what would be a cooler old-school 1911 to carry on my belt while hunting or out at the ranch between an old Series 70 or a WW1 repro?
On that note and that note alone, a WWI. Because 8200 or so total were made. In a few years as most of them disappear into safes, not many will be seen. However, a stock, high-condition Series '70 is also highly regarded among Colt fans.
If I go the WW1 route, is the Carbonia Blue worth the extra $200-300? I have only seen the Black Oxide in person and it was pretty sweet.
I wouldn't pay a penny more for the Carbonia over the O1918. They are very similar in appearance, and in fact some are so close it takes a moment to tell them apart. Neither had a high polish or smoothed roll-markings. Also, from the samples I've seen, the O1918 benefits from the fact it was built more recently; since 2000 or so Colt's average production quality has improved each year. The O1911's were made 2003-2006, the O1918's 2006/7 to end 2009. Also, the price difference you see is because the Carbonia models are out of production, whereas O1918's are still available new as the stock is sold down. Eventually, the price will be the same. Actually, fewer (slightly) O1918's were built than O1911's, but that won't affect the price over time (4,000 vs. approx. 4,200).
The WWI's have the narrow barrel throat common of that era. Series '70 guns had a throated barrel as a standard production. However, most people who have shot a fair amount of HP's and reloads through the WWI's report no problems (I have not done a lot of shooting with mine yet to comment).
Between the two, a WWI is going to be a little better built, the original '70 more beautifully finished. Both will run well. I do not see how you can go wrong either way. Another point to keep in mind, if keeping it original matters to you, the '70 has an arched MSH and short trigger. The WWI a flat MSH and long trigger. Some people have a strong preference for one over the other. I can shoot a long trigger more easily than a short one; it just fits better for proper finger-pad placement to me and fits more naturally. If you have shot enough 1911 style guns to know which "fits" you, and keeping it 100% original matters, that might settle the issue right there. The sights on the '70 are slightly easier to shoot accurately than the WWI.
Below is my "woods" or beater Colt. I have a WWI and a mint '70 I don't take out much. But this one is for fun and it's actually a bit of a hybrid between the two. It is a later SRM (small roll mark) '70 I have kitted with a WWI hammer, trigger, and flat/looped MSH. It's also equipped with a Wilson/Dwyer group-gripper guide rod. That combined with the original accurizer bushing make it a really accurate gun, and it shoots on par with my much higher dollar customs. It will be getting a carbonia blue small grip safety next week - a take-off from a modified O1911 (not mine).
Still mad at myself for not buying the one I saw at a show for $800 nib.
Yes, that was a great deal. I managed to get mine for $810 total delivered, had been shot 20 times. Good enough for me. I saw a very slightly used Carbonia for sale for I think $900 in Dallas recently. If you are near Dallas (FTF only), pm me and I can see if I can find the ad.
