Colt Gold Cup National Match MK IV Series ’70 .45 ACP 1911 Pistol, ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $2375
LSB#: 220409PK013
Make: Colt
Model: Series ‘70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match
Serial#: 70N88891
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup) C&R (https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/undefined/curios-and-relics-list-2018/download)
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 “70N88891”. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO. N.M. / MK.IV/SERIES ‘70?. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in a triangle and “B”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with a “Z”.
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 a Millett square notch sight adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the slide. There is a white dot to each side of the notch. 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 two-piece stag panels with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thining at some edges, most notable at the leading edges of the slide and frame. The grip areas have light handling wear with some light scuffs and scratches in the frontstrap and trigger guard. There are tool marks on the slide by each side of the rear sight pin. There are a few other scatttered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear. The thumb safety has a plum hue. 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. The trigger is crisp. The original collet bushing has been replaced with a standard bushing. 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 in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam inserts, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, replacement recoil spring, and with a single 7-round magazine. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring. The box has moderate-heavy wear with tape repairs.
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 1980. The pistol is in Very Good-plus condition, appearing to have seen some use. It has been equipped with an attractive set of stag grip scales, a Millett rear sight and the collet bushing has been replaced with a standard bushing. Whether you’re looking for a great 1911-style target pistol or want to add a Gold Cup National Match to your collection, this is the choice for you. Please see our photos and good luck!