Colt Government Model MKIV Series ’70 .45 ACP 5″ 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol 1973
SOLD FOR: $1526
LSB#: 220512CC001
Make: Colt
Model: Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model 1911
Serial#: 70G50484
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ‘70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .45 AUTOMATIC 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 “70G50484”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “3” and with the “VP” proof while the right side is marked “S”. The top of the chamber is marked “COLT .45 AUTO / MK.IV/SERIES ’70”. The front face of the bushing has a King logo.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is an after-market tall blade with a vertical orange line staked to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Micro square notch sight adjustable for windage and elevation dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece walnut wood with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 97% of its finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered minor marks including a light “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the left of the frame. The action shows minor operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. In addition to the sights, the pistol has had a King bushing and a wide, serrated trigger shoe installed. 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: Included is a single 7-round magazine, showing light operational wear, infrequent minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 Commercial Government Model made during a period when some of their finest work was produced. This is a Colt MK IV Series ’70 Government Model from 1973. The descendent of the original Model of 1911, it has updates of the 1911-A1 and this one has been further upgraded with target sights, a King barrel bushing and a wide, serrated trigger shoe. The pistol looks great and has some light wear, but still has a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking to add to a Colt collection, want to have a great base for your custom build, or can just appreciate a steel-frame, .45 pistol from the heyday of the 1911, this is a great addition to any safe in America. Please see our photos and good luck!