Colt 1911 Mark IV Series ‘70 .45 ACP Pistol & Wilson Combat .22 Conversion

SOLD FOR: $1,100.00

LSB#: LSB250718LT019

Make: Colt

Model: Series ’70 Government Model

Serial Number: 70G50207

Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The right side of the slide is marked, “COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL”.  The left side of the slide is marked, “COLT’S MKIV / SERIES ‘70 GOVERNMENT MODEL 45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” with a Colt Rampant. The right side of the frame is marked, “COLT’S PT.  F.A.  MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. 70G50207”. There are some proofs on the trigger guard.  

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight dovetailed to the slide. The top of the slide has a matte finish for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth wood with Colt medallions. There is modest handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One Colt 7rd 45 ACP magazine in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10. 

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is intermittent finish loss and thinning throughout. There is light handling wear. The serrations and screw heads are sharp. The pin heads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit is tight with very little play. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a Wilson Combat .22 Conversion unit with 2x .22 magazines in Excellent condition and one .45 magazine.

Our Assessment: This 1973 Colt Series ’70 Government Model is a classic example of Colt’s transitional-era 1911s—solidly built, handsome in profile, and showing honest wear that speaks to careful use rather than neglect. The 5” barrel, matte slide top, and original blued finish (retaining about 90%) present attractively while the bright bore rated 9/10 and sharp controls confirm this pistol’s strong shooting potential. Slide-to-frame fit is tight with very little play, the markings and pin/screw heads are clean, and the wood grips with Colt medallions suit the pistol’s period-correct look.

The included Wilson Combat .22 conversion and two .22 magazines add immediate versatility, making this an appealing package both for collectors who want a classic Series ’70 with a desirable conversion unit and for shooters seeking an economical training option that preserves the .45’s ergonomics. Whether kept as a shooter-grade collectible, used for low-cost training, or displayed as an attractive early-1970s Government Model, this Colt offers a balanced mix of originality, functionality, and everyday practicality that will satisfy a wide range of buyers. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.