Colt Series 70 Govenment Model

[GrayHawk]

I have recently acquired an older model Colt Government Model. Serial number indicates it was manufactured in 1981. I have never owned or had any experience with the 1911 platform. I've disassembled it, cleaned it, and took it to the range. No problems with the gun, more with the operator. Nothing has been changed or altered in this pistol (and I understand it has had no more than a couple hundred rounds fired,if that). With it being as old as it is, should I be replacing any of the standard parts? I don't want to do alot of modifications, want to keep it primarily in the same configuration as it is now. With that being said however, are there any parts I should be paying close attention to or should replace before I go to the range again?

[Charles L. Cotton]

If you looked into my safe, my love of 1911s would be readily apparent. I wouldn't change anything, if your goal is to keep it in original condition. There is nothing that is likely to fail early on, so just shoot it hand have fun. Remember, unlike Glocks, a 1911 really doesn't like being shot dry. Yes, you can have too much oil, but don't try to oil it as sparingly as you would a Glock.

If you had something other than a Government Model and it had the old collet bushing, I'd suggest changing it, but your gun won't have one. It's usually a good idea to have certain spare parts like springs, extra grip screws for the ones that seem to jump up off the bench and fly away on their own, and perhaps even an extractor. I always keep an extra extractor with me if I'm traveling to a match or a school. They don't break often, but they do break. How many more parts you keep on hand is purely a personal choice.

Have fun with your new gun!
Chas.

[WildBill]

A Colt 1911 that was manufactured in 1981 is not that old. A gun sitting in a dry gun safe doesn't age like a car sitting in a garage. It sounds like that it has a low round count and has been stored properly [no rust or corrosion]. You took it apart and cleaned it and didn't notice any excess wear. It seems to function properly and nothing is obviously broken, so I would say you are good to go. You should be very happy with your purchase.

[GrayHawk]

Thanks guys for your input. Charles, when you say springs are you referring to the recoil spring and magazine springs or are there others that I need to look at?

[BobCat]

I think Charles means recoil springs. You can look at gunsprings.com for replacements and different weights (spring forces) but standard weight is fine unless you shoot very light or very hot loads.

In your position, I would be grinning with delight! A 1911 made in 1981, and not shot much, is a new 1911 - as has been wisely pointed out already. If it were a pre-WWII 1911 it might need to be detail stripped, cleaned, all small parts examined, and re-assembled before shooting it much, but what you have is not old at all.

Congratulations on your find, enjoy it!

Regards,
Andrew

[GrayHawk]

Thanks Andrew for the info. I must admit, that I too am very happy with this weapon. Have always shot .38 spec or 9mm but always wanted an older 45. Felt very lucky when this became available.