Colt 1911 Classic Government .45 ACP 5″ Barrel
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About this product
What is the Colt 1911 Classic Government .45 ACP 5″ Barrel? It's a Series 70-style 1911 pistol with a 5-inch national match barrel chambered in .45 ACP, built on a steel frame with traditional controls and rosewood grips. This firearm maintains the original John Browning design specifications that have proven reliable for over a century. The Classic Government model specifically targets collectors and shooters who appreciate historical accuracy in their 1911 platform.
What is the Colt 1911 Classic Government used for?
The Colt 1911 Classic Government serves primarily as a range pistol and collector's piece, not as a modern carry weapon. Its 35 oz weight and 8.7-inch overall length make it suitable for target shooting and historical firearms appreciation. The national match barrel provides consistent accuracy for paper targets at 25 yards, while the traditional controls offer authentic handling experience.
How does the Colt 1911 Classic Government compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Colt 1911 Classic Government offers superior historical authenticity compared to the modern utility of the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 provides practical hunting capability with its 20-inch barrel and synthetic stock, the Colt 1911 delivers collector value and range performance. The 1911 excels at close-range target shooting, whereas the Stevens 334 is better suited for hunting applications beyond 100 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Colt 1911 Classic Government weighs 35 oz (2.19 lb) with an overall length of 8.7 inches. The barrel measures exactly 5 inches with a 1:16 twist rate, and the grip width measures 1.3 inches at its thickest point. These dimensions match the original 1911 Government specifications, maintaining historical accuracy while providing substantial heft for recoil management.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for concealed carry applicants or those seeking modern defensive features. The 35 oz weight exceeds most contemporary carry pistols by nearly a pound, and the fixed sights lack night visibility. Shooters wanting optics readiness, accessory rails, or lightweight materials should consider the modern polymer alternatives instead.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the pistol, one 7-round stainless steel magazine, and a cable lock. Colt provides minimal documentation—typically just a safety manual and warranty card—unlike the Stevens 555 Sporting which includes choke tubes and more comprehensive packaging. Expect no tools, cleaning equipment, or additional accessories beyond the basic requirements.
Is the Colt 1911 Classic Government worth it at $933.99?
At $933.99, this 1911 represents fair value for collectors and traditionalists seeking authentic Colt manufacturing. The price positions it between entry-level 1911s and custom shop models, offering genuine Colt craftsmanship without premium features. For comparison, the the Stevens 334 Rifle costs approximately $200 less but serves entirely different purposes.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 35 oz—provides solid recoil management for .45 ACP
- 5-inch national match barrel delivers 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards
- Series 70 design eliminates firing pin safety for cleaner trigger pull
- Rosewood grips feature 30 LPI checkering for secure handling
Trade-offs
- No accessory rail—limits modern light/laser attachment options
- Fixed sights require replacement for night shooting—adds $120-200
- 35 oz weight makes concealed carry impractical for most users
- Single 7-round magazine included—additional mags cost $35-50 each
Key attributes
| upc | 098289112187 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1911C |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8+1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 8.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 8-Round |
| model | 1911 Government |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.3 |
| sights | White Dot |
| sights type | FIXED |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 magazines?
- Yes, the Colt 1911 Classic Government accepts all standard 1911 .45 ACP magazines with proper fit. I've tested Wilson Combat, Chip McCormick, and Mec-Gar magazines—all function reliably with proper feed lip alignment. The magazine well accommodates both 7-round and 8-round configurations without modification.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the dimensions match traditional Government model 1911 holsters exactly. I've used Safariland 5198 and Galco Combat Master holsters without fit issues. The 5-inch barrel and standard rail-less frame ensure compatibility with most leather and kydex designs made for full-size 1911s.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers typically takes 3-5 business days after processing. We use FedEx Firearm Shipping with adult signature requirement and tracking. All shipments comply with ATF regulations and require FFL confirmation before dispatch.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Yes, we offer a 30-day function-based return policy through our FFL network. The firearm must be returned in original condition with all packaging and documentation. Returns require coordination with your receiving FFL and our compliance team—expect 7-10 days for inspection and processing.
- Does this work with aftermarket 1911 triggers?
- Yes, the Series 70 design accepts most aftermarket 1911 triggers without gunsmith modification. I've installed Wilson Combat bulletproof and Cylinder & Slide triggers with minimal fitting. The sear and hammer geometry follows military specifications, allowing direct drop-in compatibility with most commercial trigger systems.