ltwguns.com

None of my local shops carry any series 70 models. Only series 80 and
XSE models. Are they worth the cash to ''blindly'' order one??? Is one going to be any ''better' than my S.A. Mil-Spec. I know that some the XSE models I have looked at have been horrendous examples of manufacturing. Will the series 70 be any better? I have a Mil-Spec at Yost/Bonitz awaiting a ''Retro'' type custom job, spur hammer, Colt grip safety, G.I. type thumb safety, stippling on fronstrap, Yost/Bonitz sights etc.
Would it be worth it to purchase a Colt and have it done instead?

Any and all comments appreciated!!!
Thank You.
Scott

Heard nothing but good things about them. My own experience is with recent series 80 Colts and they're great. I have a WWII repro that I had lightly customized (wasn't worried about collectibility) but I was totally happy with it out of the box.

It would be hard to have ANY buyer's remorse with ANY Colt series 70 (or most any Colt for that matter).

First let me say this. I AM NOT an expert and what I write is gathered from clients and some of the craftsman I have worked with in my little retail operation. So no bias is intended

With that aside on the "worth the money question" I put it this way.

Many of the older series 70's have "issues" ( for lack of a better term) with various gunsmiths on whatever Colt was doing at the time and many of the craftsmen who support the custom industry look for specific serial ranges, type or lettering for the 70's guns that fit their specific craft.

Many of the older guns are collectable in certain circles also so you may want them for other purposes.

On the new roll mark guns, again from what I have heard from my clients and the craftsman who have built my clients guns. The newer guns have the advantage of the better steel's i.e. what was the steel technology of 35 years ago versus today's. The newer models also have the closer tolerances on the frame and slide. Not to mention any of the issues on frames and slides of 30 to 40 years ago have or should have been resolved with modifications and improvements in production.

I use one of my guns as an example for this. I currently have a 1911 gun (not A1). Serial number 191111, (yes and that is why I am keeping it). The frame was made in 1918 and the steel used then is much softer than now. The rest is period or close correct. By the way. It still hits 8 inch steel plates at 25 yards with S&B, the gun runs like a champ, no function issues, and rattles like my 53 year old knees after a 5 mile run (slow jog these days). No other mod for function. I am getting the slide refinished now and dropped a C Series on it.

With the new model you also have the advantage of the Colt roll marks if that "trips your trigger."

From a resale standpoint and at some time you or your heirs will resell. The Colt emblem will bring a higher price point than the competitors on the custom pieces.

That I can vouch for as the custom guns for sale and resale is my retail niche. Name recognition sells and resells.

Now if it is "worth the money" that is your decision as to what you goals are with your dream gun.

What is right for you is not right for the guy next to you. Get what you want if this is your dream gun. Too many times cutting a corner to get the "cheaper" of "best" price has caused a trade in the near future. That comes from my clients and me watching my clients and trying to resell the former dream gun over about 20 years now.

I hope that give you a little better perspective.

_________________
Be safe and keep the brass flying

Terry Peters

Do your research but you get what you pay for front end or back end
http://www.pt-partners.com
@ptpartners_tx

My humble opinion is that the new Series 70's are the best that Colt has ever put out.

_________________
CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

And how would you rate the new Series 80's in comparison with the new Series 70's? (that's what we're limited to in Kali.....)

They're not as 'out of the box' ready to build as a 70, but can be made into pretty nice customs. The Series 80 trigger system takes a bit more work and you don't have quite the latitude as far as adjustable sights go, since the low mounted BoMar will overhang the slide about .125 due to the firing pin plunger necessitating a setback.

Unfortunately, the pabulum pukers have made Kalifornia somewhat of a pain when it comes to having the gun you want.

_________________
CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

I agree with all the comments that everyone has made so far.

The Springfield MilSpec is a fine base gun, it is just that the little Colt pony has some magic for me and is therefore prefered. The Colt's have a few more usable parts and don't require quite as much in work as the Springfield.

The Colt's seem to finish cosmetically a little nicer, especially with polished flats.

Between the series 80 and series 70, depends on what you want out of the gun. For a full house gun, I would choose the series 70. They seem to have a little better fit & finish. Other than the obvious issue of the series 80 parts, the series 80 guns also have the magwell pre-beveled which is NOT an advantage when checkering while the series 70 pistols do not. The bevel on the magwell at the front strap can leave the very bottom a little thin when checkered, in comparison to the series 70 gun.

Best,

Ray

_________________
-------------------------

http://www.harmscustomdesigns.com

Cameron

You aren't the only one with fingers crossed. I'd like to see them offer ALL of their 1911's in Series 70 format!

Welcome to LTW, Cameron.

_________________
CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

Cameron,
When you get your 70 you'll love it. I got mine last year, and I'm now debating on whether to get a SA MilSpec WWII, Series 80 Stainless or another 70 blued for a custom job. I was gonna send out my 70 blued to have it "worked on", but I think I want to keep one "as is". It's wonderful. The closest thing it reminds me of are my Garands. When you cycle the action the steel "sings". You'll love it!


Rich

Every forum I'm on when the talk turns to Colts there's Camerons pictures! Nice to see such dedication and it also sounds like you put a heck of alot of rounds through them. As to the Series 70 I have two of the new ones and love them. I'm sure I will love them even more after Dave Berryhill gets throught with them. Like alot of people I have returned to simplicity when it comes to 1911's and that is very well expressed in the Series 70.