Colt MK IV Series 80 Government Model .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1985
SOLD FOR: $2625
LSB#: 230720JK013
Make: Colt
Model: MK IV Series ’80 Government Model 380
Serial Number: RC35733
Year of Manufacture: 1985 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black plastic with gold-colored Rampant Colt medallions. The left panel has a spot of minor wear in the border behind the slide stop. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Also included is a set of custom smooth black synthetic panels with inlaid Indian-head pennies (1892, 1903). These grips show light handling wear with some scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the additional grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at some edges. There are a few minor marks, mostly in the frontstrap. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol appears in Fine-plus condition but rates about Good condition due to the broken trigger (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The trigger is broken at the pivot pin, giving the trigger excessive play with respect to the disconnector lever. The disconnector does not reliably function, leading to hammer-follow. This should be addressed before firing the pistol (see Box, Paperwork & Accessories). Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with the additional grips described above, a total of four 7-round magazines in a black nylon California Competition Works magazine pouch, two sets of Wolff extra-power recoil/firing pin springs, a spare firing pin with spring, and spare extractor. A Cylinder & Slide aluminum trigger is included. Two polymer guide-rods are included, but they are notably longer than the installed guide-rod and will not function in the pistol as-is.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Series 80 .380 Government Model single-action pistol that doesn’t appear to have seen much use, but does need to have the trigger replaced. Thankfully, an aluminum trigger from Cylinder & Slide is included, so you can not only replace the part, but you shouldn’t have that problem again. The pistol appears in Fine condition with about 97% of its finish remaining and a nice bore. It is a relatively small pistol and just about perfect for concealed carry. We are old school and like the idea of being able to carry a pistol cocked and locked for a single action trigger pull on the first shot instead of the mushy trigger pulls required for some of the small plastic pistols being made today. Also, with its all steel frame and slide, it will easily absorb the recoil of the hottest .380 A.C.P. rounds. Although the .380 Government Model is an ideal carry gun, it is no longer being made, and this always makes the collectors take notice. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
