Jim Boland Custom Colt Model MKIV Series 70 Government 1911A1, Hard Chrome 4” SA Semi-Automatic Pistol & Accessories, MFD 1980
Sold For: $3,005.00
LSB#: 160611PR01
Make: Colt
Model: This pistol started out as a Colt 70 Series 1911-A1 Government Model and has been heavily customized by Jim Boland.
Serial Number: 53803B70
Year of Manufacture: 1979-81 (B70 Suffix)
Caliber: .45 A.C.P.
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S MKIV/SERIES ‘70 / GOVERNMENT MODEL / 45 AUTOMATIC CALIBER” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “U” and at the rear with a “VP” in a triangle, while the right front of the trigger guard is marked “O”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “53803B70”. The inside surfaces of the grips are marked “PAUL ROSS”. The sides of the ambidextrous safety are marked “A.D. SWENSON / FALLBROOK, CALIF.”.
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 4”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall blade with a slightly ramped and serrated rear face that is mounted in a fore-aft slot at the front of the thin rib on the slide. The sight is secured with a set screw. The rear sight is a Smith & Wesson square notched leaf in a micrometer-click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation and is slotted onto the rib on top of the slide. The rib on the slide and the front sight base are serrated to reduce glare and look to be grafted off of a S&W semi-automatic pistol (we are unsure of the model).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth walnut that have been refinished with a lacquer finish. The front top edges of the grips reach to the bottom of the slide and cover the slide release and the bottom part of the ambidextrous safety. There are two tiny dings in the center of the left grip, a ding near the center of the right grip and a few more dings in front of the grip screw in the right grip. There is also a small tool mark at the bottom edge of the upper grip screw hole in the right grip. The grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: The pistol has a hard chrome finish. The rib on the slide and the sights are blued and the trigger is black anodized. The mainspring housing, front strap and the squared-off front of the trigger guard are finely checkered.
Finish Originality: The finish is as applied by Boland after modifications he made to the slide and frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its current finish. There are a few light handling marks on the left side of the slide, the top shoulders of the slide, the left side of the frame in front of the slide release and at the top of the front strap above the checkering. There is also a tiny ding on the left side of the frame just above the knurling in the front strap. The serrations on the slide, safety and hammer, and the knurling on the front strap, mainspring housing, trigger guard and magazine release are sharp. There are some finishing marks that are hidden by the left grip panel, as photographed. The right upper grip screw is disfigured, but the others are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition as professionally refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide travel is smooth and the trigger breaks at 3lbs. 10 oz. with a slight amount of creep. The slide is tight to the frame. The slide and barrel have been cut to achieve a barrel length of 4”, the port opening was enlarged to enhance ejection, the front of the trigger guard was ground flat and finely checkered, both the front strap and mainspring housing are finely checkered. An ambidextrous safety from A. D. Swenson, another noted gunsmith, was also added. The outside edge of the slide release was ground off so it would fit under the left grip panel, two custom made links were installed so the slide release can be operated by pushing down on the ambidextrous safety, truly a unique design! We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a blued 7 round magazine with a thick rubber bumper bad, a soft case and accessories. The spine of the magazine is marked “PDR” and “9-7”. The magazine shows light wear and is in about Fine condition. The case is a russet colored faux suede on the outside, a faux lambs wool on the inside and has a heavy brass zipper. The outside of the case shows a sharp imprint near the back edge on one side and the inside shows oil staining around the front of the slide. The case is in about Fine condition. The accessories include a tube with two firing pins, a hard chromed extractor and a small pin. The accessories are in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Series 70 Government Model pistol that has been heavily customized by Jim Boland, who was an innovative and renowned gunsmith of the 1980’s who worked out of the San Fernando Valley in California. The barrel and front of the slide cut-off have been shortened to 4”, the ejection port opening was enlarged and beveled at the rear. The mainspring housing, front strap and front of the trigger guard, which was cut flat, were all finely checkered for a positive gripping surface. An extended ambidextrous A.D. Swenson thumb safety (called “gas pedals”) was added in conjunction with two hand-made links that allow the slide to be released by pushing down on the safety; THIS is a real game changer, as most of us don’t have thumbs like an orangutan, forcing us to change our grip to reach the slide release on a stock Colt, but with this modification, your grip never has to change. After all of this extensive work was done, the pistol was given a hard chrome finish, which is one of the toughest finishes one could ever apply to their firearm. The pistol is in about Excellent condition with about 97% of its current finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. With its short 4” barrel and hard chrome finish, this pistol is perfect for concealed carry and home protection. The pistol isn’t too big to carry and its finish should last for decades. The .45 ACP chambering will provide plenty of knock-down power, the adjustable Smith & Wesson rear sight and positive gripping surfaces should help keep your shots in the X ring.
