The Colt 1911 Government is a single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .38 Super, built on Colt's full-size Government frame. This example has a 5-inch barrel and a Stainless Steel finish. It is sold as a Shooter's Model, meaning it carries a minor factory cosmetic blemish from the manufacturing process that does not affect function or reliability. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Colt 
• Model: 1911 Government 
• Caliber: .38 Super 
• Action: Semi Auto 
• Barrel Length: 5 in 
• Finish: Stainless Steel 
   

Detailed Features 

• Government-length 5-inch barrel on the full-size 1911 frame 
• Stainless Steel construction resists corrosion and wear over time 
• Single-action trigger operation typical of the 1911 platform 
• Full-size Government grip and frame dimensions match Colt's original 1911 pattern 
• Sold as a Shooter's Model, indicating a minor factory finish imperfection not covered by the standard warranty

The 1911 Government pattern from Colt is a benchmark for the platform, and the .38 Super chambering draws a specific crowd: competition shooters and handloaders who want more velocity than 9mm or .45 ACP offers. Owners like that Colt builds its 1911s to original mil-spec dimensions, which keeps aftermarket parts compatible.

Fit and function opinions vary by example. Some owners report their Colt runs perfectly from the first magazine, while others note the trigger or extractor needed a light break-in before it settled. The 5-inch barrel and steel frame give the gun a certain heft that fans of the caliber appreciate for recoil control.

Stainless Steel 1911s in .38 Super hold value well among Colt collectors and competition shooters alike. A Shooter's Model with a cosmetic blemish is generally seen as a way to get the same gun for less, since the imperfection is typically only visible under close inspection.