Make: Colt

Model: Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model 1911

Serial#: 70G56489

Year of Manufacture: 1974

Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated, ramped face fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece wood with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few scattered small marks and light tool marks at the top screw on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus 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: The pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks, scuffs and small scratches. There are tool marks below the slide stop on the left of the frame. There is some minor thinning at edges. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall this pistol is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. 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 Commercial Government Model made in 1974. The descendent of the original Model of 1911, it has updates of the 1911-A1 as well as a Series 70 collet-style bushing to improve precision. The pistol appears to have seen limited and responsible use, it should make a great shooter but is also a nice old pony to pass down through the generations. Please see our photos and good luck!