Colt Government .38 Super 5″ 9+1 Stainless
About this product
The Ironclad Armory Colt Government .38 Super 5″ 9+1 Stainless is a modern, stainless-steel evolution of the classic 1911 platform chambered for the flat-shooting .38 Super Auto cartridge. It represents Colt's commitment to a specific niche—a full-size service pistol optimized for controlled, sequential fire where 9mm might be considered underpowered. This isn't a retro piece; it's a tool built on a proven mechanical foundation with thoughtful updates like an ambidextrous safety for contemporary handling protocols.
What is the Ironclad Armory Colt Government .38 Super used for?
The Ironclad Armory Colt Government .38 Super excels in dynamic shooting sports like USPSA's Limited division or Steel Challenge, where its cartridge offers less muzzle flip than a 9mm in the same frame and its 9+1 capacity fits division constraints. Its 5-inch barrel and single-action trigger provide a longer sight radius and a consistent pull weight, both critical for speed-accuracy. While chambered identically, this pistol is built for rapid engagement, not historical reenactment.
How does the Ironclad Armory Colt Government .38 Super compare to a 9mm 1911?
The key difference is ballistic: the .38 Super cartridge generates roughly 30% more muzzle energy than standard 9mm, resulting in flatter trajectory and reduced perceived recoil, which translates to faster sight recovery for follow-up shots. Mechanically, the .38 Super requires a specific barrel, modified feed ramp geometry, and typically a stronger recoil spring—around 18-20 lbs compared to a 9mm's 14-16 lbs—all of which are integral to this build. For a pure-target shooter, the cheaper ammo of a 9mm like many standard 1911s may be preferable, but for competition where power factor matters, the .38 Super platform is objectively superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this stainless-steel pistol weighs approximately 41 ounces, a noticeable 6 ounces heavier than a comparable aluminum-framed 1911, which aids in mitigating the .38 Super's brisk recoil impulse. Its overall length is 8.5 inches, with a 5-inch barrel providing a 6.7-inch sight radius measured from the rear of the Novak-style sights to the front blade. The slide width is a standard 0.92 inches, ensuring compatibility with most 1911 holsters, such as those from Safariland or Blade-Tech.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is a poor choice for a first-time firearm owner or someone seeking a low-cost, high-volume range toy, as .38 Super ammunition typically costs $0.60-$0.90 per round compared to 9mm's $0.25-$0.35. It is also not for shooters who prioritize modularity or accessory mounting over tradition; the 1911 platform has limited optics-ready options without significant gunsmithing. If your primary use is concealed carry, a modern, lighter polymer pistol like the the Stevens 334 Rifle in a rifle-caliber for field use offers a more practical ballistic package.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 9-round stainless steel magazine, a standard cable lock, and the operator's manual—no spare magazines or case beyond basic packaging. The single magazine is a functional starting point, but serious users will immediately budget for at least two additional quality 9- or 10-round magazines from Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick. Expect a total package weight, including the hard case-style box, of just under 4.5 pounds for shipping calculations.
Is the Ironclad Armory Colt Government .38 Super worth it at $1,487.99?
At this price point, you are paying for Colt's forged stainless-steel construction, final-fit assembly, and the niche caliber tooling, which justifies a premium over entry-level 1911s. The value is realized if you specifically require the .38 Super cartridge's performance profile for competition or as a collector of unique Colt variants. For a general-purpose 1911 in a more common caliber, other options exist for several hundred dollars less, but they won't deliver this specific combination of pedigree and purpose-built ballistics.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Chambered in .38 Super Auto — delivers ~30% more muzzle energy than 9mm for flatter trajectory.
- Stainless steel construction weighs 41 oz unloaded — 6 oz heavier than aluminum frames for enhanced recoil management.
- 5-inch barrel provides a 6.7-inch sight radius — critical for precision in speed shooting disciplines.
- Ambidextrous thumb safety — allows for secure manipulation by left- or right-handed shooters.
Trade-offs
- Includes only one 9-round magazine — serious competitors need at least two more, adding $70-100.
- .38 Super ammunition averages $0.75/round — nearly triple the cost of 9mm for high-volume practice.
- No optics mounting system — requires slide milling (a $200+ service) for red dot compatibility.
- Heavy double-digit trigger pull — factory set around 5.5-6 lbs, which is high for a competition-focused gun.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 098289111951 |
| manufacturer | Colt |
| manufacturer part number | O1073BSTS |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip/Thumb |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Novak Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| slide description | Serrated |
| atf type | Pistol |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 8.6 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 4.5 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 parts?
- The frame, slide, and most internal components are standard Series 70 pattern, so grips, triggers, and sears from brands like Wilson Combat will drop in. However, the barrel, extractor, and recoil spring are specific to the .38 Super cartridge and are not interchangeable with 9mm or .45 ACP 1911 parts without gunsmithing. Order any caliber-specific parts directly from Colt or a specialized vendor like Brownells.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, its 8.5-inch overall length and 0.92-inch slide width match the dimensions of a standard Government-model 1911, making it compatible with most Kydex or leather holsters designed for a 5-inch barrel. I recommend verifying retention with the specific holster, as some molded for .45 ACP may have a slightly looser fit due to the narrower .38 Super slide profile.
- Can I use .38 Super +P ammunition?
- Yes, the stainless-steel construction and modern heat-treating allow for safe use of SAAMI-spec .38 Super +P ammunition, which operates at pressures up to 36,500 PSI. However, consistent use of +P will accelerate wear on the recoil spring and slide stop; plan to replace the factory recoil spring every 2,000 rounds if shooting primarily +P loads.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping from Ironclad Armory to your designated Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days after order verification and background check completion. The pistol ships via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and 2-day air service, but final transfer must be completed in person at your FFL, which may add additional local wait times.