Colt mag in 1976

[jasnake65]

Looking to pick up a blue Colt mag in the 1976 era. What should I be looking for? Did they change in certain years?

[Hill]

It should have a two line marking, "COLT" over "45 AUTO".

No horsie picture, no little "c" or little "s" or any of that stuff.

[flintsghost]

I have to respectfully disagree with Hill. In late 1969 Colt went to the so called "horse" mag for all the guns made in the 70's and continued to nearly 1980 when they began using a couple of other contractors and the contractor letters changed. The magazine was made by subcontractor "metalform" in New York. It has a lower approx 3/8's inch and floorplate which are matte finished while the rest is smooth polished blue. Looking at the floorplate from the bottom, there is a rampant pony on the front nose, the Colt over 45 Auto (two lines) and the rear upper has a fairly large M stamped to indicate the contractor. These magazines at the time were the only kind furnished with Governments, Commanders, Combat Commanders and Gold Cups. There was also a satin nickle variation which looks the same for those guns that were finished in nickle.

Prior to that for a short time Colt used the same mag with the M and the Colt 45 Auto but without the rampant pony. Prior to that the magazines Hill mentioned were used on Pre-70 (actually 1969) pistols. The Series 70 Government and the CLW lightweight commanders actually appeared on dealers shelves in the last couple of months of 1969.

[tenx]

I have a couple purchased new from that era.

The mags have the horse with Colt 45 Auto and an M for the subcontractor Metalform.

Other than the typical Metalform frosting finishing at the base and the M, they look identical to current production Colt (made by Checkmate) 7 rounders from Brownells.

[lksstbls]

I have to respectfully disagree with Hill. In late 1969 Colt went to the so called "horse" mag for all the guns made in the 70's and continued to nearly 1980 when they began using a couple of other contractors and the contractor letters changed. The magazine was made by subcontractor "metalform" in New York. It has a lower approx 3/8's inch and floorplate which are matte finished while the rest is smooth polished blue. Looking at the floorplate from the bottom, there is a rampant pony on the front nose, the Colt over 45 Auto (two lines) and the rear upper has a fairly large M stamped to indicate the contractor. These magazines at the time were the only kind furnished with Governments, Commanders, Combat Commanders and Gold Cups. There was also a satin nickle variation which looks the same for those guns that were finished in nickle.

Prior to that for a short time Colt used the same mag with the M and the Colt 45 Auto but without the rampant pony. Prior to that the magazines Hill mentioned were used on Pre-70 (actually 1969) pistols. The Series 70 Government and the CLW lightweight commanders actually appeared on dealers shelves in the last couple of months of 1969.

I have two Series 70 pistols (GCNM and Gvmt) both manufactured in the early '80's. both supplied with blued mags with the pony and the "M" stamp, in addition to the Colt over 45 Auto.

[Hill]

Aw gosh. My guns are older than I thought they were..........tsk, bummer.

[jasnake65]

Thanks for your insight. The GCNM i bought has a mag but not from that era, would like to match one up with the GC. Im hoping It comes in tomorrow.