My guess would be different years of manufacturing. It seems Colt from time to time makes a few minute changes year to year as in this case a slightly different rollmark but both guns are basically the same. Pick the one that visually pleases you the most. Good luck.

 

The difference is 40+ years

 

Both guns are NIB in the blue plastic box with the cable lock. I didn't think Colt has been putting the lock in the boxes 40+ years.

 

And don't you think someone can take a 40+ year old Colt and put it into a new production case with lock...!?

Even if the 40+ is LNIB...the original box was either tossed (most likely), in bad shape, or kept for re-sale (possible)...period boxes are worth a lot of $$$...even if the end tag isn't the correct serial # for the person buying it.

Just my 2 cents...

Hope you enjoy either one you pick...

 

Those two pistols are not 40 years apart. Both are newer production. Check out the sights and triggers on both. Even though the second one has the older style rollmark it's smaller than a vintage ones. Here's a pic of a 40+ year (1978) Colt MKIV/ Series 70 Gold Cup National Match.

 

Both depicted pistols are newer production pistols.

The early NM and CGNM have "kidney" triggers, Eliason rear sight, and some internal parts unique to the early NM pistols. The early NM and GCNM pistols also have lightened slides in them to facilitate the reliable function with 185 grain SWC target rounds.

 

What ever the hype of the Series 70 over the Series 80, it was enough for Colt to bring back the Series 70.

Bob

 

I like the second one, But the pic is not that clear, In my opinion roll mark on 1st one is too deep pushing metal up around the edges

 

There's nothing inherently wrong with the Series 80...you can get an equally good a trigger but it does take a little extra effort to do so. The Series 70 is simpler though and that's enough in the minds of many to consider it better.

 

I think they are both the new GCNM MkIV Series 70. I bought my 45ACP in 2015 which is the year I think the "new ones" came out. Then when I bought my 9mm in 2017 it did sort of irk me that the roll mark was not as nice and it did not identify the caliber a 9mm.



On another forum in about 2017 or so a fellow mentioned he bought a new one in 45ACP and it had the new roll mark with no third line identifying caliber and it only came with one magazine which was an 8 round in the pistol. My 2015 had two magazines; one 8 round and one 7 round. My 2017 which I bought new in Nov. 2017 from a LGS did have two 9mm mags but they were both SS. I think it was about Nov 2017 that Colt decided to only put one mag in with a new pistol. I do not know when they went to the newer not as nice roll mark though. Maybe about 2017 also.

A little off thread but below my 1979 GCNM MkIV Series 70 I bought new in 79 compared to my 2015 I bought new that year.

 

They’re both recent production guns (3 hole triggers and dovetailed sights). One might be a better shooter than the other like any pair of guns will be. Pick the one you think is nicer.