Colt MK IV Series ’70 Government 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1980
SOLD FOR: $1351
LSB#: 210806MP28
Make: Colt
Model: MK IV Series ’70 Government Model
Serial Number: 45547B70
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (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 ”COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .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. / 45547B70”. The barrel is marked “-COLT .45 AUTO.- / MK.IV/SERIES’70”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “V” and the left is marked “M” and “VP” in triangle.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated, ramped rear face fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with gold-colored Colt medallions in their centers and smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have a few scattered light nicks, more on the right panel than the left. Otherwise, the checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Fine-plus 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 96% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light nicks and scuffs. The left of the frame has a light “idiot mark” under the slide stop. The grip areas show light handling wear. There is a dent in the right of the frame at the top edge, right where the channel for the barrel lugs ends. The dent is on the inside, with a small protrusion out on the outside. The action shows light operational wear. There are a few spots of very minor surface oxidation, most notable on the edges of the right slide flat toward the front. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide to frame fit has 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: This is a Colt MK IV Series ’70 Government Model from 1980. The descendent of the original Model of 1911, it has updates of the 1911-A1 as well as a collet-style bushing to improve accuracy. The pistol has about 96% of its finish, a bright bore with sharp rifling and strong mechanics. There is a dent in the right of the frame, but it doesn’t appear to affect function. This would make a great recreational shooter, carry, or home defense gun for the 1911 fan. Please see our photos and good luck!