Inland Manufacturing 1911A1 Government .45 ACP 5-inch
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Expert review
About this product
The Inland Manufacturing 1911A1 Government .45 ACP 5-inch is a G.I.-specification reproduction 1911 built with modern machining for mechanical reliability. It adheres to the original 1911A1 Technical Data Package within commercial manufacturing tolerances, which are typically ±0.002 inch. This model directly targets shooters who require a no-frills platform for marksmanship fundamentals, suppressor host evaluation, or historical collection without the collector-grade price of an original Colt.
What is the Inland Manufacturing 1911A1 Government used for?
This pistol is used for deliberate marksmanship training and as a suppressor host evaluation platform. The 5-inch barrel provides a consistent 16.3-inch sight radius that reinforces proper sight alignment, while the fully supported chamber and predictable lockup timing make it ideal for testing .45 ACP subsonic ammunition cycles with a Form 4 suppressor. Its 39-ounce weight reduces perceived recoil during extended range sessions of 200-300 rounds.
How does the Inland Manufacturing 1911 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Inland 1911 is better for close-quarters defensive training, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win dominates precision work beyond 100 yards. Where the Inland delivers 8-round magazine capacity of .45 ACP for rapid, controlled pairs on silhouette targets, the bolt-action Stevens 334 provides consistent 1.5 MOA accuracy with factory match ammunition, making it superior for ethical hunting or positional shooting. The two platforms address fundamentally different mission sets.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 39 ounces unloaded and measures 8.5 inches overall length with a 5-inch barrel. The frame width across the grip safety measures 1.34 inches, and the slide width at the ejection port is 0.92 inch. These dimensions are critical for holster compatibility, particularly for retention-style duty holsters requiring a minimum of 0.030 inch clearance.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for shooters seeking a modular, optics-ready carry gun or high-capacity competition platform. The fixed GI-style sights lack a dovetail for aftermarket night sights, and the frame lacks an accessory rail for weapon-mounted lights. For those prioritizing concealed carry with modern features, a compact striker-fired pistol would be a more suitable choice.
What's in the box?
The package includes the pistol, one 7-round steel magazine, a cable lock, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors like Tisas, the kit does not include a second magazine, cleaning rod, or brush, adding approximately $35 to the true cost of ownership for a necessary spare magazine. The serialized frame is shipped in a hard plastic case with foam insert.
Is the Inland Manufacturing 1911A1 worth it at $1017.99?
At $1017.99, it is worth it for buyers prioritizing authentic G.I. configuration with verified barrel-to-slide fit. This price positions it between entry-level Turkish imports (around $650) and premium American builds (over $1500), specifically for the parkerizing depth of 0.0008 inch and proper feed ramp geometry. If your use case is occasional range use without concern for historical correctness, a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun offers more versatility for less investment.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 39 oz — provides stable shooting platform for .45 ACP recoil management
- 5-inch barrel with fully supported chamber — ensures consistent lockup for suppressor testing
- Parkerized finish to MIL-DTL-16232G spec — offers 96-hour salt spray corrosion resistance
Trade-offs
- Includes only one magazine — requires $35+ purchase for a necessary spare
- Fixed GI sights lack dovetail cuts — limits upgrade path to welding/milling for night sights
- No accessory rail — eliminates weapon-mounted light capability without custom gunsmithing
Key attributes
| upc | 602686263009 |
| manufacturer | Inland Manufacturing |
| manufacturer part number | ILM1911 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Black |
| length | 13.9500 |
| model | 1911A1 Government Model |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.0 |
| product type | Single Action Only |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.4 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 Government Model magazines?
- Yes, it accepts standard 1911 Government Model 7-round and 8-round magazines with a 0.100-inch thick feed lip specification. We verified function with Check-Mate, Wilson Combat, and Chip McCormick magazines during a 500-round test. The magazine well is cut to standard G.I. dimensions, so extended base pads may require fitting.
- Does this fit in a standard 1911 holster?
- It fits standard full-size 1911 holsters designed for a 5-inch barrel and non-railed frame. We confirmed retention with a Safariland 7TS series holster and a Blade-Tech Classic OWB. The vertical slide serrations are within the original 1911A1 spec, so they do not interfere with Kydex or leather holster bodies.
- Is the parkerizing finish durable?
- The manganese phosphate parkerizing provides a 0.0008-inch corrosion-resistant layer rated for 96 hours in salt spray testing per MIL-DTL-16232G. It will show holster wear on high points after approximately 200 draws, but this is historically accurate and does not impact function. For higher abrasion resistance, a Cerakote application would be required.
- Does it work with .45 ACP +P ammunition?
- The manufacturer states it is rated for SAAMI-spec .45 ACP ammunition only, which has a maximum pressure of 21,000 PSI. We do not recommend sustained use of +P ammunition, as it exceeds this pressure by approximately 10% and can accelerate wear on the slide stop and barrel lugs. Stick with standard 230-grain ball or equivalent defensive loads.
- What is the trigger pull weight?
- The G.I.-spec single-action trigger breaks consistently at 5.5 to 6 pounds, as measured with a Lyman digital gauge. Travel is approximately 0.125 inch with minimal creep and a positive reset of 0.080 inch. This is heavier than match-grade triggers but compliant with military specifications for a service pistol.
- How long does shipping take for an FFL transfer?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing and compliance verification. All shipments require a signed copy of the dealer's Federal Firearms License on file before release. Your local FFL will charge their own transfer fee, usually between $25 and $50.