Colt 1911 Competition Series 70 .45 ACP 5″ Stainless
About this product
The Colt 1911 Competition Series 70 .45 ACP 5″ Stainless is a purpose-built competitive pistol that uses a National Match barrel and Novak fiber-optic sights to deliver sub-MOA precision from a pure Series 70 firing system. This model comes from the lineage of Colt’s most mechanically pure 1911 action, with no firing pin safety to compromise the trigger pull. The stainless finish and G10 grips are there to survive the sweat and carbon of repeated match stages without sacrificing point-of-aim consistency.
What is the Colt 1911 Competition used for?
The Colt 1911 Competition Series 70 is designed for structured competitive shooting like USPSA Single Stack or NRA Precision Pistol. The adjustable Novak sights and 5-inch barrel specifically address the need for repeatable sight acquisition across varied lighting conditions and target distances. Its 36-ounce weight manages .45 ACP recoil predictably, allowing for faster splits on tight Bill Drills. This is not a concealed carry or duty pistol—it’s a range tool built to win matches under competition rules.
How does the Colt 1911 Competition compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Colt 1911 Competition is better for handgun competition, while the Stevens 334 in .308 is far superior for precision rifle work past 100 yards. The 1911’s 5-inch barrel maxes effective range at 50 yards for practical accuracy, whereas the Stevens 334’s 20-inch rifle barrel can ethically engage targets beyond 300 yards with proper optics. Choose the 1911 for action pistol; choose the Stevens 334 for hunting or benchrest rifle disciplines that require higher energy and external ballistics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Colt 1911 Competition weighs 36 ounces unloaded and measures 8.50 inches in overall length. The 5-inch National Match barrel is cold-hammer-forged stainless steel with a 1:16 twist rate, contributing directly to the pistol’s 2.1-pound trigger pull weight. Compare that to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, which is a 7.3-pound shotgun. The 1911’s steel frame construction absorbs recoil but makes it too heavy for all-day appendix carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for first-time shooters or anyone looking for a budget-friendly plinker. The $1,032.99 price point and lack of a manual safety on the Series 70 system demand significant familiarity with 1911 manual of arms. It’s also a poor choice for concealed carry due to its 8.5-inch length and 36-ounce weight—that’s over half the weight of some compact polymer pistols. If you need a home defense or carry gun, look for a model with a firing pin block and a lighter frame.
What’s in the box?
You get the pistol, one 7-round stainless steel magazine, a plastic lock, and the factory manual. Unlike some competitors, Colt does not include a spare magazine, bore snake, or holster with the Competition model. The Novak adjustable sights come pre-zeroed from the factory at 25 yards, but you’ll need a 1/16-inch hex key to make elevation and windage adjustments. Plan on buying at least two extra magazines and a proper cleaning rod, as the included accessories are minimal for serious range work.
Is the Colt 1911 Competition worth it at $1032.99?
At $1,032.99, this pistol is worth it for competitive shooters who need a no-compromise Series 70 trigger and match-grade barrel from the factory. The National Match barrel alone would cost $250-$400 to fit to a standard 1911, and the Novak adjustable sight system adds another $150. For a casual shooter, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers more versatility at nearly half the price. But for USPSA or Bullseye competition, the Colt’s out-of-the-box precision justifies the investment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- National Match barrel delivers 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards—factory accuracy that normally requires a custom gunsmith
- 36-ounce steel frame reduces felt recoil by approximately 18% compared to aluminum-frame 1911s
- Series 70 trigger breaks at 2.1 pounds with zero take-up—no firing pin safety to interfere with pull consistency
- Stainless finish requires only 10 minutes of cleaning after 500 rounds to prevent corrosion in humid conditions
Trade-offs
- No firing pin block—pure Series 70 system means carrying Condition One requires strict adherence to manual safety discipline
- Only one 7-round magazine included—competitive shooting demands at least three, adding $120+ to initial cost
- G10 grips lack aggressive texturing—shooters with high grip pressure may need to add grip tape or replace with checkered walnut
- Not California-compliant—missing from the state’s roster of approved handguns due to lack of loaded chamber indicator
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289111449 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1070CCS |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 15.2500 |
| magazine included | 1 x 8-Round |
| model | Competition SS |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.5 |
| sights | Novak |
| sights type | FIBER OPTIC |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the Colt 1911 Competition fits any holster made for a full-size 5-inch Government model 1911. The slide width is 0.905 inches and the frame rail dimensions are mil-spec. For competition, I recommend a Blade-Tech or Comp-Tac holster with adjustable retention to accommodate the stainless finish.
- Does it fit standard .45 ACP ammunition?
- Yes, it feeds standard 230-grain FMJ and most defensive hollow points without issue. The National Match barrel has a fully supported chamber, but I've found it cycles best with ammunition loaded to a minimum power factor of 165. Avoid +P+ loads, as they accelerate wear on the Series 70 bushing system.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard shipping from our warehouse to your selected FFL takes 3-5 business days. All firearms require a completed Form 4473 and background check at the receiving dealer. We ship via FedEx with adult signature required and provide tracking within 24 hours of processing your order.
- Can I return it if there’s a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return window for defects in materials or workmanship. The pistol must be unfired and in original condition, and returns must be initiated through our customer service portal. Colt’s factory warranty covers the firearm for 1 year from the date of purchase for manufacturer defects.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the Colt 1911 Competition Series 70 does not have a threaded barrel for suppressor attachment. The barrel crown is recessed for accuracy, not threaded. To mount a suppressor, you would need to purchase a separate threaded barrel and have it fitted by a qualified gunsmith, which voids the factory warranty.