[Nestor]

There is a pistol I may be interested in. Made in 1985 still with the original owner. Colt Combat Government MKIV Series 80. Any idea about Colt's quality back then? Thanks

[DLEE25]

Im pretty sure you have a decent quality gun if it was made in the mid 80's. My only gripe with Colt was with their "enhanced" series of the late 80's and early 90's. I bought one and the fitting was horrible. I didn't buy another one until the mid 90's and it is an excellent quality gun. Incidentally, that is the same period Colt came out with one of my least favorite guns ever, the Double Eagle.

[ratf51]

I have a Combat Commander MKIV from 1984. I have no complaints re: build quality. The trigger on my pistol is quite nice and it is a Series 80. It is also my current EDC piece.

[bac1023]

Better than the 90's as far as I know.

Not as good as today though.

[Oro]

That gun in particular had extra effort put into it, it should shoot quite well. I've had overall about four guns made within a few years of that date (+/- 2 years) and all were excellent. I'd love to have a Combat Government model. It's next evolution, the "Combat Elite" is my nightstand gun, a 1986 model, bone stock. An '83/4/5 Combat Government is on my "want" short list.

[Nestor]

Thanks Guys, but I'll pass this time. The guy is trying to sell half of his wardrobe with the gun and his answer to my kind suggestion of an offer for the gun only, scared the crap out of me. I may buy a new Colt next year.

[ratf51]

Originally Posted by Nestor

Thanks Guys, but I'll pass this time. The guy is trying to sell half of his wardrobe with the gun and his answer to my kind suggestion of an offer for the gun only, scared the crap out of me. I may buy a new Colt next year.

His wardrobe? As in clothes?

[Nestor]

Originally Posted by ratf51

His wardrobe? As in clothes?

Are You looking for something specific
Ok, seriously now...some belts in rather exotic size, holsters, magazine pouches, there was some clothing on the list as well, small parts and such...but I stopped in the middle of that list.
I really wanted to buy the gun.
No biggie.

[ratf51]

Originally Posted by Nestor

Are You looking for something specific

Thousands of comedians out of work and here you are, trying to be funny!

[fnfalman]

I don't think much of Colt products in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.

I'd buy one if the price is right because I'd have to think about simple gunsmithing costs to make it run right. I was in Albuquerque a few months ago and there was an MKIV .38 Super that a local shop wanted $939 for. No boxes, no nothing. I asked them if I could disassemble the gun, they said yes so I did and started showing them all sorts of eyesore machining marks, and how rough the slide was fitted to the frame. Hell, when you work the slide, it felt like you were grinding rice or something.

I told them that if they were to halve the price, I might consider it. They said it's a "Colt" and therefore it's worth a lot. Ooookay...

For their asking price, you can get a brand stanking new Government model PLUS a bunch of mags and maybe even a box or two of ammo. AND a much better made gun.

[Nestor]

Maybe it's better that way, plus I really don't need this pipeline...sorry, I mean the belt.

[Green Dragoon]

I still have my 1985 Combat Govt. Not many of these were made. It still stands as the biggest piece of junk in the shape of a 1911, that I ever bought.

I put myself through college as an armored car driver. I bought this paper weight to replace my S&W 586. The thing wouldn't feed hardball!!!!!!

Bad feedramp angle, bad throating...everything. I remember vividly that Colt said "we can take it in and look at it in three months".

[rock185]

i wouldn't feel too bad about passing on that model Colt. I had one of the '70 Series Combat Governments that came out just prior to the '80 Series introduction. Mine was similar to Green Dragoon's. It was Never reliable. I was completely underwhelmed by that example of Colt quality... ymmv