Make: Colt

Model: Mark IV Series ‘70, Government Model 1911

Serial#: 63114G70

Year of Manufacture: 1978

Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Single Action Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine (no magazine included)

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 checkered wood with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grip screws are after-market hex-head replacements. 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: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 9/10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered minor scuffs and handling marks. There is an "idiot mark" under the slide stop on the left of the frame. There is a little faint oxidation on the sides of the hammer. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. 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: None. Please note, no magazine is included.

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 1978, a few years before the Series 80 would be introduced. 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 responsible use, retaining the great majority of its original metal finish with a nice bore and strong mechanics. 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!