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THE 1970S

The new “accurizer” barrel bushing system worked well, and in 1970, Colt brought it out as a standard item for its 1911 line. New nomenclature then became Colt’s Mk. IV / Series ’70. The collet-type bushings were used in the Government Model and Gold Cup National Match pistols. The Commander continued to use its original shortened solid bushing.

The next year, 1971, a Combat Commander was added to the Colt line. The same size as the original lightweight Commander, the pistol had a steel frame and weighed 33 ounces. 1971, the Centennial of the National Rifle Association, also saw a special Centennial Gold Cup made to commemorate the anniversary.

In 1973, things took a bad turn for Colt. A strike lasting from April through August took place. With Colt production curtailed for almost half a year, the “lookalike” Llama and Star pistols from Spain (modified copies of the 1911) got more attention. The Spanish pistols listed at ten to twenty dollars less than a Colt Government Model, which sold for $135.