Colt Government Model MKIV Series ’70 .45 ACP 5″ 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol 1978
SOLD FOR: $1900
LSB#: 220217PT003
Make: Colt
Model: Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model 1911
Serial#: 60862G70
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (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 “60862G70”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “P” and with the “VP” proof while the right side is marked “F”. The top of the chamber is marked “-COLT .45 AUTO- / MK.IV/SERIES ’70”. The magazine floorplate is marked with a rampant colt, “COLT / 45 AUTO”, and “M”.
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 silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have scattered light wear with discoloration around the grip screws and edges. There are a couple of spots of more notable wear toward the top-rear of the left panel and on the bottom of the right panel. The medallions have light wear and discoloration. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in about Very Good 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. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There is more notable finish wear on the edges of the barrel bushing. The muzzle has finish wear and some light nicks outside the crown. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 single 7-round magazine, showing light operational wear, infrequent minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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. 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 1978. 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, but still has a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking to add to a Colt collection, want to have a great base for your custom build, or can just appreciate a steel-frame, .45 pistol from the heyday of the 1911, this is a great addition to any safe in America. Please see our photos and good luck!