King’s Custom Colt Series ’80 Government 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1986
SOLD FOR: $2000
LSB#: 210802HE10
Make: Colt
Model: Custom MK IV Series 80 Government Model
Serial Number: SN05954
Year of Manufacture: 1986 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT MK IV / -SERIES 80-” with the rampant colt in front of the slide serrations and with “KINGS” in crown Kings Gunworks logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / SN05954”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “C” and “VP” in triangle. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “1”. The floorplate of the magazine is marked with a crowned “K” in oval and “.45 A.C.P. / S.S.”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a single tritium lamp fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two tritium lamps dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The top of the slide has a matte finish with serrations to reduce glare. The lamps have died but still function in the light as three-dot sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered laminate wood panels with inlaid silver rampant colts on each panel. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The installed grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun (we believe they are from “The 1911 Guy”).
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: The serrations on the top of the slide and the frontstrap are not original and those areas have likely been re-matted after the serrations were applied. The trigger, hammer and grip safety are not original to the gun. Otherwise, the finish is 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 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light scratches and scuffs including a scratch under the slide stop from disassembly/reassembly. The trigger, grip safety, slide, barrel and hammer show light operational wear. The screw heads are undamaged, the pin heads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a maroon cardboard Colt box, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and red “stop-sign” hang-tag, and a single Kings stainless 7-round magazine. The magazine has light operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition. The box ha a non-genuine serial-matching label and is in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Our Assessment: The Government Model served the United States military well through two World Wars and still sees some limited use in more modern configurations to this day. It has been no less popular on the civilian market, with dozens of companies making hundreds of variations on the original. This pistol is a MK IV Series ’80 Government Model chambered for the classic .45 ACP cartridge. It has been customized by King’s Gunworks with night sights, serrations on the frontstrap and top of the slide, Commander-style hammer, skeletonized trigger, beavertail grip safety and full-length guide-rod. It comes with a King’s magazine, the installed custom grips and a Colt box which has a custom-made label for this pistol. The pistol is in about Fine condition with 97% of its metal finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. This is a nice gun for carry, competition or recreational shooting, wearing to the neighborhood BBQ and which should be a great shooter for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!