Colt Government Model Series 70 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1974-1975
SOLD FOR: $1,100.01
LSB#: LSB250517RLG001
Make: Colt
Model: Custom Mark IV Series ‘70 Government Model
Serial#: 70G88380
Year of Manufacture: 1974-1975 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol with Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated rear face that is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor wear, most notable at the bottom of the right panel. The left panel has a spot of stubborn resude at the bottom-front. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scuffing on the top of the slide. There are some minor nicks and small scratches with a few more notable nicks in the frontstrap. There is an “idiot mark” on the left of the frame under the slide stop. There is some minor oxidation in the grip areas. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has light 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: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: Colt’s 1911 served the United States military through two World Wars and several other conflicts, is still in use by some units today, and has become popular with law enforcement, competitors, and recreational shooters across the nation. The design has seen some updates including a firing-pin block safety, higher profile sights, and more ergonomic grips, but the basic design and fantastic trigger remain the same after more than a century. This example is a MK IV Series ’70 Government Model from 1974-1975. The descendent of the original Model of 1911, it has updates of the 1911-A1 as well as a collet-style bushing. The pistol has some wear consistent with its age, but still has a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking to add to a Colt collection or can just appreciate a steel-frame, .45 pistol from the heyday of the 1911, this is a great addition to any safe in America. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
