Colt 1911 Competition .38 Super 5″ 9-Round G10
About this product
The Colt 1911 Competition .38 Super 5" 9-Round G10 is a purpose-built, full-size 1911 engineered for competitive shooting and high-precision work using the historic .38 Super Auto cartridge. This platform combines a Series 70 firing system for a clean trigger and a match-grade barrel with factory competition ergonomics. As a direct comparison, think of it as a modern iteration of the classic Government Model, but with critical upgrades for the control demanded by timed stages.
What is the Colt 1911 Competition .38 Super used for?
This pistol is built exclusively for USPSA Limited and Steel Challenge competition, where its .38 Super chambering provides a flat-shooting, high-velocity advantage for fast splits and transitions. The platform’s 8.5-inch overall length and 36-ounce weight provide the stability needed for precise shot plac ement on metric targets out to 25 yards, while the fiber optic front sight enables rapid sight alignment in variable light.
How does the Colt 1911 Competition compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Colt 1911 is a direct competitor for short-to-mid-range speed events, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester dominates in long-range precision rifle disciplines. The Colt is objectively superior for action pistol competition due to its faster cycling time and ergonomic grip, but the Stevens platform offers far greater terminal energy for anything beyond 100 meters.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 36 ounces (just over 2.2 pounds) unloaded, with an 8.5-inch overall length, a 5-inch barrel, and a frame height of 5.5 inches grip-to-slide. That weight, concentrated in the steel frame and slide, manages the .38 Super’s sharp muzzle rise, while the dimensions ensure a stable two-handed grip suitable for shooters with medium to large hands.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a defensive carry pistol or a beginner's first firearm purchase. The .38 Super cartridge is niche, offering less immediate ammunition availability than 9mm Luger, and the 36-ounce weight makes it impractical for daily concealed carry compared to modern polymer pistols weighing under 25 ounces. It also lacks the accessory rail typically required for weapon-mounted lights in tactical or home-defense scenarios.
What’s in the box?
The factory packaging includes the pistol, one 9-round blued steel magazine, a standard cable lock, an owner’s manual, and a Colt warranty card only. Notably absent are holsters, extra magazines, or a chamber flag—competitive shooters will need to budget for at least three additional magazines for most stages.
Is the Colt 1911 Competition worth it at $1,191.99?
At $1,191.99, this pistol provides a legitimate, competition-ready entry point into the 1911 platform without the $2,000+ price of custom gunsmithed models. The investment is justifiable for shooters already committed to .38 Super competition who value the Colt name and Series 70 trigger system, but the price does not include the $200+ typically required for extra magazines and competition-specific holsters available for models like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Series 70 firing system provides a crisp 4.5-5 lb trigger pull out of the box—no connector bar to impede feel.
- Weighs 36 oz—the optimal weight for managing .38 Super recoil without excessive muzzle flip.
- Novak adjustable fiber optic front sight is 0.140" wide, offering superior acquisition speed over standard 0.125" posts.
- G10 checkered grips provide a 20 LPI texture that locks the hand without needing aftermarket stippling.
- 5-inch match-grade barrel delivers consistent 1.5" groupings at 25 yards with factory ammunition.
Trade-offs
- Single 9-round magazine included—competition requires purchasing 3-5 additional magazines at ~$45 each.
- No accessory rail—limits mounting weapon lights or lasers for tactical use.
- .38 Super ammunition costs ~$0.60/round, nearly double the price of 9mm Luger for practice.
- Checkered front strap and mainspring housing can irritate bare skin during extended practice sessions.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289113252 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1073CCP |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| capacity | 9+1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 8.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| model | 1911 |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Beavertail |
| shipping weight | 4.6 |
| sights | Novak Adjustable Fiber Optic |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 .45 ACP magazines?
- No, this pistol is specifically chambered for .38 Super Auto and requires .38 Super-specific magazines, as the feed lips and internal geometry differ from .45 ACP or 9mm variants to handle the tapered cartridge case properly.
- Does it fit standard 1911 Kydex holsters?
- Yes, its 5-inch Government Model slide profile fits most standard Kydex or leather 1911 holsters, but verify clearance for the Novak adjustable rear sight, which is slightly taller than a standard fixed sight.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items, followed by the FFL’s own processing time for the 4473 background check, which can add 1-3 days depending on state law.
- Can I return it if it fails to feed?
- Returns for mechanical issues must be processed directly through Colt’s warranty service within the first year; contact their customer service for an RMA label. Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on fired firearms due to federal regulations, only unfired defects.