Colt National Match Pre-Series 70 .45 ACP, 5-inch, Blued, 1976 — 1911 Government Model
This Pre-Series 70 Colt National Match is a full-size, USA-made 1911 in .45 ACP with a 5-inch National Match barrel and factory target features. It carries the NM-suffix serial style associated with this model and era, a flat-topped, longitudinally serrated slide rib, and adjustable target sights. Thoughtful upgrades include a flared magazine-well funnel and plain checkered wood grips without Colt medallions, complementing its match-focused design.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor and superficial scratches and blemishes are present from prior handling.
What’s Included
- Soft case
- 1x 7-round steel 1911-pattern magazine
- Flared magazine-well funnel (installed)
Built on the classic Government Model platform, this National Match pairs a blued steel frame and slide with a 5-inch National Match barrel. The barrel hood is marked 'COLT .45 AUTO. N.M.', and the slide is marked 'National Match Colt Automatic Caliber .45', reinforcing its match pedigree.
The slide features a flat-topped, longitudinally serrated rib set up with an Eliason-style adjustable rear sight and a staked Patridge front sight.
Controls and internals reflect its single-action-only 1911 design, including a manual thumb safety, grip safety, and inertial firing pin. A wide, lightened three-hole aluminum target trigger underscores the model’s competition orientation, while the arched, checkered mainspring housing provides a classic 1911 grip profile.
This example includes practical enhancements: a flared magazine-well funnel to aid reloads and plain, double-diamond checkered wood grips without Colt medallions. Capacity is 7+1, and the pistol retains its blued finish over steel construction. The NM-suffix serial style aligns with the noted Pre-Series 70 configuration, and the pistol was manufactured in 1976.