Make: Colt
Model: MK IV Series '70 Government Model
Serial Number: SM35946 (see Our Assessment)
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a white dot dovetailed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Novak square notch with two white dots dovetailed and screw-set to the rear of the slide. The sights are not original to the gun.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece half-smooth, half-scale textured laminate wood with Colt serpent logos. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The texturing is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue, Nickel Recoil Spring Plug
Finish Originality: Refinished
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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with a few scattered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear with soft edges, some inspection/assembler marks are incomplete. Overall, this gun rates in Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a single 7-round magazine and a Colt Archives letter indicating that this pistol was produced as a Government Model MKIV Series '70 chambered for .45 ACP and shipped May 15, 1981 to Ellett Brothers in Chapin, SC as one of three guns of the same type in the shipment.
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. The Series '70 in particular introduced a collet-style barrel bushing for increased precision.
This example is a MKIV Series '70 Government Model made in 1981, chambered for .45 ACP. It is an interesting piece due to its "SM" serial prefix, typically found on the Service Model Ace. After the Ace was discontinued, Colt used existing frames for a short time to build standard Government Models, about 3,000 in total. The included Colt Archives letter confirms that this is one such pistol, not a MKIV slide on an Ace frame. The pistol has had new sights and grips installed along with a new high-polish blue finish. The result is a custom 1911 that has a neat history and should shoot as good as it looks. Please see our photos and good luck!
