Buy or pass? (Not) Colt Gold Cup Nat'l Match Mk IV Series 70
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wetdog1911
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If I had the funds, I wouldnt hesitate, but then, I'm a sucker for 1911s, especially older Colts.
They aren't gonna get any cheaper.
Rob
They aren't gonna get any cheaper.
Rob
I'm not a Colt expert but I have my doubts that this gun is original s-70s MK-IV. If it is I would buy. A standard s70 MK-4 is bringing $1k. It's hard to find any for less. Lots of mix and match going on with 1911s of all models.
OP
olivehead1
Member
I'm advised that the trigger is not stock, which I figured, and also the front sight. Maybe a Millet? That doesn't really bother me but the price is well out of my typical $400 OTD comfort zone these days.
I don't think that gun started out as a Gold Cup National Match. It says Government Model on the slide, which is the civilian version of the military pistol.
I'm also pretty sure Colt used woodgrain pasteboard boxes in the 70's, not plastic. I'm not up on recent Colt's, so I guess it could be a newer release.
Did you happen to get the serial number?
I'm also pretty sure Colt used woodgrain pasteboard boxes in the 70's, not plastic. I'm not up on recent Colt's, so I guess it could be a newer release.
Did you happen to get the serial number?
Jack Flash
Member
If you check it over really well, the slide matches the frame, etc., and the shop guarantees that it functions fine, buy it.
A lot of these have been modified to suit a previous owner's tastes, so if you want an all original, better know what to look for.
A lot of these have been modified to suit a previous owner's tastes, so if you want an all original, better know what to look for.
Wrong box, trigger and front sight. Check the bushing to see if it is original to a 70 series. Offer 1K and hold - see what happens.
OP
olivehead1
Member
Ok guys. Sorry to waste your time. That's not a Gold Cup although it's billed as such on the shop's website. It's apparently a Government Model, Mk IV Series 70. I should have noticed the lack of the flat top strap ridge, etc. I called the shop and guy confirmed it doesn't say "Gold Cup" on right side of slide and so on. Colt's website dates it to 1981. Pretty sure this is a pass.
It might be worth that as a shooter depending if everything was fit up properly along with a good trigger. As it is,I'd offer $800 or so for it.
03hemi
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Yes absolutely, jump on it now!
ContinentalOp
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Govt Model with aftermarket front and rear sights, trigger, hammer, grip safety, and mainspring housing, based on the photo. The grips look right for an original Series 70.
I have two custom 1911s, but I'd be leery about buying a modified pistol unless I know who did the work and that it was someone with a solid reputation. I would probably pass on it. But if you like it and the gun checks out mechanically, I'd suggest trying to negotiate a lower price. I think arjay's advice is pretty good.
Just my opinion.
I have two custom 1911s, but I'd be leery about buying a modified pistol unless I know who did the work and that it was someone with a solid reputation. I would probably pass on it. But if you like it and the gun checks out mechanically, I'd suggest trying to negotiate a lower price. I think arjay's advice is pretty good.
Just my opinion.
Since you've already called out the shop on it, good opportunity to lowball on it since it was misadvertised. That is, if you still want it at a much lower price and it checks out, as others have stated.
With Colt most likely getting bought out, it may be a good time for a '81 gun.
Iframe32s
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No being an "expert" Colt aficionado I studied the photo before reading any of the comments here. And, as so many have pointed out the sights, trigger & hammer are things that made me say "hmmm." 
I'd pass, but that's just one man's opinion.
I'd pass, but that's just one man's opinion.
I agree, that is not a Gold Cup. Frame appears to be the standard 1911 A1 frame, not a Gold Cup frame, standard narrow trigger.
What arjay & Continentalop said.
I have a 1975 Gold Cup, and the slide says "Gold Cup National Match".
That pistol is a frankengun, a 1911 Govt Model accessorized with trigger and sights. If the slide has been fitted like a Gold Cup, with a Gold Cup recoil spring & properly fitted barrel bushing, you might get GC accuracy with target loads, but it's still not a Gold Cup, and IMHO, not worth a Gold Cup price.
I have a 1975 Gold Cup, and the slide says "Gold Cup National Match".
That pistol is a frankengun, a 1911 Govt Model accessorized with trigger and sights. If the slide has been fitted like a Gold Cup, with a Gold Cup recoil spring & properly fitted barrel bushing, you might get GC accuracy with target loads, but it's still not a Gold Cup, and IMHO, not worth a Gold Cup price.
Grayfox
US Veteran
I don't know how things are where you live, but around here a decent 70 Series Colt in good condition will easily bring 1K. Somebody apparently spent a good bit of time and money on that one. I'd be willing to take a chance. 
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OP
olivehead1
Member
Normally I'd agree with you, but these days this shop like many others has become a "no deal" shop. With the info I have now, I might be tempted at $800, maybe. But these guys are all seeing $$$ so wouldn't be worth the effort.
Another pawn shop has a NIB Glock 21 out for $879. Maybe if it were silver plated. Problem right now is there's always that one dumb*ss willing to pay that if it sits a couple weeks, which just fuels the fire.
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ggibson511960
Member
1911's are among the most modified firearms out there. Finding a Series 70 Gold Cup dead stock would not be impossible, but expensive. Series 70 guns are desirable for the better disconnector mechanism and collet barrel bushing, but there is a dirty little secret about Gold Cups. They have a sear anti-bounce mechanism in the trigger that is the devil's own work. The Eliason branded adjustable rear sight on Gold Cups is inferior to the Bomar on the gun in question. The only knock I can see on the gun you are looking at is the standard narrow trigger with no backlash adjustment. A fat, adjustable Gold Cup trigger is a joy to shoot. I agree with trying to negotiate a lower price since it is not a Gold Cup, but if you like the piece buy it and be happy. It's relatively easy to trick up like you want it.
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