70 and 80 Series

[Chief_10Beers]

What is the difference between the 70 and 80 series 1911? I understand that the SR1911 is a 70 series. What about the Remington R1A? Or the Springfield 1911-A1?

I'm currently on a waiting list (#7) for a SR1911 but there is a R1A and 1911-A1 availible now...............................

 

[dakota1911]

If you can find a Feb 2012 copy of Handloader Mag, they have a nice review of both guns. The Remington has the Series 80 parts I think and the Ruger and SA guns do not.

 

[GKC]

"Series 70" is a term that is, technically, only applicable to Colt pistols. However, it is generally understood to mean that a series-70-like pistol doesn't have a Firing Pin Safety (FPS) while a series-80-like pistol does. Colt currently produces models in both configurations. The Ruger SR1911 doesn't have a FPS, nor do Springfield Armory 1911s (although they do have a key-activated lock on the main spring housing.) The new S&W "e" series 1911s don't have a FPS, although their other non-"e" models do. Kimbers, Remingtons, and Magnum Research 1911s have FPS mechanisms. I'm not sure, but I think Taurus has a FPS in addition to a lock. I'm not sure about some other makes like Dan Wesson, STI, or Para. I think the semi-custom 1911s like Ed Brown and Wilson, for example, don't have a FPS.

 

[DGW1949]

Well, to start with....there aint no such thing as a 70 series 1911, or a 80 Series 1911. Those two terms were/are used by Colt to distinguish those particular variations from their old-school "Government" and "Commander" models.
The term "1911" is a hold over from a military model number that was specific to a gun which hasn't been in production for over 80 years.

As for the difference(s) in a 70 Series and a 80 Series Colt, there are many....including, but not limilted to, hammer design, firing mechanism design, and the materials used for various parts and/or sub assemblies.

Hope this helps.

DGW

 

[Ale-8(1)]

My Colt says "MK IV SERIES 70 Government Model" on the slide.

 

[mohavesam]

http://www.northwestfirearms.com/handgun-discussion/55905-1911-model-series-70-vs-80-a.html

I also have a Colt's 1911A1 Gold Cup National match with "..Series 70" clearly roll marked on the slide... and a couple of Commanders and one Officer's all clearly roll marked "...Series 80" on the slides. And - my lone original 380 Colt pistol is clearly marked "series 80" on the slide These are very clearly model designations from the ORIGINAL manufacturer.

I smell the makings of a Quinn Bros. article... 8)

 

[rugerguy]

I think you'll find that the term 1911 ended shortly after WWI, and they became 1911A1 and/or Government models..........so except for possibly the reproduction of a an "anniversary 1911" (100 years???) they are 1911A-1.............or as the commercial versions are, Government models,and Colt designated them series 70, then an 80, (firing pin safety) and then the 1991, with lots of variations in between, ie Gold Cups, Combat Government, Elites, Enhanced models and on and on....the SR1911 is offshoot of the series 70, ie no firing pin safety,with all that neat , trick stuff that gunsmiths and tinkerers love to put on their basic,. for a lack of proper terminology, "1911" for short......
gets back to "flat tops", Vaquero,old & new, clips and magazines........ :roll:

we know what you mean........ :wink:

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Yeah, you're right. I made such a big deal about the proper use of the term "flattop" that I'd better be reeeaaaalll careful about saying "1911" when I should say "1911A1".

Karma can bite ya . . .

 

[mohavesam]

...and there's the model 1991...

 

[buscadero]

Hi Chief_10Beers,
Well I guess they answered your question. :?
All companies make many slight changes for whatever reasons, efficiency, cost saving, functioning, etc.
The main difference between the series 70 and 80 is that the series 70 1911 does not have a firing pin block.
I perfer the series 70 (less parts) but I do have a couple of series 80's. They've always gone bang when needed.
I have a RIA Tactical whose accuracy and reliability is on par with my Ruger 1911, the finish is not on the same level as the Ruger. The RIA is a good gun for little money.
Jim

 

[Chief_10Beers]

Hi Chief_10Beers,
Well I guess they answered your question. :?
All companies make many slight changes for whatever reasons, efficiency, cost saving, functioning, etc.
The main difference between the series 70 and 80 is that the series 70 1911 does not have a firing pin block.
I perfer the series 70 (less parts) but I do have a couple of series 80's. They've always gone bang when needed.
I have a RIA Tactical whose accuracy and reliability is on par with my Ruger 1911, the finish is not on the same level as the Ruger. The RIA is a good gun for little money.
Jim

Well they most certainly did and I do appriciate all the responses . I really want that SR1911, but at least I have options ...............................

 

[Jeff Quinn]

Colt introduced the "Series 70" designation with the introduction of the collet-style barrel bushing, and the term had nothing to do with a firing pin safety
The introduction of the "Series 80" designation referred to the trigger-activated firing pin block. S&W uses the Swartz type firing pin block that operates off of the grip safety.

It gets confusing, but these days most shooters and manufacturers erroneously use the term "Series 70" in reference to the absence of a firing pin safety.

Jeff

 

[Jeff Quinn]

Colt introduced the "Series 70" designation with the introduction of the collet-style barrel bushing, and the term had nothing to do with a firing pin safety
The introduction of the "Series 80" designation referred to the trigger-activated firing pin block. S&W uses the Swartz type firing pin block that operates off of the grip safety.

It gets confusing, but these days most shooters and manufacturers erroneously use the term "Series 70" in reference to the absence of a firing pin safety.

Jeff

 

[rugerguy]

marketing AND publicating, just so much simpler and easier to say "1911" leave out the maker, the series, etc...once again, we KNOW what they mean ( or meant to say) us 'old timers put things in a frame (era/vintage) of the BIG wars, WWI and II, yeah most of us missed the war of 1812, and the Spanish American war..............BUT gotta remember and THANK ALL of those who did serve. and so many gave it ALL, and continue to do so............

 

[lfpiii]

The problem with Colt Series 80 guns is that the firing pin safety uses the trigger mechanism which makes the trigger pull harder and not as smooth as guns without the extra safety. S&W have a different design safety Swartz that does not use the trigger but the grip safety giving you a better trigger pull. Springfield Armory guns do not have any extra safety. The lock on the main spring is not a safety but a lock like those found on S&W, Rossi and Taurus revolvers.

Any version of a 1911 that does not have a firing pin block can discharge a round if the firing pin is struck directly regardless of other safeties. This is not a problem unless you are trying to be really stupid.