Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this RARE semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Government Enhanced!
The Colt Government Enhanced was introduced by Colt in the early 1990s as part of the company’s effort to modernize the classic Government Model 1911 by incorporating features that shooters and custom gunsmiths were increasingly adding aftermarket. The “Enhanced” designation referred to several factory improvements, including an undercut trigger guard for a higher grip, beveled magazine well, flat-top slide with enhanced serrations, improved sights, and other subtle ergonomic refinements intended to improve handling and shooting performance. Colt created the Enhanced series to provide a factory-built 1911 that reflected contemporary shooter preferences while still maintaining the traditional reliability and heritage of the Government Model. As a result, the Government Enhanced stands as an interesting transitional model—bridging the gap between classic Colts and the more feature-rich modern 1911 pistols that would follow.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Government MK IV Series 80 Enhanced
Serial: FR17590E
Date of Manufacture: 1995
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed 3-Dot White Sight System
Stock/Grips: Textured Synthetic Wrap-Around Grips w/ Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Government MK IV Series 80 Enhanced represents an important evolution in Colt’s storied 1911 lineup—a bridge between the classic military-style Government Model and the modernized, feature-rich pistols that shooters began demanding in the late 20th century. The Series 80 platform itself debuted in the 1980s, introducing Colt’s firing-pin safety system to improve drop safety while preserving the accuracy and handling characteristics of earlier Series 70 pistols. As custom 1911 work became increasingly popular among competitive shooters and defensive users, Colt answered the market by releasing “Enhanced” configurations—factory pistols built to incorporate many of the upgrades shooters were already paying gunsmiths to perform. These Enhanced models preserved the core identity of the Colt Government but added refinements that reflected the changing expectations of the era. The standout appeal of the Series 80 Enhanced lies in its factory custom-style features. These upgrades include angled rear cocking serrations, a flat-topped slide for reduced glare, and a lowered and flared ejection port to improve reliability with a wider range of ammunition. Ergonomics were significantly improved with an undercut front strap, allowing a higher hand position for better control under recoil, and an upswept “duckbill” grip safety paired with an oval or Commander-style hammer to eliminate hammer bite. Colt also added a beveled magazine well for smoother reloads and high-visibility 3-dot sights, giving shooters target-grade clarity right out of the box. Together, these features elevated the Enhanced models from traditional service pistols to refined, competition-capable handguns.
Model: Government MK IV Series 80 Enhanced
Serial: FR17590E
Date of Manufacture: 1995
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed 3-Dot White Sight System
Stock/Grips: Textured Synthetic Wrap-Around Grips w/ Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Government MK IV Series 80 Enhanced represents an important evolution in Colt’s storied 1911 lineup—a bridge between the classic military-style Government Model and the modernized, feature-rich pistols that shooters began demanding in the late 20th century. The Series 80 platform itself debuted in the 1980s, introducing Colt’s firing-pin safety system to improve drop safety while preserving the accuracy and handling characteristics of earlier Series 70 pistols. As custom 1911 work became increasingly popular among competitive shooters and defensive users, Colt answered the market by releasing “Enhanced” configurations—factory pistols built to incorporate many of the upgrades shooters were already paying gunsmiths to perform. These Enhanced models preserved the core identity of the Colt Government but added refinements that reflected the changing expectations of the era. The standout appeal of the Series 80 Enhanced lies in its factory custom-style features. These upgrades include angled rear cocking serrations, a flat-topped slide for reduced glare, and a lowered and flared ejection port to improve reliability with a wider range of ammunition. Ergonomics were significantly improved with an undercut front strap, allowing a higher hand position for better control under recoil, and an upswept “duckbill” grip safety paired with an oval or Commander-style hammer to eliminate hammer bite. Colt also added a beveled magazine well for smoother reloads and high-visibility 3-dot sights, giving shooters target-grade clarity right out of the box. Together, these features elevated the Enhanced models from traditional service pistols to refined, competition-capable handguns.
Today, the MK IV Series 80 Enhanced holds a special place among collectors and shooters as one of Colt’s most thoughtfully updated factory 1911s. It preserves the timeless aesthetics, steel-frame durability, and legendary reliability of the classic Government Model while adding meaningful improvements that make it more comfortable and capable for modern use. Enthusiasts appreciate the Enhanced models for their blend of historical significance and practical upgrades—representing a moment when Colt embraced innovation without compromising heritage. For those seeking a 1911 that embodies both tradition and thoughtful evolution, the Series 80 Enhanced remains one of Colt’s most appealing and well-balanced offerings.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the Colt case, paperwork, and everything 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.
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.
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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/1161539045 |
BidPrice: |
105 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-03-22 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
800 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-03-22 17:20:52 |
