Description

The Colt 1911 Competition .38 Super 5″ 9-Round G10 is a full-size 1911 built for shooters who demand precision and speed from the line. Chambered in .38 Super Auto, this pistol delivers flat-shooting ballistics with a 5-inch match barrel and a Series 70 firing system for a crisp trigger pull. It’s not a safe-queen piece—it’s a competition-ready tool with G10 grips, checkered front strap, and a dual recoil system that tames muzzle rise. Per Colt specs, this model is designed for high-volume shooters who need repeatable accuracy without the fragility of race-gun custom work. Price: $1119.29.

Manufacturer	Colt
Model	1911 Competition
Caliber	.38 Super Auto
Barrel Length	5 inches
Capacity	9 rounds
Material	Steel frame and slide, G10 grips
Finish	Stainless steel (per manufacturer specs)
Weight	39 ounces (unloaded, per Colt specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Match-Grade Barrel & Series 70 Trigger — Why it matters: The 5-inch barrel and Series 70 firing system deliver a clean, consistent trigger break with no internal lock or firing pin safety to drag the pull. You get sub-4-pound trigger weight out of the box, ideal for fast double-taps in USPSA or steel matches.
• Checkered G10 Grips & Front Strap — Why it matters: The aggressive 20-lpi checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing, combined with G10 grips, locks your hand in place under recoil. No slipping when you’re running a stage hot.
• Dual Recoil Spring System — Why it matters: Two springs work together to manage the .38 Super’s snappy impulse and extend spring life beyond 5,000 rounds. You’ll shoot longer between spring swaps compared to single-spring 1911s.
• Novak-Style Fiber Optic Front Sight — Why it matters: The green fiber optic rod grabs light for instant front-sight focus, even in low-range light. The Novak rear is serrated to reduce glare. This setup shaves tenths off your split times.
• Full-Length Guide Rod — Why it matters: Adds forward weight for muzzle stability and prevents binding during rapid slide cycles. It’s a standard upgrade on competition 1911s for good reason.

Who It’s For

This Colt is for the urban shooter who competes on weekends and trains for self-defense during the week. It fits apartment dwellers who want a full-size 1911 for home defense but need the .38 Super’s lower recoil and higher capacity than .45 ACP. If you dry-fire in a studio and shoot IDPA on Saturday, this gun rewards practice with a trigger that doesn’t stack.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Factory match trigger with no lawyer locks
• Checkered frame and grips for positive purchase
• Dual recoil spring soaks up .38 Super snap
• Fiber optic sight for fast acquisition

Cons:

• 9-round magazine capacity is low compared to modern double-stack 1911s (e.g., Staccato P holds 17+ rounds)
• Stainless finish shows holster wear quickly if carried daily
• No optic cut—you’ll need a gunsmith for a red dot

Comparison: Colt 1911 Competition vs. Zev Technologies OZ9 vs. Agency Arms Agency 1911

Feature	Colt 1911 Competition .38 Super	Zev Technologies OZ9	Agency Arms Agency 1911
Caliber	.38 Super Auto	9mm	9mm
Barrel Length	5 inches	5.1 inches	5 inches
Capacity	9 rounds	17 rounds	9 rounds
Trigger System	Series 70	Zev adjustable	Agency trigger
Recoil System	Dual spring	Single captured spring	Single spring
Optic Ready	No	Yes (RMR footprint)	Yes (RMR footprint)
Price	$1,119.29	$2,199.00	$2,895.00

FAQ

Is the Colt 1911 Competition .38 Super 5″ 9-Round G10 reliable for self-defense?

Yes, with proper lubrication and quality .38 Super ammunition. The dual recoil spring system reduces wear on the slide and frame, and the Series 70 trigger is less prone to malfunction than Series 80 designs. Break it in with 200 rounds of factory ammo before carrying.

What magazines does this Colt use?

It uses standard Colt 1911 .38 Super magazines, 9-round capacity. Aftermarket options from Wilson Combat and Check-Mate fit and feed reliably. The included magazine is steel with a flush-fit basepad.

Can I mount a red dot on this pistol?

Not out of the box. The slide is not milled for optics. You can send it to a gunsmith for direct milling (about $150–$200) or use a dovetail mount that replaces the rear sight. The latter raises the dot height but works for competition.

How does the .38 Super compare to 9mm for competition?

.38 Super has a flatter trajectory and slightly higher velocity than 9mm at similar pressures. It makes major power factor in USPSA with lighter bullets (124–147 gr) while 9mm requires heavier loads. Recoil is snappier than 9mm but softer than .45 ACP.

Secure Your Colt 1911 Competition Today

This Colt 1911 Competition .38 Super 5″ 9-Round G10 ships from our warehouse in 1–2 business days. We deliver to all 50 states (check local laws). 30-day return policy on unused firearms. Secure checkout via encrypted payment gateway.

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Last updated: April 2026