Clark Custom Colt MKIV Series 70 Hard Ball 45 ACP 5″ Semi-Auto Pistol

SOLD FOR: $1426

LSB#: 210903SG06

Make: Colt, Customized by Clark Custom
Model: MK IV Series ’70 Government Model, Clark Hard Ball

Serial Number: 70G35245

Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic pistol with detachable magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” and with a rampant colt, the bottom, inside of the slide is marked “243” and “4 73”, the right of the slide is marked “COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL” and “”Clark” HARD BALL / SHREVEPORT, LA.”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and with the serial number. The right of the trigger guard is marked “K”, the left is marked “3” at the front and “VP” in triangle at the rear. The top of the chamber is marked “KART 45 NM”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thick blade integral to a serrated base which has been inlet to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Bomar square notch adjustable for windage and elevation dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece full checkered wood panels. The grips have light handling wear with sharp checkering. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to Clark Custom

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The edges have thinning and finish loss, most noticeable on the front edges of the slide. The backstrap, grip safety,  and checkered straight mainspring housing have thinning and discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some little dings, most noticeable on the trigger guard and on the top of the slide towards the front. There are some little marks through the finish on the right side of the frame surrounding the slide stop pin. The frontstrap has custom stippling. The pinheads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide to frame fit has minor play. 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 one Chip McCormick 8-round magazine.

Our Assessment: Built on a Colt Series ’70 Government frame and with Colt’s slide, this pistol went to Clark’s Custom and has a number of upgrades over the standard Government model including adjustable target sights, Kart National Match barrel, and frontstrap stippling. The pistol is typical of Clark Custom’s quality with tight slide-frame fit, crisp trigger and a grip that won’t shift due to the stippling. This is a beautiful target gun that would make a great pistol for bowling-pin matches, Steel Challenge or just recreational target shooting. Please see our photos and good luck!