NIB circa 1975 Colt Mark IV value?

[Brizbane]

A gun smith offered me a Colt Mark IV Series 70 in stainless steel for $1000. Is this reasonable? Gun has never been fired and it has some scratches and dings. He stated that the Pacmyr grips were standard from the factory in 75. Is this so? There is no box or paperwork.Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

[cliff731]

Brizbane,

I'm not so certain that Colt ever made the original Series 70 Government model in stainless. If this is an original Series 70, it very well could be nickel plated.

If indeed stainless, it might be the current Series 70 "Custom Replica"... itself a fine Colt.

His selling price, while isn't a bargain, could be considered "fair" pending the actual condition of the pistol... if it's an original Series 70. If this is one of the current Custom Replicas, that price ought to fetch a NIB example... complete with the Colt Custom Shop box as it ships from Colt's factory!

Colt has used Pachmayr wrap around grip panels in the past. Such would look like these-

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/pentaxuser01/0580_12.jpg

-Cliff

[paul45]

Sounds like that smith is selling a boatload of ignorance.

Stainless wasn't offered until '83-'84 or very close to those dates. Perhaps he thinks satin or polished nickel is stainless steel....... :sleep: :butthead:

Pach stocks were not standard in '75.

1000 bucks for scratches and dings? ....no box or paperwork? .........PLEASE.

PASS.... :nono: :scared: :mad:

Get a brand new one for 874.00, shipping included!!! http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/1/products_id/36108

[cliff731]

Ditto what Paul said... http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

Dana Kamm has written an earlier "review" of Colt's Series 70 Custom Replica in stainless... or as sometimes called "Reissue". He stated that Colt never made the original Series 70 in a stainless finish... although nickel was available.

Bud's price on one is very attractive. The most recent NIB example of a stainless Series 70 Custom Replica my local gunstore had was marked at $959. Out the door with sales tax added, such would hit right close to $1,000... and of course, local gunstore pricing as you'll likely see will typically push into that range.

Listen to Paul... he's given you the honest "skinny"... and I too would pass. :nono:

-Cliff

[Brizbane]

My original post stated NIB but then I go on to say no box or paperwork, sorry about that, I guess you can blame that on my brain fog. Should have just said unfired condition.

Cliff731, Those appear to be the same Pacmyr grips I saw today on the pistol. As for the age of the gun, the smith stated that the serial # indicated 1975, but I will research this further if I take another look at it.

Paul45, he did indicate to me that it was stainless steel so thanks for clarifying this issue. I hope that he is just mistaken and but your warning of a potential con job will be heeded.

[cliff731]

...Cliff731, Those appear to be the same Pacmyr grips I saw today on the pistol. As for the age of the gun, the smith stated that the serial # indicated 1975, but I will research this further if I take another look at it.

Colt released a special edition 1911A1 somewhere in the latter 1970's with these grip panels. I'm not certain of the name, but I've seen a posting here where the OP had a Colt with these and indicated it came NIB with the Pachmayr rubber.

I have a set that I bought in 1980 for my Service Model Ace. They were sold in Colt packaging, IIRC.

Your dealer might be confused... a nickel finish for stainless. Just remember... there were no original Series 70 Government models made in stainless.

If you can call Colt's Customer Service at 1-800-962-2658 with the serial number of this pistol, they will tell you the year it was made.

[wichaka]

It may be nickel, or someone had it hard chromed, but no SS in the 70's.

[cliff731]

It may be nickel, or someone had it hard chromed, but no SS in the 70's.

Hard chromed by a previous owner... now that's a definite possibility! :)

[Brizbane]

Thanks guys for all the quick replies, I got quite a fast track education!

Would an older Colt say from the '70's be any better then a newer one as far as build quality, finish etc?

Or would brandy new one, with later technology be the way to go?

[RickB]

For a collectible, a (factory) nickel, original S70 would be the better gun. For a shooter, or especially a gun that will be modded, the new-production "replicas" would be better in just about every way.

[cliff731]

I certainly agree with RickB... http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

Colt's Series 70 "Custom Replicas", both stainless and blued, have received many favorable and positive comments on this forum as posted by the owners who have bought one.

For a collectible... original is the way to go!

[Brizbane]

Some new information I gathered today. When I advised the seller that stainless steel was not used in 1975 he said he would check further.

Shortly he got back to me and said that the finish was original and called "Enhanced Nickel" from the Colt factory.

Also, that he would come down to $900.00 if I was still interested. Am I?

BTW, I am looking for a carry/shooter and not a collectable.

BTW2, Great info from everyone of you guys so far!

[Brizbane]

Oh, I forgot to add.......... if 900 is still too much what would be a good price (or should I just forget this one altogether for a carry piece and go for a new Colt).

[cliff731]

Hmmm.... $900 will buy you a NIB stainless Series 70 Custom Replica... unsullied and pristine in newly minted splendor... complete with a fancy blue Colt Custom Shop box too! ;)

[wichaka]

If it's in top shape with the original box etc., it may not be bad.......but I'm not into nickel 1911's, so others may have a better view on it.

[OD*]

or as sometimes called "Reissue".
And they really shouldn't, you can't "reissue" something that was never issued to begin with. :p :D

[cliff731]

And they really shouldn't, you can't "reissue" something that was never issued to begin with. :p :D

Wisely spoken, OD*... http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

[texagun]

I would run, not walk, away from that gun shop and find someone who knows what he is talking about. Bud's price on a stainless 70 Series Repro is an excellent price. Over the past few weeks the prices on that gun have increased to just under $1000 at all the major dealers in this area.

[paul45]

Shortly he got back to me and said that the finish was original and called "Enhanced Nickel" from the Colt factory.

I kinda feel sorrry for this "gunsmith". No such thing as "enhanced nickel".

I bet he might mean electroless nickel.......which furthers my thought as to .................................

RUN! PASS! Save yourself! :p

[Brizbane]

Thanks to you guys I will take a pass on it. I was gonna offer him 600, but most of you said "get away" and I think you're right. There may even be more misrepresentations yet.

So........................

This no frills shooter from BudsGunShop looks very interesting for $874 http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...oducts_id/36108.
__________________

[cliff731]

Thanks to you guys I will take a pass on it. I was gonna offer him 600, but most of you said "get away" and I think you're right. There may even be more misrepresentations yet.

So........................

This no frills shooter from BudsGunShop looks very interesting for $874 http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...oducts_id/36108.
__________________

That's a nice one... the Series 70 stainless Custom Replica. Only thing is they're out of stock on it. The blued version is available... just don't change your order... :p

[Brizbane]

cliff731,
Ya know, I do already have an all SS gun so the blue Series 70 is starting to look more interesting.

[cliff731]

cliff731,
Ya know, I do already have an all SS gun so the blue Series 70 is starting to look more interesting.

The blued Series 70 Custom Replica will not disappoint... ;)

That said, I would be remiss in not relating we've had a forum member or two buy a Custom Replica with some issues. Colt is not immune to the same dilemma as plagues any manufacturer.

It's too your clear advantage to carefully inspect ANY firearm purchased online BEFORE completing the transfer paperwork (4473)... or, better yet to find one in a gunstore's inventory that you can get your hands & eyes on before buying.

-Cliff

[paul45]

How bout a new Combat Elite?

[Brizbane]

Whatever I choose will need to be 99.98% reliable so this may necessitate a tune-up.

I checked the Colt website and did not see the Combat Elite. What model # would that be?

[cliff731]

...I checked the Colt website and did not see the Combat Elite. What model # would that be?

New model... not on their website yet... O8011XSE... :)

[paul45]

Davidsons had something like 99 of them a couple days ago......

Don't hold your breath for Colt's website to update........... :dead_hors

[Brizbane]

The Combat Elite is a definite possibility and the blue over stainless is kinda cool looking, too. Thanks for pointing this one out cliff and paul.

[Joni Lynn]

I'd pass on a nickel plated gun. The finish can chip and if you ever want any wrk done to the gun (sights, etc) there is a finish issue to deal with.
I'd recommend a new Colt, the Combat Elite would be on my list.

[Brizbane]

Just a quick follow-up report and I want to thank everyone for their help.

I was real close to closing a deal on a new Combat Elite which I think is a very nice gun, when I stumbled on the Proload website and found a beauty Les Baer PremierII. (John was a pleasure to deal with BTW.) I bought one that met my specs and I should have it in hand in a month when my purchase permit clears.

I figured that the PII would need very little, if any, work to get it to 100% carry reliable so the cost difference between the two would be negligable. The Combat Elite is a fine gun and I do see one in my future also.

Well, this journey started with a question about an old Colt and I sure learned a lot along the way! Again, thanks to everyone for the guidance.

[Joni Lynn]

Congrats on the LB!!!

[cliff731]

...Well, this journey started with a question about an old Colt and I sure learned a lot along the way! Again, thanks to everyone for the guidance.

Congrats on your new Les Baer... and of course, we're gonna be looking for pics! :)

[JMB Masterpiece]

Price sounds a bit high especially if not in pristine condition. I like to check the various online auction sites to get an idea on real world prices.

Best,

Mark