Colt 1911 opinions needed

[TommyT]

Colt is custom making me a deep engraved 1911 with engraving by a Master Engraver at Seattle Engraving Center. I need to decide between an engraved Series 80 in nickel or a Series 70 in high polished stainless steel. I was getting the Series 80 engraved in polished stainless steel but for some reason they are backordered and can only get the blued version of the Series 80 which won't matter if I choose the nickel plating. Nickel is generally hundreds of dollars more but they will do it at no extra cost under the circumstances. They have the Series 70 in stainless in stock and I get it engraved and polished to a high luster finish.

Here are my questions I need help with:
1. Which is a better 1911? The series 70 or the Series 80? I am not that familiar with the differences but getting ready to go do a search online to try and learn
2. I only plan to have it as a collector piece and will never fire it. I will have a custom wood presentation case made for it. With this in mind, do you think I should go with nickel or hi polished stainless steel.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Gimmebackmybullets]

Wow. I think if I had the kind of cash to get one of those, Id likely have enough spare cash to get one of each. Or invest in some class 3 with a happy switch.

 

[GAGunguy]

Series 70's 1911 are more collectable in my opinion.

 

[Moe_Fugga]

Series 80 has a firing pin safety where the 70 doesn’t. Trigger feel is the main difference. As far as collectibility between the two I can’t say. 70 Series is less common for new 1911s.

Nickel is a plating that is known to crack over time leaving your handgun open to corrosion. Stainless is just that...stainless steel. If it were my decision I’d do a Stainless 70 Series. Especially if you’re going to engrave it. But that’s just my opinion and knowledge. I have only been into 1911s for a few years now, so I know there are folks on here with more knowledge than me.

I don’t think you will be disappointed either way!

 

[jeep78]

70 series is the one to get. It is way closer to the original design than the 80. More collectible.

As far as trigger feel? When set to the same pull weight, it is doubtful 99 percent of shooters can tell the difference.

 

[TommyT]

Series 70's 1911 are more collectable in my opinion.

Thank you

 

[TommyT]

70 series is the one to get. It is way closer to the original design than the 80. More collectible.

As far as trigger feel? When set to the same pull weight, it is doubtful 99 percent of shooters can tell the difference.

Thanks!

 

[TommyT]

Series 80 has a firing pin safety where the 70 doesn’t. Trigger feel is the main difference. As far as collectibility between the two I can’t say. 70 Series is less common for new 1911s.

Nickel is a plating that is known to crack over time leaving your handgun open to corrosion. Stainless is just that...stainless steel. If it were my decision I’d do a Stainless 70 Series. Especially if you’re going to engrave it. But that’s just my opinion and knowledge. I have only been into 1911s for a few years now, so I know there are folks on here with more knowledge than me.

I don’t think you will be disappointed either way!

True. I love nickel when it is pristine but so hard to keep it beautiful. I do have a Colt 1903 in nickel from 1921 that still looks fantastic but I certainly know what you mean. If I get a scratch or scuff in the stainless it is easier to correct and polish. I keep thinking the stainless 70 makes the most sense for longevity. Now they are offering me 24kt gold plated too right when I had almost made up my mind!!

 

[jeep78]

Gold is soft. You will always have to wear gloves when handling it. I had a Gold Colt, and it showed wear quickly (never carried, just handled).

 

[TommyT]

Gold is soft. You will always have to wear gloves when handling it. I had a Gold Colt, and it showed wear quickly (never carried, just handled).

Thanks for the heads up!