Colt Commercial Government Model 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1968 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1300

LSB#: 210902TK02

Make: Colt

Model: Government Model

Serial Number: 316947-C

Year of Manufacture: 1968

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT / MODEL / COLT / AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45”. There is a Rampant Colt in front of the serrations on the left side of the slide. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.” and the right side of the frame is marked “316947-C”. “VP” and “S” are stamped on the left trigger guard bows, “J” is on the right. The top of the chamber is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a serrated rear face fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are aftermarket double diamond checkered wood panels. There are a couple little marks to the peaks of the checkering but it is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some heavy scabbing the bottom of the mainspring housing, bottom rear corners of the frame, back of the frame around the grip safety extension, and grip safety extension. There are a few draglines and light handling marks. There is some light thinning on the edges, most noticeable on the front of the slide. There is some thinning on the bottom of the slide. There are some little spots of oxidation on the thumb safety and spots of finish loss from previous oxidation on the slide stop. There is a light “idiot mark” on the frame. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked and the grip screws have some oxidation. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 8-round Chip McCormick mag is included.

Our Assessment: Colt’s 1911 served the United States military through two World Wars and several other conflicts, is still in use by some units today, and has become popular with law enforcement, competitors, and recreational shooters across the nation. The design has seen some updates including a firing-pin block safety, higher profile sights, and more ergonomic grips, but the basic design and fantastic trigger remain the same after more than a century. This is a Government Model made during a period when some of their finest work was produced. The factory was full of WWII vets in the late 1960’s and the guns showed the dedication and work ethic of this generation. This is a 1968 example and has some scabbing but otherwise looks good. While not the prettiest, it ought to be a great shooter for decades to come given you take better care of it than the previous owner. Please see our photos and good luck!