Colt Gold Cup National Match MK IV Series ’70 1911 .45 ACP Pistol, 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,205.00
LSB#: WY240911JM023
Make: Colt
Model: Series ’70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match
Serial#: 70N05495
Year of Manufacture: 1971 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “GOLD CUP / NATIONAL MATCH” and with an engraving of a trophy cup. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ’70 / GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” with the rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and has the serial number “70N05495”. The barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO N.M. / MK.IV/SERIES ’70?. The rear sight is marked “ELLIASON”.
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/ Grip: The grips are checkered black rubber scales with rampant colt in circle. The grips have little in the way of handling wear with some light marks around the bottom-right grip screw. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There are a few spots of minor erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is light handling wear in the grip areas. There are a few light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has light 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 and Accessories: The pistol comes with a total of two 7-round Colt magazines.
Our Assessment: Introduced as an off-the-shelf target pistol, Colt’s Gold Cup National Match 1911s have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades. There have been some variations since their introduction in the late ’50s, the Series ’70 introduced a collet barrel bushing, series ’80 a firing pin safety, and newer models offered various combinations of features, grips, and sights. This is one of the Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistols made in 1971. The pistol is in Very Good-plus condition, showing signs of responsible use with good mechanics and a strong bore. Whether you’re looking for a great target 1911 or an addition to a Colt collection, this is the choice for you. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
