Series 80 parts on 1911

[quantum36]

I recently purchased a DVD on disassembly/re-assembly of a Colt 1911. In the DVD, the gunsmith refered to a "Series 80 part" on slide. This part is absent on my Colt (1968 National Match).
It looked like the Series 80 part was similar to Glock's trigger safety, which prevents firing pin from moving unless trigger is pulled.

The gunsmith also refered to another Series 80 part inside grip. Does anyone know what this part does? (I expect my Colt doesn't have this either. I have yet to completely disassemble it).

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Bud White]

yep there are 2 levers in the frame that when you pull the trigger they lift up and then deress the slide plunger so the gun can fire..

you 68 colt wont have them as colt didnt start using the parts untill the 80's hence the series 80 name

[Bud White]

Series 80 parts are in red

[quantum36]

Wow! Thanks for the graphic!

[QKShooter]

Ditto the above.

There are Series 80 parts in the slide which are a little cylindrical plunger type tube that blocks the firing pin unless it is pushed further up into the slide when the trigger is pulled.

There is also a VERY TINY little "return spring" up in that hole that pushes the plunger back to the down "Firing Pin Block" position.
Don't lose that spring.

When the trigger is pulled - one lever in the frame cams against a second lever & that one moves up out of the top of the frame to depress and unlock the Firing Pin Blocking plunger.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you want to get rid of the Series 80 parts it can be done BUT,
Remember that you just cannot remove the 2 frame levers and the slide parts.

You need to buy this little spacer that fits into the frame where the Series 80 parts went.
Brownell's sell that part for about $5.00
Once you install that spacer into the frame during reassembly then you can remove the plunger & the spring from the slide.

That basically leaves you with a Series 70 Colt - just w/ an extra unseen hole underneath the slide.

[AirForceShooter]

Stop taking your gun apart.
You're going to break or lose something.

AFS

[Bud White]

Stop taking your gun apart.
You're going to break or lose something.

AFS

Most people can mange to take apart a 1911 with out breaking or losing something, in fact a detail strip is recomended about once a year by some of the 1911 gunsmiths ...

So what is the problem ?

[Rob72]

In the DVD, the gunsmith refered to a "Series 80 part" on slide.

It's called a "Warranty Service Department Job Security Package" . Be glad you don't have it. Excessive complication to an idiot-proof system.

[kd5nrh]

Most people can mange to take apart a 1911 with out breaking or losing something, in fact a detail strip is recomended about once a year by some of the 1911 gunsmiths ...

Only once a year? My carry 1911A1 gets it about every three to six months, plus any time it misbehaves, or even starts to act like it might want to soon. As for losing pieces, keep an extra Wolff spring kit on hand, as the springs are the easiest pieces to lose, but they're not expensive at all.

[Bud White]

Only once a year? My carry 1911A1 gets it about every three to six months, plus any time it misbehaves, or even starts to act like it might want to soon. As for losing pieces, keep an extra Wolff spring kit on hand, as the springs are the easiest pieces to lose, but they're not expensive at all.

Depending how much each one gets shot depends on the complete tear-down ..

Remember i said recommended not what i do ..lol

I do as you do with my carry piece

The less shot 1911's get taken apart very rarely

[OD*]

Another view of the Series 80 parts;


The slot filler QK was referring to;


http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...spx?p=13121&s=

[quantum36]

Thanks for the pics and graphics OD and Bud White.

Here is another question. In the DVD, the gunsmith utilized the plunger to hold in the firing pin when he took off the plate that holds firing pin in. With my 1968 Colt, it appears that I will have to press in on the firing pin with a punch to remove this plate. Is this correct?

Also, do you recommend using grease instead of oil for lubrication (as in DVD)?

Since I bought this pistol used, I eventually want to completely disassemble at one point. I bought the pistol about 2 months ago and have put through about 500 rounds. (It is a joy to shoot this pistol!).

[Rob72]

With my 1968 Colt, it appears that I will have to press in on the firing pin with a punch to remove this plate. Is this correct?

Also, do you recommend using grease instead of oil for lubrication (as in DVD)?

Yes, and yes. I use a 1/16" punch, and use it to depress and slide the FP retainer down. A nifty little tool is made for this, possibly be Evolution Gun Works-EGW (?), but I don't have a link, seems like it was about $12.

A light layer of moly/Lithium or Teflon grease works well- basically, just leave a shiny trail, where you rub it on(DON'T GOOP IT!)

[QKShooter]

Great Addition OD - Much Thanks.

[quantum36]

Thanks for the advice Rob72 !