Things didn't go the way I planned today . . .

[Noah Zark]

For some time (years) I've been looking for a nice original blued MkIV Series 70 that didn't cost an arm and a leg, and that hadn't been abused. Hah!

But for the past two years I have taken a Zen approach to what I'm looking to buy, and it's worked remarkably well. I thought the signs were pointing me to a S70 repro, so over the weekend I decided to test that thought.

So I started out this afternoon to examine and purchase a NIB repro Series 70 Govt Model at a nearby shop. Lots of fingerprints on the gun, but it was very nicely made and looked very much like the Series 70s that I drooled over in magazines and stores as a teen and then newly-minted Marine armorer (2111) in the early 70s. The big difference was the double diamond grips on the repro, and not the glossy checkered or sandblasted panels of the original.

Despite having more than the asking price of $879, I reluctantly gave it back to the clerk. Now I had made up my mind going into the store that I was buying the S70 repro, but some nagging thought said, "Not today."

So I looked at the other display cases, ending at the used case.

I couldn't believe my eyes:

http://www.guns-and-ammunition.com/photoplog/images/97/large/1_dsc08007R.jpg

http://www.guns-and-ammunition.com/photoplog/images/97/large/1_dsc08012R.jpg

The original real deal Mk IV Series 70 with original gold medallion checkered grips, and hardly ANY wear!

Tagged at $659!

Filthy inside, but that 1970s blueing is all intact. Crisp 5 lb clean break pull. The sights don't shift at all when I snap it.

Sure like it when a plan doesn't come together!!

Noah

[shotgun red]

Nice find there,Noah. Beautiful bluing on those old Colts. Why buy a Repro. when you can get the real thing?

Steve

[LOBO]

Beautiful Colt!!!!! Congrats!!!!

Chris

[elijdub]

+1 Noah!! Very nice, and a great price taboot! That's a good feeling when you find the "gun in the haystack"! Matches that WWI nicely ;)!

[Hawkmoon]

And people think I'm slightly off-center when I try to explain to them about that Zen stuff, and "being in the flow." I'm glad to see there's at least one forum member out there who gets it.

Prod me enough and I'll post the lyric from that great C-W song by Blackhawk that sums it all up ...

[OD*]

That is a beautiful Series '70, Noah.
Congratulations! http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

[.45autofan]

Nice!
Maybe I'll have to give this Zen thing a try!

[Hunter]

That is a very nice Series 70. Looks like your wait was worth it. Patience is a virtue.
When do you think the range trip will be?

[Ruggles]

Sweeeeeeettttttt!

[Ogie]

Very nice!

I love my new Series 70 Repro! I hate that I got rid of my Series 70 original 20 years ago.

[Oberleutnant]

Nice find.

[clughog]

That's a beauty, Noah...and the price is fantastic! Congratulations!

Prod me enough and I'll post the lyric from that great C-W song by Blackhawk that sums it all up ...Consider yourself prodded, Hawkmoon...I'm curious!

[daveohno]

Noah, you got a deal!

[EchoBravoKilo]

Beautiful - great Karma! Enjoy.

[Frank]

Beautiful pistol and well bought. It looks like the stars were aligned for you today. You should have bought a lottery ticket as well.

DVC

[elijdub]

And people think I'm slightly off-center when I try to explain to them about that Zen stuff, and "being in the flow." I'm glad to see there's at least one forum member out there who gets it.
Hawk, i'm right there with ya'...! I spend a good portion of my daily life working on this (and a much bigger portion of my early adulthood studying it!). More than one forum member for sure...!

Prod me enough and I'll post the lyric from that great C-W song by Blackhawk that sums it all up ...
Prod number 2....i'm curious too!!!

[Noah Zark]

. . . I spend a good portion of my daily life working on this (and a much bigger portion of my early adulthood studying it!).


I had to share the experience with you folks, and I appreciate your comments!

Since adopting a "Zen" approach to this hobby I have found it much more satisfying. I don't try to "make" things happen anymore, I let them happen. If I had plans to go to a show or make the rounds of a few shops and something comes up, I conclude that it wasn't meant to be, there'll be other times. If I'm late posting an "I'll take it" for an accessory, so be it. Another similar item that's better suited to my needs will pop up.

It's been literally five or six years that I've been looking for a decent original Series 70 Govt. All that I've found have been either high priced beaters or even higher-priced safe queens. That led me to decide on the S70 repro, but it wasn't meant to be.

And that's the way it happened yesterday. I held the repro and admired it, knowing that I would be satisfied with it. I had the $$$, but still there was this "Not today . . . not today" sense/feeling/voice/thought running through my head. Then minutes later when I was inspecting the original MkIV S70, that sense had changed to "Now or never . . . now or never."

I'm not making this up. It works.

Noah

[arjay]

Very nice.Big difference in the finish.

[tenx]

High five. Fine looking series 70. Sometimes things just work out for the better on their own rather than trying to make something happen.

[Justin]

Things didn't go the way I planned today . . .

No they didn't...they went better. Congrats. Beautiful pistol.

[Tommy D]

Very nice pistol, Congratulations! I guess I'm going to have to study up on this "Zen" stuff!

[dakota1911]

Now there is the Zen of change. What do you do with your gift?

[jeff1124]

The way it works for me is; "if not now, zen when?" I'm an impulse buyer, it's bit me hard in the past, but it works out every now and zen! :D :p ;)

[azreloader]

For some time (years) I've been looking for a nice original blued MkIV Series 70 that didn't cost an arm and a leg, and that hadn't been abused. Hah!

But for the past two years I have taken a Zen approach to what I'm looking to buy, and it's worked remarkably well. I thought the signs were pointing me to a S70 repro, so over the weekend I decided to test that thought.

So I started out this afternoon to examine and purchase a NIB repro Series 70 Govt Model at a nearby shop. Lots of fingerprints on the gun, but it was very nicely made and looked very much like the Series 70s that I drooled over in magazines and stores as a teen and then newly-minted Marine armorer (2111) in the early 70s. The big difference was the double diamond grips on the repro, and not the glossy checkered or sandblasted panels of the original.

Despite having more than the asking price of $879, I reluctantly gave it back to the clerk. Now I had made up my mind going into the store that I was buying the S70 repro, but some nagging thought said, "Not today."

So I looked at the other display cases, ending at the used case.

I couldn't believe my eyes:

http://www.guns-and-ammunition.com/photoplog/images/97/large/1_dsc08007R.jpg

http://www.guns-and-ammunition.com/photoplog/images/97/large/1_dsc08012R.jpg

The original real deal Mk IV Series 70 with original gold medallion checkered grips, and hardly ANY wear!

Tagged at $659!

Filthy inside, but that 1970s blueing is all intact. Crisp 5 lb clean break pull. The sights don't shift at all when I snap it.

Sure like it when a plan doesn't come together!!

Noah

Right place, right time. Man I love it when that happens. Most of my best purchases have been a result of just making the rounds at my local spots.

Excellent score NOAH. I am envious. Mine is out there somewhere!

[ross FL]

Thats a very nice looking pistol.

I wish I could find a deal like that!!