Colt 1911 Government Series 70 .45 ACP 5″ Blued
Pros & cons
What works
- Uses the original Series 70 configuration — eliminates the internal firing pin safety for a cleaner, 4.5-5.5 lb trigger pull.
- Built with a 5-inch National Match carbon steel barrel — provides a solid sight radius and inherent accuracy for a production pistol.
- Weighs 39.5 ounces unloaded — the steel frame and slide offer superior recoil damping over polymer-frame .45s like the Glock 21.
- Features authentic blued finish on carbon steel — more durable than basic parkerizing and achieves the correct historical appearance.
Trade-offs
- Includes only one 7-round magazine — most competitors include two, and quality aftermarket magazines cost $25-$40 each.
- Lacks modern sight or accessory mounting — no optic cuts, light rail, or adjustable sights; upgrades require costly gunsmithing.
- High-profile fixed sights can snag on holsters — some duty-style holsters with hoods or thumb breaks require specific molding.
- Blued finish, while classic, shows holster wear and handling marks faster than a modern Cerakote or nitride finish.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Colt 1911 Government Series 70 .45 ACP 5″ Blued? It is a full-size, centerfire pistol that faithfully replicates the original 1911A1 design using Colt's Series 70 configuration, which eliminates the Series 80's internal firing pin safety for a cleaner, more traditional trigger pull. This specific build is distinguished by its blued carbon steel construction, 5-inch National Match carbon steel barrel, fixed high-profile sights, and double-diamond rosewood grips.
It represents a direct lineage back to the pistol I spent years servicing for government contracts, offering a mechanical baseline that every competitive or duty-oriented shooter should understand.
What is the Colt 1911 Government Series 70 used for?
This pistol is primarily used for recreational range shooting and as a collector's piece focusing on historical mechanical accuracy. Its 5-inch barrel length and 39.5-ounce heft provide a stable platform that dampens .45 ACP recoil, making it suitable for deliberate target practice. The National Match barrel and clean single-action trigger deliver excellent mechanical precision for a production gun, but it lacks accessory rails or modern sight cuts that would make it a ready choice for tactical training or duty carry.
How does the Colt 1911 Government Series 70 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Colt 1911 is a far different tool than the the Stevens 334 Rifle; one is a classic centerfire pistol for controlled target engagement, the other is a budget-conscious bolt-action rifle designed for hunting. The Stevens 334 in .308 Win is objectively better for taking medium to large game at distances over 100 yards, given its cartridge and longer sight radius. The Colt 1911 is superior for developing fundamental pistol marksmanship and collecting, offering a direct-handling experience no modern striker-fired pistol can replicate.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol has an unloaded weight of 39.5 ounces and an overall length of 8.5 inches from the muzzle to the back of the grip tang. Its width at the grip panels measures 1.34 inches, which is standard for a single-stack 1911, and its height with the magazine inserted is 5.5 inches. Compared to modern polymer-framed duty pistols like a Glock 21, this Colt is nearly 12 ounces heavier and 1.5 inches longer overall, a definitive trade-off of steel construction for perceived balance.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for a first-time gun owner seeking a simple, low-maintenance defensive tool. The 1911 platform demands understanding of the manual thumb safety, grip safety, and single-action trigger discipline for safe operation. It's also a poor choice for someone wanting to mount a modern micro red dot sight or a weapon light, as the slide lacks optic cuts and the frame has no accessory rail, unlike many modern duty pistols.
What's in the box?
The package includes the pistol, a single 7-round steel magazine, a cable lock, an owner's manual, and Colt's factory case. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a second magazine or any supplementary cleaning tools, which I view as a notable omission on a nearly $1000 firearm. The manual covers basic operations but lacks the detailed exploded-view schematics or armorers' instructions a serious user will need for parts replacement.
Is the Colt 1911 Government Series 70 worth it at $984.99?
At $984.99, this pistol is worth it for shooters who specifically value Colt's heritage, the authentic Series 70 configuration, and the classic blued finish. You are paying a premium for the Colt rollmark and traditional manufacturing methods. For shooters whose priority is modern features, higher magazine capacity, or purely cost-per-round training, a service-grade pistol like a Stevens 555 12ga offers greater shot-shell versatility for a lower initial investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 098289041364 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1970A1CS |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 7+1-Round |
| color | Black |
| length | 8.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 7 Round |
| model | 1911 Government |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | 1911 |
| safety | Beavertail |
| shipping weight | 4.2 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the slide pre-cut for a red dot optic?
- No, the slide is not pre-cut for a red dot optic; it features the original 1911A1 profile with fixed high-profile sights. Milling this slide for an optic would cost $150-$350 from a qualified gunsmith and would compromise the original blued finish.
- Does this model have a firing pin safety?
- No, this Series 70 model does not include an internal firing pin safety, such as the Swartz or Series 80 types. The firing pin is only blocked by a light firing pin spring, which is the original J.M. Browning design. This contributes to its cleaner, lighter trigger pull.
- Are the sights easily replaceable?
- The front sight is staked to the slide, and the rear sight is a fixed, low-mount notch. Replacing them requires specialized staking tools or a dovetail cut, which is a gunsmithing task costing about $75-$125 for a basic front blade swap.
- What holster fits this 1911?
- It fits standard full-size 1911 holsters designed for a Government model with a 5-inch barrel. For retention duty holsters, verify fit with models for a 'Colt Government 1911 Series 70' specifically, as some Safariland models may require slight adjustment for the high-profile fixed sights.
- How long is shipping for an online-only purchase?
- For this Online Only item, expect a processing time of 3-5 business days before it ships to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. Final transfer times depend on your dealer's schedule and the completion of your mandatory 4473 background check.
- Can this pistol handle +P .45 ACP ammunition?
- Colt states this pistol is not rated for continuous use of +P ammunition. While the steel construction can likely handle occasional use, sustained firing of +P rounds may accelerate wear on the slide, frame lugs, and barrel throat beyond design specifications.