Colt series 80 mkiv combat elite question

[Hayseed]

*If this is such a common topic that people think it's useless, please delete *

I have the chance to pick up what appears to be a good condition, used series 80 mkiv combat elite for sub $500 (I work at a lgs). For the price I feel like it will regardless be a decent buy. I understand people's qualms and complaints with series 80's (but is it overblown?) but I am wondering how well of a platform this could be to build on. No I probably won't carry it much, maybe light competition and mostly just shooting for the sake of shooting. I have hook ups as well with our gun smith, so I could get work done at little to no cost. Just looking for some input. Thanks.

[LoveAR]

I prefer the simplicity of a series 70. However, the series 80 trigger can be fine tuned by a competent gunsmith. Drop safe is a plus too.

[samuse]

There is absolutely no issue with the Series 80. The USMC has a bunch of 'em if that tells you anything.

Touchy trigger jobs are more involved, but a non-issue if you stay at 4lbs +.

[signal4l]

I have a series 80 Colt that I purchased in 1993. It is my one and only 1911. I have about 10k through it. I shot it at a Gunsite course and had the trigger tuned by the Custom Shop gunsmiths shortly after I purchased it.

The trigger job is still good to go. I have replaced the sear spring as well as the slide stop (cracked off the lobe).

I wouldnt worry about the series 80 system.

[CAVDOC]

Any colt sub 600 let alone sub 500 is a heck of a great buy. One of my current guns (m45a1) is a series 80 and it runs like a champ no worries

[Hayseed]

See, I have had two m45a1's (I am currently still in a usmc reserve unit) and I absolutely hated the trigger on that pistol. I have put 40k+ rounds through the first one, and it jammed consistently after ~200 rounds. Second one does the same. So yes, I have a little experience with the usmc series 80's. I much preffered the usmc's old quantico-built 1911's. Anyways though, how does the combat elite compare in the world of colts? This gun does not feel like an m45, but i havent shot it yet. I figure for sub $500 it is a good buy.

[samuse]

Sounds like you have the 'ol M4carbiner curse. You need a Glock or an M'nPee.

Ha!

[RVTMaverick]

Sounds like you have the 'ol M4carbiner curse. You need a Glock or an M'nPee.

Ha!

Hey samuse, just wondering why you didn't also list the Best choice, XD/XDM...?

Hey Heyseed,

FWIW & FYI: I don't know what the differance is between what you are looking at and the COLT Commander is, but my Stainless Steel series 80 is AWESOME! And I wouldn't sell it for one penny less then what I bought it for NEW 6 years ago and she's in Great shape even though I have shoot her quite a bit over the years.
Also, it IS my Daily C.C.

So what I'm getting at is IF she is anything like mine? Unless she is BEAT Used, sub 5 bills seems like a very good price to me.

Keep us posted and let us know how you like it, You KNOW you are Going to Buy it!

Peace Jeff

[Austin Millbarge]

photo (36).jpg

I have almost 10,000 rounds through the Colt on the top in the picture. Not a hiccup. Keep your extractor tuned, replace your springs, and it will run fine.

[Hayseed]

Sounds like you have the 'ol M4carbiner curse. You need a Glock or an M'nPee.

Ha!

Nah already got geee-lock, won't touch the m'npee with a ten foot pole.

I suppose I'll take the dive, see how it turns out! Also, you can replace the collett bushing for a regular one right? I hate that thing