The Colt 1911 Government is a .45 ACP single-action pistol in the classic 5-inch Government configuration. Stainless steel slide and frame, double-diamond checkered rosewood grips, thumb and grip firing pin safety. At 35 oz and 8.5 inches overall, it's a full-size pistol with the weight and feel the 1911 platform is known for. 
 

Key Specifications 

• SKU: 1794000379 
• UPC: 098289111579 
• Brand: Colt Mfg 
• Model Name: 1911 Government 
• Caliber: .45 ACP 
• Action Type: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 7+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 5 inches 
• Overall Length: 8.5 inches 
• Weight: 2.2 lbs (35 oz) 
• Sights: 3-Dot White 
• Grip Material: Rosewood (double diamond checkered) 
• Safety Features: Thumb Grip & Firing Pin Safety 
• Finish Material: Stainless Steel 
• Condition: New in Box 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The polished stainless slide and frame resist corrosion and hold up well to range use and storage. The single-action trigger gives a clean, consistent break that many shooters find preferable for accuracy work. Thumb safety and grip safety are both present, with a firing pin safety as an additional passive feature. 
 
The 5-inch barrel gives a full sight radius and maximizes .45 ACP performance. The 3-dot white sights are a practical upgrade from plain GI sights. Rosewood grips add aesthetic character while providing real purchase during shooting. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Competitive Shooting: The 5-inch 1911 platform is well-suited to USPSA Single Stack and similar divisions where .45 ACP single-action pistols are at home. 
• Home Defense: 7+1 rounds of .45 ACP with a reliable single-action trigger is a capable defensive setup. 
• Range Use: The combination of caliber, trigger, and sight radius makes it rewarding to shoot at distance. 
• Collecting: Colt-made Government model 1911s have collector value alongside practical use.

Colt 1911 owners in the stainless Government configuration tend to be serious about the platform. Most who buy specifically this variant appreciate the traditional 1911 format and have made a deliberate choice rather than defaulting to a more modern pistol.

The stainless finish and rosewood grips receive consistent praise — the combination looks clean and holds up to use and handling better than blued steel. Build quality from Colt's Government series is generally well-regarded, with tight fit and finish noted by most owners.

The single-action trigger is a strong positive for many shooters who prefer its feel for accuracy work. Those new to SAO pistols sometimes note an adjustment period relative to striker-fired guns.

Common criticisms center on the 7+1 capacity compared to modern high-capacity 9mm pistols, and on weight for carry purposes — at 35 oz unloaded, it's a commitment. Price is mentioned in discussions; at Colt Government prices, buyers expect consistent quality, and occasional QC variation gets amplified when it happens.

The historical significance of the platform and Colt's role in developing it comes up in many discussions, but owners also use these guns and don't treat them purely as shelf pieces.