COLT SERIES 70 1911 PISTOL

The Colt Series 70 1911 is a return to Colt's roots. The Series 70 could be considered a G.I. mil-spec pistol, in that its design is cosmetically identical to the pistols issued to soliders in the two World Wars, as well as other military conflicts.

The term "Series 70" refers to the improvements Colt made to their 1911 models in 1971, which were well-received by the shooting community. In 1980, though, Colt made changes to their 1911's out of concern for product liability lawsuits. One of the most significant changes was an added firing pin safety. Colt designated these models as the Series 80, and they were not well received at all. Shooters complained that the firing pin safety was too complicated and fragile. Others complained that the firing pin safety made getting a good trigger tuning nearly impossible. Despite the objections, Colt continued with the 1980 design.

In 2001, Colt was facing financial difficulties, as manufacturers such as Kimber, Springfield Armory and others had taken over the 1911 market. Rather than chase the latest fads, Colt decided to return to its roots by making pistols and revolvers that were nearly identical to their original designs. This included the new Series 70, which looked identical to the G.I. issued 1911 models, and which did not have the Series 80 firing pin safety.

The Series 70 was an immediate success.

The pistol features a flat grip safety and solid trigger, just like those on the old G.I. pistols. It also has military-style sights. In keeping with the nostalgic look, the Series 70 also has the original style rollmarks on the slide and frame.

For 2011, the Series 70 pistols include a "100 Years of Service" rollmark to celebrate the adaptation of the 1911 by the US military in 1911 (which is why the pistol is called the "1911", even though it was invented in 1905).

The Series 70 is available in stainless steel (see photo above) or blued finish. It comes with double diamond rosewood grips.

FEATURES

• Series 70 custom replica
• 5” barrel
• Double diamond rosewood grips
• Original rollmarks
• Fixed sights
• Series 70 firing system
• Blue or stainless steel finish

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Name: Government model
Frame material: Steel
Frame finish: Blue or Stainless Steel
Barrel length: 5"
Overall length: 81⁄2"
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7 + 1
Hammer: Spur
Trigger: Aluminum
Action: Single
Front sight: White dot
Rear sight: White dot
Grips: Rosewood double diamond
Grip safety: Service style
Thumb safety: Standard

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Colt Series 70 Reviews:

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
By JLank, Tampa, FL
April 13, 2011

"I've owned Kimbers and Springfields and just about every other 1911 you can get. I bought a Colt back in 1990 and swore I'd never buy Colt again. When I tried the Series 70 I changed my mind. This is the way they used to make them. It's like old times for me. Next stop is a Gold Cup."

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