Mk4 Series 80 Government Model

[200%Dave]

I'm seeking my first 1911. A local dealer has a lightly used Colt MK4 SS 5' Series 80 Government Model that they are asking a negotiable $625 for. I've checked Bud's prices, auction sites, etc. and the dealer's price seems in line. I've heard all sorts of comments from the guys at the range that quality of "new" Colts isn't as good as is was on the "old" Colts. My questions are is this price in line ? Does this model have any quality issues that I need to be aware of ?

[John]

I can't tell you about the price due to my location, but don't hear those armchair commandos. Colt quality is as good as ever and the MkIV Series 80 models are as good as any. If the price seems OK, and if the gun passes the tests, go for it.

[elijdub]

Welcome to the forum, 200%Dave.

I think that's a fine price, assuming it's in good condition and functions properly. For what it's worth, the MKIV pistols are kinda' "old" ;).....not that it matters because ALL Colt's are great pistols :). I particularly like the MKIV's that were made in the 1970's and 80's.

[200%Dave]

Since I couldn't get anyone to tell me not to, I bought my first 1911 today. It's the MKIV SS Series 80 Government Model that I was considering. The dealer came down to $575 on it. The gun is spotless with the exception of the "idiot" scratch. When we removed the slide to take a look at the innerds, it was clean as a pin. Unfortunately we're waiting for tropical storm Fay to pass so there'll be no time at the very soggy range this week.

Can anyone tell me how to find out the approximate age of this piece ?

By the way, this forum rocks.

Thanks Guys !

--200%Dave

The U.S. constitution isn't an option, it's the law.

[RickB]

The guns rollmarked MK. IV on the left side were made from 1983 until about 1998. Specs changed over the years, but the biggest changes came in '92, when the "enhanced" line was introduced. Enhanced pistols have a flat rib on the top of the slide, angled cocking serrations, undercut trigger guard, and some other features. I prefer the earlier, '83-'91 guns, which looked little different from the current Series 80 Government Model (nee M1991A1).

[Rio Vista Slim]

Can anyone tell me how to find out the approximate age of this piece ?

Dave,

Call Colt tomorrow, armed with the serial number of your gun, and the nice lady who answers the phone will look it up for you. I'll edit this message in a moment, and provide you with the toll free telephone number.

1-800-962-COLT

[lksstbls]

Congrats on the new pistol. There's lots of info here and in other sources regarding removal of "idiot" scratches from SS frames. I know, I've been there. Unless the scratch is really deep, it can virtually be eliminated with a little finesse and elbow grease. Search the subject before you embark on the process. There's been too much good material written to try and repeat it here.

added: more info on this subject in the Springfield Forum--same problem,
same solution(s)

[MoneyTree]

Welcome to the forum Dave and congratulations on getting your first 1911 and of course some photos are now in order .

We're hoping tropical storm Fay causes minimal disruption of your day to day lives .

http://img125.echo.cx/img125/8038/01welcome7jb.gif

[OD*]

Since I couldn't get anyone to tell me not to, I bought my first 1911 today. It's the MKIV SS Series 80 Government Model that I was considering. The dealer came down to $575 on it. The gun is spotless with the exception of the "idiot" scratch. When we removed the slide to take a look at the innerds, it was clean as a pin. Unfortunately we're waiting for tropical storm Fay to pass so there'll be no time at the very soggy range this week.

Can anyone tell me how to find out the approximate age of this piece ?

By the way, this forum rocks.

Thanks Guys !

--200%Dave

The U.S. constitution isn't an option, it's the law.
:wc: to the forum.

$575 is a decent price in my part of the US of A.
What is the serial#?

[d90king]

Congrats on your new Colt and welcome to the forum. :wc:

[elijdub]

The guns rollmarked MK. IV on the left side were made from 1983 until about 1998.
I thought for sure that Colt made MK IV pistols during the late 1970's prior to the introduction of the Series 80 models :confused:.
For example:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=107219622

[d90king]

I thought for sure that Colt made MK IV pistols during the late 1970's prior to the introduction of the Series 80 models :confused:.
For example:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=107219622


I think he is talking Series 80's Eli, not Series 70......

[RickB]

I thought for sure that Colt made MK IV pistols during the late 1970's prior to the introduction of the Series 80 models :confused:.
For example:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=107219622

I was referring specifically to the Series 80 guns with the large MK. IV (only) marking on the left side, as opposed to the novel written on the left side of the Mk. IV/Series 70 guns, which began circa 1970.

[elijdub]

I think he is talking Series 80's Eli, not Series 70......
I was referring specifically to the Series 80 guns with the large MK. IV (only) marking on the left side, as opposed to the novel written on the left side of the Mk. IV/Series 70 guns, which began circa 1970.
Got it, thanks ;). Just wanted to clarify as i've never owned a Series 70 Colt...

[d90king]

Got it, thanks ;). Just wanted to clarify as i've never owned a Series 70 Colt...



Hmmm sounds like a Series 70 should be on your "short" list. :eb:

[elijdub]

Hmmm sounds like a Series 70 should be on your "short" list. :eb:
It is :D!!! ...Though i'm partial to Commanders (which still have the nice 1970's rollmarks ;)).

[200%Dave]

Ok, here are the pictures of My new (to me) MKIV Series 80. Tropical storm Fay has finally left the area and I was able to make it back to the gun shop to pick it up. I have not had time to clean it or anything. What you see is as I found it. It's plain Jane, factory everything. The serial # sez' it was manufactured in 1990. There a nick and scratch or two more than what I saw in the dimly lighted gun shop. There will be no chance to take it to the out door range for a while. Fay dumped 24+ inches of clear fresh rain water on an area that was know as the swamp in the past. My plan to to keep it as a shooter with maybe a trigger job and better sights somewhere along the road. Any recommendations along that line would be appreciated.

http://s310.photobucket.com/albums/kk437/200dave/?action=view&current=DSCN3140.jpg

http://s310.photobucket.com/albums/kk437/200dave/?action=view&current=Leftside.jpg

This forum is terrific. My thanks to the folks who run it. Reading through this thing is like a masters degree in 1911's. it is super.

--200%dave

[elijdub]

Great looking pistol, Dave! It is very hard to find a Colt in the $500's in my neck of the
woods. I think you got a fine price.
If i'm not mistaken, those are a pair of Springfield stocks of their "GI.45" model...not a big deal though,
as modern Colt stocks are very easy to find (if you want them).
As far as sights go, i really like theYost Retro rear sight (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=21448&title=SEMI-AUTO%20RETRO%20REAR%20SIGHT), which you might pair with either a "white dot"
or tritium bead up front.
There are a number of gunsmiths i'd trust to do a trigger-job. I'm lucky to
have a great 'smith right here in my home town. Colt would certainly do a good
job for you.
Keep us posted!

[OD*]

Good looking pistol, Dave. :appld:


Re-size your pictures to 800X600 and they will be viewable in your post.

[200%Dave]

I apologize re: the format. Still 'rasslin' with Photo bucket.

Eli, you are probably right about the grips being Springfield rather than Colt. That might explain the one on the right looking like it might have been used to lightly tap in a tent stake in the middle of a dark and stormy night. The "box" that it was delivered with has a different serial number and references a "blued Colt .45". Thus far the field strip has revealed no unpleasant surprises. Once things dry out we'll see what the first trip to the range has in store.

Thanks for the tip re:sights. I'm a never say die DIYer with several good gunsmith friends. I'll probably ask the wife to clear the kitchen table and give it a go at home.


--200%Dave

“You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else. " --Winston Churchill

[OD*]

No need to apologize, Dave, you'll get the hang of it.
The stocks are definitely off a Springfield "GI" model, Colt hasn't ever used that style.