Make: Colt

Model: Series ‘70 MK IV Gold Cup National Match

Serial Number: 70N98218

Year of Manufacture: 1981

Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP

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

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: 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: Original, the inscriptions on the dust cover are marked through the finish.

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There is a little faint oxidation on the unfinished side-faces of the hammer and trigger. The grip areas show minor handling wear. There is a light "idiot mark" on the left of the frame below the slide stop. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: The pistol comes with a total of two 7-round Colt magazines, one with stubborn sticker residue on the side.

Our Assessment: Introduced as an off-the-shelf target pistol, Colt’s Gold Cup National Match 1911s have been a benchmark standard of quality for decades. There have been some variations since their introduction 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 is one of the Series ’70 Gold Cup National Match pistols made in 1981. The pistol is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen gentle use, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics.

Perhaps most interesting is the inscription on the dust cover, reading "PRESENTED TO: NORMAN De CAMPOS / BY COLT FIREARMS" on the left and "21ST ANNUAL / A.A. GOODWIN AWARD-1981". Per the current Chief Stat Officer and Assistant Historian for the Metropolitan Revolver League of Hartford, the gun was almost certainly donated to the league by Colt and presented at their annual award dinner, recognizing outstanding leadership in the league and shooting community. The award is named for Arnold Goodwin, an officer of the League for years who died in 1961.

In any case, 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 the choice for you. Please see our photos and good luck!