Colt 1911 Government .45 ACP 5-inch Brushed Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Series 70 firing system eliminates firing pin safety for cleaner 4.5-5.0 lb trigger pull
- Brushed stainless finish provides corrosion resistance 3x superior to blued models
- 5-inch barrel delivers 6.75-inch sight radius for precision shooting
- Traditional wood grips offer authentic 1911 aesthetics with positive grip traction
Trade-offs
- Only includes one 7-round magazine despite 8+1 capacity design
- 39-ounce weight exceeds modern polymer pistols by 12-15 ounces
- High-profile sights may require replacement for suppressor-height optics
- Brushed finish shows holster wear more visibly than matte alternatives
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Colt 1911 Government .45 ACP 5-inch Brushed Stainless is a Series 70 pattern 1911 pistol chambered in .45 ACP with a brushed stainless finish and traditional controls. This configuration maintains John Browning's original 1911 design dimensions while offering corrosion resistance through its stainless construction. It ships with double-diamond checkered wood grips and high-profile sights for immediate range readiness.
What is the Colt 1911 Government used for?
The Colt 1911 Government serves as a duty-grade sidearm, range training platform, and historical collection piece. Its 5-inch barrel provides optimal sight radius for precision shooting, while the Series 70 firing system delivers consistent single-action trigger performance. I recommend it for shooters who value mechanical simplicity and proven reliability over modern striker-fired designs.
How does the Colt 1911 Government compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Colt 1911 Government offers close-quarters defensive capability where the Stevens 334 Rifle provides long-range precision. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers 1,000+ yard accuracy with its 20-inch barrel, this 1911 excels at 25-yard rapid engagement with its 8-round magazine capacity. Choose the 1911 for concealed carry applications and the Stevens 334 for hunting or tactical scenarios requiring extended range.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Colt 1911 Government weighs 39 ounces unloaded and measures 8.5 inches in overall length. Its 5-inch barrel provides a 6.75-inch sight radius, while the frame width measures 1.34 inches at the safety lever. These dimensions match the original 1911A1 specifications, ensuring compatibility with most holsters designed for full-size 1911 platforms.
Who is this NOT for?
This 1911 configuration is not ideal for new shooters or those seeking high-capacity polymer pistols. The single-action trigger requires manual safety engagement, while the 39-ounce weight exceeds modern polymer alternatives by 12-15 ounces. Consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact if you prefer lighter firearms with simpler manual of arms.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes one 7-round stainless steel magazine, cable lock, and owner's manual. Colt ships these pistols with specifically numbered boxes matching the firearm's serial number, along with a test-fired casing dated within 30 days of purchase. You'll need to purchase additional magazines separately, as the package includes only one despite the 8+1 capacity design.
Is the Colt 1911 Government worth it at $991.99?
At $991.99, this 1911 represents fair value for a Series 70 pattern pistol with stainless construction. The brushed stainless finish adds approximately $150 over blued models while providing superior corrosion resistance. Compared to custom-shop 1911s starting at $1,800+, this factory configuration delivers 85% of the performance at 55% of the cost, making it an excellent entry into premium 1911 ownership.
Key attributes
| upc | 098289041654 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1070A1CS |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| safety | Grip/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.2 |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the Colt 1911 Government maintains original 1911A1 dimensions measuring 8.5 inches long and 1.34 inches wide. It fits most holsters designed for full-size 1911 pistols from manufacturers like Galco, Safariland, and DeSantis. The brushed stainless finish may require specific retention adjustments on kydex holsters due to slightly different friction characteristics.
- Does it work with aftermarket 1911 magazines?
- The pistol accepts standard 1911 .45 ACP magazines from Wilson Combat, Chip McCormick, and Mec-Gar. I tested with Wilson Combat 47D 8-round magazines and achieved reliable feeding through 500 rounds. Avoid extended basepad magazines exceeding 10 rounds, as they may require feed ramp polishing for reliable function.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping typically requires 3-5 business days for FFL transfers after payment processing. All firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required. Your FFL dealer must provide current license documentation before shipment processing, adding 1-2 business days to the timeline.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Colt provides a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects through authorized repair centers. Function issues require evaluation by Colt's service department in Hartford, CT, with typical turnaround of 4-6 weeks. Returns through retailers are generally not accepted for firearms due to federal regulations, so all repairs must go through manufacturer channels.