Custom Colt Series ’70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto

SOLD FOR: $1275

LSB#: 210722HE09

Make: Colt

Model: Custom MK IV Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match

Serial Number: 70N54041

Year of Manufacture: 1978 (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. / 70N54041”. 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 “G” and “VP” in triangle. The top of the installed optic rail is marked “CLARK CUSTOM / PRINCETON, LA.”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The original iron sights have been removed. The top of the slide has been drilled and tapped with a full-length Clark Custom optic rail installed.

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: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. There are a couple of minor nicks in the frontstrap serrations, a very faint “idiot mark” under the slide stop, mostly not through the finish, and a few other scattered faint marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as customized.

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: 
-Faux wood cardboard Colt box with serial matching label and styrofoam inserts. The box has some tearing at edges with each of the ears reinforced with tape on the interior.

-Total of one 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 a Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistol with a collet bushing and trigger adjustable for over-travel. The pistol is in Fine condition as customized, retaining the great majority of its original finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. The iron sights have been removed and the slide drilled and tapped for the installed Clark Custom optic rail, allowing for mounting the optic of your choice. 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!