Colt Series ’70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto, C&R

SOLD FOR: $2400

LSB#: 210205MS66

Make: Colt

Model: MK IV Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match

Serial Number: 70N43523

Year of Manufacture: 1977 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup), ATF C&R (https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/undefined/curios-and-relics-list-2018/download)

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. / 70N43523”. 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 “U” and “VP” in triangle.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the full-length 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 laminate wood with fish-scale texturing. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The texturing is crisp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.

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. The magazine has minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition.

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 later Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistols with a collet bushing, Elliason sight pinned to its ribbed slide, and beautiful fish-scale textured grips. The pistol is in Excellent condition showing little sign of use. 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!

“Colt, National Match semiautomatic pistols, all S/Ns, in original configuration.”