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

SOLD FOR: $2625

LSB#: 210802HE03

Make: Colt

Model: Series ‘70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match

Serial#: 08550N70

Year of Manufacture: 1981 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup),  C&R (https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/undefined/curios-and-relics-list-2018/download)

Caliber/Gauge: .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. / 08550N70”. The barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO N.M. / MK.IV/SERIES ‘70″. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “A” and “VP” in a triangle. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with a “2”. The rear sight is marked “ELLIASON”.

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 square notch sight adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the slide. The top of the rib is serrated and the top of the slide is matte finished for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are checkered wood panels with gold colt medallions. There are a few scattered light marks on the checkering but it is mostly sharp. There are some dings on the bottom rear corner of the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are some scattered little scuffs that have thinned the finish, most noticeable on the dust cover. There is some thinning on the edges. There are some little marks on the serrations of the front and backstrap. There are some areas of discoloration from previous oxidation, the most noticeable are on the top of the slide to the left of the rib. There are some scattered light handling marks. There is standard operational wear. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has some light 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 and Accessories: Included is a serial matching box with a styrofoam tray, paperwork including the manual, and a 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 one of the Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistols made in 1981. The pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition, appearing to have seen standard use over the years. 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!