The Colt 1911 Government in .38 Super is a 5-inch stainless steel semi-automatic pistol with gold engraving, produced as a 1-of-500 limited edition. It has a 9-round capacity and is finished in stainless with gold-engraved details. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Colt 
• Model: 1911 Government 
• Caliber: .38 Super 
• Action: Semi Auto 
• Barrel Length: 5 in 
• Capacity: 9 rounds 
• Color/Finish: Stainless Steel with Gold Engraving 
   

Detailed Features 

• 5-inch barrel Government-length frame 
• Stainless steel construction 
• Gold engraved finish 
• 1 of 500 limited production run 
• 9-round capacity

Collectors drawn to the Colt 1911 Government 1-of-500 in .38 Super focus primarily on the engraving quality and the stainless and gold combination. Opinions on the engraving work itself vary, with some considering it a genuine collector piece and others viewing the limited-run designation as mostly a marketing stamp.

As a shooter, the .38 Super chambering generates its own discussion. Owners who run it cite the flat trajectory and higher capacity versus .45 ACP as practical advantages. Those who bought it as a collector piece are less likely to put rounds through it regularly.

Value retention is a recurring topic. The 1-of-500 designation and the Deluxe designation in the model name (O1911C-SS38-DLS) suggest collector intent, and most owners who purchased new hold onto them. Resale opinions split between those who expect appreciation and those who see it as a sideshow to the standard blued Government model.