Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
7/7/2010 6:18:58 PM EDT
Looking at getting a Colt series 80 for my first 1911 for 800 bucks.

I dont know anything about 1911s. How do they stack up against other 1911s

pros/cons?
7/7/2010 6:22:28 PM EDT
[#1]
new? $800 for a used series 80 sounds to much. I only own series 80 colts and I have had no quality issues, but some slipped out of the factory with a few errors... I believe that colt will fix them though...
7/7/2010 6:29:36 PM EDT
[#2]
Colt hit an overall low point in the 80s and parts of the 90s. that said, Dfarriswheel said it well in another thread when he advised the buyer to look at the pistol by example instead of a bottle of wine by vintage. The so-called bad years would have well-executed examples, just as the good years will nevertheless churn out a few dogs. That said, there is no reason IMO to consider a stock Series 80 for $800 unless it is in like new condition with box and papers.
7/7/2010 7:21:41 PM EDT
[#3]
Companies like springfield are going to give you more bang for you buck. Smith and wesson will too if you don't mind the external extractor. The stock colt just screams upgrade me. You just have some better options on the market.

I will say both my colt 1911's have been fine but I look at my commander for instance and the grip safety sucks, the thumb safety sucks, the trigger is nothing compaired to my kimber, and the sights really need to be replaced.
7/7/2010 8:09:18 PM EDT
[#4]
Its new in the box

Its my first experience with 1911s soI'd rather go with a better quality

I've heard good things about Springfields if they are less cost and better pistols I might go with that
7/8/2010 2:17:45 AM EDT
[#5]
I had a serie 80 gold cup, a real POS.  Stainles but rusted in doors in climate control, rear sigth pin kept falling out, would not feed reliably even after 3 runs back to colt.  Sold it to get a kimber.  Will not buy any more colts.
7/8/2010 2:59:39 AM EDT
[#6]
80 series covers just about all of current Colt production, can you narrow it down a little.
Colt Manuf
7/8/2010 3:49:47 AM EDT
[#7]
Series 80 consists of many models. You'd have to narrow it down a little for us to tell you if it's a good deal or not.

For example, an XSE is a Series 80 pistol, but they usually sell for $850. The NRM 1991 is a Series 80, but they usually sell for $750ish new.

Do you have any idea of what model you're looking at?

BTW, The Springfield Loaded is a great gun too (I have 2 of them). You might also be able to snag an MC Operator for close to $800 used.

Hope this helps.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
7/8/2010 4:48:20 AM EDT
[#8]
here is a picture of it



Quoted:
Series 80 consists of many models. You'd have to narrow it down a little for us to tell you if it's a good deal or not.

For example, an XSE is a Series 80 pistol, but they usually sell for $850. The NRM 1991 is a Series 80, but they usually sell for $750ish new.

Do you have any idea of what model you're looking at?

BTW, The Springfield Loaded is a great gun too (I have 2 of them). You might also be able to snag an MC Operator for close to $800 used.

Hope this helps.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile


7/8/2010 5:42:36 AM EDT
[#9]
too much. I paid $500 for mine about 10 years ago. They aren'ty too bad, but have lots of plastic/crap parts that you'll want to change out. Hammer will often drop from half cock, but is supposedly safe.

ETA: this was a 1991A1 model, series 80.
7/8/2010 7:09:31 AM EDT
[#10]
That appears to be a new rollmark M1991 Government, made in the past five years or so.

$800 seems a trifle high, but not out of the range for a NIB gun.  The ones I've seen here are about $770.  

I bought one before they increased the price a few years back.   I was so impressed with the quality that I bought two more.




7/8/2010 7:16:09 AM EDT
[#11]
One more time....

I bought my first Colt several months ago.  It's a Series 80 (1991) stainless Commander.  Have owned a number of Springers from G.I. to Pro model.  Didn't know what to expect with all the "Colt isn't what is used to be" talk.  Maybe I got that magical one in a million made on Wednesday and so on, and so on.  My Commander is outstanding.  It's tight, no "razor sharp" edges, I love the beavertail and hammer that the SS comes with, and it shoots quite well with factory mags and any ammo I put in it.  This is considered an entry level Colt and I am VERY pleased with fit, finish and overall quality.  Only thing that was a little goofy is the plastic MSH.  Ordered a new Colt SS MSH and changed it out.  I'm not aware of any other "plastic/crap" parts.  Other than that, I installed Hogue wraparound grips...strictly personal preference.  Got it NIB from Ozark Guns for $790.00.  I won't be doing anything else with this gun as I consider it GTG.  I carry it frequently with no hesitation or concern.

Nothing wrong with this Pony....

7/8/2010 3:19:14 PM EDT
[#12]


Its a government model
7/8/2010 8:05:06 PM EDT
[#13]
Specialized Armament has them for $715.00,good starter gun,in the same price range,Springfield is the only other gun i would consider regardless of bells and whistles......been there-done that,can't go wrong with the Colt,but you can always upgrade it.

http://www.specializedarmament.com/products/Colt_Government_Model_O1991_Blue-528-275.html
7/9/2010 3:30:44 PM EDT
[#14]
In my opinion it's tough to go wrong with a Colt. Here is a pic of my 80 series that I picked up and reworked over the past few months.

7/9/2010 6:26:49 PM EDT
[#15]
I have nothing but pre-enhanced Series 80 Colt 1911 pistols (Government Model, Combat Commander and Officer's ACP). Fifteen years ago I paid $400 each for them as base guns, and they have each been fully customized by Joe Bonar (RIP) when he was at Novak's.
7/10/2010 8:38:48 AM EDT
[#16]
I have the exact same one,'08 manufacture, it's been a perfect performer. Nuff said.   BD
7/11/2010 12:38:47 PM EDT
[#17]
My series 80 had a feeding problem, did not like hollow points, a trip to a good gun smith took care of it no more problems.
7/11/2010 4:19:11 PM EDT
[#18]
I've had few issues with any of my Colts, Series 80 or otherwise. Colt has had some mostly cosmetic issues in the past that seem to improving a good bit with the addition of new CNC equipment. YMMV
7/29/2010 6:10:29 AM EDT
[#19]
I have a series 80 gold cup purchased as soon as they came out, in the early 80's. Feeds everything including semi-wadcutters. Never had a problem in 30 years. I had a series 70 before that and it would only feed with fmj. most of the time. I was into target shooting then and couldn't see keeping a target pistol that wouldn't feed target ammo. I tried everything, polished chamber, changed recoil springs and it still jamed. The series 80 worked right out of the box, never changed a thing except recoil springs for lighter or heavier loads.