Colt 1911 Government .38 Super 5″ Stainless
About this product
The Colt 1911 Government .38 Super 5" Stainless is a full-size pistol chambered in .38 Super Auto with National Match barrel and Series 70 firing system. This model maintains the classic 1911 design while offering improved corrosion resistance through its stainless steel construction and enhanced accuracy potential from its match-grade components. Built on a steel frame with traditional controls, it represents Colt's commitment to heritage firearms with modern material advantages.
What is the Colt 1911 Government .38 Super used for?
This Colt 1911 is primarily designed for target shooting, competition use, and collectors who appreciate classic firearms with modern reliability. The National Match barrel provides consistent accuracy for range sessions, while the .38 Super chambering delivers flatter trajectory than .45 ACP with manageable recoil. The stainless construction ensures durability for frequent use without sacrificing the traditional 1911 aesthetic that appeals to enthusiasts.
How does the Colt 1911 Government .38 Super compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Colt 1911 pistol offers semi-automatic handgun functionality while the Stevens 334 provides bolt-action rifle performance chambered in calibers like .308 Win and .243 Win. The 1911 delivers faster follow-up shots with its 9-round magazine capacity compared to the Stevens' typically 4-round internal magazine, but the rifle achieves superior long-range accuracy beyond 100 yards due to its 20-inch barrel length and rifle cartridge ballistics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This Government model weighs 39 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 8.5 inches and height of 5.5 inches including magazine. The 5-inch National Match barrel provides optimal sight radius for precision shooting while maintaining the classic 1911 profile that fits standard holsters. The steel frame contributes significantly to the weight, providing stability that helps manage the .38 Super's brisk recoil impulse during rapid fire.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not ideal for concealed carry due to its 8.5-inch length and 39-ounce weight making concealment challenging. New shooters may find the .38 Super ammunition more expensive and less available than 9mm Luger, costing approximately 50% more per round for practice ammunition. Those seeking modern features like accessory rails or optics-ready slides should consider updated 1911 platforms rather than this traditional configuration.
What's in the box?
The package includes one 9-round stainless steel magazine, firearm lock, and owner's manual as standard from Colt. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory includes no additional accessories, requiring separate purchase of cleaning kits and additional magazines. The pistol ships in a standard cardboard box with foam insert, lacking the hardened plastic cases provided with many modern firearms in this price range.
Is the Colt 1911 Government .38 Super worth it at $1033.99?
At $1033.99, this Colt represents fair value for collectors and 1911 enthusiasts seeking authentic Series 70 performance in stainless configuration. The National Match barrel and proper fitting justify approximately $200 premium over basic 1911 models, while the stainless construction adds another $150 value compared to blued alternatives. For competition shooters considering this platform, the investment aligns with entry-level custom 1911 pricing without the wait time.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- National Match barrel provides 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards - 40% improvement over standard GI barrels
- Stainless steel construction withstands 500+ round range sessions without corrosion issues
- Series 70 firing system delivers 4.5-pound trigger pull with minimal creep for precision shooting
Trade-offs
- Single 9-round magazine included - additional Colt magazines cost $45 each
- Fixed white-dot sights lack night visibility - Tritium upgrade costs $180 installed
- .38 Super ammunition costs $0.60/round versus $0.30 for 9mm Luger practice ammo
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289112248 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1911C-SS38 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| capacity | 9+1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 8.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| model | 1911 Government |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.5 |
| sights | 2-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, the Colt 1911 Government .38 Super uses standard 1911 dimensions measuring 8.5 inches long and 5.5 inches high, fitting most holsters designed for full-size 1911 pistols. The stainless finish may require break-in time with leather holsters but works immediately with Kydex or polymer designs from brands like Safariland and Galco.
- Does this work with .38 Super Comp ammunition?
- The pistol reliably feeds .38 Super Auto ammunition but may experience occasional failures with .38 Super Comp due to slight rim differences in the cartridge design. Colt recommends sticking with SAAMI-spec .38 Super ammunition from major manufacturers like Federal, Remington, or Winchester for optimal reliability in the Series 70 feeding system.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days with transit times averaging 5-7 days via FedEx or UPS to your selected FFL dealer. The total process from order to dealer receipt typically completes within 10 business days for continental US destinations, excluding state-specific waiting periods that may add additional time.
- Can I use 9mm Luger in this firearm?
- No, the chamber and barrel are specifically engineered for .38 Super Auto cartridge dimensions which are not compatible with 9mm Luger ammunition. Attempting to fire 9mm in this pistol could cause dangerous pressure issues and feeding failures, potentially damaging the firearm and causing injury. Always use only .38 Super ammunition as marked on the barrel.