Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this classic semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt Government MKIV Series 70.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Government MKIV Series 70
Serial: 70L16364
Date of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed ramp front with Square notch rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered wood grips with Colt medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The 1979 Colt Government Model MK IV / Series 70, chambered in 9mm Luger, is a relatively uncommon yet highly collectible variation of the classic 1911 platform, combining the refined features of the Series 70 line with the lighter recoil and higher-capacity potential of the 9×19mm cartridge. Produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company during a period when most Government Models were still chambered in .45 ACP, the 9mm version stood out as a more controllable and economical alternative, particularly appealing to target shooters and those seeking reduced recoil without sacrificing the ergonomics and precision of the full-size 1911 design. Built on the standard Government frame with a 5-inch barrel, the pistol utilizes John Browning’s short-recoil, tilting-barrel system and retains the hallmark single-action trigger, known for its crisp, clean break and excellent shootability. As part of the Series 70 family, it incorporates the collet-style barrel bushing, intended to improve barrel-to-slide fit and enhance accuracy, while notably lacking the later Series 80 firing pin safety—something many enthusiasts appreciate for its simpler mechanism and superior trigger feel. The pistol feeds from a single-stack magazine that typically holds 9 rounds of 9mm, offering a slight capacity advantage over the traditional .45 ACP configuration. Externally, a 1979 example would usually feature a polished blued finish, checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions, and fixed sights consistent with the era’s styling, giving it a distinctly classic appearance. In practical use, the 9mm chambering provides noticeably reduced recoil and faster follow-up shots compared to .45 ACP, while also offering lower ammunition costs and greater availability, making it well-suited for range use and precision shooting. However, early 9mm 1911s, including some Series 70 examples, could be somewhat sensitive to magazine design and ammunition profiles, requiring proper tuning for optimal reliability. Today, the 1979 Colt Government MK IV / Series 70 in 9mm Luger is regarded as a desirable collector’s piece, valued for its rarity, historical context within Colt’s evolving lineup, and its combination of classic 1911 design with a modernized, shooter-friendly caliber.
Contents:
Model: Government MKIV Series 70
Serial: 70L16364
Date of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed ramp front with Square notch rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered wood grips with Colt medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The 1979 Colt Government Model MK IV / Series 70, chambered in 9mm Luger, is a relatively uncommon yet highly collectible variation of the classic 1911 platform, combining the refined features of the Series 70 line with the lighter recoil and higher-capacity potential of the 9×19mm cartridge. Produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company during a period when most Government Models were still chambered in .45 ACP, the 9mm version stood out as a more controllable and economical alternative, particularly appealing to target shooters and those seeking reduced recoil without sacrificing the ergonomics and precision of the full-size 1911 design. Built on the standard Government frame with a 5-inch barrel, the pistol utilizes John Browning’s short-recoil, tilting-barrel system and retains the hallmark single-action trigger, known for its crisp, clean break and excellent shootability. As part of the Series 70 family, it incorporates the collet-style barrel bushing, intended to improve barrel-to-slide fit and enhance accuracy, while notably lacking the later Series 80 firing pin safety—something many enthusiasts appreciate for its simpler mechanism and superior trigger feel. The pistol feeds from a single-stack magazine that typically holds 9 rounds of 9mm, offering a slight capacity advantage over the traditional .45 ACP configuration. Externally, a 1979 example would usually feature a polished blued finish, checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions, and fixed sights consistent with the era’s styling, giving it a distinctly classic appearance. In practical use, the 9mm chambering provides noticeably reduced recoil and faster follow-up shots compared to .45 ACP, while also offering lower ammunition costs and greater availability, making it well-suited for range use and precision shooting. However, early 9mm 1911s, including some Series 70 examples, could be somewhat sensitive to magazine design and ammunition profiles, requiring proper tuning for optimal reliability. Today, the 1979 Colt Government MK IV / Series 70 in 9mm Luger is regarded as a desirable collector’s piece, valued for its rarity, historical context within Colt’s evolving lineup, and its combination of classic 1911 design with a modernized, shooter-friendly caliber.
Contents:
This example is in Astonishing condition and will ship with the Colt box and extra magazine pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1175500440 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-05-17 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
500 |
