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Series 70, Series 80, and CA

1769 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  FirearmsPlus.FL
From what I have read, Kimber and Springfield 1911s are based on the Series 70 design (please correct me if I'm mistaken). Both of these companies have several, if not all, of their models apporved by the CA DOJ.

Now, as for Colt, only the Series 80 models are approved for sale in CA. Anybody know why there are no Colt Series 70 models approved for CA? Is it all just politics?
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Probably because Colt doesn't MAKE a Series 70 anymore! The closest thing they have is the repro M1911A1, and since it's different it would have to go through the tests all over again to be approved. Since it's only a limited run anyway I don't see why Colt would bother.
Probably because Colt doesn't MAKE a Series 70 anymore!
I know, but it still means that I can't buy a used Series 70 if I wanted to.

From the DOJ web site:
Effective January 1, 2001, no handgun may be manufactured within California, imported into California for sale, lent, given, kept for sale, or offered/exposed for sale unless that handgun model has passed firing, safety, and drop tests and is certified for sale in California by the Department of Justice.
Is it that Colt simply doesn't care about how well the used Series 70 sells enough to submit one for testing?
I don't think its not that Colt does'nt care about their gun. Manufactured 1970-1981, its that they can't submit a gun they don't manufacture. Standing behind something which could be new yet modified to the hilt. Is not something which any manufacturer would stand behind.
Originally posted by GI-45:
Is it that Colt simply doesn't care about how well the used Series 70 sells enough to submit one for testing?
Why should they care? There's no $$$ in it for them - they made their money from the original NEW sale.
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You are correct - Series 70 is no longer legal to purchase in California.

Colt probably does not/did not submit a test model because they didn't see a reason to help bolster the used pistol market if they weren't making them anymore.

Why do you want a Series 70 over the Series 80 - just curious to ask.

I got one because it was made about the same period as my royal blued Colt Python - they make a good matching pair.
Why do you want a Series 70 over the Series 80 - just curious to ask.
Mostly because the Series 70 is supposed to be more like the GI 1911A1 than the Series 80.

Basically, I just posted this out of plain ol' curiosity, since I can't get one anyway.
You can still buy series 70 if it's done via private party transfer -- private person to private person.
hoser is right, you can still avail yourself of a series 70 via private party transfer. and like as dsk said, they don't make 'em anymore. but you can still look for used ones from private parties. as far as Kimbers, the one that they pass for CA DOJ is not the same kimbers that you think. CA-approved kimbers are "series II", which i would believe to have firing pin safety (not so sure) although, i'm absolutely positive they are called the "series II", and is different than previous kimbers.
Or you can go to the Las Vegas gun show and buy one which means there's no way to show that it was purchased after the ban. Of course that would be illegal and I'm not advocating that anyone disobey, unconstitutional, stupid laws.
Just lay it out there as it is Mute. Very interesting to write so much in four lines. Anyway the series 70 and 80 are practically the same gun. But with an 80 your more likely to get a 95 or 100% gun. Believe us you would like an 80 equally well.
The Kimber series II passed has the schwartz firing pin block, it's not original GI either.
The Springfield's passed by using a light weight titanium firing pin with extra power firing pin spring.
A 1991 Colt is closer to original GI than the Kimber is, though the SA mil-spec would be even closer.
One thing many often overlook, or fail to understand is that "Series 70" refers to a model with features that were different from the orignal design, or earlier GI/Commercial versions of the 1911A1.

These included a different Bushing, as well as differences in the Sear/Hammer hooks. While Series 70 is a term many use to describe Non Firing Pin safety models (Pre Series 80's), it's not entirely correct.

As for what is and is not available in the PRK, actually, Series 80 guns are no longer being made either... They are now Series 90's. Colt ended production of the S70's, and S80's guns a while back, although there is virtually no difference between the S80's, and S90's lockwork.

As FirearmsPlus noted, The new Kimber SII's use the Schwartz design FP safety, that is actuated by the Grip Safety, rather than the Trigger. From what I understand, it work quite nicely, and has no effect on the Trigger feel.

Also, as noted, You can still purchase guns that are not on the approved list through Private Party sales, although it's much harder, and is limited to guns already in the State, no out of state purchased can be transferred into the state, legally...


Another option that IS available is purchasing a Curio & Relic designated 1911... In other words, either a GI or Commercial model that is more than 50 years old. These are exempt from the testing restrictions, and can be purchased through FFL's.

Granted, a 1930's/1940's Colt Commercial in nice shape might cost you some money, but they are fine examples of Colt's best work. There's quite a few old "War" guns that someone may have refinshed, and therefore not likely to have the value collectors are looking for that would make great "Base Guns" for a Custom Buildup. It does limit you with the Non 5" variety though as the Officers were not made then, and only a couple years of Commanders would qualify.

Hope that helps... Enjoy!
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Originally posted by jaydee:
As for what is and is not available in the PRK, actually, Series 80 guns are no longer being made either... They are now Series 90's. Colt ended production of the S70's, and S80's guns a while back, although there is virtually no difference between the S80's, and S90's lockwork.
Actually, series 90 is only used for certain models. The Defender is. I'm not sure if the XSE's have the "-Series 80-" on their rollmark, but the Enhanced .38 super's we got in not too long ago (I bought one myself) are on the approved Ka list, and say Series 80 on the rollmark.
Colt Gov't Model XSE... NO -Series 80- rollmark.
Originally posted by jhunnetaz:
Colt Gov't Model XSE... NO -Series 80- rollmark.
Thanks, at home, wasn't sure.
Does it say series 90 either?
(I don't think they put such marking's on the new rollmarkings, since it's ugly and then people just wonder what it means :)
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