Considering First Semi-Auto - Help Wanted

custom79

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Hello the forum.

I am presently considering a Colt Series 80 Mk IV as my first semi-auto. Can those of you in the know please fill me in on it's accuracy and dependability?

Many thanks from a newbie.

C79
 
These vary in accuracy from adequate to excellent. They are reliable as long as you are feeding it 230 grain roundnose ammo.
Colts are classics in the 1911 world and there's lots of aftermarket parts and a few good gunsmiths who can make these into great shooters.
 
I prefer the Series 70 without the firing pin block. Usually a nicer trigger pull, and you don't need three hands to put it back together after a detail strip.

Have had three series 70, one Gov't and two Gold Cups. The Gov't was as accurate a handgun as I have owned.

Still regret selling it.

TJ
 
I don't have any experience with the Colts, but I love my CZ85. It was my first 9mm semi-auto. You didn't mention whether you were looking for center fire or rim fire as your first semi-auto. I really like my .22 Buckmark URX, dead on accurate and takes 99% of what you feed it without a jam.
 
Talljoe said:
I prefer the Series 70 without the firing pin block. Usually a nicer trigger pull, and you don't need three hands to put it back together after a detail strip.

Have had three series 70, one Gov't and two Gold Cups. The Gov't was as accurate a handgun as I have owned.

Still regret selling it.

TJ

I'm another vote for the Series 70 types. My preference is for the pre Series 70 1911A-1's, too though.

A Series 80 pistol will do it you have to have one or the deal is right but I'd prefer not to have the extra junk in my 1911's. ;)
 
There are Series 80 Colts but there are no Series 70 Colts that I am aware of. Pre Series 80 did not have the firing pin safety.

Correct me if I am wrong.

The CZ's are great guns and the 85 Series are well made and dpendable pistols. Depending on your budget the Tanfoglio line offers adjustable sights and are finished off a bit better than the CZ's from my experience. I have the "L" model and it has been outstanding. If you are looking at a 1911 pattern pistol don't pass on Para. I have the SSP and it is a great shooter and well made with very good customer support. The P -14 double stack works well in competition if you are looking to get into IPSC.

For economy and a gun you can build into someting special the Norinco A1's at around $325are great values, requiring only new sights and a trigger job to be excellent shooters.

The FN Hi-Power is another excellent gun that is a classic, very reliable.

I have examples of all the guns I have mentioned and have been very pleased with all of them.
Take Care

Bob
 
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"There are Series 80 Colts but there are no Series 70 Colts that I am aware of. Pre Series 80 did not have the firing pin safety."

In fact Colt is making series 70 models again. TSE had one for sale.
 
Colt Commander's

Canuck44 said:
Well figured it out Series 70 and 80 Colts. No series 70 Commanders from what I understand. Could be wrong there as well....

Take Care Bob

The Colt Commanders that are pre series 80 aren't marked "Series 70" so technically you are right. They are usually just marked "Commander" or "Combat Commander". I have "Combat Commanders" [all steel frame] in both .45ACP and 9mm. Love 'em both... :cool: Glad they aren't Series 80's, though... :D

2005-01-24_160722_ColtComm3.jpg


2006-01-14_183019_Comm9mm7.jpg
 
As I understand it the Series 70 colts came with a Collet Bushing. The Commander size was never offered with that type of bushing hence there were never any Series "70" Commanders.

The so called retro Colts do not have the collet bushing and are really 1911 Colts without the firing pin safety though I understand the frames have the little notch cut into them so they are kind of a hybrid Series 70 if that makes any sense.

FYI I have a customized Norinco without the firing pin block and a Para with the series 80 firing pin block. Both guns have very crisp triggers that break at 4lbs. I guess there are guys who can detect the firing pin block but I have to say I can't.

Take Care

Bob
 
I think you'll find that the Commander barrel didn't have enough length for the series 70 finger bushing to recoil fully. That's why there are no Series 70 Commanders.

Can someone tell me if Series 80 and later have the finger bushing of the Series 70.

TJ
 
Talljoe said:
I think you'll find that the Commander barrel didn't have enough length for the series 70 finger bushing to recoil fully. That's why there are no Series 70 Commanders.

Can someone tell me if Series 80 and later have the finger bushing of the Series 70.

TJ

Most series 80 I've had had a regular bushing except a 9mm government model which had the collet type.
 
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