COLT MK IV SERIES 80 COMBAT ELITE
Posted Jun 16, 2023
The Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite is one of the most popular pistols in the world. It has been a staple of the US Armed Forces for decades and is now available to the civilian market. This high-end pistol is reliable, accurate, and comes with all the features that make it an ideal choice for self-defense.
The Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP and has a magazine capacity of seven rounds. The pistol features a slide-mounted manual safety lever, an extended beavertail grip safety, a steel frame with an accessory rail, and a stainless steel barrel. The overall size and weight are manageable (8.6” total length, 33oz total weight) making it great for all-day carry. The trigger is one of the gun’s most unique features and utilizes a Series 80 firing pin safety and a three-position frame mounted safety. The trigger is solid and crisp with a good reset and is adjustable with an allen wrench.
The slide on the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite is made of stainless steel and features fluting on the sides to reduce overall weight. The slide has also been engineered to provide a tighter slide-to-frame fit than its predecessors resulting in enhanced accuracy. The barrel is also stainless steel and has a 1 in 16” twist rate which is great for .45 ACP as it keeps accuracy tight and recoil manageable. Lastly, the gun has an accessory rail built into its frame for mounting lights and lasers.
In terms of performance, the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite lives up to its reputation. It is a reliable and accurate pistol that can be trusted in any situation. The recoil is well-managed and does not affect accuracy when shooting accurate follow up shots. The trigger is crisp and light with no creep or slack before breaking. With the adjustable trigger, the trigger pull can be adapted to the individual shooter’s preference. The grips are comfortable and provide a sure grip for fast follow up shots as well as stability during recoil. The magazine capacity is seven rounds, giving the gun a good balance between firepower and concealability.
Overall, the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite is an outstanding pistol. It is reliable and accurate with a great trigger, comfortable grips, and plenty of features. It is great for self-defense, home defense, or just for target shooting. The gun is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-end semi-automatic pistol.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Compact size and light weight for easy concealment and comfortable carrying
-High-quality construction that is designed for accuracy and reliability
-The thumb safety provides an extra level of security
-Contains a firm grip to allow for better aiming and recoil control
-Integrated muzzle compensator reduces felt recoil and muzzle climb
Cons:
-Expensive due to the high-quality construction and increased accuracy
-Cannot be easily modified to add accessories
-The lack of a manual decocker can be a safety concern due to its reliance on the plastic grip safety for releasing the hammer
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is legally allowed to own and use a firearm should be able to buy a Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite. However, it is important to note that this is a powerful weapon, and that anyone wishing to purchase it should take proper measures to ensure that it is used safely and responsibly. Those who do not possess the knowledge or proper training for handling a pistol should not buy the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite.
Comparisons
| COLT MK IV SERIES 80 COMBAT ELITE | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol | Semi-automatic pistol | Semi-automatic pistol | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 5” | 5” | 4.6” | 16.5” |
| Overall Length | 8.5” | 8.9” | 8.7” | 32.5” |
| Operating System | Single action | Single action | Single action | Gas-operated |
| Mag Capacity | 8 rounds | 8 rounds | 8 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Weight | 39 oz | 41 oz | 43.5 oz | 7.8 lbs |
Features / Specs
-Caliber: .45 ACP
-Capacity: 7+1
-Action: Single Action
-Slide Material: Alloy Steel
-Frame Material: Alloy Steel
-Barrel Length: 5"
-Finish: Blue
-Grips: Rosewood
-Sights: Novak 3-Dot
-Weight: 38 oz.
-Length: 8.5"
-Height: 5.5"
Popular Accessories
- Magazines - Magazines for the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite usually come in either 7-round or 8-round varieties.
- Grips - Grips for the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite are available in a variety of materials and styles to suit the user's preferences.
- Sights - Sights for the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite come in a variety of aftermarket offerings, including fiber optics, reflex, and night sights.
- Holsters - A wide variety of holsters are available for the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite, ranging from belt holsters to inside the waistband holsters to shoulder holsters.
- Slings - A wide variety of slings are available for the Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite, ranging from single-point to multi-point slings.
Accuracy
The COLT MK IV SERIES 80 COMBAT ELITE is a reliable and accurate handgun that has served many shooters in various levels of competition. In terms of accuracy, the COLT MK IV SERIES 80 COMBAT ELITE is extremely accurate and consistent. With quality ammo, it has been said to produce groups of up to 2”-3” at 25 yards in the hands of experienced shooters. With care and attention to detail, the gun can also be surprisingly accurate at much longer distances. With a properly set up trigger, the COMBAT ELITE has the potential to produce groups of up to 5”-6” at 50 yards. In addition, with the right eye and arm coordination many shooter have been able to hit steel at 100 yards. Many serious competitors have graced the stage of IPSC shooting using the Colt Combat Elite, proving it's accuracy.
