I wouldn't want to alter the 70 Reissue if you got a good one or the WW1 reissue. But the 1991 is current manufacture and would not cause as much distress to alter.
rhtwist

 

[kamagong]

I'd get a 1918 reissue.

 

[LancerMW]

id go 70 series

 

[tprice]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm aware of the problems many cite on "hammer bite" for the old spur-style hammer and grip safety. I usually wear Past recoil gloves when shooting so I don't anticipate that being too much of an issue.

Interesting insights on the Ser. 70 v. 80. Not sure if the firing pin safety is an issue, though some say that it interferes with the trigger feel.

 

[atomd]

I say go for the 70s. The 80 parts are just useless. Yeah, hammer bite is either a problem or not a problem. That depends on the shooter.