Description
The Colt Custom Carry Govt 45ACP 5″ STS is a hand-fitted, semi-custom 1911 built by Colt Custom Shop Master Gunsmiths. It combines a stainless steel Commander frame with a 5-inch barrel, delivering the accuracy and reliability that made the 1911 a legend. This is a production-ready defensive pistol, not a safe queen.
| Manufacturer | Colt Custom Shop |
|---|---|
| Model | Custom Carry Govt |
| Material | Stainless Steel (80 Series Commander frame, slide) |
| Compatibility | .45 ACP, 5″ barrel, standard 1911 magazines |
| Finish | Satin Stainless (STS), bead-blasted matte |
| Weight | 38 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Hand-Fit by Master Gunsmiths – Each Custom Carry is assembled and tuned by a Colt Custom Shop gunsmith. This means tighter slide-to-frame fit, smoother trigger pull, and better accuracy than off-the-shelf 1911s.
- Stan Chen Custom Parts – The pistol includes a Stan Chen SI magwell, extended slide stop, and grip safety. These parts reduce snagging, speed up reloads, and improve overall ergonomics for daily carry.
- 80 Series Safety System – Colt’s firing pin block adds an extra layer of drop safety. This gives new shooters and families peace of mind without sacrificing the crisp 1911 trigger feel.
- 5″ Stainless Steel Barrel – The full-length barrel provides a longer sight radius for more precise shot placement. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, making it ideal for humid or coastal environments.
- Satin Stainless Finish – The bead-blasted matte finish reduces glare and hides holster wear. It’s a low-maintenance surface that holds up to regular use and cleaning.
Who It’s For
This pistol is for the shooter who wants a premium 1911 without paying custom shop prices. It fits experienced shooters looking for a reliable carry gun, and beginners who want a classic platform that’s easy to learn on. Families training together will appreciate the manual safety and consistent trigger.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Hand-fitted by Colt Master Gunsmiths – tight tolerances and smooth operation.
- Pro: Stan Chen parts improve ergonomics and reload speed.
- Pro: Stainless steel resists rust and wear.
- Con: The 80 Series firing pin block adds a tiny bit of trigger creep compared to a Series 70. Some shooters prefer the simpler 70 design for competition.
Comparison
| Feature | Colt Custom Carry Govt | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Geissele 1911 (Custom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | 9mm | .45 ACP |
| Barrel Length | 5″ | 4.5″ | 5″ |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel | Polymer with steel chassis | Stainless Steel |
| Trigger | Single-action, 4-5 lbs | Flat, 3.5-4 lbs | Single-action, 4 lbs |
| Safety | Manual thumb + grip + firing pin block | Striker safety + trigger blade | Manual thumb + grip |
| Price | $2,577 | $1,899 | $3,200 |
| Best For | Defensive carry, classic feel | Competition, modularity | Collectors, custom builds |
FAQ
Is the Colt Custom Carry Govt reliable for everyday carry?
Yes. The hand-fit assembly ensures consistent feeding and ejection. The 80 Series safety system adds drop protection. Per Colt specs, the pistol is tested with multiple ammunition types before leaving the shop. Expect 100% reliability with quality .45 ACP loads.
What makes this different from a standard Colt 1911?
This is built by the Colt Custom Shop, not the main production line. It includes Stan Chen parts (magwell, slide stop, grip safety) that are not available on standard models. The fit and finish are noticeably tighter, resulting in better accuracy and smoother operation.
Can I use this for competition shooting?
Yes, in Single Stack or Classic divisions. The 5″ barrel and crisp trigger are ideal for USPSA and IDPA. However, the 80 Series firing pin block may add a slight creep that some competitors prefer to avoid. Many shooters still win with it.
Does the STS finish require special care?
No. The satin stainless finish is low-maintenance. Clean with a standard gun solvent and oil. Avoid harsh abrasives. It will develop a natural patina over time, which many owners appreciate. Last updated: April 2026
Trust & Delivery
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) – ships to your FFL dealer
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days from order
- ✓ 30-day returns – we stand behind every firearm
- ✓ Secure checkout – encrypted payment processing
Browse more 1911s in our Semi Auto Handguns category, or check out Colt Custom Shop builds. Need a holster? See our Holsters section.
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