Description
There's something about an all-steel Government 1911 in 9mm that just works. At 36 ounces, the Colt 1911 Competition soaks up what little recoil the 9mm produces, and the dual recoil spring system smooths things out even further while extending spring life between rebuilds. The result is a pistol that stays flat through a stage and doesn't beat you up during long practice sessions. Colt built this one in brushed stainless steel from the frame to the 5-inch National Match barrel, so it holds up to sweat, holster wear, and range time without babying.
Sights and Trigger on the Colt Competition
The sighting setup is where this pistol earns its name. Up front you get a Novak red fiber optic that grabs light and gets your eye on target fast, paired with a Novak adjustable rear so you can dial in your zero for your preferred load. Colt even tosses spare sight fibers in the box. Behind that sits the Series 70 firing system, the setup a lot of 1911 fans prefer for its cleaner, crisper break compared to firing pin safety designs. The three-hole aluminum trigger comes tuned in the 4.5 to 6 pound range and rewards a careful press.
Ergonomics Built for Control
The blue checkered G10 grips with the scalloped Colt logo look sharp and lock into your palm, and the upswept beavertail grip safety plus undercut trigger guard let you choke up high on the frame. That high grip translates directly into less muzzle flip and faster splits. An extended thumb safety rounds out the controls for quick, positive manipulation.
Who the 1911 Competition 9mm Suits
This is a natural fit for anyone getting into action pistol matches, bullseye practice, or just wanting a classic Government-frame Colt that's cheap to feed. It ships with one 9-round magazine, holding 9+1 total, and standard 1911 9mm mags are easy to come by when you want spares. For a factory Colt with match-grade touches at this level, it's tough to walk past.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Colt
- Model: 1911 Competition Series 70
- MPN: O1072CCS
- UPC: 098289111456
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Single Action, Hammer Fired
- Capacity: 9+1
- Barrel: 5" National Match, Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 8.5"
- Weight: 36 oz
- Frame/Slide: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Sights: Novak Red Fiber Optic Front, Novak Adjustable Rear
- Trigger: 3-Hole Aluminum, 4.5-6 lb
- Grips: Blue Checkered G10 with Scallop
- Firing System: Series 70
- Recoil System: Dual Recoil Spring
What’s Included
- Colt 1911 Competition 9mm pistol
- One 9-round magazine
- Spare sight fibers
- Cable lock
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Series 70 system in the Colt 1911 Competition and a Series 80?
The Series 70 setup skips the trigger-actuated firing pin block found in Series 80 pistols. Fewer parts in the trigger path means a cleaner, crisper pull, which is exactly why competitive and precision-minded folks tend to prefer it. It's one of the main reasons Colt built the Competition line on this system.
Are the sights on the Colt 1911 Competition adjustable?
Yes. The rear is a Novak adjustable sight, so you can fine-tune windage and elevation to match your zero and ammo. The front is a Novak red fiber optic that picks up light quickly for fast target acquisition, and Colt includes spare fiber rods in the box in case one ever breaks or you want to swap colors.
How does a 9mm 1911 shoot compared to a .45 ACP version?
Noticeably softer. You're pushing a lighter round out of a 36-ounce steel pistol, and the dual recoil spring system flattens it out even more. That means faster follow-up shots, longer comfortable range sessions, and cheaper practice ammo, which is a big part of why 9mm 1911s have become so popular for matches and range work.
Does the Colt 1911 Competition 9mm work with standard 1911 holsters and magazines?
It does. This is a full-size Government frame with a 5-inch barrel, so any holster cut for a standard Government 1911 will fit. It ships with one 9-round magazine, and additional 9mm 1911 Government-length mags from quality makers are widely available and affordable.





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