Colt Government Model 1911 1911-A1 .38 Super 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol
SOLD FOR: $3322
LSB#: 220131HE012
Make: Colt
Model: Custom Government Model
Serial Number: GV015961
Year of Manufacture: 2010s
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol.
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL”. The left side of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT / *MODEL*”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / .38 SUPER” and with a Rampant Colt logo. . The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / GV015961”. There is a faint, incomplete “VP” in triangle proof on the left side of the trigger guard along with “I”. The top of the barrel is marked “-COLT SUPER 38 AUTO. N.M.-“.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade 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 two-piece checkered wood with smooth diamonds around the grip screws. There are scattered light handling marks. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Bright Stainless Steel & Gold
Finish Originality: The Bright Stainless finish appears Original, the Gold finish is not 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 98% of its metal finish. There is a small nick on the frontstrap. There are a couple of light marks on the trigger guard. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very little play to the frame. The trigger is light and crisp. This pistol was not made with a firing pin block safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching case, paperwork including the manual, and a single 8-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. The design was the end-result of a series of developments by famous gun designer John Browning, starting with the Model 1900. The advances made by Browning were revolutionary at the time, and were so successful that they are considered commonplace today. Browning not only developed first a pivoting and then a tilting barrel to allow for a locked system, he developed the concept of “the slide”, which is now synonymous with semi-automatic handguns. Having secured a contract for the US Military sidearm, Colt also offered the pistol to the commercial market as the “Government Model”.
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 example is a Government Model with a bright stainless finish and gold accents. It is in Excellent condition, retaining 98% of its finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. If you are looking for your first 1911 or your next, this would be a great addition to any safe in America. It is certainly an eye-catching pistol and would make a great BBQ gun that will probably also perform well on the range. Please see our photos and good luck!