I was wondering what was the difference between the two and which one is better. If possible can you also provide the length of the barrel of each model? Also are both series single action or double action?
Both are great guns. The 80 has a firing pin block, and the 70 does not. There have been stories of the 80s having malfunctions, but again, those are just stories. Personally, I would go with the 70, as I prefer no firing pin block.
MJ missed the salient point that sets the Series 70 apart from other government models. It had a collet type barrel bushing whose fingers were prone to break off and jam up the action. The 80 had the firing pin block safety which contributed to a harder trigger pull. Both additions were answers to questions no one asked. The collet bushing locked the barrel tighter, but it didn't do enough good to make it a target pistol, and the firing pin safety was supposed to keep the pistol from firing if dropped. Dropped from 4 feet, it is impossible for the scroungy little firing pin to develop enough energy to overcome the firing pin spring and set off a primer. Even without a spring, I doubt it is heavy enough.
Apparently the collet type bushing is no longer used, now if they could just get rid of the extra linkage for the firing pin block.
The Series 80 has a firing pin block. The Series 70 doesn't. Both are single action semiautomatic pistols. Many find the Series 70 to be more desirable, as the trigger pull is slightly cleaner and the design is slightly less complicated.
MJ said it all. I think?? both 70's and 80's come in shorter barrel (4") and maybe Officers (3 1/2). Other than Colt there are tons of options from many makers of 1911's now. I don't claim to keep up with them...just check them out on line. Colts are by far not your only good options these days
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Both are great guns. The 80 has a firing pin block, and the 70 does not. There have been stories of the 80s having malfunctions, but again, those are just stories. Personally, I would go with the 70, as I prefer no firing pin block.
MJ missed the salient point that sets the Series 70 apart from other government models. It had a collet type barrel bushing whose fingers were prone to break off and jam up the action. The 80 had the firing pin block safety which contributed to a harder trigger pull. Both additions were answers to questions no one asked. The collet bushing locked the barrel tighter, but it didn't do enough good to make it a target pistol, and the firing pin safety was supposed to keep the pistol from firing if dropped. Dropped from 4 feet, it is impossible for the scroungy little firing pin to develop enough energy to overcome the firing pin spring and set off a primer. Even without a spring, I doubt it is heavy enough.
Apparently the collet type bushing is no longer used, now if they could just get rid of the extra linkage for the firing pin block.
The Series 80 has a firing pin block. The Series 70 doesn't. Both are single action semiautomatic pistols. Many find the Series 70 to be more desirable, as the trigger pull is slightly cleaner and the design is slightly less complicated.
MJ said it all. I think?? both 70's and 80's come in shorter barrel (4") and maybe Officers (3 1/2). Other than Colt there are tons of options from many makers of 1911's now. I don't claim to keep up with them...just check them out on line. Colts are by far not your only good options these days