Colt 70 Series...$600 out the door, yay or nay? - Page 2

9mm · August 23, 2012, 10:45 PM

How much was it?

Auto426 · August 23, 2012, 10:52 PM

If you want a metal based finish, then maybe look into hard chrome. It's a plating process similar to the nickle already on the gun, but it's much more durable. It can also be had in various degrees of shininess, from a matte dull finish to a polished mirror like look.

Tactical Jackalope · August 23, 2012, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auto426

If you want a metal based finish, then maybe look into hard chrome. It's a plating process similar to the nickle already on the gun, but it's much more durable. It can also be had in various degrees of shininess, from a matte dull finish to a polished mirror like look.

O.o nothing flashy. But different than what I have already in 1911's. I have stainless, matte black cerakote, and parkerized.

However I want to lean more towards parkerized.

Think that's why I'm thinking about blueing.

SIG 1911 XO / SA 1911 custom / Colt Gold Cup / SIG P226 e2 / Browning High-power / Walther PPQ / Beretta PX4 Storm / G34 / G19 / G21 / G22 / Kahr CW9 / S&W M-19 / Hk USP 40 / Rem 870 / Rock R. AR-15

sent from my Android

Marquezj16 · August 23, 2012, 11:27 PM

Nice find! Why not get it refinished in satin nickel?

Tactical Jackalope · August 23, 2012, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marquezj16

Nice find! Why not get it refinished in satin nickel?

Satin nickel? I'll Google that right now actually. Don't know about that. Oooooh. I gotta contact "Hunter Customs" he's the only 1911 guru I trust with my 1911's maybe he can do that for me

Let me google that now. Satin Nickel.

SIG 1911 XO / SA 1911 custom / Colt Gold Cup / SIG P226 e2 / Browning High-power / Walther PPQ / Beretta PX4 Storm / G34 / G19 / G21 / G22 / Kahr CW9 / S&W M-19 / Hk USP 40 / Rem 870 / Rock R. AR-15

sent from my Android

Tactical Jackalope · August 23, 2012, 11:33 PM

It looks the same as what it has now. I don't know...I really want this different. If I'm going to refinish it might as well go all out.

SIG 1911 XO / SA 1911 custom / Colt Gold Cup / SIG P226 e2 / Browning High-power / Walther PPQ / Beretta PX4 Storm / G34 / G19 / G21 / G22 / Kahr CW9 / S&W M-19 / Hk USP 40 / Rem 870 / Rock R. AR-15

sent from my Android

Winchester_73 · August 23, 2012, 11:43 PM

I think its a buy for that money. What is there left to think about?

Go see what series 70 guns bring on the internet. Some would say those prices are high BUT anyone can sell on the net, and as long as you know how to sell, you can get the same money because the market is there. People want series 70 guns.

Just think your gun model name signature list will be one firearm longer after this purchase.

Despite the modifications and wear, I think for about $600, you're plenty safe as far the value is concerned. I know I'd rather have this gun than a brand new $700 1911 and so would a lot of other guys.

freebird72 · August 24, 2012, 12:57 AM

I would say get it blued. A blued 1911 is the best looking semi auto gun around, in my opinion anyways.

9mm · August 24, 2012, 01:08 AM

^^

FloridaVeteran · August 24, 2012, 01:34 AM

Constantine - I own a satin nickel Series 70 Combat Commander that I bought new in 1972 or 73. None, zero, of the exposed parts were blued, not the trigger, nada. In your OP you mentioned stainless, but the finish looks like nickel and the conversation has drifted toward that. Satin nickel guns of that series did not come with blued triggers, to my knowledge. Even though the sights and grip safety (and obviously the Pachmayer grips) may well have been after-market improvements, it seems odd to me that the trigger would have been changed out for one that from the photo appears equally non-adjustable, a la a Gold Cup's. I had mine tuned for competition (Peterson's in Mount Dora) and they never suggested changing out the trigger.

Have you checked a serial number source to be sure you aren't looking at a "continuation series" model that began in 2002-05? My gun's SN is 70SC33xxx, FWIW. Not saying you don't have a good buy there, but the gun you are looking at either has been tweaked a lot (possibly to your advantage) or maybe it is not a Series 70 from the 1970s. Also, have you dropped the firing pin retainer to see if the number jives with the SN on the gun?

Winchester_73 · August 24, 2012, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Have you checked a serial number source to be sure you aren't looking at a "continuation series" model that began in 2002-05? My gun's SN is 70SC33xxx, FWIW.

I verified that the new series 70 guns use different prefixes such as "71G" instead of "70G" so as not to confuse anyone who knows the older SN prefixes / suffixes.

The SN shown by Constantine in the photo he provided of 70B31528 (to my eye) would be a 1982 or 1983 production per online sources quoting RL Wilson. We do know that the "70B" prefix started in 1981. We also know that later in 1983 the Series 80 guns came out, with a changed prefix / suffix for the SN.

His gun appears to be a true blue series 70 AFAIK.

rodfac · August 24, 2012, 07:32 AM

Saw the pics, Constantine....the exterior looks ok to me and better than what I'd imagined from your original post. As to satin nickle as a finish...I've had two Colts finished that way, and they're about as close to stainless steel in corrosion resistance as you can find in a stock factory finish. Canoe trips in wet weather a week at a time, four days in a wet leather holster with no adverse freckling...that satin nickle has held up to ordinary holster wear too.

Gotta ask tho, did you go through the basic safety/functionality checks when you checked it out? When parts are changed out, some of the following sometimes get overlooked. These are the basic checks I make with my 1911's every time I use them...and I do the same with friend's guns when they come over to shoot.
1. Hammer won't fall if grip safety alone is depressed, with thumb safety engaged & trigger is pulled.
2. Hammer won't fall with thumb safety off, and grip safety not depressed, while trigger is pulled.
3. Hammer won't fall if both safeties are depressed, when slide is released with trigger pressed.
4. Hammer won't fall if slide is slightly retracted, when trigger is pulled.
5. Magazine lips in good condition?
6. Half-cock notch on hammer works?
7. Any slide/frame battering down where the recoil spring guide seats against the frame?
8. Slide/frame rail condition...from shade tree gunsmith "tightening"?

If all those are OK, I'd buy it and get to work on what ever level of restoration I'd be interested in.

Best Regards, Rod

Tactical Jackalope · August 24, 2012, 11:16 AM

Winchester_73 - I agree 100%

freebird72 -

Quote:

I would say get it blued. A blued 1911 is the best looking semi auto gun around, in my opinion anyways.

Thinking about it... o.O

FloridaVeteran -

Quote:

Constantine - I own a satin nickel Series 70 Combat Commander that I bought new in 1972 or 73. None, zero, of the exposed parts were blued, not the trigger, nada. In your OP you mentioned stainless, but the finish looks like nickel and the conversation has drifted toward that. Satin nickel guns of that series did not come with blued triggers, to my knowledge. Even though the sights and grip safety (and obviously the Pachmayer grips) may well have been after-market improvements, it seems odd to me that the trigger would have been changed out for one that from the photo appears equally non-adjustable, a la a Gold Cup's. I had mine tuned for competition (Peterson's in Mount Dora) and they never suggested changing out the trigger.

Have you checked a serial number source to be sure you aren't looking at a "continuation series" model that began in 2002-05? My gun's SN is 70SC33xxx, FWIW. Not saying you don't have a good buy there, but the gun you are looking at either has been tweaked a lot (possibly to your advantage) or maybe it is not a Series 70 from the 1970s. Also, have you dropped the firing pin retainer to see if the number jives with the SN on the gun?

Yeah, the owner before me modified the heck out of the thing. Which I don't mind, cause I'm going to do the same thing. Just better

It's a 70 series, lol don't worry. Thank you though!

Winchester_73 -

Quote:

Have you checked a serial number source to be sure you aren't looking at a "continuation series" model that began in 2002-05? My gun's SN is 70SC33xxx, FWIW.

Quote:

I verified that the new series 70 guns use different prefixes such as "71G" instead of "70G" so as not to confuse anyone who knows the older SN prefixes / suffixes.

The SN shown by Constantine in the photo he provided of 70B31528 (to my eye) would be a 1982 or 1983 production per online sources quoting RL Wilson. We do know that the "70B" prefix started in 1981. We also know that later in 1983 the Series 80 guns came out, with a changed prefix / suffix for the SN.

His gun appears to be a true blue series 70 AFAIK.

What he said ^^^^ lol Thanks.

rodfac -

Quote:

Saw the pics, Constantine....the exterior looks ok to me and better than what I'd imagined from your original post. As to satin nickle as a finish...I've had two Colts finished that way, and they're about as close to stainless steel in corrosion resistance as you can find in a stock factory finish. Canoe trips in wet weather a week at a time, four days in a wet leather holster with no adverse freckling...that satin nickle has held up to ordinary holster wear too.

Gotta ask tho, did you go through the basic safety/functionality checks when you checked it out? When parts are changed out, some of the following sometimes get overlooked. These are the basic checks I make with my 1911's every time I use them...and I do the same with friend's guns when they come over to shoot.

If all those are OK, I'd buy it and get to work on what ever level of restoration I'd be interested in.

Best Regards, Rod

I may or may not redo it in satin nickel. Really depends on the parts I add onto it. If it needs cutting and what not. I may just do it. That's why I refinished the SA one, cause of the Ed Brown beaver tail being .250 as opposed to .220 I think..

As for the checks, OF COURSE!!!

1. Hammer won't fall if grip safety alone is depressed, with thumb safety engaged & trigger is pulled. ----- did this. A ok.

2. Hammer won't fall with thumb safety off, and grip safety not depressed, while trigger is pulled. ----- A ok!

3. Hammer won't fall if both safeties are depressed, when slide is released with trigger pressed. ----- A ok!!

4. Hammer won't fall if slide is slightly retracted, when trigger is pulled. ----- darn..I gotta do that one.

5. Magazine lips in good condition? ----- Yes indeed.

6. Half-cock notch on hammer works? ----- gotta do that one too.

7. Any slide/frame battering down where the recoil spring guide seats against the frame? ----- ugh -__-

8. Slide/frame rail condition...from shade tree gunsmith "tightening"? ----- Well...it's loose like a typical Colt. But nothing crazy.

Tactical Jackalope · August 24, 2012, 01:43 PM

uuuuuuuuuuuuhhh....

http://www.coltsmfg.com/CustomerServ...berLookup.aspx

Skadoosh · August 24, 2012, 02:00 PM

My vote would be for a nice parkerized finished.

DunRanull · August 24, 2012, 02:18 PM

If it is ok shape, no rust etc, step on it! A COLT SERIES 70 is the yardstick for 1911s! You don't want it, tell ME where it is. A Glock can come later, always be plenty around, not so a COLT SERIES 70.

Tactical Jackalope · August 24, 2012, 02:48 PM

Just called Colt..they said 1982

DunRanull · August 24, 2012, 03:08 PM

Just thought of something.. Had an old pre-70 1911 which had looked pretty bad.. someone cleaned it up and then HARD CHROMED it... basically industrial-strength finish. IIRC these days there are a variety of chrome finishes out there, including dull or polished black/blue. I know it's very tuff... tougher IME than the electroless nickle Colt finish on my 70 Combat Commander. Might want to look into something like that. Good luck! Dun

publius · August 24, 2012, 03:26 PM

I think a good bright blue is the best looking 1911 finish but you are going to carry it often so I would probably go with something more durable. I think you would have a beautiful, practically new gun with a good NP3 finish.

Winchester_73 · August 24, 2012, 08:07 PM

leave it as is and carry it use it enjoy it shoot it and don't give a damn!

Tactical Jackalope · August 24, 2012, 09:36 PM

NP3 and Hard chrome..
Idk.

Might just do what Winchester_73 said. Actually my original plan. However! That grip safety is really uncomfortable :/

SIG 1911 XO / SA 1911 custom / Colt Gold Cup / SIG P226 e2 / Browning High-power / Walther PPQ / Beretta PX4 Storm / G34 / G19 / G21 / G22 / Kahr CW9 / S&W M-19 / Hk USP 40 / Rem 870 / Rock R. AR-15

sent from my Android

Tactical Jackalope · August 27, 2012, 02:22 PM

UPDATE: Just messaged and emailed a forum member here that does work on 1911's and the only person I'd trust with it. Gonna see what finish he recommends

Gonna carry this gun like a beast that it was originally.

Picking it up Friday of this week

NJgunowner · August 27, 2012, 02:57 PM

Go check out post number 4, looks really nice.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=332980

Winchester_73 · August 27, 2012, 03:28 PM

Congrats Constantine. A standard 1911a1 45 is actually missing from my collection. I just never got one yet. Since there are so many, I want a good price, and thats what you got, a good gun for a good price. Enjoy it.

Tactical Jackalope · August 31, 2012, 11:48 AM

Today is the day I pick her up. Took 100rds with me to work cause I'll be going right after. Range/Gun stores are so awesome.

Meet you all back here around 7:30/8 with pics and such.

August 23, 2012, 10:52 PM	#27
Auto426 Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2007 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 1,323	If you want a metal based finish, then maybe look into hard chrome. It's a plating process similar to the nickle already on the gun, but it's much more durable. It can also be had in various degrees of shininess, from a matte dull finish to a polished mirror like look. __________________ *"Si vis pacem, para bellum"* - If you want peace, prepare for war.

August 23, 2012, 11:43 PM	#32
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	I think its a buy for that money. What is there left to think about? Go see what series 70 guns bring on the internet. Some would say those prices are high BUT anyone can sell on the net, and as long as you know how to sell, you can get the same money because the market is there. People want series 70 guns. Just think your gun model name signature list will be one firearm longer after this purchase. Despite the modifications and wear, I think for about $600, you're plenty safe as far the value is concerned. I know I'd rather have this gun than a brand new $700 1911 and so would a lot of other guys. __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west

August 24, 2012, 07:32 AM	#37
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,623	Saw the pics, Constantine....the exterior looks ok to me and better than what I'd imagined from your original post. As to satin nickle as a finish...I've had two Colts finished that way, and they're about as close to stainless steel in corrosion resistance as you can find in a stock factory finish. Canoe trips in wet weather a week at a time, four days in a wet leather holster with no adverse freckling...that satin nickle has held up to ordinary holster wear too. Gotta ask tho, did you go through the basic safety/functionality checks when you checked it out? When parts are changed out, some of the following sometimes get overlooked. These are the basic checks I make with my 1911's every time I use them...and I do the same with friend's guns when they come over to shoot. 1. Hammer won't fall if grip safety alone is depressed, with thumb safety engaged & trigger is pulled. 2. Hammer won't fall with thumb safety off, and grip safety not depressed, while trigger is pulled. 3. Hammer won't fall if both safeties are depressed, when slide is released with trigger pressed. 4. Hammer won't fall if slide is slightly retracted, when trigger is pulled. 5. Magazine lips in good condition? 6. Half-cock notch on hammer works? 7. Any slide/frame battering down where the recoil spring guide seats against the frame? 8. Slide/frame rail condition...from shade tree gunsmith "tightening"? If all those are OK, I'd buy it and get to work on what ever level of restoration I'd be interested in. Best Regards, Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73. Last edited by rodfac; August 24, 2012 at 07:51 AM.

August 24, 2012, 02:00 PM	#40
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 2,016	My vote would be for a nice parkerized finished. __________________ NRA Life Member USN Retired

August 24, 2012, 03:26 PM	#44
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	I think a good bright blue is the best looking 1911 finish but you are going to carry it often so I would probably go with something more durable. I think you would have a beautiful, practically new gun with a good NP3 finish. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

August 23, 2012, 10:45 PM	#26
9mm Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2011 Location: Land of the Free Posts: 2,834	How much was it?

August 23, 2012, 11:27 PM	#29
Marquezj16 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2011 Posts: 2,088	Nice find! Why not get it refinished in satin nickel?

August 23, 2012, 11:33 PM	#31
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	It looks the same as what it has now. I don't know...I really want this different. If I'm going to refinish it might as well go all out. SIG 1911 XO / SA 1911 custom / Colt Gold Cup / SIG P226 e2 / Browning High-power / Walther PPQ / Beretta PX4 Storm / G34 / G19 / G21 / G22 / Kahr CW9 / S&W M-19 / Hk USP 40 / Rem 870 / Rock R. AR-15 sent from my Android

August 24, 2012, 12:57 AM	#33
freebird72 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2010 Posts: 241	I would say get it blued. A blued 1911 is the best looking semi auto gun around, in my opinion anyways.

August 24, 2012, 01:08 AM	#34
9mm Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2011 Location: Land of the Free Posts: 2,834	^^

August 24, 2012, 01:34 AM	#35
FloridaVeteran Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2012 Location: Central Florida Posts: 399	Constantine - I own a satin nickel Series 70 Combat Commander that I bought new in 1972 or 73. None, zero, of the exposed parts were blued, not the trigger, nada. In your OP you mentioned stainless, but the finish looks like nickel and the conversation has drifted toward that. Satin nickel guns of that series did not come with blued triggers, to my knowledge. Even though the sights and grip safety (and obviously the Pachmayer grips) may well have been after-market improvements, it seems odd to me that the trigger would have been changed out for one that from the photo appears equally non-adjustable, a la a Gold Cup's. I had mine tuned for competition (Peterson's in Mount Dora) and they never suggested changing out the trigger. Have you checked a serial number source to be sure you aren't looking at a "continuation series" model that began in 2002-05? My gun's SN is 70SC33xxx, FWIW. Not saying you don't have a good buy there, but the gun you are looking at either has been tweaked a lot (possibly to your advantage) or maybe it is not a Series 70 from the 1970s. Also, have you dropped the firing pin retainer to see if the number jives with the SN on the gun?

August 24, 2012, 01:43 PM	#39
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	uuuuuuuuuuuuhhh.... http://www.coltsmfg.com/CustomerServ...berLookup.aspx

August 24, 2012, 02:18 PM	#41
DunRanull Junior member Join Date: April 24, 2005 Location: Southern Colorado, where a small working knowledge of southwestern Hispanic culture is considered polite. Posts: 99	If it is ok shape, no rust etc, step on it! A COLT SERIES 70 is the yardstick for 1911s! You don't want it, tell ME where it is. A Glock can come later, always be plenty around, not so a COLT SERIES 70.

August 24, 2012, 02:48 PM	#42
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	Just called Colt..they said 1982

August 24, 2012, 03:08 PM	#43
DunRanull Junior member Join Date: April 24, 2005 Location: Southern Colorado, where a small working knowledge of southwestern Hispanic culture is considered polite. Posts: 99	Just thought of something.. Had an old pre-70 1911 which had looked pretty bad.. someone cleaned it up and then HARD CHROMED it... basically industrial-strength finish. IIRC these days there are a variety of chrome finishes out there, including dull or polished black/blue. I know it's very tuff... tougher IME than the electroless nickle Colt finish on my 70 Combat Commander. Might want to look into something like that. Good luck! Dun

August 24, 2012, 08:07 PM	#45
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	leave it as is and carry it use it enjoy it shoot it and don't give a damn! __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west

August 24, 2012, 09:36 PM	#46
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	NP3 and Hard chrome.. Idk. Might just do what Winchester_73 said. Actually my original plan. However! That grip safety is really uncomfortable :/ SIG 1911 XO / SA 1911 custom / Colt Gold Cup / SIG P226 e2 / Browning High-power / Walther PPQ / Beretta PX4 Storm / G34 / G19 / G21 / G22 / Kahr CW9 / S&W M-19 / Hk USP 40 / Rem 870 / Rock R. AR-15 sent from my Android

August 27, 2012, 02:22 PM	#47
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	UPDATE: Just messaged and emailed a forum member here that does work on 1911's and the only person I'd trust with it. Gonna see what finish he recommends Gonna carry this gun like a beast that it was originally. Picking it up Friday of this week

August 27, 2012, 02:57 PM	#48
NJgunowner Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 1,254	Go check out post number 4, looks really nice. http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=332980

August 27, 2012, 03:28 PM	#49
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	Congrats Constantine. A standard 1911a1 45 is actually missing from my collection. I just never got one yet. Since there are so many, I want a good price, and thats what you got, a good gun for a good price. Enjoy it. __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west

August 31, 2012, 11:48 AM	#50
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	Today is the day I pick her up. Took 100rds with me to work cause I'll be going right after. Range/Gun stores are so awesome. Meet you all back here around 7:30/8 with pics and such.