Custom Colt Government Model Series ’70 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1979
SOLD FOR: $890
WOA#: WY240321NC014
Make: Colt
Model: Custom Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model
Serial#: 04177B70
Year of Manufacture: 1979 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MK IV/SERIES ‘70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / .45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER”, and features an adjacent Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and features the serial number “04177B70”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “R” and with the “VP” proof while the right side is marked “B”. The top of the chamber of the installed barrel is marked “BAR STO 45 ACP”. The original barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO. / MK.IV/SERIES ’70”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a tall, serrated blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed and screw-set to the rear of the slide. The sights are not original to the gun.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, several parts have been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bores are both bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in either bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The balance is mostly in minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes in a black plastic case with the original barrel and Series 70 collet bushing, one 7-round blued magazine and two stainless 7-round magazines with black plastic baseplates.
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. Due to its popularity and long life, the 1911 has also been a popular choice for custom pistols, with a wide variety of sights, barrels, parts, and popular modifications.
This example is a Commercial Government Model made during a period when some of their finest work was produced. The pistol has seen fairly extensive customization with checkering on the frontstrap and trigger guard, Armand Swenson ambidextrous thumb-safety, flared ejection port, over-travel stop trigger and a Bar Sto barrel (the original barrel and collet bushing are included). This will be a great addition to your collection and should prove to be quite the shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
