Several months ago I started a thread about 1911’s looking for info because I was going to buy one for my 21st birthday. Well my birthday was Saturday and my girlfriend gave me $1000 to buy one.

So that being said I have a chance to buy a colt brand 1911 70 (looks like the origainal government model from ww1) series for $1000 and need some input on this pistol. It’s in immaculate shape. Bluing looks great and wood grips are in great shape. Gun looks new in box. The box is blue card board (if that makes a difference). The gun looks really nice like it’s something that could be passed down for a long time. So any info is greatly appreciated.

Colts hold their value well, pictures help a lot in identifying and giving a fair estimate of value.
Colt also has a nice web page that dates the gun by sn if you have it.

Go for it, it’s for sure something that can be passed down for many generations

I believe it may be a re-issue if that blue plastic box is what it came in.
Every one I’ve had came in the cardboard with styrofoam insert.
Check the numbers to be sure.
I also see some possible discoloring on the lower slide ??? which would knock it out of collector grade IMO.
Would probably be a great shooter, do your homework on this one.

He said it came in blue card board box. Not plastic.

If you’re looking for a collector safe Queen this might be a good option. I’m sure it would shoot too, but there are better options for $1000 if you’re looking for a strait up shooter. 1911’s have come a long way since the old 70 series. I would normally say get a Ruger and buy a case of ammo but a case of ammo these days would eat up your entire 1,000 dollars lol.

yep...case of ammo is just about worth more than the pistol! good looking gun!

Sounds like it's one of the 1911 or 1911A1 military replica guns put out by the custom shop if it's around $1k and in a blue cardboard box since the commercial guns are in blue plastic ones. Probably has short fixed sights that don't have any dots on them (military sights). It would be a good shooter but not the best for defensive purposes with those sights.

Colt does make some series 70 more modern/updated 1911's with good sights that serve both shooting and defensive needs. In the 4.25" Commander size the best (IMO) are the Wiley Clap Commanders, and in full size Government (5") you have Colt Competition guns. These can be had in that price range.

Earl

If that colt is truely a series 70 it’s worth is 800-1000 tops retail.
Like everyone else suggested there are many good options in 1911’s these days the ruger is a excellent one as well.

The colt competition, Springfield range officer, even several Kimbers can be had for a grand or less.

But in the end you should buy what you want and appeals to you.

If your wanting a faithful GI gun, the one you have pictured isn’t the model.. there are several FB groups where you can learn about them.. you might look there as well.

All I saw the series 70s came in the brownish cardboard box and all the info was written on the end tab.......2 piece Styrofoam insert.

Can't tell much from the pictures but a person needs to be real careful collecting Colts. A clean Series 70 Government Model can bring 1500-1600 fairly easy especially with the original box.

Where are you located? There are several places to take your gun or pass the info along to . This way you can find out what you REALLY have.

Houston: Collectors Firearms
Dallas: Jackson Arms

These guys can tell you what you have. Don't tell them you want to sell it, ask them what to insure it for.

My first 1911 was a brand new Colt Series 70, .45 ACP. SWEEEEEEEEEET gun.

You could also go to the Colt Forums, Great knowledgeable folks there.

Okay so gun is in original cardboard box and has all factory paper with it

It's quite clear what he has from his description and photo...Some people call them "reissue" but it's basically a reproduction of the WW1 era made by Colt, sold in their custom shop box. Price is about what he's mentioned ($1k)...this GB fellow is a bit optimistic/lucky:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/881885028

Like others have said... If you want a gun to collect.. this is a decent collector's item. If you want a gun to shoot... there are much better options for the same $$$..

yep

Looking at it closer............that's not bright enough bluing to be a real series 70. Not IMO..........unless they did something different later on,

I would pass on that pistol for 1k.

Well I went and looked at it and it came home with me. I fell in love with it. Maybe over paid a little bit for it, but that’s okay, I have no intentions of ever selling it and hopefully it will get passed down once I’m gone. Can’t wait to shoot it

GW123 you didn't overpay for it - that's a good price on the gun. Guys, Colt STILL MAKES series 70 1911's...they still turn out gobs of them to this day (all the Wiley Clap and Competition series guns are Series 70 as are Colt Gunsite 1911's to name but a few) . This is a NEW production, repro of the WW1 1911 pistol down to the markings - that's why it's in the Colt Custom Shop box. They were a limited run, can't remember exactly how many were made but they are a recent production gun. They did both a Carbonia Blue and Black Army reproductions...the carbonia in 2013 and the black army last year:

https://www.guns.com/news/2019/10/15/colt-to-deliver-new-black-army-m1911-to-market

It's made by Colt and it is a Series 70 - now obviously it's not a vintage gun or even a 1970's Government Mark IV but it's still a Colt Series 70 1911.

Yep!

I do love those diamond grips and if youre happy...............then awesome. Very pretty colt.

My stainless Colt Series 80 with a trigger job is my favorite gun in my entire collection. You just can't go too far wrong with them. I got a good deal on it, but even if I'd paid $100-$150 more than it was worth, it would still be my favorite gun and I'd still get the same enjoyment out of it.

Congrats!

What year was it made if you don't mind me asking? I'm just trying to figure out if you got a S70 from the 19XX years, or if this is one of the 2000+ guns.

I have not ran the serial number yet, but the guy I bought it from said he believed it was made in 2000+

Nice one sir

Go for it. Looks like its in great shape