Custom Colt Series ’70 MK IV 1911 .38 Spl. Mid-Range Semi-Auto Pistol

Make: Colt

Model: Custom Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model 1911

Serial#: 70S30462

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

Caliber/Gauge: .38 Special Mid-Range (wadcutters only)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine (no magazine included)

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ‘70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .38 SUPER AUTO 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 “70S30462”.  The left side of the trigger guard is marked “1” and with the “VP” proof while the right side is marked “L”. The top of the chamber is marked “COLT .38 SPEC.  /KIT”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is an after-market serrated blade fixed to the front of the slide. The top of the slide at the rear has been inlet for a Bo-Mar adjustable square-notch rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few small marks. The medallions show slight discoloration. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: The frame’s finish is Original. The slide has been Refinished. The barrel, sights, trigger, mainspring housing and barrel bushing are not original to the gun.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The balance is mostly in operational wear on the barrel and slide. There are punch-marks on the top of the frame around the disconnector. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as customized.

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: None. Please note, no magazine is included with this pistol.

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 customized Government Model made in 1979. The pistol has been upgraded with a Bo-Mar adjustable rear sight, a target-style front sight, a new trigger with over-travel adjustment as well as a .38 Special Kit barrel. The result is an interesting target pistol which ought to be a great shooter for decades to come