Colt MK IV Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match 1911 45 ACP 5” Pistol ’72 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,690.00
LSB#: LSB250807TR001
Make: Colt
Model: MK IV Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match
Serial Number: 70N07163
Year of Manufacture: 1972 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazines
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: The grips are two-piece fully checkered walnut with gold-colored “COLT” medallions in their centers. There is minimal wear on the grips other than a small ding at the top of the right panel. The checkering is sharp and well defined with only some faintly worn peaks. 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 and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. The firearm shows light operational and handling wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but turnable. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. There is minimal play between the slide and frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a blued Colt 7rd magazine, an unmarked 7rd magazine with spots of oxidation, and the original box.
Our Assessment: For much of the early to mid 1900s, the standard Colt 1911 was used for all manner of pistol competitions, but the base Government Model typically needed some tweaking and modification to unlock its best performance. In 1957, Colt introduced their Gold Cup National Match, an out-of-the-box, purpose-built target pistol that could go straight from the dealer’s shelf to the firing line. The Gold Cup National Match featured specially hand-fitted parts, adjustable target sights, a serrated grip frame, and an adjustable trigger. For the first 13 years, these pistols were marked “NATIONAL *MATCH* COLT” on the slide; it wasn’t until 1970, when it was rebranded as the “MK IV SERIES ’70”, that the moniker “GOLD CUP” was added to the marking. Be sure to check our detailed pictures for a better understanding of the firearm. -C.R.
