Colt Series ’70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto, C&R

SOLD FOR: $2000

LSB#: 210924RR02

Make: Colt

Model: Series ‘70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match

Serial#: 70N84811

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. / 70N84811”. The barrel is marked “COLT 45 AUTO N.M. / MK.IV/SERIES ‘70″. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “M” and “VP” in a triangle. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with an “X”. The rear sight is marked “ELLIASON”.

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 checkered wood panels with gold colt medallions. There are a few scattered light marks on the checkering but it is mostly sharp. The medallions have minor discoloration. 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.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is a light scratch on the right of the frame above the magazine catch. There are a few other scattered minor marks, mostly in the frontstrap and the bottom of the dust cover. There action shows minor operational wear. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has some minor play. 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: Included is a single 7-round Colt magazine. The magazine has minor operational wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.

Our Assessment: Introduced as an off-the-shelf target version of the iconic 1911 Government Model, Colt’s Gold Cup National Match pistols have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades. They have long been a favorite of competition shooters, collectors, and those who just appreciate a fine target pistol. Just as with the Government Model, there have been some variations since the introduction of the GCNM 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 example is a Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistol made in 1980. The pistol is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen little use over the years. 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 a nice old pony. Please see our photos and good luck!