What is "Pre" Series 70?

1712 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Inspector Callahan, Aug 11, 2001

Inspector Callahan

Discussion Starter · Aug 11, 2001

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Colt Reproduction 1911A1 so I've been doing some reading up on the little dandy. Colt's website describes the pistol as having a "pre" series 70 ignition system. I was under the impression that all Colt's without the Series 80 modification were considered the same. I'm aware of the differences between the 1911 and the A1 but what of this Pre Series 70 thing?

Was there a modification of the original Browning design before the Series 80 came along?

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jaydee

· #2 · Aug 11, 2001

Originally posted by Inspector Harry Callahan:
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Colt Reproduction 1911A1 so I've been doing some reading up on the little dandy. Colt's website describes the pistol as having a "pre" series 70 ignition system. I was under the impression that all Colt's without the Series 80 modification were considered the same. I'm aware of the differences between the 1911 and the A1 but what of this Pre Series 70 thing?

Was there a modification of the original Browning design before the Series 80 came along?

Yup... Many simplify things by calling Non S80's a Series 70, that usually means no FP Safety, but the S70's had Collet style Barrel Bushings, and the fingers were prone to breakage, so they went back to solid bushings.

There were a couple other minor changes that were ushered in with the S70, in the early 1970's as well, but most was cosmetic.

Pre-70's are more along the lines of the original Commercial models. They also had better detail and fit/finish, although the S70's weren't bad. Things started getting really bad in the 80's.

Hope you like the Repro Mil-Spec. For the money, I'd be looking elsewhere, although it is a novel approach, I just think that Colt could have done it for $600-700 instead of $900-1000. For that kind of money, and original WW2 Colt Property marked would be better.

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RUSSEL213

· #3 · Aug 11, 2001

I might be mistaken, but when the 70 seris was introduced, didn't also have the bigger ejection port on it? it seems like it started with the 70series (as far as colt making it that way)

the pre 70's seem to have smaller ejection ports, but i am not sure of this

russel the cop

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CHANCE FAVORS THE PREPARED MIND....

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dsk

· #4 · Aug 11, 2001

Colt didn't phase in the larger ejection port on their blued/nickel models until 1986. However, .38 Super and 9mm Colts had the large ejection port beginning after WW2. Also, the Commander, Officers ACP, and STS Governments have always had the large port as well.

Good ol' Colt. They always wait until people are screaming at them to introduce a feature everyone knew about decades earlier.

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D. Kamm
USGI M1911/M1911A1 Pistols Website
http://www.geocities.com/M1911_M1911A1

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Inspector Callahan

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 11, 2001

Thanks. I really like this forum. I learn more every day. You are correct about the exorbiant price of the new retros, but I have priced the originals at gunshows and there doesn't seem to be that much difference in price.

I plan to keep my eyes peeled for a good Sistema but I'm not really willing to pay a grand or so for an original 1911 USGI only to have to turn around and overhaul it to get it to shoot. I don't know where you guys have been shopping but gunshows here in Virginia DO NOT have Rem-Rands and old mis-matched Colts for four and five hundred bucks. LOL.

Without fail, if its USGI around here, the price tag starts off in the four digit zone and takes off from there. So yes, Colt is a little out of line with the tariff on the Reproduction piece. But I'm willing to pay it. I got a halfway decent price too... 910 out the door (depending on shipping, if he orders another gun from the same vendor the shipping will be split in half). Needless to say, I have an awesome local dealer.

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