Colt 1911 Gov’t Model Mk IV Series 70 .38 Super SAO Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,601.00
LSB#: LSB260407AL004
Make: Colt
Model: Government Model, Mk IV/Series 70
Serial Number: 70S18027
Year of Manufacture: 1975 C&R (Colt Serial Lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super Auto
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 9-round magazine. The magazine shows moderate operational use. Overall, the magazines rate in Fine condition.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a metal blade fixed to the slide with an orange face The rear sight is a target style square notch dovetailed to the slide. The top of the slide is matte for glare reduction.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70” / “GOVERNMENT MODEL” / “.38 SUPER AUTO CALIBER”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left side of the frame has an “A” on the left trigger guard bow. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A.” and the serial number. There is an “S” on the right trigger guard bow.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered walnut with gold Rampant Colt medallions. There are handling marks and scratches on the panels. The checkering is sharp and defined, with minimal peak loss. There is some material loss at the top of the left panel. There is an aftermarket magwell extension. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is fouling in the bore. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its original finish. There are scratches and handling marks across the metal surfaces. There are spots of corrosion and freckling along the top of the slide. There is operational wear along the frame and slide, as well as the barrel and hood. The checkering on the aftermarket magazine release remains sharp. The screws are sharp with minor tooling. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Colt Government Model Mk IV/Series 70 is a desirable C&R-eligible commercial 1911-pattern pistol chambered in the increasingly collectible .38 Super Auto cartridge. Manufactured in 1975, this pistol comes from the well-regarded Series 70 era, a period favored by many Colt enthusiasts for its traditional pre-Series 80 design and classic commercial production quality. The .38 Super cartridge has long enjoyed popularity for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and smooth shooting characteristics, particularly among competition shooters and Colt collectors. This example retains the iconic full-size Government Model profile with a 5″ barrel, matte-topped slide for glare reduction, target-style rear sight, orange-faced front sight, and checkered walnut grips with gold Colt medallions.
This pistol rates in about Fine overall condition, retaining approximately 87% of its original blue finish with scratches, handling wear, operational wear on the frame, slide, barrel, and hood, along with corrosion freckling along the top of the slide. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, fouling present, and no erosion, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut grips remain Fine with handling wear, sharp checkering, and minor material loss at the top of the left panel, while the aftermarket magwell extension and magazine release add a subtle period custom touch. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the included 9-round magazine rates Fine with moderate operational wear. With its C&R status, Series 70 pedigree, .38 Super chambering, and strong overall condition, this Colt Government Model should appeal to collectors of vintage commercial 1911s, Colt enthusiasts, and shooters seeking a classic pre-Series 80 .38 Super pistol. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY