9x23 Colt Mark IV

[LawRand]

I have been reading Paul's posts regarding the 9x23. Coincidentally, a client just called and offered me a Colt Government, Mark IV, 80 series 9x23 handgun. He thinks it is commander size.

I have the Serial Number and he said the model # is 01923E.

Anyone know about this gun? Price range? Anywhere I can find the year of manufacture by the serial number? Anyone know what that model number means? It is different from what he gave me as the serial number.

Thanks

[yotecaller]

LawRand I don't think Colt made a 9x23 in a Commander sized pistol.I believe it would be in the Government size.There are not alot of factory Colts in 9x23.If I found one around here I would buy it in a minute.I can't help you on the year it was made.

[Jim Watson]

Colt did not, to the best of my knowledge, make 9x23 Commanders, only Government Models.

The model number is an arbitrary factory designation that has nothing to do with the individual gun's serial number. You know, like Glock 39.

I have heard that Colt will tell you the year made if you phone, but no other information; for that you have to pay a good deal of money for a factory letter. Tel: 1-800-962-COLT

It is a fine gun in a powerful calibre. Be sure you know what you are going to do for ammunition before you buy. Cheaper Than Dirt has it, $14.60 for WWB, $25.58 for Silvertip, boxes of 50.

[pangris]

Depending on who you believe...

Colt made 1000-1500 9x23s in Govt size. Not all of them were delivered - some got parted out.

The 9x23 Colts are supposed to be decent guns but IIRC they aren't perfect... but neither is the Springer 9x23... but they're both pretty good.

Factory 9x23 accuracy is hit and miss - usually the barrels are reamed 38 supers. Sometimes it works great, sometimes not. My 9x23 springer is pretty good for a mil spec gun.

Basically, if you buy a 9x23 Colt -

Do NOT pay a premium unless you are a Colt nut/collector.

Be prepared to get so-so accuracy... but no fear, you can always get any number of top flight barrels put in there that will fix the problem right up... It is only money and you only live once...

Finally, if you decide NOT to buy it, and they don't think it is made of gold, you know who to e-mail or call ;) My arm would barely have to be twisted at all!

Paul

[Brian Dover]

I have one of these Model #01923E's. Bought it second hand, ANIB condition, late last year.

It came with one of those plastic guide rods, and the dual recoil spring setup, ala the way that Delta Elites were equipped from the factory. It was throwing the factory brass out into next week, so I ditched the guide rod for a steel OEM part, and went to a single recoil spring. With a shock buff, the 20 pounder is okay, but if I were to carry this gun (ya never know!) I'd run a 22#er and no buff.

The accuracy with both Winchester factory loads is pretty decent in this gun. And they're both running at just a skosh over 1500 fps.

Reckon I'll fire this gun sparingly, and take it to a good gunshow from time to time to see whether it appreciates in value enough to sell off.