Series 80 1911's
- Thread starter Mn Fats
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Omaha-BeenGlockin
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I've only owned 80's and never saw the need to seek something else out. Current Colt 1911 is the most accurate handgun I own---not counting .22's.
I guess it depends on the period of the series 80. I know I have had the firing pin plunger drop down and jam a series 80 Colt as I was firing the thing. That sure gives me the willies about carrying one of the things for a personnel self defense sidearm. To clear the jam, you have to recognize what has happened, which means dropping the magazine, rotating the pistol around to see the plunger jammed against the frame, then, finding something pointy, like a punch, and fiddling with the firing pin and plunger, to get the plunger to go back in the slide.
I never liked the collet bushing, had a finger break on one collet.
This Kimber, a Clackamas Kimber, series 70, solid bushing. It is a great 1911.
I never liked the collet bushing, had a finger break on one collet.
This Kimber, a Clackamas Kimber, series 70, solid bushing. It is a great 1911.
JTQ
Member
I'm ambivalent on the subject.
Nearly every pistol manufactured these days has a firing pin safety. As far as 1911 firing pin safeties go, the Colt Series 80 is the most used and tested version. I have confidence in the set up.
Nearly every pistol manufactured these days has a firing pin safety. As far as 1911 firing pin safeties go, the Colt Series 80 is the most used and tested version. I have confidence in the set up.
Rubber_Duck
Member
I do. All other fighting pistols use firing pin blocks so why not the 1911? Especially being a gun that is designed to be carried loaded and cocked (that is, if you carry a 1911 properly). I have a Colt Commander with an EXCELLENT trigger, and all Series 80 components intact, so I challenge anyone who insists that Series 80 triggers can’t be as good as a Series 70. The Colt system is also the most reliable, versus the Schwartz safety or anything else.
JTQ
Member
Swartz
Sergei Mosin
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If you must have some sort of firing pin block in your 1911, the Series 80 system is probably the best of the bunch. I find them unnecessary but don't actively avoid them (unlike 1911s fitted with the Swartz system or S&W revolvers with the infernal lock).
Sovblocgunfan
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CapnMac
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The only issue I might (only might) have with a Series 80 would be those made during "the Strike era." Some of the "management" finished arms are inconsistent in fit. But, conversely, a bunch of the CCS finished items are just fine. You don't really know without shooting them. Now, 90s & later era will be just fine as a general rule.
Would it be an issue if I was buying one off GB or the like? Probably not.
Would it be an issue if I was buying one off GB or the like? Probably not.
Whiterook808
Member
I understand why some prefer the Series 70, but I don't mind having the safer action. This is my favorite 1911.
FL-NC
Member
Other than the novelty of the "original recipe", I really don't care, at least from the shooting point of view. I find myself more irked by external extractors on some models, and those 226-looking square slides on the Sig 1911's.
entropy
Member
There is a simple solution for the Swartz safety:
https://www.brownells.com/handgun-p...to-series-70-conversion-shims--prod13121.aspx
https://www.brownells.com/handgun-p...to-series-70-conversion-shims--prod13121.aspx
I did not obtain my first Series 80 M1911 until 2008 or 2009 or so, twenty-eight years after getting my first Series 70. Living through the introduction of the Series 80 pistols, I wasn't really interested in them due to all the negative press.
Since I got a Series 80, a 38 Super Government Model, it has performed fine and I have obtained a couple more since then. But, if I want to update or build a M1911, it will be a Series 70.
Since I got a Series 80, a 38 Super Government Model, it has performed fine and I have obtained a couple more since then. But, if I want to update or build a M1911, it will be a Series 70.
nettlle
Contributing Member
Before I purchased my first 1911 I read hundreds of posts trying to decide between a 70 Series and 80 Series. I went with the 70 Series.
rskent
Member
I think I probably do. For a gun that I might carry anyway. I have had several of both and have three now. One without a firing pin safety and two with. All three have great three and a half pound triggers.
If you closed your eyes I don’t think you could tell which gun you were shooting.
And even a suckie 1911 trigger is better than a Glock trigger.
hotshot357
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My first 1911 was a series 80. I traded it in on a series 70 G.C.N.M. My next 1911 ( a commander elite) will be a series 80. I couldn't tell a whole lot of difference between the two.
rpenmanparker
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Truth needs to be recognized. I think I am going to have this tattooed on my ass. It is so right.
When there is an aftermarket part to "fix" the series 80 firing pin block, that ought to be a clue, that the series 70 system is better.
Whiterook808
Member
I believe that is an aftermarket fix for folks just removing parts from the gun and not necessarily a problem with the safety.
rpenmanparker
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Yes. It does not suggest a problem as much as a stubborn refusal to adjust to the modern world.
bannockburn
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Have had a number of Series 70 Colts over the years, most have been fine with a few duds along the way. Same with the Series 80 guns; most have been pretty decent but there were a few during the labor problem years that were downright terrible. Thankfully quality has improved since then and my Series 80 guns have been working just great for quite some time with no problems to report with the trigger or the safety system.
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