Colt MK IV Series 70 Nighthawk Custom NM 1911 .45 ACP 5” Semi-Auto Pistol

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SOLD FOR: $3,525.00

LSB#: LSB260116EW003

Make: Colt

Model: MK IV Series ’70 Nighthawk Custom National Match

Serial Number: GV005174

Year of Manufacture: 2019 / Modern

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left side of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT / MODEL”, COLT AUTOMATIC /CALIBER .45″” 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 “GV005174”, “Nighthawk Custom” at the front of the frame. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO N.M.”

Barrel Length: 5” National Match

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel with a brass bead. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece fully checkered wood panels with smooth diamonds around the screws. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent 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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no operational or handling wear. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are fading on the slide but strong everywhere else. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The aluminum serrated trigger is crisp. The slide to frame fit is snug. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with two Colt Magazines, its matching factory case, owner’s manual, chamber lock & keys, Nighthawk target test sheet dated 2019, Nighthawk purchase letter, Nighthawk serialized spec sheet, invoice, and chamber flag.

The spec sheet reads:

Colt Series 70 .45 ACP, s/n: GV005174

• High cut trigger guard and machine vertical serrations on front strap
• Install Nighthawk Custom flat mainspring housing with vertical serrations to match front strap
• Machine French border on slide
• Nighthawk Custom engraved in script on dust cover
• Install Nighthawk Custom match barrel bushing
• Full reliability enhancement and action tune, includes:
o Flatten and polish breech face
o Machine feed ramp to proper dimension and polish
o Throat barrel and polish
o Finish ream chamber and polish
o Polish and tune Colt extractor
o Adjust and tune Colt ejector
o Adjust and tune Colt slide stop
o Tune and polish Colt mag release for smoother function
o Install new Nighthawk Custom 17lb recoil spring
o Install new Nighthawk Custom extra power firing pin spring

• Match grade trigger job, includes:
o Nighthawk short solid trigger, disconnector, sear, hammer strut and pin, sear spring, and 19lb main spring
o Harrison Design retro hammer

• Fit and blend Nighthawk Custom carry beavertail grip safety
• Install Nighthawk Custom grip screw bushings
• Flush and reverse crown barrel
• Full detail prep/dehorn
• Custom Smoked Nitride finish
• Install Nighthawk Custom gold bead front sight
• Install Harrison Design retro rear sight
• Test fired for reliability using 200gr SWC, 230gr JHP, and 230gr FMJ
• Zeroed with 200gr SWC

Our Assessment: The Colt Government Model, particularly in its Series 70 configuration, represents one of the most enduring evolutions of John Browning’s 1911 design, a pistol that has defined American sidearm development for over a century. The Series 70 pattern, originally introduced in the 1970s, is often favored for its traditional internal configuration and clean trigger characteristics, making it an ideal foundation for precision work. Chambered in .45 ACP, a cartridge developed in 1905 and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, the platform delivers a balance of mass and momentum that has long been associated with authoritative performance. When paired with the craftsmanship of Nighthawk Custom, a firm known for its meticulous hand-fitting and performance-driven enhancements, the result is a modern interpretation of a classic fighting pistol elevated into the realm of bespoke refinement.

This 2019 example demonstrates that refinement in full, with a comprehensive suite of Nighthawk Custom modifications that extend well beyond cosmetic work into the mechanical heart of the pistol. The slide and frame exhibit a tight, deliberate fit, complemented by a tuned action and match-grade trigger components that produce a crisp and controlled break. The addition of a match barrel bushing, French border machining, high-cut trigger guard, and vertically serrated front strap and mainspring housing reflect both functional and aesthetic attention to detail, while the smoked nitride finish provides a subtle, durable surface treatment. The pistol retains approximately 99% of its finish with minimal signs of handling, and the bore remains bright with sharp rifling, rating 10 out of 10. Complete with its factory case, Nighthawk documentation, and test materials, this is a thoroughly executed custom 1911 that bridges Colt’s historic design with modern custom shop precision. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.