Colt Government Model MKIV Series ’70 .45 ACP 5″ 1911 Pistol MFD 1979

SOLD FOR: $1775

LSB#: 211219WD18

Make: Colt

Model: Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model 1911

Serial#: 23045B70

Year of Manufacture: 1979 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ‘70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” and a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and features the serial number “23405B70”.  The left side of the trigger guard is marked “H” and with the “VP” proof while the right side is marked “Z”. The top of the chamber is marked “-COLT .45 AUTO- / MK.IV/SERIES ’70”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch that is dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with gold Colt medallions. The checkering is sharp and there is some light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

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: The pistol retains about 97% of its finish. There are a few light handling marks. The front edge of the dust cover has a small mark on the left side. There are standard operational marks. There are a few little tiny marks on the frame by the slide stop, so small they are hardly noticeable. There are a few little oil marks from storage. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. This pistol appears in Excellent condition but rates in overall Very Good condition due to mechanics.

Mechanics: The action does not function correctly, the hammer falls to half-cock when the slide is cycled. The included magazine does not lock the slide back. The slide has minor play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this pistol. 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, a single 7-round magazines, and paperwork including a manual.

Our Assessment: Colt’s 1911 served the United States military through two World Wars and several other conflicts, is still in use by some units today, and has become popular with law enforcement, competitors, and recreational shooters across the nation. The design has seen some updates including a firing-pin block safety, higher profile sights, and more ergonomic grips, but the basic design and fantastic trigger remain the same after more than a century. Due to its popularity and long life, the 1911 has also been a popular choice for custom pistols, with a wide variety of sights, barrels, parts, and popular modifications. Due to its popularity and long life, the 1911 has also been a popular choice for custom pistols, with a wide variety of sights, barrels, parts, and popular modifications. This example is a Commercial Government Model made during a period when some of their finest work was produced. This is a Colt MK IV Series ’70 Government Model from 1979. 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. This one looks great and has some light wear, it appears in Excellent condition but the hammer frequently falls to half cock when the slide is cycled. The pistol just needs a little tuning and then will shoot as excellently as it looks. Please see our photos and good luck!

Colt Government Model MKIV Series '70 .45 ACP 5" 1911 Pistol MFD 1979
Colt Government Model MKIV Series ’70 .45 ACP 5″ 1911 Pistol MFD 1979