Ser 70 detail strip a breeze compared to Ser 80/90?

1511 Views 9 Replies 10 Participants Last post by WalterMitty, Oct 26, 2001

BrianMc

Discussion Starter · Oct 24, 2001

Apparently so, based on a couple references I've caught in a acouple different posts. Reason I'm asking is I like to KNOW a pistol as well as own it, be able to do a full detail strip and do the maintenance, etc.
I'm debating Springfield Mil-Spec vs. Colt 1991
So, is it true that the original Ser 70 is a simpler job? How much so?

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RickB

· #2 · Oct 24, 2001

Yes, doing a pre-80 strip is easier. Should it be the deciding factor in your choice? No. Some people make a slave pin to hold the sear/disconnector/lever combo together while inserting it in the frame. I detail-strip my guns maybe once or twice per year, and taking an extra five minutes to install the S80 bits is no big deal.

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bad4u

· #3 · Oct 24, 2001

The series 80 detail strip/reassemble is just a bit more complicated in both slide and frame parts to accomodate the firing pin safety design. It's not really a puzzler, it just takes some manipulation, and gets easier after the first time.

An excellent book, 'Wilson 1911 Auto Maintenance Manual', fully describes strip/reassemble operation for both 70 and 80 series pistols - with color photos of each step. It's priced about $10.50 and can be ordered at the 800# at www.wilsoncombat.com

Hope this helps.

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TangoRomeo

· #4 · Oct 24, 2001

It's really not a big deal. Anyone who can learn to detail strip a series 70 or earlier 1911 can learn to do the same with a series 80/90 in very short order.-TR

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mike benedict

· #5 · Oct 25, 2001

My opinion on a 80 series is that they were designed by a group of morons. As it would have to take more than one idiot to come up with the 80 series design.
Every time I take one on my 80s apart I know why I will never own another one.

Get a series 70 type pistol you will be much happier.

Mike

------------------
Mike Benedict
Custom Kydex Holsters

Talon Tactical Holsters

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NapAttack

· #6 · Oct 25, 2001

I've had a series 80 Colt Commander for over 10 years. Never had any trouble detail stripping. Did my first trigger job on it. Had no trouble at all getting a 1.5lb 100% reliable trigger pull. Just partially feed the safety in to hold the sear and disconnector, then coax the series 80 piece (don't remember the name) into place with a small screwdriver or springhook while the frame is laying on it's side. Little more trouble than a 70 but not enough to matter.

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col132

· #7 · Oct 25, 2001

Take your time and understand what the parts are doing, and their relationship to one another. You need to understand this, because if the parts are reassembled incorrectly, the gun may not fire. It is possible to install the two levers so that they do not rise and release the firing pin safety (major point if the gun is used for CCW). I would suggest that any time you completely disassemble the weapon for whatever reason, you take it to the range for a function test before using it for defensive purposes. Not to scare you away from enjoying your 45, it is a very simple process and I would encourage anyone to understand the way their weapon functions. Just remember, that if you pull the trigger and nothing happens, look at the ammo. If no primer indent at all, and you have disassembled your weapon previously, take a look at the firing pin safety levers to make sure they are working correctly. A simple way to check this is: with the slide off, and holding the hammer to the rear, pull the trigger and see if the upper lever is rising above the frame next to the hammer. If it is rising, it should mean that this lever is going to rise and push up on the firing pin safety, releasing the firing pin to move forward. This is a good thing.

Again, I ramble. IMO do not avoid Colts because of the firing pin safety. You may be missing some of the best 45's they have built in years.

[This message has been edited by col132 (edited 10-25-2001).]

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shane45-1911

· #8 · Oct 25, 2001

Series 80 disassembly/reassembly is no big deal once you've done it once. Most guys (Mike!!!

) make too big a deal over this.

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rex

· #9 · Oct 25, 2001

Like everyone said,it's no big deal.Gold Cups are a real pain in the a$$ though.

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WalterMitty

· #10 · Oct 26, 2001

The 70 series is easier, so is the 80 series with the annoying bits left out.

As stated earlier, if the levers are assembled improperly the gun will not fire. The gunsmith [sic] that plated my gun for me demonstrated this by assembling it wrong and sending it back to me ready to use. I carried it for nearly a week before finding this out.

Sooo. The way to test it is to cock the (empty) gun, put a pencil down the muzzle eraser first. Aim at an inconspicuous spot on the ceiling and pull the trigger. When properly assembled the pencil will likely hit the ceiling. TA DAAAA!

[This message has been edited by WalterMitty (edited 10-25-2001).]

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