Description
The Combat Elite Government is Colt's answer to the question of what a full-size 1911 looks like when you skip the aftermarket wish list and just build it right the first time. Chambered in .45 ACP with an 8+1 capacity, it runs on a 5-inch stainless National Match barrel with a 1:16 left-hand twist and 6-groove rifling for the kind of accuracy you'd normally pay a gunsmith extra to achieve. The two-tone TT Elite finish pairs a brushed stainless steel frame with a black PVD-coated slide, giving it a look that stands out without trying too hard. Overall length comes in at 8.5 inches, height at 5.5 inches, and the whole package weighs in at a solid 36 ounces.
What Makes the Combat Elite Government Stand Out at the Range
The optic-ready serrated slide is where this model separates itself from Colt's standard Government lineup. The slide comes milled and ready to accept a red dot, which means you're not paying for a separate milling job down the road if you decide to run glass. The short aluminum trigger breaks at 4.5 to 6 pounds, which is right in the sweet spot for a working 1911. A dual spring recoil system helps tame felt recoil and extends recoil spring service life, something you'll appreciate over a long range session. An arched stainless steel serrated mainspring housing rounds out the grip ergonomics.
Combat Elite Safety System and Sights
Colt equipped this pistol with a full safety package: ambidextrous extended thumb safety, an upswept beavertail grip safety for a high, comfortable hold, and the Series 80 firing pin block that prevents the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is fully depressed. Up front you get a Novak tritium night sight, and out back a Novak Low Mount Carry night sight. Both are the real deal, not budget imitations. The half-checkered G10 grips with scalloped relief give you a firm, no-slip hold without chewing up your hand on long sessions.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Colt
- Model: Combat Elite Government
- MPN: O1070CEOR
- UPC: 098289113832
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Single Action (SA)
- Barrel Length: 5"
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel National Match
- Barrel Twist: 1:16 LH, 6 Groove
- Overall Length: 8.5"
- Overall Height: 5.5"
- Overall Width: 1.25"
- Weight: 36 oz
- Capacity: 8+1
- Finish: Two-Tone TT Elite (Stainless Frame / Black PVD Slide)
- Grips: G10 Half-Checkered with Scallop
- Sights: Novak Tritium Night Front / Novak Low Mount Carry Night Rear
- Safety: Ambidextrous Extended Thumb, Upswept Beavertail Grip, Series 80 Firing Pin Block
- Trigger: Short Aluminum, 4.5-6 lb pull
- Recoil System: Dual Spring
- Slide: Optic Ready / Serrated
- Magazines Included: 1
What’s Included
- Colt Combat Elite Government 1911 pistol
- 1 Colt magazine (8-round)
Frequently Asked Questions
What red dot optics fit the Combat Elite Government's optic-ready slide?
Colt does not publicly specify the exact footprint milled into the O1070CEOR slide, so it is worth confirming the cut with the retailer or Colt directly before purchasing a red dot. Common 1911 optic-ready slides are milled for popular footprints like the Shield RMSc or similar micro red dot patterns. When in doubt, buy the optic after you have the gun in hand so you can verify the fit.
Does the Colt Combat Elite Government use a Series 70 or Series 80 fire control system?
The Combat Elite Government uses Colt's Series 80 fire control system, which includes a firing pin block that prevents the firing pin from moving unless the trigger is fully depressed. Some traditional 1911 enthusiasts prefer the Series 70 for a slightly cleaner trigger feel, but the Series 80 is a proven, safe setup that the vast majority of shooters won't notice a meaningful difference with in real-world use.
What does the National Match barrel mean for accuracy?
The National Match designation refers to tighter manufacturing tolerances on the barrel and barrel bushing fit compared to a standard production barrel. This tighter fit reduces barrel movement during the firing cycle, which translates to better shot-to-shot consistency. For a factory pistol, it's a meaningful upgrade that serious range users will appreciate without needing to send the gun to a custom shop.
How does the dual spring recoil system on this 1911 compare to a standard single spring setup?
The dual spring system uses two nested recoil springs rather than one, which helps distribute the recoil impulse more evenly and softens the cycling feel. It also extends recoil spring service life, meaning you won't need to replace it as frequently as a traditional single-spring setup. For a heavy-caliber gun like a .45 ACP Government model, it's a welcome addition, especially if you put a lot of rounds through it.
Are the Novak night sights on the Combat Elite Government tritium?
Yes. The Combat Elite Government is fitted with genuine Novak tritium night sights front and rear, not standard three-dot sights. The front uses a Novak night sight and the rear is a Novak Low Mount Carry night sight, both with tritium inserts for low-light visibility. This is a factory-installed, name-brand setup you'd normally pay extra for as an aftermarket upgrade.
Is the two-tone finish on the Combat Elite Government durable, or is it mostly cosmetic?
The finish is genuinely functional, not just for looks. The stainless steel frame and slide provide a solid corrosion-resistant foundation, and the black PVD coating on the slide is a hard, wear-resistant finish that holds up well to holster use and range wear. The combination also gives you a visual contrast that many shooters find helpful for sight alignment and slide position awareness.





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