Colt 1911 Classic Government .38 Super 5″ Blued

Description

The Colt 1911 Classic Government .38 Super 5″ Blued is a full-size steel-frame pistol built for shooters who want a traditional 1911 with a flatter-shooting, higher-velocity caliber. It packs a 5-inch National Match barrel and double-diamond checkered rosewood grips into a blued finish that looks the part on the range or in a leather OWB holster. If you’re after a classic government profile with a little more punch than .45 ACP, this Colt delivers.

Manufacturer	Colt
Model	Classic Government .38 Super
Material	Steel frame and slide (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.38 Super Auto ammunition; standard 1911 grips and magazines
Finish	Blued
Weight	Approximately 39 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• National Match barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: This 5-inch barrel is precision-fitted for tighter groups at the range, giving you a competitive edge in steel challenge or bullseye matches without custom work.
• Double-diamond checkered rosewood grips — WHY IT MATTERS: The checkering locks your hand in place under recoil, while the rosewood keeps the classic 1911 look that stands out in a pocket dump or on the table.
• Blued carbon steel finish — WHY IT MATTERS: This traditional finish resists holster wear and gives the gun a deep, rich appearance that collectors and daily carriers appreciate for longevity.
• Full-size steel frame — WHY IT MATTERS: The 39-ounce all-steel construction soaks up .38 Super recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more controllable than lighter polymer options.
• Standard 1911 controls — WHY IT MATTERS: Thumb safety, slide stop, and magazine release are exactly where you expect them, so you don’t have to relearn your draw stroke or reloads.

Who It’s For

This Colt is for the EDC enthusiast who wants a steel 1911 in a caliber that splits the difference between 9mm and .45 ACP. It fits shooters who reload .38 Super for competition, collectors who want a blued government model, and anyone who prefers a heavier pistol for recoil management. If you carry a 1911 daily or run it in USPSA Single Stack, this is a direct upgrade over entry-level models.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: National Match barrel gives you match-grade accuracy right out of the box — no aftermarket fitting needed.
• Pro: .38 Super offers higher velocity and flatter trajectory than .45 ACP, with less recoil than 10mm.
• Pro: Blued finish holds up well with regular maintenance and looks better than parkerized options.
• Con: .38 Super ammo is less common than 9mm or .45 ACP, so you may need to order online or reload to keep costs down.

Comparison

Feature	Colt Classic Government .38 Super	Zev Technologies OZ9c	Lone Wolf Distributors Timberwolf
Caliber	.38 Super Auto	9mm	9mm / .40 S&W
Barrel Length	5″ National Match	4.25″ match	4.6″ threaded
Frame Material	Steel, blued	Stainless steel / aluminum	Polymer
Weight (empty)	~39 oz	~28 oz	~24 oz
Target Market	Traditional 1911 shooters, collectors	Competition / custom builders	Budget / modular builders

FAQ

Does this Colt 1911 come with a warranty?

Yes, Colt includes a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. Register your purchase online after delivery.

Can I use standard 1911 magazines for .38 Super?

No — .38 Super magazines are specific to the cartridge due to case length. Colt includes one factory magazine with the gun, and aftermarket options from Wilson Combat and Check-Mate work reliably.

Is the blued finish durable for daily carry?

Blued steel requires regular oiling and care, especially in humid conditions. It’s more prone to rust than stainless or Cerakote, but with proper maintenance, it holds up well for EDC. I’d recommend wiping it down after each carry session.

What holsters fit this Colt Government model?

Any full-size 1911 Government holster in .38 Super or .45 ACP will fit — the external dimensions are identical. Look for leather or Kydex options from brands like Galco, Safariland, or Vedder.

Does this model have a firing pin block?

Per Colt specs, the Classic Government uses a Series 70-style firing system — no firing pin block. That gives you a lighter, crisper trigger pull out of the box compared to Series 80 models.

Ready to Add This Classic to Your Rotation?

The Colt 1911 Classic Government .38 Super 5″ Blued is in stock and ready to ship. Whether you’re building a competition loadout or adding a blued steel piece to your collection, this pistol gives you proven 1911 ergonomics with a caliber that stands out. Order now and get it delivered to your FFL in 1-2 business days.

• ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✓ 30-day returns
• ✓ Secure checkout

Browse more options in our Semi Auto Handguns or check out other 1911 Pistols for sale. Need a holster? See our Holsters collection.

Last updated: April 2026