When did Colt start using adj. target sights?

[Nitrox]

A friend of mine just acquired a Colt National Match 1911. In doing some research to figure out its age I am confused. The gun is a NM 1911 with adjustable target sights, the finish is deep blue and the gun has a what appears to be a wide trigger shoe with a lot of take up (two stage?). Here is my confusion though, the serial number is only 5 digits (in the 35XXX range) and from what I have read this would put its manuf. date around 1917 (which I really don't think is correct). That said, the gun is 99% and could pass for new.

Any thoughts? I'll try to get some pictures today.

[Hunter]

My guess is you have a 1911 frame with a National Match slide. check this link it may be helpful.
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/nm.htm
http://proofhouse.com/index.htm
I believe the National Matches were commercial frames so would have a "C" in the serial number (though I cannot swear that is true) also it will have a steel adjustable (for overtravel) trigger.
The Gold Cup National Matches will have a N prefix or N suffix in the serial number depending on year.

[Nitrox]

My guess is you have a 1911 frame with a National Match slide. check this link it may be helpful.
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/nm.htm
http://proofhouse.com/index.htm
I believe the National Matches were commercial frames so would have a "C" in the serial number (though I cannot swear that is true) also it will have a steel adjustable (for overtravel) trigger.
The Gold Cup National Matches will have a N prefix or N suffix in the serial number depending on year.
The trigger in this gun is adjustable.

[OD*]

I believe the National Matches were commercial frames so would have a "C" in the serial number
You're correct.

[Nitrox]

OK, no pictures but this is what I have.

-Serial- 32XXX-NM
-Deep blue finish
-Wide front sight
-Adjustable Alliason rear sight
-Slide is deep blue and reads National Match w/prancing pony. No serial number stamp.
-Wide aluminum trigger w/over travel screw
-gold medallion grips
-Serrated front strap and main spring housing
-Beveled recoil plug and corresponding barrel bushing

Proof marks on trigger guard:
-Left side - "N" over and upside down triangle
-Right side - "B"

Everything I can find says it should be a Gold Cup National Match but the gun is not marked the way a Gold Cup should be marked.

[paul45]

1969 is the year. It sounds to me it's a pre series 70 national Match.

[Ericthenorse]

The pre-series 70 NM's did not actually say Gold Cup on the slide... It did however, say it on the box.... The only thing I see wrong about your pistol is the aluminum trigger.... It should have come with a steel one.. I am guessing someone upgraded.....

[Nitrox]

This is almost exactly what it looks like only it says National Match, as mentioned above.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/nm_condition1_350.jpg

As noted above, this is not my gun but I wish it were. We shot it yesterday and it is very accurate.

One last question, the gun is 95%-98% in condition(not a scratch on it), what would its estimated value be?

[dakota1911]

Tough to say without a couple of picts, or better yet, looking at it, but I would guess in the $600 - $900 range. Some of those guns got shot a lot but still look great because they always rode to the range and back in a pistol box.