Few companies are as much as an American Classic as Colt.  In 1855 Samuel Colt, the man credited with making all men equal, founded the company in Hartford, Connecticut.  Since that time the company has had many ups and downs but remained as American as apple pie.  Though the 9x19mm cartridge may not be native to the US of A, it is what most of us shoot.  I recently had the uncommon chance to get my hands on a Competition model 1911 in stainless steel and chambered in 9mm.

My example was lightly used.  I believe that guns are meant to be shot, but also try not to abuse them, especially if I’m going to be showing them on film.  I was disappointed to get a pistol without magazines, and surprised to see the “idiot scratch” from poor reassembly.  Other than some minor cosmetic blemishes the gun is still exciting to hold.  The excitement goes beyond excitement about the brand, the gun is smartly modeled.  Perhaps the most generous radius has been cut under the trigger guard to allow a higher grip and ease a pressure point on the middle finger.

Front strap is not serrated, but has texture.  Rear strap has vertical serrations.  The grip safety has a bit of rattle to it, no doubt do to a non-standard spring.  This is a competition model and built for speed.  This model is also available in .45 ACP and .38 Super for those not a fan of 9mm.  Full specs below as taken directly from the product web page.

  • Action: Single Action Hammer Fired Semi-Auto
  • Barrel: 5″
  • Capacity: 9+1
  • Finish: Stainless
  • Sights: Novak Adjustable Fiber Optic
  • Stock: Steel Frame / G10 Checkered Blue Grips Grips
  • Magazine: 2 / 9 rd.
  • Weight: 36 oz.
  • Safety: Thumb Safety, Grip Safety
  • Grips: G10 Blue and Black Grips
  • Barrel Length: 5
  • Overall Length: 8.5
  • Features: National Match Barrel/ Dual Recoil Spring System

9mm 1911s have a reputation for being tricky to feed.  The challenge comes from the shape that a magazine must be to fit the stock.  The 1911 was originally designed for .45 ACP which has a case length 3.8mm longer than 9mm.  This makes for a longer (front to rear) magazine than 9mm requires.  Add to that the broader frame and narrower barrel and there are opportunities for feeding issues.

These factors should make for an interesting “What’s for Dinner?” range test which will be conducted as soon as I can find some 9mm 1911 magazines.  The Colt Competition is obviously marketed as a competition gun, so the full, “What’s for Dinner?” test may not be fair, but I’m curious regardless.