Overview
Over 100 years of manufacturing 1911 pistols, Colt has had some hiccups in consistency and reliability, but the latest generation, by and large, is solid. With nearly every company producing a 1911 these days, it is hard to stand out. The options are endless.
The key differentiator to date has been forged vs. cast frames. The more desirable forged frames are made from one piece of steel hammered to form, while cast denotes steel poured into a mold, which is considered weaker.
A second highly contested feature is the use of metal injection molding (MIM) processes for parts. Like cast, these use molds and are considered weaker than parts machined from steel. I mention the materials first, as the world of the 1911 is vast and confusing at times. Many guns have an amazing feature set but can dismissed due to the use of MIM parts or cast frames.
Colt famously uses forged frames and machined parts, and the brand is a favorite of 1911 gunsmiths. As some of the most robust mass-produced, non-custom 1911s, the Competition series guns have all the right lineage.
The Colt Competition 9mm features subtle upgrades and the correct materials. The Competition series is an offshoot of the famous Gold Cup National Match pistols, with some tweaks that make it slightly more budget-friendly.
First Looks
The slide and frame are made from stainless steel, with polished flats and matte rounds. This takes more time and machining, so it’s a nice touch for a pistol that sits firmly in the mid-tier of non-custom 1911s. The matte steel atop the rounded slide is less reflective outdoors where most competitions happen, so it is both attractive and functional.
The gun features wider-set rear serrations for better purchase, but personally, I love the look of the thin, vertical old-school Colt versions. The Novak adjustable rear sight is an upgrade over most 1911s. It is blacked out and works well with the large, blazing red fiber-optic front that stands out even in low light.
Colt uses its National Match barrel, which is made to tighter dimensions and provides better accuracy. At times, the term “match barrel” seems more about marketing than reality, but my range experience proved this one accurate. The barrel is a polished stainless steel that is more of a mirror shine than the slide. The bushing is matte to match and uses a standard GI spring guide rod.
The blue G10 grips provide excellent traction, which is needed as the front strap of the grip is not checkered. Swapping grips is the easiest way to personalize and change the look and feel of your pistol, so if the blue or G10 is not your style, there are tons of aftermarket options.
More Features
This version is beefed up for higher round counts by using Colt’s dual recoil spring assembly developed for the U.S. Marines’ M45A1 pistol. It is meant to extend the life of the pistol, and while it may be a little overkill on a 9mm, it’s a welcome upgrade.
The Series 70 trigger system makes the trigger pull lighter and smoother, and a three-hole skeletonized adjustable trigger shoe differentiates this from the wider signature National Match pistols of old.
For me, an extended, upswept beavertail is a necessary feature, so I am glad to see it included. Colt still has some models with the standard beavertail that can make shooting higher round counts incredibly uncomfortable. The Competition model also boasts an undercut trigger guard that allows for a bit higher grip and slightly more control. The gun feels smooth and locks into your hand, so these are welcome additions to a purpose-built gun.
The Colt Competition would make an excellent base gun for a custom project or a solid gateway to higher-end 1911s. The consistency of the parts and fit on these Colts are a gunsmith’s dream, and the included parts should not need to be replaced or modified heavily.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm (also available in .45 ACP and .38 Super)
- Barrel: 5 inches, stainless match
- Length: 8.5 inches
- Weight: 36 ounces
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.5 inches
- Capacity: 9 rounds standard, 10-round mags available.
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Sights: Novak adjustable rear, fiber-optic front
Range Report
This is a handsome 1911 package with quick targeting sights, a trigger that can be tuned, and ergonomics that make it easy to shoot all day long. I had a great experience running through 150 rounds in no time. I was pleasantly surprised at the shootability and accuracy of this pistol.
I don’t know why, but I anticipated the first 500 rounds would include some learning pains and malfunctions. I had zero malfunctions using P1 Ammo 115-grain FMJ, which made this a fun time.
The front sight stands out even in low light. With my familiarity with red dots, it seems my eyes just pick this up quickly. I anticipated some issues with slippage using the smoother grips as the indoor range is humid during the current heat wave, but I was able to maintain a solid master grip with no issue. I think this gun would be top tier if it had front strap checkering. It’s a bit of a shame so many companies choose not to include it.
Nevertheless, the rear vertical lines are deep and do nearly as good of a job as 25 lines-per-inch checkering. The beavertail and undercut ensured my grip stayed high and tight. The heft of a 1911 chambered in 9mm is what makes these so pleasant to shoot, though.
It amazes me how quickly the gun returns to zero, and the combination of these grip features and sights helped me print some tight groups at speed. I left the range impressed and almost had to pony up for another box or two to keep the fun going.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Forged slide and frame with machined controls and parts
- National Match Barrel
- Outstanding sights with adjustable rear
- Matte rounds and polished flats are higher end construction
- Great ergonomics with extended beavertail and undercut trigger
- Adjustable, crisp trigger
- Highly accurate and competitive features at this price point
- Essentially a Gold Cup without the fully adjustable rear target sight
Cons:
- Polished parts scratch easily; matte has tendency to rust easier
- Blue G10 grips not my personal choice
- No front strap checkering
- Only one magazine included
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Some sharp edges
Final Thoughts
The 1911 market is saturated, even after many have called them antiquated and obsolete. Nearly every manufacturer has its take on the 114-year-old Browning design, though I’d say most are a dime a dozen. While there are a lot of great options available, sometimes it just doesn’t feel right if it doesn’t have the pony on it.
The Colt 9mm Competition impressed me with how good it felt in my hand and how easy it was to shoot. It has the features you need to have a good time shooting, and it should last you a lifetime. Plus, it has the heritage to become a family heirloom and is easily worked on by a pistolsmith if you decide to customize it. I look forward to my next range day and many more.
