Value of a much upgraded Colt Combat Govt Series 70 circa 1983

[kraigster414]

I have a pristine Colt Combat Govt Series 70 purchased in the early 1980's - serial no. 70B4xxxx. It has had many upgrades including a 3.5 lb. trigger job (breaks like glass), BarSto barrel, Swenson ambi, hardchromed frame, Robar Roguard slide, Wilson combat fixed sights, enlarged mag release button, Wilson one-piece guide rod, and on and on. Pic below. I am wondering what it is worth. Thanks.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/kraigster414/Colt%20Series%2070%20Govt/colt1911govtblackgrips002.jpg

[MCMIX]

That is going to be a tough call. Those "upgrades": can sometimes work against you on a special model like that. You may find someone who will appreciate the changes, but overall I think they will work against you on the that particular model. You can check out the various gun auctions for a stating point but.......
Good Luck though.

[kraigster414]

I am a realist and I know in the case of the 1911 that you never get back what you put into it or not nearly enough. But if I was looking for a Series 70 Combat Govt vintage 1983 (guns were made better back then as a general rule) and saw that this baby had a BarSto fitted barrel, crisp as glass trigger job and a Swenson ambi (particularly if I was LH), it would be very attractive. Ditto for the Roguard - that technology (metalurgy) was not around in 1983.

Thanks.

[MCMIX]

I am a realist and I know in the case of the 1911 that you never get back what you put into it or not nearly enough. But if I was looking for a Series 70 Combat Govt vintage 1983 (guns were made better back then as a general rule) and saw that this baby had a BarSto fitted barrel, crisp as glass trigger job and a Swenson ambi (particularly if I was LH), it would be very attractive. Ditto for the Roguard - that technology (metalurgy) was not around in 1983.

Thanks.

Speaking from prior experience, I would have to say you will regret big time getting rid of that beauty down the line. Better to keep that and save up for something else. Just my 2 cents.
P.S. I have nightmares about the guns I sold and now regret doing so. :lm:

[elijdub]

That's a very nice looking Colt...and a very tough question. I have to agree with the statement above about custom modifications; they can work against you, only in that many buyers want a gun which is in factory original condition. On the other hand, i'm sure there are buyers out there who would want those specific mods...and appreciate what you have.

[d90king]

I would say that your pistol will be worth more to "you" than anybody else. Any true collectors quality are gone based on the mods. I would keep it and enjoy it as it is a great pistol that looks to be set up nicely.

[MCMIX]

If you can't get a grand for that.......................................bring it out here to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dakota1911]

I would guess around $1K also if it shoots great.

[lindermant]

who did the custom work?

[TattooPaul]

Value of it as a vintage Colt Combat will not be what a stocker would be but quality smithing on a quality vintage Colt will be quite valuable to someone who desires such a pistol, esp. if done by a 'smith of note. Someone loooking to add to their historical collection will not value it the same way a shooter will value the advanced performance of an already great Colt. It all comes down to who wants it for what reasons. As a pure vintage Colt, it's like a vintage car with great performance parts but not factory original - never worth a vintage piece but worth a bunch to someone who wants to have prime sample for what it was rebuilt for.