Need help identifying this Colt 1911.

[dcortez82]

I am new to the community and wanted to see if I could get some help identifying this Colt 1911 Government Mark 4 Series 70. I wanted to know more about such as production date, but when I check the serial number 0181WCB on Colt's website nothing comes up. Also, I'm no 1911 expert and picked up the gun NIB from the local gun store for $600. The only other information I can give is that I remember the price tag with the words WClapp or something like that. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[ugaarguy]

Based on the serial number ending in WCB you have a TALO Distributor's Inc. exclusive Colt Wiley Clapp Government Model, and 2012 was the first year this pistol was made. Getting it for $600 was a steal, because MSRP on it $1,559. Here's a link to Lipsey's, a TALO wholesaler, page on the Wiley Clapp GM - http://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=COO1911WC

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Check this website out:

http://www.sightm1911.com/1911Production.htm

According to it, the Series 70 1911's didn't have a serial number in that format. I found no reference to "WCB" on that page.

Maybe if you took a good picture of it, showing the serinal number and other stampings, and posted it here someone could help you. Just in case there's some confusion as to reading the serial number and such.

Here's what that site had to say about the serial numbers for the 1911's of that time:

During 1970 the change to the new series “70″ begins and serial numbers changed also.
S/N 70G01001 to 70G05550 – 1970 – 4550
S/N 70G05551 to 70G18000 – 1971 – 12,450
S/N 70G18001 to 70G34400 – 1972 – 16,400
S/N 70G34401 to 70G43000 – 1973 – 8600
S/N 70G43001 to 70G73000 – 1974 – 30,000
S/N 70G73001 to 70G88900 – 1975 – 15,900
S/N 70G88901 to 70G99999 – 1976 – 11,099

During 1976 a range change of serial number begins.
S/N 01001G70 to 13900G70 – 1976 – 12,900
S/N 13901G70 to 45199G70 – 1977 – 31,299
S/N 45200G70 to 89185G70 – 1978 – 43,986
S/N 89186G70 to 99999G70 – 1979 – 10,813

During 1979 a range change of serial numbers begins on March 20, 1979.
S/N 01000B70 to 30008B70 – 1979 – 29,008
S/N 30009B70 to 72989B70 – 1980 – 42,981
S/N 72990B70 to 99999B70 – 1981 – 27,009

During 1981 a range change of serial numbers begins on Oct. 17, 1981.
S/N 70B00001 to 70B11246 – 1981 – 11,246


There are some really knowledgable guys on this site who will be able to help you, so hang in there.


EDIT

Just found out that "WCB" was part of the serial number for "Wiley Clapp Edition" Colt 1911's.

I'll do some digging for you on this, but it should help you some.

EDIT #2
Looks like uaarguy beat me to it with his post.

 

[dcortez82]

Wow, I didn't know that. I was just browsing the gun store that day looking for a nice 1911. I don't know if I should feel bad for getting it that cheap... Do you guys know well this 1911 performs? Haven't had a chance to take it to the range. I wanted to use it as all around gun, but seeing the original msrp on it makes me feel like I need to display it or something. Also, do you know how many units they will produce of this model since it's limited edition?

Thanks again for all the info.

 

[dcortez82]

Here are the pictures you guys asked for.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Yeppers, that's a Wiley Clapp Edition.

Don't feel bad about getting a good deal. If the guy sold it for that price, then he felt he was getting a decent profit off of it...which means he obtained it for less.

The whole circle on the price may be due to ignorance on the part of the seller and the guy he got it from...but even so, they got what they felt were fair prices.

This usually falls under one of two categories:

1. They didn't know what they had.

2. They had something they just wanted to sell to get rid of.

So long as it's in good condition and shoots well, and YOU'RE happy with it, it's a good deal. An outstanding deal, in fact, given that it's a Wiley Clapp.

Now, get out there and get some range time in with it and let us know how it performs.

 

[bannockburn]

dcortez82

With a deal like that who needs to be an expert! The next thing you will want to do is buy some lottery tickets because you have something really good going on here. I mean you're looking for a M1911 at your local gunshop and you come across a new in the box limited edition Wiley Clapp Colt Government model that's actually less than what a RIA Match Target new in the box would cost.

That's amazing and definitely some phenomenal good luck at work here. My guess is they forgot to put the 1 in front of the 6 on the price tag.

I guess there are still a few hidden treasures out there after all. Congrats on finding one!

 

[cyclopsshooter]

Did Colt cease production of the commander variant?

 

[tarosean]

They didn't know what they had.

I'm guessing this... Course a colt for 600 is a good deal anyhow..

Did Colt cease production of the commander variant?

The WC was Talo and they don't sell the commander anymore. However , colt sells the
XSE in commander which is close.

 

[bannockburn]

I think the Wiley Capp Commander came out in 2011 with the Government Model following it last year. There's a Commander on Gunbroker with a starting bid of $1499 and a Buy Now price of $1699.

 

[dcortez82]

Ya, I must have had some luck. The store was pretty busy with everyone hounding the dealers for ARs and .223 ammo. Maybe a mix up happened? Oh well, I've never held a gun like this before. Very little squeeze and the trigger moves like butter with smooth hammer action. Not gonna lie, this is my first Colt ever and I love it. Though, I don't think I'm gonna baby it.

 

[ugaarguy]

Cyclopsshooter, Tarosean, The Wiley Clapp Commander was produced 2010-2012. The WC GM was added in 2012. To my knowledge TALO has not yet announced if they'll have Colt continue production of either model in 2013.

DCortez82, I'm glad you're not going to baby it. Wiley Clapp spec'd that pistol and its Commander brother as serious use carry guns. I'm glad we could help you ID it. Congrats on a great purchase, and welcome to THR!

 

[1911 guy]

For not being an expert, you came out farther ahead on that deal than I ever have! Good on ya'. And Ugaarguy is right. Wiley Clapp would not be very happy knowing these pistols were being babied or safe queens. I don't own one (yet) but am keeping an eye out.

 

[Auto426]

Some where out there in dcortez82's neck of the woods there is a really pi$$ed off gunshop owner. That was a hell of a deal.

My father did something similar a few years ago, only it was with a $900 stainless grill that a Lowes employee accidentally marked at $300. By Louisiana law they are required to sell at the marked price, no matter how much they don't want to.

 

[dcortez82]

Hey all, just wanted to throw in a little update. I went back to the gun store to pick some more cotton patches and ran into the guy who sold me the Colt. He recognized me and chuckled a bit after explaining to me that the Colt he sold me was suppose to be marked $1699 and they kinda caught on a little too late. He did offer to buy it back for what I paid for, but I think he was being sarcastic.

 

[Vartarg]

Willing to help....

If you start feeling bad about buying the WC 1911 at that price....just can't get over that "let down" feeling that you got a deal you didn't deserve.....let me know, and I'll take it off your hands for what you paid for it, along with all the guilt and sadness that goes with it!