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A friend pointed me in the right direction of a nice MKIV series 70 large letter Colt in 9mm. It is a full size 5 inch gun and I dont know what I should do with it. The barrel lock up is super tight, were talking like a custom fit tight. This gun also has a strange bushing, it has a collet barrel bushing.

There is blueing wear since its spent most of its life in a holster, I would venture to say there is less than a 100 rounds down the pipe. It is still in great shape and has cleans lines. The SN# starts is 70L055XX, can anyone help me with finding out when it was made and around about what its worth.

Thanks

P.S. Should I make this my new project for a retro build for my wife to play with, or keep it stock. I am not a collector, I am a shooter. I will take pictures in a week when my wife returns with the camera. Also, what needs to be done to make these reliable.

There was a time when you couldn't give away a 9mm 1911... it just wasn't a size efficient or very reliable package. The game of IDPA has brought it back into favor with those who shoot in the ESP class, raising the value somewhat.

It's not NIB so it's a perfect candidate for customization. Build it as a 9x23 and you have a real rocket. Keep the 9mm barrel for cheap practice, IDPA (if you shoot it) and sharing range time with the wife.

BTW... the s/n puts it around 1974-75 production.

Elliot-

You KNOW what you need to do!!! Customize IT! It'll make a great shooter. It'll be worth more after you send it to Ted and get a 1* package on it!

BTW...you're welcome on the find! I should've bought it myself.

Mark

P.S. have you called any Navy SEALs a girl lately???LOL

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I would also build a 9x23-9x19 switch barrel gun. That is a ton of fun!

_________________
"The most effective armor is to keep out of range"-Italian proverb

CHECK OUT MY CUSTOM 1911 BLOG
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Mark, first off that was an accident, I will shoot you if you tell him that.

I went down there yesterday, he has a 38 super but I think you saw that when you were there. It is a steel frame, not a light weight. I will try to call in a bit.

RW229- that was a plan I had as well, Mark and I were talking about making this a switch barrel gun. It would make a great games gun and a good CCW gun as well. Thanks for the date, I caould only find in the book the date code for 70G, I could not find 70L. Thanks for that, I do appreciate it. What does a gun like this go for when you can find them.

BTW, what is the deal with the collet bushing. That is very strange, anyone know the deal with that. If I have this thing done up by one of our great smiths is that something I should keep or switch out.

$750-850

_________________
"The most effective armor is to keep out of range"-Italian proverb

CHECK OUT MY CUSTOM 1911 BLOG
http://thearsenalofdemocracy.blogspot.com

The collet bushing was a '70 series "improvement" that gave a better fit than standard drop-in bushings of the day but has plenty of issues of its own. The fingers can break at opportune moments.

Definitely go with a true fitted bushing.

_________________
"The most effective armor is to keep out of range"-Italian proverb

CHECK OUT MY CUSTOM 1911 BLOG
http://thearsenalofdemocracy.blogspot.com

Thanks Mr. Lombardo, if there is anyone that knows the value of a Colt it is you. I wouldnt be suprised if you have that pony tattoed some where

Elliot- your safe bro, he'd laugh his butt off. After he made you pee your pants..LOL

I'm headed out to zero the 308 in the AM, wind permiting.

IM in bound.

Later
Mark

_________________
https://www.graffcustom.com/