Colt Gold Cup National Match MK IV Series ’70 .45 ACP 1911 Pistol, ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $2375
LSB#: 220222JH007
Make: Colt
Model: Series ‘70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match
Serial#: 70N70785
Year of Manufacture: 1979 (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.” and has the serial number “70N70785”. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO. N.M. / MK.IV/SERIES ‘70?. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in a triangle and “G”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with an “8”. The rear sight is marked “Elliason”. The grips feature gold Colt medallions.
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 is no notable wear or damage to the grips, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent 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 98% of its metal finish. There is some minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The replacement hex-head grip screws have strong sockets. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit is snug. The pistol has been equipped with a full length guide rod and a replacement recoil spring, per our consignor they were made by Wilson and Wolff, respectively. 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: The pistol comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam insert, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, Colt branded bushing wrench and sight adjustment tool, and with a single 7-round magazine. The bottom of the magazine is marked “COLT / 45 AUTO”, “M” and with a rampant colt. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring. The box shows light storage wear, mostly at edges and there is a tape-repaired tear on the label-end.
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 1979. The pistol is in Excellent condition, appearing to have seen minimal use. It has been equipped with a ful-length guide-rod to promote reliable feeding and smooth operation of the slide as well as with a replacement recoil spring. 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 the choice for you. Please see our photos and good luck!