In the last couple of days, I’ve noticed that the new Colt Classic 1911’s are series 70 configuration. Weren’t these initially series 80 pistols? If so, when did this change take place? Are they still producing the MKIV Series 70’s? Thanks for any helpful info.

The current production O1911C Classic (series 70) is actually a hybrid. More of an old series 80 configuration without firing pin block mechanism and a 1960s style marking (laser engraving).

O1911C with following series 80 features:
1. narrow barrel hood
2. lowered ejector port
3. series 80 slide stop take-down notch position
4. Tall front/rear sights
5. Flat mainspring housing
6. hammer without half cock notch

Thanks for the info. Has this been this case since they were first introduced, or did they initially have the series 80 safety components?

The O1911C never had 80series safety parts. It was ground up build like it is. Comes factory with a National Match barrel.

Around 2010ish or 20-teens colt stopped putting (1991) roll marks on their 80series guns. But the model was still O1991 (blued 45) Government and O1992 (blued 9mm) Government

Before the o1911c colts custom shop built the 1970a1cs while S80 guns were still being produced. The 1970a1cs was basically a 1970 Colt government reproduction without the collet bushing. These are genuinely referred to as S70 reproductions.

The real Series 70 had the collet style bushing, as did the early Series 80 guns.

In fact, that bushing is what made the original Series 70 different from the previous Gov't Model.

mlin is correct that the current Series 70 is a melange of features.

Well, and the rear frame tangs are much larger/longer than on pre-70 and USGI guns...seriously, grab a 70 series and a gun older than that, or a USGI gun; take the thumb safeties out, and run a rod or dowel through the thumb safety holes in the frames to line them up at a known good reference point. The S70 frame tangs are huge compared to previous iterations.