New Model 1911 Trigger Jobs

It is difficult to address any report on Colt pistols without beginning biblically: In the beginning, there was the 1911… Likewise, 1911 trigger jobs have been discussed at length. In this article we’ll look at an area that doesn’t receive frequent treatment, namely, the firing pin block or drop safety on Colt’s new model Series 70 and Series 80 pistols. I’ve found that some articles about Colt’s firing pin block are in error. Many shooters feel this is howa 1911 should be built.

The original 1911 features a simple inertial firing pin with the pin held to the rear of the firing pin channel by the firing pin spring. When the hammer strikes the firing pin it is driven forward against spring pressure, strikes the primer, then drawn back by spring pressure. The firing pin is shorter than the channel. Some designs, such as Spanish copies of the 1911, don’t feature an inertia firing pin.

The proper check for a correctlyoperating inertia firing pin is to lock the slide to the rear and insert a pencil into the firing pin channel against the firing pin. Press the firing pin forward. It should spring back when the pencil is released.

This does not work with pistols with a firing pin block. When at rest, the tip of the firing pin should not protrude past the firing pin channel. The inertial firing pin was deemed safe for use. Whether the pistol was carried hammer down on a loaded chamber or properly carried cocked and locked, the inertia firing pin doesn’t touch the cartridge primer. Tests that arguably go beyond likely, real-world concerns demonstrated the 1911 could fire as a result The dovetail is GI type.

Colt had to make a change to ensure institutional sales. of the firing pin taking a run forward. I have personally drop tested an issue 1911 at a height of 15 feet with a primed cartridge case in the chamber. While there was a slight dimple in the primer on some drops, the primer never fired. There was no difference if the pistol was cocked and locked or hammer down. Incidentally, if the hammer is lowered on a pistol with a firing pin block the block isn’t functional as the trigger is being pressed.

Despite the general safety of the inertia firing pin, when SIG introduced their P-series pistols their positive firing pin block was toutover the 1911, Smith & Wesson Model 39, Browning Hi-Power, and virtually every other service pistol. Any company that wished to continue institutional sales was forced to incorporate a firing pin block. Smith & Wesson played catch up with their 459. Colt introduced the Series 80 with firing pin block which the company adapted to all their 1911s.

Colt did a good job of integrating their block and the change was deemed good by both police and military. While many 1911 fans accepted the change some opponents were highly vocal, claiming the firing pin block prevented a good trigger action. While this isn’t true, the parts involved required a learning curve and proved more difficult than the previous models. Colt’s firing pin block gave rise to defining two types of trigger action that isn’t entirely correct. The more modern design was referred to as Series 80.

This included any make using a Colt-type block, including those from Para Ordnance. Any 1911-type pistol without the safety block was called the Series 70. It would be more correct to call the non-blocked design the GI trigger action, but Series 70 is what we’re ed as an advantage stuck with. As a result of market pressure, Colt introduced anew Series 7 0 which we will address at length. This pistol is similar in appearance to the original Se-

This may lead to confusion for those unaware. This is a high quality parts kit well suited to the Colt pistol. ries 70 but is a different pistol and overall superior to first Series 70 pistols in my opinion. The original Series 70 Colt was a response to those calling for a tighter, more accurate Colt. The pistol used a collet-type barrel bushing with fingers that gripped the barrel and increased potential accuracy while being less expensive than hand fitting a National Match bushing. The sights remained GI.

The Series 80 included addition of Colt’s firing pin block. Series 80 Trigger Job Series 80 trigger actions have a procedure similar to the GI trigger action but is more involved. For example, an aftermarket trigger with overtravel adjustment isn’t recommended for the Series 80 because trigger travel is shortened and the hammer falls sooner. The firing pin then beats against the spring-loaded plunger that hasn’t completely lifted. If the firing pin block plunger is beaten it eventually sticks, preventing discharge.

The only correct means of achieving a lighter trigger action with this action is installation of a complete set of matched parts designed specifically for Series 80 pistols such as the Brownells Trigger Pull Reduction Set. The hammer lever lets the firing pin plunger out earlier in the trigger movement. When the hammer falls the plunger has cleared by lifting out of the path of the firing pin as it should. Removing the firing pin block assembly may be done but I would never do so.

It is a severe liability problem to remove a safety device from any firearm. How would you know if the firearm you modified for exclusive competition use will not find its way into a holster and concealed carry? New Series 70 The new Series 70 was a response to demand from shooters for anew version. This handgun does not incorporate the firing pin block in the action. I have considerable experience with the original Series 70 and the new version is similar primarily in appearance.

The fit, finish, and overall performance are considerably superior to the original 1970s version and is among the best fitted and finished Colt 1911 handguns I have seen in some time. This handgun is more similar to the 1950s and 1960s commercial guns than the later Series 70. The new pistol also features high profile sights and cocobolo double-diamond pattern grip panels. The new Series 70 does not feature a collet type barrel bushing, which is all to the good, and instead uses a well-fitted bushing.

There is no full length guide rod as traditional shooters may prefer, and the barrel bushing, while snug, may be field stripped with the hand. To achieve a high level of drop safety, the new Series 70 uses a heavy duty firing pin spring and the same firing pin as the Series 80. There is interchangeability with the Series 80 although there is no firing pin block.

This makes sense as the firing pin has the notch for a safety bar despite there being no safety bar in the pistol and there is no mortise in the frame for the plunger. The new Colt feed ramp features anew "dimple" that feeds all modern hollow points well. While the pistol reads Series 70 in billboard writing on the slide, the new handgun is different pistol from the original. Safety Checks Once you have performed an action job on the Series 80 with the proper parts it is essential to safety check the action.

Remove the slide and barrel assembly from the receiver. With the slide removed, press the trigger but do not let the hammer fall. The hammer lever should rise from 0.040 to 0.050 above the frame at this point. Work the firing pin plunger. I mark the firing pin plunger to check contact points. Assemble the pistol and dry fire several times. Disassemble the pistol and be certain that there are no signs of contact between the firing pin and the plunger.

The Series 80 is a great pistol but there are more parts than the GI gun and this means more complications. The Series 70 solves every problem for those wishing to own a pistol without a firing pin block. AG