Colt 1911 Government .38 Super Pistol, Stainless – O1911CSS38 For Sale

What is a government model Colt 1911?

The Government Model Colt 1911, often referred to simply as the Colt 1911, is a semi-automatic pistol that was originally designed by John Browning and adopted by the United States military in 1911. It is chambered in .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) and was the standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. Armed Forces from 1911 until 1985. The design is notable for its use of a single-action, recoil-operated firing mechanism and was renowned for its reliability and stopping power. The designation “Government Model” typically refers to the full-sized version of the 1911, as there are various models and adaptations that have been produced over the years for military and civilian use. The Colt 1911 has become one of the most iconic and influential firearm designs, with numerous manufacturers producing their own versions of the pistol.

What are the common problems with the Colt 1911 government?

The Colt 1911 Government model, like any firearm, can encounter a few common issues. Here are some of them:

1. **Feeding Problems**: This can occur when cartridges fail to feed properly from the magazine into the chamber. It is often caused by magazine-related issues or problems with the feed ramp.

2. **Ejection Issues**: Problems with ejecting spent casings might arise due to extractor tension being too tight or too loose, or issues with the ejector itself.

3. **Failure to Return to Battery**: The slide doesn’t fully move forward into the correct locked position. This could be due to problems with the recoil spring or debris interfering with slide movement.

4. **Trigger Problems**: Over time, the trigger mechanism can wear out, leading to a gritty feel or inconsistent pull weight.

5. **Slide Stop Engagement**: Some users report issues with the slide stop engaging prematurely, which could be due to improper spring tension or wear and tear.

6. **Frame and Slide Wear**: Frequent use and maintenance can cause wear to critical components, affecting performance and reliability.

7. **Sights Misalignment**: Fixed sights may drift due to recoil and handling if they are not properly secured.

8. **Magazine Issues**: Problems like failure to feed or lock back issues can often be traced back to faulty or worn magazines.

Regular maintenance, thoroughly cleaning, and replacing worn parts can help mitigate these issues and ensure reliable performance of the Colt 1911 Government model.

What is the difference between government and officer 1911?

The primary difference between a Government and Officer 1911 pertains to their size and capacity, which in turn affects their intended use and carry suitability.

1. **Size:**
– **Government Model:** Typically has a full-size frame, with a barrel length of about 5 inches. This makes it larger and heavier.
– **Officer Model:** Generally has a shorter barrel, around 3.5 inches, and a more compact grip. It is designed to be more concealable and easier to carry.

2. **Capacity:**
– Both models generally use the .45 ACP cartridge, but due to the size difference, the magazine capacity of the Officer model might be slightly reduced compared to the Government model.

3. **Use:**
– **Government Model:** Often preferred for military, law enforcement, and competition shooting due to its longer sight radius and greater stability.
– **Officer Model:** More suited for civilian concealed carry and personal defense, given its smaller size and lighter weight.

These differences reflect the models’ intended purposes, with the Government model being oriented towards robust use and precision, and the Officer model tailored for concealability and ease of carry.

What is the difference between the Colt government series 70 and 80?

The primary difference between the Colt Government Series 70 and Series 80 pistols is the firing pin safety mechanism. The Series 70 does not have an internal firing pin safety, whereas the Series 80 incorporates a firing pin block safety. This safety mechanism in the Series 80 is designed to prevent the firing pin from moving unless the trigger is fully depressed, enhancing safety by reducing the risk of accidental discharge if the pistol is dropped. Some shooters prefer the Series 70 for its simpler design and slightly better trigger pull, while the Series 80 is favored for its added safety features.