1911 Colt MK IV Series 70 Government Model in .22LR

Question: I have an old Colt 1911 with the serial number 26776XXX and an arched mainspring housing and a floating chamber. The pistol is reliable and accurate.

As you can see in the pictures, the box label says it is a conversion unit, but the box interior shows a complete-­gun cutout, not just a conversion unit. I am curious as to how common it is to see the pistol and conversion unit sold together. And, of course, it's worth. I paid $600 for it years ago.

-R.J. via email

Answer: Based on your 1911’s serial number, the frame is a MK IV Series 70 Government Model manufactured in 1977 — undoubtedly in .45 ACP. The 03150 .22 conversion unit was sold separately. An extended beavertail safety has been added to the pistol. It also appears some triggerwork was done. It’s tough to figure a value on this one without seeing it, but I’ll take a chance and say it's worth in the $800 to $1,100 range. Too bad you don’t have the original slide!

-Garry James