Colt MK IV/Series 70 Government Model SM-Prefix Limited-Production .45 ACP, 5-Inch Blued (1979)
This 1979 Colt MK IV/Series 70 Government Model comes from the rare SM-prefix frame run of roughly 3,000 pistols. Built on Ace-marked frames for a single year, it offers the classic Series 70 features—most notably the collet barrel bushing—while standing apart in Colt’s serial chronology. Collectors value this crossover build for its scarcity, documented production history, and authentic period configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling – Sharp lands and grooves.
What’s Included
- Colt MK IV/Series 70 Government Model SM-prefix pistol
- One 7-round steel single-stack magazine
The SM-prefix serial block links this .45 ACP Government Model to frames originally earmarked for the .22 LR Ace line, creating a distinctive crossover that appears only in 1979 Colt production records. Fewer than 3,000 examples were completed, making surviving specimens notably scarce.
True to late-Series 70 configuration, the pistol retains its collet-style barrel bushing, a feature discontinued in 1988. The original 5-inch carbon-steel barrel sits flush with the standard bushing, preserving the correct factory profile.
The blued carbon-steel slide carries vertical 27 lpi rear serrations and commercial roll marks with the apostrophized “COLT’S” styling of the era. A V inspection stamp above the right trigger-guard web remains crisp.
Standard Government Model controls are present, including a spur hammer, short solid trigger, thumb safety, and grip safety. Checkered walnut grips with flush gold Colt medallions and an arched, serrated mainspring housing complete the factory configuration.