Colt 1911 Variants and Popularity
The iconic 1911 pistol has played a crucial role in military and law enforcement history. Its time-tested design and renowned reliability contribute to its stable market value, with well-preserved variants fetching a premium price.
The pistol was formally adopted by the army on March 29, 1911 and the navy and marine corps in 1913. Battlefield experience in World War I led to the first changes to the design, which were completed in 1924.
The Colt Government Model
The Government Model has been the sidearm of choice for law-enforcement personnel and military units throughout the world. Colt’s version of the iconic pistol comes with features designed specifically for military and law-enforcement use including an all-black ion-bond
finish, a Tritium front sight, cocking serrations on the rear slide, a National Match barrel, ambidextrous safety, a lowered trigger guard and a funneled magazine well.
This particular gun is built on a special 1911 frame that has been worked over to fire rimfire blanks. It’s produced by Walther, which is owned by Umarex, and shipped to Colt, who puts it in one of their branded boxes. The result is a gun that is perfectly ready to take on the competition range or go after criminals.
The Colt Gold Cup Series
The Gold Cup Series is the civilian version of Colt’s military-grade 1911 pistol. It’s a popular choice for law enforcement, competition shooters and those who want to carry a sidearm for self-defense purposes.
The National Match is a special variant designed for competitive shooting enthusiasts who prioritize accuracy and precision. Its lightweight design enhances its maneuverability and makes it a favorite for fast-paced target competitions.
A Gold Cup with a duo-tone finish has an added aesthetic appeal that many collectors and enthusiasts appreciate. Its appearance also increases its functional value, as it allows the user to distinguish between chambered rounds and fired cartridges.
A Gold Cup with extra magazines is another desirable feature that can increase its market value. It’s a practical accessory that can make it easier for shooters to reload and carry more rounds on the range.
Two-Tone Finishes
Originally designed to provide competitive shooters a gun that they could take directly from the dealer to the range, the Gold Cup Lite Two Tone features competition grips, Novak low mount carry sights and National Match barrel. This pistol also has a dual recoil spring system and Novak adjustable fiber optic front sight for precision shooting. It has a corrosion resistant brushed stainless steel frame, custom G10 grips and ambidextrous extended thumb safety and upswept beavertail grip safety.
Original colt charcoal bluing was done until 1918 when they cut out steps to speed up production for war time. Modern bluing processes like hot caustic dip and rust blue are ok but they don’t look as good as original charcoal. It’s also more fragile in use with cleaners and lubes. Professional Cerakote Applicators like Cliff Diseker at Lone Star Gunsmithing and Cerakote in Princeton, Texas will always recommend Cerakoting your 1911 for a lifelong custom finish with ultimate protection.
Special Editions
With a prestigious military contract in hand, Colt began to produce 1911s in commercial quantities. The demand quickly outpaced Colt’s ability to keep up. The venerable single stack pistol was soon being produced by Remington Rand (once the world’s largest typewriter manufacturer), Ithaca Gun Company and even Union Switch & Signal (a sewing machine maker).
American troops carried them during World War I, World War II, and Vietnam. Many stories arose from the battlefield, including one of Corporal Alvin York shooting down nine German machine-gun crewmen with each clip he fired from his Colt. The 1911 has continued to be used by law enforcement and civilians for self-defense, competition shooting and target practice. It has also been a staple sidearm in movies such as The Matrix, Rambo and Taxi Driver.
Marine CQBP
The Marine CQBP is a remarkable 1911 variant that was designed to save lives. It won a competitive bid against Springfield Armory and Karl Lippard Designs to be the Corps’ new service pistol in 2012, and it continues to serve with distinction.
Its one-of-a-kind markings identify it as a military pistol, including the “EGA” serial suffix and the Marine’s iconic eagle, globe and anchor emblem. The inboard side features a small set of numbers and the term “CQBP,” denoting that it is a Close Quarters Battle Pistol.
The pistol is clad in a light desert tan finish. It has a machined MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail and ambidextrous manual safety. It also features a dual recoil spring assembly, which lessens the impact of the powerful.45 ACP cartridge and increases the gun’s service life. The slender pistol has a highly textured G10 grip and a cold-hammer forged, polished stainless steel National Match barrel.
