Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this awesome semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt Government MKIV Series 70!
Austin F. Behlert was a respected American custom pistolsmith, known for his exceptional work on 1911s, Browning Hi-Powers, and revolvers. Operating Behlert Custom Guns—first in New Jersey and later in Pipersville, Pennsylvania—he built a reputation for meticulous hand-fitting, smooth action tuning, and practical, competition-ready modifications. Behlert was an early innovator in compact 1911 “shrink” conversions, frequently incorporating distinctive touches such as French-border slide lines and carefully fitted custom sights. His shop offered everything from accuracy packages and slide-to-frame tightening to reliability work and ergonomic reshaping, attracting competitive shooters and law-enforcement professionals. Today, pistols marked with Behlert’s signature or identifiable features remain highly collectible examples of classic American custom gunsmithing.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Government MKIV Series 70
Serial: 08867G70
Date of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Yellow Ramp Front with Adjustable White Outline Micrometer Click Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut Grips with Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is stamped “Customized By Austin Behlert, Cranford, N.J.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Government MKIV Series 70 was introduced in 1970, marking a significant evolution of Colt’s commercial 1911 line, marrying the classic styling of the M1911A1 with accuracy-enhancing refinements. Its signature innovation was the spring-steel, collet-style “finger” barrel bushing, which gripped a slightly belled barrel muzzle to produce a more consistent lock-up than the earlier solid bushings. Unlike later Series 80 pistols introduced in 1983, the original Series 70 lacked a firing-pin safety, preserving the crisp, traditional trigger pull. Colt produced the MKIV Series 70 from 1970 to 1983 — primarily in .45 ACP, though other calibers (such as 9mm and .38 Super) were also offered for some time. The Series 70 retained hallmark design features, such as the standard thumb safety, grip safety, and spur hammer, maintaining the look and feel of military-era 1911s despite being a post-war commercial model. This blend of traditional ergonomics, period-correct controls, and improved lock-up made the Series 70 highly regarded among 1911 enthusiasts and collectors.
Model: Government MKIV Series 70
Serial: 08867G70
Date of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5"
Optics/Sights: Yellow Ramp Front with Adjustable White Outline Micrometer Click Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut Grips with Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is stamped “Customized By Austin Behlert, Cranford, N.J.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Government MKIV Series 70 was introduced in 1970, marking a significant evolution of Colt’s commercial 1911 line, marrying the classic styling of the M1911A1 with accuracy-enhancing refinements. Its signature innovation was the spring-steel, collet-style “finger” barrel bushing, which gripped a slightly belled barrel muzzle to produce a more consistent lock-up than the earlier solid bushings. Unlike later Series 80 pistols introduced in 1983, the original Series 70 lacked a firing-pin safety, preserving the crisp, traditional trigger pull. Colt produced the MKIV Series 70 from 1970 to 1983 — primarily in .45 ACP, though other calibers (such as 9mm and .38 Super) were also offered for some time. The Series 70 retained hallmark design features, such as the standard thumb safety, grip safety, and spur hammer, maintaining the look and feel of military-era 1911s despite being a post-war commercial model. This blend of traditional ergonomics, period-correct controls, and improved lock-up made the Series 70 highly regarded among 1911 enthusiasts and collectors.
Austin F. Behlert was a respected American custom pistolsmith, known for his exceptional work on 1911s, Browning Hi-Powers, and revolvers. Operating Behlert Custom Guns—first in New Jersey and later in Pipersville, Pennsylvania—he built a reputation for meticulous hand-fitting, smooth action tuning, and practical, competition-ready modifications. Behlert was an early innovator in compact 1911 “shrink” conversions, frequently incorporating distinctive touches such as French-border slide lines and carefully fitted custom sights. His shop offered everything from accuracy packages and slide-to-frame tightening to reliability work and ergonomic reshaping, attracting competitive shooters and law-enforcement professionals. Today, pistols marked with Behlert’s signature or identifiable features remain highly collectible examples of classic American custom gunsmithing.
Contents:
This example will ship with one magazine.
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.
