The Colt 1911 Government is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP with a 5-inch barrel and an 8-round capacity. It has a bright stainless steel frame and slide with a serrated slide and beavertail grip safety. Grips are rosewood checkered wood panels. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Colt 
• Model: 1911 Government 
• Caliber: .45 ACP 
• Action: Semi Auto 
• Capacity: 8 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 5 inches 
• Color/Finish: Bright Stainless 
   

Detailed Features 

• 5-inch stainless steel barrel 
• Bright stainless steel frame and serrated slide 
• Beavertail grip safety 
• Rosewood checkered wood grips 
• Fixed sights

Owners of the 1911 Government in stainless tend to be enthusiastic about the fit and finish out of the box. The bright stainless polish is a draw for collectors, though range shooters sometimes find it shows wear and holster marks faster than a matte or satin finish.

The 5-inch Government-length slide gives a full sight radius and a crisp single-action trigger that most 1911 buyers consider the main reason to choose the platform. Trigger pull weight is a point of discussion: some feel it ships slightly heavy and benefits from a gunsmith touch, while others run it as-is without issue.

At its price point, the 1911 Government competes with several other production 1911s. Buyers who want the Colt rollmark and a stainless classic configuration tend to be satisfied with the purchase; those expecting match-grade internals at a production price sometimes look elsewhere.