Colt MK IV Series ’80 Gold Cup National Match .45 ACP 5″ 1911 Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $2225

LSB#: 220131HE011

Make: Colt

Model: Gold Cup National Match Mark IV Series ’80

Serial Number: SN15751

Year of Manufacture: 1997 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup),  ATF C&R (https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/undefined/curios-and-relics-list-2018/download)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol.

Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” with a trophy. The left side of the slide is marked “SERIES ’80 COLT MK IV / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH” with a rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / SN15751” and is also marked “Z”. There is a “VP” in triangle proof on the left side of the trigger guard and the right of the trigger guard is marked with a faint “C”. The top of the barrel is marked “-COLT 45 AUTO. N.M.-“.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade that is fixed to the rib of the slide. The rear sight is a white-outlined square notch that is adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth faux-mother of pearl with gold colored Colt medallions. There are some scattered light handling marks, no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Bright Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: 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 little scuffs that have caused smooth spots, some of the most noticeable are on the left side of the slide at the front. There are a few tiny nicks on the trigger guard. There are some little draglines from use and storage. There is a faint takedown mark on the left side of the frame. There are some light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very little play to the frame. The trigger is light and crisp. There is a Series 80 firing-pin block safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching blue hard case, 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 later Series ’80 Gold Cup National Match pistols with a firing pin safety and bright stainless steel construction. This one has a Z stamped on the frame because Colt sold it as used and the warranty no longer applied. It could have been a demo gun or a customer buyback. The pistol is in Fine Plus condition, showing signs of little or no use since it was made. It is certainly an eye-catching pistol and would make a great BBQ gun that will probably also perform well on the range. Please see our photos and good luck!