colt 45acp

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danny45

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Thinking of purchasing a Colt mark iv 80 series in 45 acp, and would appreciate any positive and especially [if any] negative comments. I will only paper punching for fun with this firearm.
 
Colt 1911s are the 5.0 mustang of the pistol world. There is no end to parts for customization and everyone has one.
 
I have a Colt Mark IV Series 80 in stainless. The slide/frame fit isn't as tight as some of the modern day 1911's but it is reliable and accurate. The previous owner changed the trigger, front and rear sights and removed the firing pin block. Like joe-nwt stated, it's a very customizable pistol. You can shoot it as is or make it 'yours'. I bought this pistol on impulse figuring I needed a Colt in my stable and I have had no regrets. I don't believe you would either.

1911a.jpg
 
I love Colt 1911's. I don't prefer the Series 80 pistols, though. Give me a real deal pre Series 70 any day. But that said, I'd buy one if the price was right, though.
 
Let me guess, the firing pin lock? As to the slide fit, well keep in mind that reliability under all conditions was considered a higher priority then "tightness for accuracy" in a service pistol, at the time. They're a pretty good gun. I like the older ones better myself, but then, I'm old too. - dan
 
danny45 said:
Hey NAA, what don't you like about the 80 series?
Click to expand...

I don't like the Series 80 firing pin block safety. I know people will say you can get a little kit from Brownells that removes it but my point is that it is completely unecessary to begin with. I have two Series 80 Colts, both Deltas in 10mm. If the Delta came in pre Series 80 form I would have that.

I see some of the newer 1911 offerings from other makers have the Series 80 firing pin system crap in them.... the new Auto Ord GI 1911A1, the S&W's and at the Para SSP just for a sampling. A fellow I know recently purchases a NIB Para SSP. He had problems with it right from the get go... and the problem turned out to be the firing pin block system. Seems the little lever on the frame that depresses the plunger in the slide that keeps the firing pin back got bent up and locked up the gun. Trip to the gun smith solved it for him... he had it removed from the pistol.

But like I said, it is an unecessary feature. And for that reason I avoid Series 80 Colts. It's just a personal preference kind of thing, though.
 
NAA said:
I see some of the newer 1911 offerings from other makers have the Series 80 firing pin system crap in them.... the new Auto Ord GI 1911A1, the S&W's
Click to expand...

Last time I talked to Murray he said the Smiths were a Series 70 design?

As far as 1911's go, there's a reason that there's a cult like following, enter at your own risk, they are addictive.
 
Still like Colts

In the '80s I bought a new Colt series 80 Bright Stainless steel .45acp. Unfortunately the stainless steel was soft so the slide to frame fit got sloppy fast. A reputable gunsmith brought it back to spec, but that didn't last long. Then the '80 series firing pin block setup failed. Nothing but light hits. The depressable button in the slide failed too.
After taking out those parts the gun worked again. The bright stainless finish was the best though.
I would still buy a Colt over that Chi-com junk anytime.
 
I have a 1911 that has a Caspian frame from the 80's i believe and the top end (colt) was new in 1917 according to what the gunsmith that put the new sites on told me.
It shoots fantastic.

M.
 
Apparently Colts have relatively loose slides deliberately to make them more reliable. Tight fitting slides are more likely to fail. I have a brand new Colt Gold Cup 1911 and it's got a loose slide, but I love it.

1911s have something about them that makes you attached to them, unlike with Glocks that are more like tools than objects of desire.
 
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