Help identify this Colt 1911

[cams_89]

I've got my buddy's Colt which his uncle gave to him. He's not much of a gun enthusiast so he wanted me to check it out and see what it was worth, etc. Did a couple of searches for the S/N but had no luck. I'm not too sure what to search for though.

Here's a little info... 1. It doesn't have the original slide. It has a "Clark Long Heavy Slide." 2. The S/N starts with 70S, does that make it a 70's model? 3. On the right side there is a M stamped close to the trigger, the left side has a 6.

Any input? Bad pics I know

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q274/Cams_89/100_0908.jpg
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q274/Cams_89/100_0909.jpg

[Chief-7700]

http://www.proofhouse.com/
The above site will help with the serial number.
Chief

[James K]

It is/was what Colt calls a 70 series, meaning that originally it may have had a collet type barrel bushing (probably gone now) and did NOT have the firing pin block of the Series 80. The gun looks near new and with that long slide, a retail value in the $1500 range would seem reasonable, but the market may be limited.

Jim

[comn-cents]

What caliber is it?

[cams_89]

.45 acp, Jim when would have this gun been made? I tried to look up the S/N using the site posted above. But found nothing that started with 70S just 70G.

[kraigwy]

I believe your 70G model series 70 colts were made in the mid 70s, or at least thats when my Series 70 Gold Cup was made. I cant remember exactly but I think I bought new between 1976-8.

I replaced the callet bushing and fitted a match one to the barrel, I have been shooting it in Bullseye Matches since I got it. It still shoots great.

In my opinion the Series 70 45s were the best semi autos made. I know its the best one I've ever shot.

[cams_89]

This is a 70S. Someone told me this... 1911 model serial numbers 70S0001 thru 70S20201 relate to .38 Caliber Commercial pistols manufactured between 1972 and 1977. But it looks to have the factory mag with it because the mag is stamped M as well. So I don't think it is a Clark conversion.

[Jim Watson]

If you call Colt and provide the full serial number, they will tell you the year made, but nothing else unless you pay for a factory letter. Which would be useless on a gun this heavily gunsmithed. It is a fine example of a Clark Long Heavy Slide .45. I don't know all the serial number games, but if it was converted from .38 to .45, that is unusual. Colt was not real careful with numbering in those days. I have an ACE numbered like a centerfire, bought new by me, not a conversion.

It is set up for semiwadcutter target loads and should not be shot with hardball or other full power ammunition.

1-800-962-COLT

[Archie]

Look at the bottom of the slide near the rear over the firing pin tunnel.

Check and see if there is a stamp or identification device stamp there.

[Casimer]

That's a Bullseye pistol, most likely built by Clark Custom Guns, and perhaps by Jim Clark himself - http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/bullcon.htm#heavy

I think that Clark's maintains a registry of their guns, so you could call them to get some more information.

[Slopemeno]

Yep- that's Clark's "Tiger Tooth" front strap treatment.

[B.N.Real]

Price of your gun just doubled.:D

[cams_89]

Archie I checked the bottom of the slide, it's stamped 192.

Looking back I should've bought it for $300 from my buddy, he offered. Damn my conscience! I'm calling Clark soon to see if they can dig up some paperwork on it. I appreciate the help guys, keep it coming. Updates will come when I find out more.