Colt Gold Cup National Match MK IV Series ’70 .45 ACP 1911 Pistol, ATF C&R

SOLD FOR: $2022

LSB#: 220419RS006

Make: Colt

Model: Series ‘70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match

Serial#: 24572N70

Year of Manufacture: 1982 (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 “24572N70”. 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 “L”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with a “T”.

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 two-piece checkered wood with inlaid silver-colored rampant Colts. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. 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 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thining at some edges, most notable at the top edge of the left slide flat. The action shows light operational wear, most notable on the barrel. The thumb safety has a plum hue. There are a few scattered minor marks. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has very little play. The trigger is crisp. 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 single 7-round magazine, a manual and a non-matching Colt box.

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 1982. The pistol is in Fine-plus condition, appearing to have seen gentle use. It has been equipped with an attractive set of grips with inlaid silver rampant colts, giving it a distinctive appearance. 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!