Description
There's a long history between Colt, the 1911, and .38 Super, and this Competition Series model carries that tradition forward with equipment that makes sense for anyone chasing tighter groups and faster times. The 5-inch National Match barrel sits in a full stainless steel slide and frame, and the .38 Super cartridge runs flatter and softer than .45 ACP while still bringing plenty of authority downrange. With 9+1 on tap, you also get an extra round over the traditional Government setup.
What Makes This Colt Competition 1911 Shoot So Well
Sight picture matters when the timer beeps, and the Novak setup here delivers: a red fiber optic front paired with a fully adjustable rear lets you dial in your load and pick up the front sight fast. Colt even includes spare sight fibers in the box. The dual recoil spring system takes the edge off felt recoil and extends spring life, so follow-up shots settle quicker and maintenance intervals stretch longer. Underneath it all is the Series 70 firing system, which skips the firing pin block for a cleaner, crisper trigger pull through the 3-hole aluminum trigger.
Built to Stay Planted in Your Hand
The blue G10 grips with their checkered scallop pattern look sharp against the brushed stainless, but they earn their keep by locking the pistol into your palm even when your hands are sweaty at the range. An upswept beavertail grip safety and undercut trigger guard let you choke up high on the frame, which keeps the bore axis low and muzzle rise manageable. At 36 ounces of all-steel construction, this pistol soaks up recoil the way a proper Government model should.
A .38 Super 1911 Worth Owning
Whether you're running club matches, working on your fundamentals, or just appreciate what .38 Super does out of a full-size 1911, this Colt covers the bases without needing a trip to a gunsmith first. The stainless construction shrugs off corrosion, the trigger is ready to work out of the box, and it wears the prancing pony on the slide. Hard to argue with that combination.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Colt
- Model: 1911 Competition Series 70 Government
- MPN: O1073CCS
- UPC: 098289111463
- Caliber: .38 Super Auto
- Action: Single Action, Semi-Auto
- Capacity: 9+1 Rounds
- Barrel: 5 in. National Match, Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 8.5 in.
- Weight: 36 oz.
- Frame/Slide: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Sights: Novak Adjustable Rear, Red Fiber Optic Front
- Grips: Blue Checkered G10 with Scallop Cut
- Trigger: 3-Hole Aluminum, Series 70 Firing System
- Recoil System: Dual Recoil Spring
- Safety: Extended Thumb Safety, Upswept Beavertail Grip Safety
What’s Included
- Colt 1911 Competition .38 Super pistol
- 1 x 9-round magazine
- Spare sight fibers
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the advantage of .38 Super in the Colt 1911 Competition over .45 ACP?
.38 Super is a fast, flat-shooting cartridge with noticeably less recoil than .45 ACP out of a full-size steel 1911. That means quicker follow-up shots and less fatigue over long range sessions, which is exactly why it built its reputation in competitive shooting circles. You also pick up an extra round of capacity, with 9+1 versus the usual 8+1 in .45.
What does the Series 70 firing system mean on this Colt?
Series 70 refers to Colt's firing system without the firing pin block found on Series 80 models. Fewer parts in the trigger path means a cleaner, crisper pull, which is why trigger enthusiasts and competitive types tend to prefer it. It's one of the reasons this pistol feels ready for match work straight from the factory.
Are the sights on the 1911 Competition adjustable?
Yes. It wears a Novak adjustable rear sight paired with a red fiber optic front, so you can fine-tune your zero for whatever load you're running. Colt also includes spare fiber optic rods in the box in case you want to swap colors or replace one down the road.
How does the dual recoil spring system help?
The dual spring setup spreads out the recoil impulse, which softens what you feel at the wrist and helps the muzzle settle faster between shots. It also extends spring service life compared to a single conventional spring, so you're replacing parts less often. Keep in mind it's designed to run with the factory guide rod configuration.





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