Description
The Colt 1911 Competition Plus .45 ACP 5″ Two-Tone 8 Rd is a match-ready semi-auto built around a 5-inch National Match barrel and a Series 70 firing system. It combines a brushed stainless frame with a blued slide for that clean two-tone look, and comes fitted with Novak adjustable fiber optic sights for fast sight acquisition. This pistol is designed for competitive shooters who want a reliable, accurate platform straight out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Colt |
|---|---|
| Model | Competition Plus |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel frame, blued carbon steel slide |
| Compatibility | .45 ACP, 8-round magazines (includes two) |
| Finish | Two-tone: brushed stainless frame, blued slide |
| Weight | 39 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- National Match Barrel – The 5-inch barrel is precision-fitted for tighter lockup and consistent accuracy, which matters when you’re chasing X-ring hits in competition.
- Novak Adjustable Fiber Optic Sights – These give you a bright front dot and windage/elevation adjustments, so you can dial in your zero fast under any lighting.
- Dual Recoil Spring System – Two springs reduce felt recoil and slide velocity, keeping the muzzle flat for faster follow-up shots—critical in timed stages.
- G10 Black-and-Grey Grips – Textured G10 panels provide a secure hold even with sweaty hands, and the grey/black pattern adds subtle style without being flashy.
- Series 70 Firing System – No firing pin safety means a crisper trigger pull with less creep, giving you a cleaner break for precision shooting.
Who It’s For
This pistol is for the competitive shooter who wants a ready-to-run 1911 without sending it off for custom work. It also fits the enthusiast who appreciates Colt’s heritage but needs modern features like fiber optic sights and a dual spring setup. If you shoot USPSA Single Stack, IDPA CDP, or just want a range gun that shoots better than you do, this one’s worth a hard look.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: National Match barrel delivers sub-2″ groups at 25 yards with good ammo.
- Pro: Dual recoil springs tame the .45 ACP snap noticeably compared to a standard 1911.
- Con: The blued slide will show holster wear faster than a stainless finish—plan on keeping it oiled if you carry it regularly.
Comparison: Colt Competition Plus vs. Zev Technologies OZ9 vs. Agency Arms AOS Glock 17
| Feature | Colt Competition Plus .45 | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Agency Arms AOS Glock 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | 9mm | 9mm |
| Barrel Length | 5″ National Match | 4.49″ threaded | 4.49″ |
| Trigger | Series 70 (approx 4.5 lb) | Zev adjustable (approx 3.5 lb) | Agency trigger (approx 4 lb) |
| Price (MSRP) | ~$1,190 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,300 |
| Best For | Single Stack / CDP | Open / Limited | Carry / Optics Ready |
FAQ
Does the Colt Competition Plus come with a match-grade barrel?
Yes, it uses a 5-inch National Match barrel, which is Colt’s term for a precision-fitted, match-grade barrel. Expect tighter chamber dimensions and improved accuracy over a standard production barrel.
Can I mount a red dot on this pistol?
No, the Competition Plus ships with Novak fiber optic sights and does not have an optics cut. If you want a red dot, you’ll need to send the slide to a gunsmith for milling or use a dovetail mount that replaces the rear sight.
What magazines does this use?
It uses standard Colt 1911 8-round magazines in .45 ACP. Two are included. You can also use Wilson Combat, Tripp Research, or other quality aftermarket 1911 mags.
Is this pistol California-compliant?
As of now, the Colt Competition Plus is not on the California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale. Check your local laws before ordering.
This model uses a Series 70 firing system—no firing pin block—which gives a cleaner trigger pull compared to Series 80 designs. According to Colt specs, the trigger breaks at approximately 4.5 pounds with minimal creep. One honest drawback: the two-tone finish looks great new but the blued slide will wear faster than stainless, so keep it oiled if you shoot often. Last updated: April 2026.
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Browse related categories: Semi Auto Handguns | 1911 Pistols | Competition Pistols
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