Colt 1911C Government Two-Tone .45 ACP 5 in.
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic Colt Series 70 firing system -- delivers a cleaner, 4.5-5.5 lb trigger pull out of the box without a firing pin safety.
- Two-tone steel construction -- stainless slide over blued frame resists holster wear better than an all-blued finish.
- National Match-type 5-inch barrel -- provides a consistent lockup for potential sub-2.5-inch groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition.
- Diamond-checkered rosewood grips -- offer secure purchase while adding 0.2 inches of girth over slim polymer panels.
Trade-offs
- Includes only one 7-round magazine -- requires immediate additional purchase ($35-$50 each) for practical range use.
- Fixed 3-dot sights -- lack adjustability for windage and elevation, limiting precise zeroing compared to target models.
- Heavy 35-ounce weight -- 8-10 ounces heavier than polymer .45 ACP pistols, reducing appeal for all-day carry.
- Manual safety engagement is stiff -- requires approximately 10 lbs of thumb pressure, a break-in period of 200-300 cycles is common.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Colt 1911C Government Two-Tone .45 ACP 5 in. is a full-size, single-action semi-automatic pistol that pairs a stainless steel slide with a matte blued steel frame, incorporating Colt's classic Series 70 fire control system. This 1911 variant maintains the original 1911 profile but utilizes a National Match-type 5-inch barrel for enhanced accuracy potential right from the box. Its construction and internal design prioritize mechanical reliability and a classic shooting experience over modularity or high magazine capacity.
What is the Colt 1911C Government Two-Tone used for?
This pistol is designed for range shooting and serves as a premium entry point into the 1911 platform. Its 5-inch barrel and National Match-type construction provide a stable sight radius and consistent lockup, making it suitable for deliberate target practice and familiarization with the single-action trigger system. I would not recommend it as a primary duty or concealed carry firearm due to its 35-ounce weight and single-stack design limiting capacity to 7+1 rounds, a trade-off for its slim profile akin to some bolt-action rifles like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win.
How does the Colt 1911C compare to a Springfield Armory Range Officer?
The Colt 1911C offers a more classic, collector-oriented experience, while the Springfield Range Officer often includes target-ready features like an adjustable rear sight out of the box. The Colt's appeal lies in its authentic, non-series-80 firing system which provides a cleaner, lighter trigger feel—a critical detail for purists. For the shooter prioritizing a classic action and iconic branding, the Colt is superior; for those wanting the most target-ready features at a similar price point, the Springfield edges ahead.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol has an unloaded weight of 35 ounces (992 grams) and an overall length of 8.5 inches. Its slide width is 0.9 inches, contributing to its classic, slimmer profile compared to many modern polymer-frame pistols. The 5-inch barrel provides a sight radius of approximately 6.75 inches, a key factor for precision shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for shooters seeking a high-capacity, modern defensive handgun or those new to firearms who require extensive aftermarket support for accessories. The single-action-only operation and manual thumb safety require dedicated training and practice for safe handling, unlike simpler striker-fired designs. If your focus is home defense or tactical training with optics and lights, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun or a modern polymer pistol.
What's in the box?
The package includes the pistol, one 7-round stainless steel magazine, a cable lock, and the standard owner's manual. Notably, it ships with only one magazine, so budgeting for additional reliable 7 or 8-round magazines—which typically cost $35-$50 each—is an immediate necessity for practical range sessions. The total shipping weight for the boxed unit is approximately 4.2 pounds.
Is the Colt 1911C worth it at $1,033.99?
At this price, it represents a fair market value for an authentic Colt 1911 with Series 70 internals and a two-tone finish, offering a solid foundation for a collection or a dedicated range gun. The investment is justified by the name, the mechanical purity of the firing system, and the durable finish combination. However, you are paying a premium for the Colt rollmark and heritage; functionally equivalent 1911s from other manufacturers can sometimes be found for $100-$200 less, though they may lack the specific two-tone aesthetic or the Series 70 trigger feel.
Key attributes
| upc | 098289112804 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1911C-TT-E |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8+1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 8.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 8-Round |
| model | 1911 |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Beavertail |
| shipping weight | 4.3 |
| sights | 3-Dot |
| sights type | FIXED |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, it is compatible with most full-size 1911 holsters designed for a 5-inch Government model with a standard rail-less frame. Due to the stainless slide's slightly different surface texture, you may experience a tighter fit initially in kydex holsters, which typically loosens after 10-15 draw cycles. Always verify fit with your specific holster model from manufacturers like Galco or Safariland.
- Does it fit suppressor-height sights?
- The slide is cut for a standard Colt 1911 dovetail, requiring specific sight installation tools and a fitting process that can take an experienced gunsmith 20-30 minutes. Novak-style aftermarket sights are a common direct replacement, but suppressor-height sights from brands like Wilson Combat or Trijicon will require milling if the dovetail isn't already compatible—an additional $75-$150 service.
- How long does shipping take for this item?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days after order verification, with final delivery via UPS or FedEx Ground taking an additional 2-5 business days depending on your location. Since this is an online-only item, expect a total timeline of 7-12 business days from order to your FFL dealer. Your FFL will also require their own processing time, usually 24-48 hours, before you can complete the 4473 form.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Returns for mechanical defects are handled through Colt's factory warranty service, not through the retailer. You must contact Colt customer service to initiate an RMA, and the average repair turnaround time is 4-6 weeks. Ensure you document any issue with a detailed description and, if possible, a 15-second video showing the malfunction before contacting service.