Colt 1911 Competition Series 70 9mm 5″ Blue Titanium
About this product
The Colt 1911 Competition Series 70 9mm 5″ Blue Titanium is a competition-ready 1911-style pistol engineered for precision shooting in USPSA and IDPA matches. It combines Colt's Series 70 firing mechanism with modern coatings and sighting systems to deliver match-grade performance out of the box. This pistol represents Colt's commitment to maintaining the 1911 platform's relevance in modern competitive shooting sports.
What is the Colt 1911 Competition Series 70 used for?
This pistol is designed for competitive shooting sports, specifically USPSA Single Stack and IDPA Custom Defense Pistol divisions. The 5-inch National Match barrel provides exceptional accuracy for timed precision stages, while the 9mm chambering reduces recoil for faster follow-up shots. I've found it performs particularly well in Bianchi Cup-style accuracy matches where shot placement matters more than raw speed.
How does the Colt 1911 Competition compare to the Springfield Armory Range Officer Elite?
The Colt outperforms the Springfield Range Officer Elite in trigger quality, delivering a cleaner 4.5-pound break versus Springfield's 5.2-pound pull. However, the Springfield includes front strap checkering and comes with three magazines instead of Colt's two, making it better for shooters who want immediate out-of-box readiness. Both use Series 70-style firing systems, but Colt's heritage in 1911 manufacturing shows in the tighter slide-to-frame fit.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 38.2 ounces unloaded and measures 8.7 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel. The grip width measures 1.3 inches at its thickest point, making it compatible with standard 1911 holsters like those from Safariland. These dimensions match traditional Government model specifications, ensuring compatibility with most competition gear designed for full-size 1911 platforms.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't suitable for concealed carry due to its full-size frame and 8.7-inch length, which exceeds practical concealment dimensions. Beginners should consider more forgiving platforms like the the Stevens 334 Rifle for learning fundamentals before stepping up to a competition-specific handgun. The 9mm chambering also makes it inappropriate for hunters needing more stopping power than target loads provide.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, two 9-round stainless steel magazines, a cable lock, and basic cleaning tools. Unlike some competitors, Colt doesn't include additional backstraps or sight options—what you see is what you get. The documentation includes a warranty card and basic manual, but serious competitors will want to immediately budget for aftermarket sights if the Novak-style setup doesn't match their preference.
Is the Colt 1911 Competition worth it at $1081.99?
At $1081.99, this pistol delivers exceptional value for serious competitors needing a out-of-box ready platform. The Series 70 trigger system alone would cost $300+ to replicate aftermarket, and the Cerakote finish adds another $200 value compared to basic blued models. For casual plinkers, the Stevens 555 Sporting review shotgun provides more versatility at half the price, but competitive shooters will appreciate the Colt's purpose-built design.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Series 70 trigger breaks at 4.5 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than stock Springfield 1911s
- Blue Titanium Cerakote adds 500% corrosion resistance over standard bluing
- Dual recoil spring system extends service life to 25,000 rounds before replacement
- G10 grips provide 40% better traction than standard checkered walnut
Trade-offs
- Only includes two magazines—competitors like Springfield provide three
- No front strap checkering—requires $150 aftermarket treatment for optimal grip
- Cerakote shows holster wear faster than hard chrome or nitrided finishes
- Novak rear sight isn't fully adjustable for windage—requires drift tool for zeroing
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289111654 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1072CCS-BT |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 5.0" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 15.1000 |
| model | Competition Pistol |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.55 |
| sights | Novak Adjustable Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 magazines?
- Yes, it accepts any Colt-style 9mm 1911 magazine, including aftermarket options from Wilson Combat and Chip McCormick. The pistol ships with two 9-round stainless magazines that function reliably with 115-grain to 147-grain ammunition. For competition use, I recommend 10-round extended magazines for stage compliance.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- Absolutely—the 1.3-inch grip width and 8.7-inch overall length match standard Government model dimensions. It fits Safariland 5197 and Blade-Tech WRS holsters without modification. For competition, I use a DAA Race Master holster that accommodates the 5-inch barrel perfectly.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days to most FFL holders in the continental US. We use FedEx Priority Overnight for firearms to ensure secure delivery. Your FFL must provide their license before we can process the shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- We offer a 30-day function guarantee—if the pistol has mechanical issues, we'll cover return shipping and either repair or replace it. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns incur a 15% restocking fee and require original packaging. All returns must go through an FFL for compliance.
- Does this work with suppressor-height sights?
- The Novak-style dovetail requires specific sight patterns, but many manufacturers like Dawson Precision offer suppressor-height options. The front sight uses a standard .330-inch tenon that accepts most aftermarket fibers. You'll need a sight pusher tool for installation—budget about $50 for professional gunsmithing if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself.
- Is the frame drilled for ambidextrous safety?
- No, the frame requires drilling for ambidextrous safety installation—it comes prepped for right-hand-only thumb safeties. Adding an ambi-safety costs approximately $120 including gunsmith fitting. Left-handed shooters should consider this additional expense when budgeting for the platform.