Colt .45 MK4 Series 70...Price Check...

[mastercpo]

Hi...Once again I'd like to draw upon your collective wisdom and experience and get some input on a purchase of a Colt .45 MK 4, Series 70 that I am considering. I haven't had an opportunity to view the Colt, but will be receiving some pictures (I hope) this evening. The information that I was able to get over the phone was as follows: The Colt is satin nickel plated, has about 200 rounds through it, is in excellent shape, includes original box and paperwork, Ser# 70B29---, and asking price is $800 or Best Offer. The purchase will be FTF so I can make my final decision on the spot...but a 1 1/2 hour drive (each way) in involved. Thanks in advance for your inputs...it's really a great advantage to the novice M1911 community having you out there as resources...

[lksstbls]

The price sounds pretty reasonable (to me), based on prices around here. You might want to check Gunbroker.com for sales history on that model/finish, etc. The satin nickle finish is pretty fragile, in terms of showing wear, but you'll have a chance to check that out for yourself. The finish can be "rejuvenated" quite economically if that's an issue. I have three Colts of that era and enjoy them all--especially the retention of value.

[mastercpo]

The price sounds pretty reasonable (to me), based on prices around here. You might want to check Gunbroker.com for sales history on that model/finish, etc. The satin nickle finish is pretty fragile, in terms of showing wear, but you'll have a chance to check that out for yourself. The finish can be "rejuvenated" quite economically if that's an issue. I have three Colts of that era and enjoy them all--especially the retention of value.
Thanks...I appreciate the timely feedback...the ability to rejuvenate the nickel finish (if needed) is a great idea, and a bargaining chip... Jack

[Jim Watson]

I'd sure like to know how to "rejuvenate" a nickel finish ECONOMICALLY. I have an elderly .38 Super that sure needs help. If I can get the new local guy to show me samples of his work, I will likely Have Things Done To It that the old hand is backing away from.

[lksstbls]

I guess "economically" is subject to interpretation. I recently acquired a nickle plated Combat Commander circa 1978 or thereabouts. It was really rough looking with scuffs, scrapes, light scratches, etc. Looked like it had been under a car seat or in a glove box for thirty years. A real beater, complete with grips that looked like they had been cut from an old tire.

I took it to the local 1911-expert smith for some other issues with the full intention of having it completely refinished. Stripped, chromed, blued, re-nickled, whatever. The smith claimed that he could "carefully" and "lightly" bead blast the finish--slide, and frame--and restore the finish to near-new.
His charge for this feat was to be $70, vs $200+ for a complete refinish, replating, etc. at Colt, or another refinisher. I took him up on his offer, and he came through, and even eliminated the idiot scratch. I would estimate the current finish at 98%. I don't have a new pistol to compare it with, but there is not an observeable mark on the gun, and I would not be any more satisfied if the thing had been completely refinished. It's important to state that my pistol had not been scratched or scuffed through the nickle, and into the underlying copper plate. If that had been the case, then the process described would not work at all to the extent that it did.

I bought the pistol right, but realized going in that I was going to put more money into it than I would ever get out, but I'm not in the gun trading business, so who cares? It's now a handsome piece and with the other changes made (sights and trigger) an excellant shooter.

[MCMIX]

Would really like to see before and after pictures. Sounds like a nice alternative.

:wl:

[lksstbls]

Would really like to see before and after pictures. Sounds like a nice alternative.

:wl:

I fully intended to do the before and after picture thing, but had a Senior Moment, and was half way across town (Phoenix) on the way to the smith when I realized I hadn't done the before pictures. Needless to say, they didn't get done as a mission abort for a photo session wasn't possible because of time constraints. The "before" pics are the most significant, as the "after" pics will look like any other nearly pristine nickle plated Colt.

Anyway, I'll make an honest attempt at the after pics. Have never done the photobucket process before and may have to hire a 10 year old neighbor kid for an hour to help me.

[d90king]

Hi...Once again I'd like to draw upon your collective wisdom and experience and get some input on a purchase of a Colt .45 MK 4, Series 70 that I am considering. I haven't had an opportunity to view the Colt, but will be receiving some pictures (I hope) this evening. The information that I was able to get over the phone was as follows: The Colt is satin nickel plated, has about 200 rounds through it, is in excellent shape, includes original box and paperwork, Ser# 70B29---, and asking price is $800 or Best Offer. The purchase will be FTF so I can make my final decision on the spot...but a 1 1/2 hour drive (each way) in involved. Thanks in advance for your inputs...it's really a great advantage to the novice M1911 community having you out there as resources...



If it is as advertised and original, sounds like a fair price with the box. Good luck.

[mastercpo]

If it is advertised and original, sounds like a fair price with the box. Good luck.
Old Timer...thanks for the feedback...Jack