Duty 1911 - Must have series 80, who uses them?

So I am pondering the idea of going to a 1911 as my duty gun now that we can carry a gun of our choice. The only requirement for a 1911 is that it is based on the Colt series 80 with the firing pin safety. I wanted to get a Springfield TRP but since Springfield doesn't use the Series 80 style safety then I can't. So my question is what companies make a 1911 based on the Series 80? I need something with a rail too and the only thing I see is the Colt Rail Gun. I would like to have something in matte black and I have nothing wrong with Colt I would just like more options. Thanks.

There are more than one type of safety. I would go with the kimber style. It operates off the grip safety instead of the trigger.

I believe the S&W uses the kimber style.

HAS to be Series 80 style, nothing else or can't use it for duty. I believe Kimber uses the Schwartz style of safety. I need to know who uses the Colt Series 80 style of safety.

Colt for sure.
Maybe Sig, iirc

skip any with a swartz safety. I look at it this way Colt designed the Swartz safety and chose not to go back to it.

That sucks you have to use the 80 series, but I guess if you have to then get a Colt 1911.

Nothing wrong with the '80 Series' Colts.

SIG
Colt
Para Ordnance
Taurus
Remington

Personally I would only be considering the first two on the list.

I would buy the Colt rail gun and have it refinished in matte black.

After some much-needed dehorning.

Don't they offer a new model that is black?

I would go Colt and stay away from the Swartz.

Very true. You can shave with some Colts.

If these are the options you have to choose from....look at the Sig Tacops. Depending on what duty holsters you have, you MAY want to look at the Traditional Tacops so the slide shape/holster is not an issue.

I wouldn't rule out the Taurus either, depending on your budget. Whatever you decide on, look at as many of them in person as you can find before buying. Series 80 safety depends on correct timing in order to not restrict the firing pin when the trigger is pulled. Guns that are properly set-up to begin with usually don't go bad by themselves. I like the S80 safety but the only one I have is in a Taurus. The trigger is fine, and there are no problems in the S80 safety system. I always inspect the firing pin and plunger when cleaning to look for evidence of the FP hitting the plunger, and you have to be careful on a detail strip to get the activating levers back in right - I use grease to hold them in position while pinning, and the same for the disconnector/sear. You also have to make sure the upper lever is pushed down flush with the frame when putting the slide on or it could stop the slide unexpectedly.
Bottom line is this safety makes carrying a 1911 much more feasible to me since it pretty much eliminates an unintended discharge. The firing pin cannot strike the primer unless the trigger is being pulled. I think your Dep't. is showing good sense and good gun knowledge in allowing a 1911 with the S80 system.

Taurus would be first on my do not buy FOR DUTY LIST. Followed by Para, then Remington.

I'm a Colt fan boy. For stock out of the box. Let's go to work.

Have to be a Sig.







and yes Colt offers rail in matte black.

I bought a Series 80 fifteen years ago and it's been fantastic. I've had it worked on and done some work myself, but all for accuracy, it's always been reliable and something I'd use for personal defense.

Colt

I've seen more than a few 1911's fail in my courses due to Firing Pin Blocks based on the grip safety.

For some reason Colts haven't failed in that department (including mine).

I say Colt FTW.

JMO

I'd just get a Colt and maybe have them do the tac package to get it duty ready. Problem solved...

Just buy the rail gun and forget about all others. I have one and its my favorite carry gun.

Colt had what you need, no need to look any farther. If you want/need anything that's not standard, call Brent who manages the custom shop and put in an order.

Colt or SIG. I have a SIG Tacops and it would make a great duty gun. It is harder to find leather for it on the other hand. But my favorite railed 1911 is a Springfield operator.

yep, I mistakenly traded in my SS series 80 G'vt on a Kimber Classic Match. My kitchen table worked up Colt shot better with a better trigger then the Kimber ever hoped to.

Thanks for all the options and opinions everyone, looks like the Colt Rail Gun is going to be the way I go. Just need to add a small magwell and some tritium sights and should be all good to go. Thanks again. By the way I like the Sig but the duty holster options are very small so it looks like the Colt will be the way to go.

I too would go with the COlt ans stay away from the Swartz.

Note that Tacoma PD carries Kimbers with the Swartz firing pin safety though.

What about Dan Wesson? I believe it uses a series 80. DW has a new rail gun coming out as well called the Specialist. It will be pricier than than the Colt; but the Colt lacks many options. No night sights, no magwell, no front strap checkering. If you don't want to wait for the DW, but the SIG. I am consdering a 1911 for duty carry and if I decide to make the switch, it will be the DW or Sig. Or get the Colt, have night sights put on and go with it.

That's because the Series 80 system is activated by the trigger, not the grip safety.

Never could get the action to smooth out on my Colt series 80 "Enhanced" model. I guess they enhanced it with extra friction and extra moving parts....

I've gotten lucky on GB with used 1994 era P14s. Both have been perfect in reliability and only minor scratches etc. Steel framed, commander hammers and professional trigger jobs (4-5 pound).

The reliability of later Paras with the PXT is an issue, they have addressed it but with a non-standard part. Which is why I stick with early 1990s Paras.

What part of my response didn't you get?

Do I have to draw you a picture (like I don't know the Friggin' difference?).

Here, I'll FIFY:

"For some reason Colts haven't failed in that department (including mine)." BECAUSE the Firing Pin Block is activated by the Trigger and not the Grip Safety.

Satisfied?

Well, you did say 'for some reason' the Colts didn't fail, which would imply to anybody that you did not know that reason. I stated the reason for the benefit of others reading the thread who may not have understood the difference in the safeties.

Sorry for the snippy response, 1saxman. I had a moment.

I should have been more specific. I see how what I originally wrote could be misleading.

Colt or SIG, forget the others.

My SIG has been flawless.

I really like the Sig Tacops but I am having a hard time finding Level 2 duty holsters with a light attachment for it. I sent Bladetech an email but having heard back yet.

the rail gun is dehorned from the factory

The Colt rail gun I've shot and worked on had no noticeable sharp edges.

The last one I saw needed a little work, but it wasn't as bad as the last one (Combat Elite) I bought. Then again, my opinion of what constitutes dehorning can vary wildly from what some gunmakers do.

Get a Colt...

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This is one I had built for possible duty use. It is what I consider dehorned. It isn't a Colt, but it is a Series 80.

It is currently back at the smith for a bit of tweaking. Night sights and checkered maninspring housing. It shoots great though.

DW uses a series 70 system.

OP I would go Colt if you can find one. A Sig 1911 isn't bad, but beware that they (non traditional models) use different holsters than standard 1911s.

You are correct, guess I got the two confused.

I picked up a SIG Scorpion 1911, nice pistol. I like the external extractor. It fits perfectly in a Safariland 6004 with my TLR1 attached. The 6004 was molded for a Springfield Operator/w Light. I'm sure that would translate into fitting into a 6280, molded to fit the same.

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