Posted: 9/5/2007 5:44:46 PM EDT
| Im in the market for another 1911A1. I am kind of leaning towards a Colt; thing is , I dont have a whole lot of working knowledge on them. I want a "meat & potatoes" - so to speak, reliable 1911. Not so much a custom/competition gun, just a really reliable 1911. Which Colt model should I go with , Series 70, 1991, or another? Thanks in advance. |
If your not looking for something with all the bells and whistles, the Series 70 Repro and the WWI Repro are the best Colt offers. |
|
I'll always yearn for a WWI repro, I've seen several fine examples, but I won't pay $1050. I have 2 almost-original 1911s - 1917 & 1919 vintage and they temper the lust. I'm lucky to have a really fine Series 70 stainless, but it's evolving to the point it's considered a custom. As per pulpsmack, there are some terrible examples of both models floating around. You really need to be able to put your hands on one and know what to look for. I have never had a desire for a Commander. I flirted with a couple of compacts but the 5" is what I've relied upon for a long, long time. I'm skiddish about aluminum frames. I'm not big on extra parts so tend to stay away from extra safeties like the Series 80. The beat 1911 is the one "tuned" to your tastes. |
|
While I think the WWI and the 70 repo and great Colts, I would not call them a meat and potato 1911. They are both as their name implies, a repo and you pay extra for not off the regular production line models. I would highly recomend the 1991 series. Big useful sights. very little cast or MIM parts. Some like to use the 70 repo as a base gun for a build up custom job. I am just as happy with the 1991. The only difference is the roll mark (the 1991 roll mark is my fav anyway) and the 1991 is series 80. If you are not planning on a trigger job less than 3 lb, nothing to worry about with the ser 80 parts. I have been using ser 80 for over 20 years now and I have never had an issue with them. Get a 1991 and use the diff in money to a WWI or a ser 70 to buy ammo and a holster. |
Price difference bewteen the 1991 and Series 70 is pretty small. I prefer the Series 70 - no white dots on sights, short trigger, arched MSH, no firing pin safety and dosen't say Series 80 in big letters on the side. Both are excellent but for less than $100 (considerably less if you look around) the '70 is the better deal. |
Personal pref... I like white dots, long trigger, and flat MSH. |
Yes it is, I was just pointing out the rest of the differences between the two. |
And that really doesn't make it a clear cut better deal. I think some have the idea that the ser 70 is a show piece repo out of the custom shop, when the reality is it is a non-standard item that is not built on the reg production line and assembled in Colt's Custom shop area. So other than the things you mentioned, and it is not a reg item you will see every day, the ser 70 is not that big of a deal. |
Sounds like you have an axe to grind. I was stating the differences and giving my opinion. Your trashing the Series 70. Relax, let the OP make his decision. And yes, almost any gunsmith will take the Series 70 over the 1991 for a custom build. |
No axe at all, I partake of all flavors of the Colt Cool-aide. As a historical representation, I thing the ser 70 and the WWI are great pistols. I just wouldn't pick a limited run pistol as a working, meat and potatoes 1911. What about a 38 Super! |