The Colt Competition Government is a 1911-platform semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm with a 5-inch National Match barrel. It has a stainless steel frame and slide and comes configured for optics with a serrated, optic-ready slide. Capacity is 9+1 rounds. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Colt 
• Model: Competition Government 
• Caliber: 9mm 
• Action: Semi Auto 
• Barrel Length: 5 inches 
• Capacity: 9+1 rounds 
• Color/Finish: Stainless 
   

Detailed Features 

• 5-inch stainless National Match barrel 
• Optic-ready serrated slide 
• Stainless steel frame with beavertail 
• G10 grips with fiber optic sights 
• Ambidextrous controls

Owners of the Colt Competition Government in 9mm generally like the stainless finish and the National Match barrel, pointing to solid out-of-the-box accuracy for a production 1911. The optics-ready slide is a practical addition that many competition shooters appreciate without needing aftermarket milling.

The G10 grips and beavertail get mostly positive responses, though some shooters swap the grips for thinner panels to suit their hand size. The ambidextrous controls are a welcome standard feature for left-handed shooters, though the trigger pull quality draws split opinions, with some finding it competition-ready and others preferring a different spring setup.

At its price point, the Competition Government is seen as a capable competition-oriented 1911 from a name-brand maker. Complaints usually center on fit-and-finish inconsistencies between production runs rather than functional reliability. The 1911 aftermarket is deep, which gives owners plenty of upgrade options if they want to go further.