Custom Colt Series 80 Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1989
SOLD FOR: $1358
LSB#: 220512CC003
Make: Colt
Model: Custom MK IV Series 80 Government Model Stainless
Serial Number: SS44455
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine (no magazine included)
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT MK IV / –SERIES 80–” followed by a rampant colt. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / SS44455”. The barrel is marked “-COLT 45 AUTO-“. The left of the trigger guard is marked with the “VP” proof and “5”, the right has an “H”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a green fiber-optic blade dovetailed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Novak’s square notch dovetailed and screw-set to the rear of the slide. The top of the slide has serrations for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold colored Colt medallions. The grips have light handling wear with thinning finish at the bottom edges and one notable nick in the right panel above the bottom screw. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Black & Stainless
Finish Originality: The slide has been refinished, the frame appears to have been bead-blasted to give it a more satin/matte appearance.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The slide shows only light handling marks. The frame has some scattered minor scuffs and scratches. There are a couple of notable nicks on the left of the trigger. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide-to-frame fit has very little play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. Please note, this pistol does not come with a magazine.
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. This example is a Government Model Series 80 originally made in 1989. Since then it has had some nice upgrades applied such as dovetailed front sight and Novak’s rear with serrations cut down the length of the slide for glare reduction, beavertail grip safety and extended slide stop and a large-ring hammer. The slide has been given a black finish to contrast with the matte stainless of the frame. The result is a beautiful example of a custom 1911 which should make a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!