Custom Colt MK IV Series ’70 Government 1911 Blue & Chrome 5″ Semi Auto Pistol, 1977 .45 ACP

SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: 180907KG01

Make: Colt

Model: Custom MK IV Series 70 Government

Serial Number: 19248G70

Year of Manufacture: 1977 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” and with a Rampant Colt logo, the right is marked “COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”, with the serial number. The right of the trigger guard bow is marked “L”, the left is marked “VP” in triangle and “0”. The barrel is marked “BARSTO 45 ACP” on top of the chamber and “MT” on the bottom in front of the link lug. The thumb-safety is marked “A. D. SWENSON / FALL BROOK, CALIF.” on each side. The right of the rear sight base is marked “BO-MAR”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade, dovetailed to the slide with its rear face painted orange. The rear sight is a flat top-square notched Bo-Mar adjustable sight which is dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Excellent overall condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Chrome

Finish Originality: Refinished

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

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The slide, barrel, trigger and hammer have light operational wear. There is a light mark on the top of the grip safety’s beavertail. On the bottom of the slide, there are four punch marks around the firing pin retaining plate, three in front and one to the side, however these do not interfere with removal or installation of the plate. Otherwise there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine-plus condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp and the slide has little play to the frame. The grip safety has been disengaged, allowing the gun to be fired without pressing the grip safety. We have not fired this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single Pachmayr stainless 7-round magazine with rubber basepad. The magazine has scattered light wear on the body with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: Colt’s Patent Firearms Mfg. Co. is well known as the original and most recognized maker of 1911-type pistols. Ever since the design’s military acceptance in March of 1911, and the beginning of production in January of 1912 Colt has never ceased manufacturing pistols based off the original 1911 design, known in commercial trim as simply the Government Model. However, in its 100-plus years of production the design has seen many slight evolutionary changes in the name of improved (or cheaper) manufacture, product safety, and market trends. From 1911 until 1970 there were virtually no significant changes to the basic design, but many gunsmiths had been working on their own custom improvements, many of which are found on this pistol. The Series ’70 collet-style bushing has been replaced with a standard-type bushing for its new Barsto barrel. The slide has been cut to accept dovetailed adjustable target sights. The hammer has been replaced with a Commander style hammer which has a short, ring-style spur. The trigger has been replaced with a Gold-Cup-style trigger with over-travel adjustment screw. The frontstrap has been stippled, the mainspring housing has been replaced with a stippled housing which also incorporates a beveled magazine well. The thumb-safety has been replaced with a Swenson extended, ambidextrous safety. A previous owner has disengaged the grip safety, but its beavertail profile will allow you to grip the gun higher without fear of pinching your hand with the hammer. The ejection port has been flared to help make ejection more reliable. All that, and the gun has been refinished with a two-tone blue & chrome finish which is quite appealing. If you are a Colt collector, chances are you have a Series 70 in the safe already, but this is one to take out shooting! Please see our pictures and good luck.

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in CA but CAN be sold as a PPT at our shop in Simi Valley. This does not apply to out of state residents.