Description
The Colt 1911 Government .38 Super 5″ Stainless is a full-size, steel-framed 1911 built for shooters who want National Match accuracy and a corrosion-resistant finish. Chambered in .38 Super Auto, this model runs on the classic Series 70 firing system with fixed white-dot sights for fast, reliable sight alignment. It ships with one 9-round factory magazine and is ready for range work or competition.
| Manufacturer | Colt |
|---|---|
| Model | 1911 Government .38 Super 5″ Stainless |
| Material | Steel frame, brushed stainless slide and barrel |
| Compatibility | .38 Super Auto ammunition; accepts standard 1911 grips and accessories |
| Finish | Brushed stainless |
| Weight | 39 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- National Match Barrel – The 5-inch barrel is precision-fitted for tighter groups at the range, giving you consistent accuracy shot after shot.
- Series 70 Firing System – This classic design uses a collet bushing to lock the barrel, which many shooters prefer for its crisp trigger feel and reliable ignition.
- Brushed Stainless Finish – The slide and barrel are brushed stainless, resisting rust and wear while keeping a clean, professional look that holds up to regular use.
- Fixed White-Dot Sights – Three white dots on the front and rear sights help you acquire your target quickly, even in lower light conditions, without the complexity of adjustable sights.
- Full-Size Government Frame – The steel frame provides a stable shooting platform and reduces felt recoil, making it easier for newer shooters to stay on target.
Who It’s For
This Colt 1911 is for the shooter who wants a classic platform with modern accuracy. It works for family range days, USPSA Single Stack competition, or personal defense training. The .38 Super cartridge offers less recoil than .45 ACP, which helps beginners build confidence while still delivering solid performance.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: National Match barrel gives you competition-ready accuracy out of the box.
- Pro: Stainless finish is easy to clean and resists corrosion in humid environments.
- Con: The Series 70 system can be more sensitive to bullet profile than Series 80 models, so you may need to test different .38 Super loads for reliable feeding. According to Colt specs, this is a common consideration for target-grade 1911s.
Comparison: Colt 1911 Government .38 Super vs. Zev Technologies OZ9 vs. Agency Arms AOS G17
| Feature | Colt 1911 Government .38 Super | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Agency Arms AOS G17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Super Auto | 9mm | 9mm |
| Barrel Length | 5″ | 4.5″ | 4.49″ |
| Frame Material | Steel | Polymer with steel chassis | Polymer with steel slide |
| Weight (unloaded) | 39 oz | 24 oz | 22 oz |
| Sights | Fixed white-dot | Zev adjustable | Suppressor-height |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds | 17 rounds | 17 rounds |
| Finish | Brushed stainless | Black nitride | Black DLC |
FAQ
What type of ammunition does the Colt 1911 Government .38 Super use?
It uses .38 Super Auto ammunition. This includes standard-pressure and +P loads, though +P may accelerate wear. Stick to factory loads for best reliability.
Is this model safe for a new shooter?
Yes, but .38 Super has mild recoil compared to .45 ACP, making it a good step up from 9mm. Always follow basic safety rules: keep the muzzle pointed downrange, finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and use eye and ear protection.
Does the stainless finish require special cleaning?
No. Clean with standard gun solvents and lubricants. The brushed stainless resists rust but still benefits from a light oil coating after cleaning.
Can I use this pistol for competition?
Yes. The National Match barrel and fixed sights make it suitable for USPSA Single Stack or Steel Challenge. Just note that .38 Super is less common than 9mm at matches, so bring extra ammo.
Ready to Add This Colt to Your Collection?
This Colt 1911 Government .38 Super 5″ Stainless combines classic 1911 ergonomics with a premium National Match barrel. Whether you’re teaching a family member to shoot or dialing in your own accuracy, this pistol delivers reliable performance. Order today and get it shipped to your door.
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Explore more semi-auto handguns in our Semi Auto Handguns section, or check out 1911 Pistols and Competition Handguns.
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.