A couple or three weeks ago I decided I needed a clean Commercial Colt Government Model to "put away". Lo and behold this brand new, unfired Series 80 in near perfect condition came home with me today. Real dry and sluggish, I took it completely apart (hadn't done that in a few years), and soaked all parts in Pro-Shot 1-Step CLP and wiping it down and getting it back together, it was smooth and made that satisfying sound of a 1911 being racked. Found some smooth wood grips (Tiger wood? Bocote?) I'd picked up somewhere, and putting them on the gun may have been a mistake - with a frame spacer and removing the slide firing pin safety parts, it'll be another in the carry roatation! ure, I'd rather have found a like condition Series 70 with box, but I wouldn't have been able to bring it home for $800 otd !!!!!!!

With the extra parts gone and a spacer installed, there will be nothing to remind you it is not a Series 70, but the detent on the hammer in place of a half cock notch. I am a big fan of the Government Model Colt. They have decent sights on them now and that was really my only quarrel with them. All the rest of the stuff that folks do to them are just doo-dads and gee-gaws.

I bought my first 1911 Colt (Series 80) back in 85'. I sent it off to be ramped & throated, a beavertail installed and an extended safety. I ordered 5 Metalform magazines and worked up a load with 200 SWC's. That first year I put 10K round through it.

Since then, I've not been without one that I can recall. If I don't have a 1911 and a .357 in the stable, I just don't feel whole.

Nice find!

Murphy