Colt Series ’70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1855
LSB#: 210714HE01
Make: Colt
Model: MK IV Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 70N01397
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” and with an engraving of a trophy cup. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” with the rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / 70N01397”. The barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO N.M. / MK.IV/SERIES’70”. The right side of the trigger guard has a poorly struck inspector mark and the left is marked “H” and “VP” in triangle.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the full-length serrated rib on the top of the slide. The rear sight is an Elliason target sight adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. There are a few scattered minor marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to shallow and incomplete. There is some dishing around pin heads and most edges are a little soft. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is light and crisp. The slide to frame fit has only a little play. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: Introduced as an off-the-shelf target pistol, Colt’s Gold Cup National Match 1911s have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades. There have been some variations since their introduction in the late ’50s, the Series ’70 introduced a collet barrel bushing, series ’80 a firing pin safety, and newer models offered various combinations of features, grips and sights. This is one of the earlier Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistols with a collet bushing, Elliason sight pinned to its ribbed slide, and trigger adjustable for over-travel. The pistol is in Fine condition as refinished, retaining the great majority of its new blued finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking for a great 1911-style target pistol or want to add a Gold Cup National Match to your collection, this is a nice old pony. Please see our photos and good luck!