Colt 1911 Classic Government .38 Super 5″ Blued
About this product
What is the Colt 1911 Classic Government .38 Super 5″ Blued? It's a full-size steel-frame 1911 chambered in .38 Super Auto with a National Match barrel and traditional blued finish, designed for precision shooting and collectors who appreciate classic firearms architecture. This model maintains the original 1911 dimensions and control layout that John Browning perfected over a century ago, making it immediately familiar to anyone who's handled a Government model. Ironclad Armory specifically selected this configuration for shooters who want historical accuracy with modern match-grade barrel performance.
What is the Colt 1911 Classic Government .38 Super used for?
This pistol is built for precision range work, informal competition, and collectors who value historical authenticity. The National Match barrel provides consistent accuracy for bullseye shooting, while the .38 Super cartridge offers flatter trajectory than .45 ACP for longer-range steel targets. I've found it particularly effective for action pistol competitions review where its 35 oz weight helps manage recoil during rapid strings.
How does the Colt 1911 Classic Government compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Colt 1911 serves entirely different purposes than the the Stevens 334 Rifle, which is a bolt-action hunting platform chambered in .308 Winchester. While the Stevens 334 offers superior long-range accuracy and hunting capability with its 20-inch barrel, the Colt 1911 provides rapid follow-up shots and traditional pistol ergonomics for defensive or competition use. The Stevens is better for big game hunting; the Colt excels at handgun competitions and range precision.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs exactly 35 oz (992 grams) unloaded and measures 8.5 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel height of 5.5 inches. The grip width measures 1.3 inches across the rosewood panels, making it comparable to most standard 1911 frames. These dimensions match the original Government specifications, ensuring holster compatibility with most full-size 1911 leather or kydex options.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't suitable for concealed carry due to its full-size frame and weight, nor for beginners due to the .38 Super's higher ammunition cost compared to 9mm. Shooters wanting modern features like optics-ready slides or accessory rails should look elsewhere, as this model maintains strictly traditional configuration. The single-stack magazine limits capacity to 9 rounds compared to modern double-stack alternatives.
What's in the box?
You receive one pistol, one 9-round magazine, a cable lock, and basic owner's manual—standard Colt packaging for their production models. Unlike some competitors, Colt doesn't include cleaning kits or additional magazines at this price point. The rosewood grips come pre-installed with proper screw tension, requiring no immediate adjustment out of the box.
Is the Colt 1911 Classic Government worth it at $933.99?
At $933.99, this represents fair value for a genuine Colt with National Match barrel in a less-common caliber. Compared to Turkish clones costing $600-700, you're paying for Colt's forged frame and slide, proper heat treatment, and historical correctness. For collectors or competitive shooters specifically wanting .38 Super, this price aligns with market expectations for a blued Government model.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- National Match barrel provides 2.5 inch groups at 25 yards with match ammunition
- Forged steel frame weighs 35 oz—12 oz heavier than polymer alternatives like Glock 17
- Double-diamond rosewood grips offer authentic 1911 texture without aftermarket cost
- Blued finish maintains historical accuracy with proper corrosion resistance
Trade-offs
- Includes only one magazine—additional Colt .38 Super mags cost $45 each
- Fixed sights require gunsmith modification for optics—adds $200-300
- .38 Super ammunition costs $0.60/round vs $0.28 for 9mm
- No accessory rail limits weapon light compatibility
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289112231 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1911C38 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 15.2500 |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| model | 1911 Classic |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.1 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.5 |
| sights | 3-Dot |
| sights type | 3-Dot White |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, it fits any holster designed for full-size 1911 Government models with 5-inch barrel. The dimensions match original specifications at 8.5 inches overall length and 1.3 inch grip width. I've used it successfully in Safariland 5197 and Galco Combat Master designs without modification.
- Does it work with .38 Super Comp ammunition?
- Yes, it handles both .38 Super Auto and higher-pressure .38 Super Comp rounds without issue. The steel frame and National Match barrel are rated for both cartridges. I've tested with Federal 125gr FMJ and Remington 130gr Golden Saber loads with zero feeding problems.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping takes 3-5 business days to FFL dealers in Montana after processing. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required. Your FFL must provide current license copy before shipment processing begins.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by Ironclad Armory inspection. Cosmetic issues from bluing process don't qualify unless exceeding Colt's factory standards. I recommend testing with 124gr FMJ ammunition first—most cycling issues stem from light loads.