WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1
Posted May 26, 2023
The Walther 1911 Colt Government A1 is a piece of history. A classic, reliable, and easy-to-shoot that has been around since 1911, and seen action in World Wars I and II.
It's a firearm that's stood the test of time: it's been faithfully reproduced faithfully by Umarex for decades, and it is still in service with the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies.
The Colt A1 is a single action semiautomatic pistol in .45 ACP chambered to fire an adjustable rear sight, a single-stack magazine capacity, a custom polymer frame, and a forged stainless steel slide. The pistol also has a 4-inch long barrel, and a 5.5-inch overall length beyond its frame and slide.
Admittedly, this six shooter is much bigger than the majority of handguns most people carry these days. But, it is small enough for concealed carry, and the A1 offers an improved level of accuracy.
The balance and weight of the A1 is the biggest attraction; the A1 stands out in terms of recoil control, handling and precise shot placement.
The A1 features a single-action trigger that breaks cleanly and delivers a smooth, light pull. The beavertail safety allows the user to easily activate the thumb safety. The slide stop also serves the purpose of locking the slide open for cleaning and disassembly. The pistol is equipped with a wide and comfortable grip plus a beveled mag well, which is perfect for any operator.
I personally believe the Colt A1 is best used as a range gun. Although, the A1 does not offer a range of special features that many modern handguns have, it does offer a reliable and trustworthy performance every time.
The Colt A1 is an all metal gun with a solid feel, and as a result, it is very durable. The A1 is waterproof and can handle the use of +P loads. It is also corrosion resistant and has a good finish that will last many years.
Overall, I believe the Walther 1911 Colt Government A1 is an exceptional handgun. It is reliable and accurate, and it offers a classic style with plenty of features. The A1 is perfect for the target range, competitive shooting, or even as a home defense firearm. With its historical value, the A1 is a must-have for any gun enthusiast.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Reliability - The WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1 is a proven, reliable platform that has been updated and modernized for modern day use.
• Durability - The WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1 is a reliable and durable firearm. It has a steel frame with aluminum alloy slide, making it almost indestructible.
• Accuracy - The WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1 is an accurate and precise gun, engineered for precise accuracy at a variety of distances.
Cons:
• Price - The WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1 can be an expensive handgun, with some models being quite pricey.
• Weight - The WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1 is a heavy handgun, weighing between 2.2-2.7 pounds unloaded. This can be an issue for some shooters who are not used to the additional weight.
• Limited Capacity - The WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1 only has a 8-round capacity, compared to other models which often have higher capacities.
Who Should Buy
Anyone interested in owning a classic 1911 A1 pistol should consider the WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1. This handgun is reliable, accurate, and crafted with a classic design. It also features a classic blued finish and custom grips for a great look. Those who want a lightweight handgun with good ergonomics and unique styling should also take a look at this gun.
On the other hand, those looking for a self-defense handgun for concealed carry or home defense should look elsewhere. The 1911 A1 is large and heavy, making it difficult to carry on a daily basis. It also has an external hammer, which could potentially lead to a malfunction in a self-defense situation.
Comparisons
| Feature | WALTHER 1911 Colt Government A1 | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger | .45 ACP |
| Barrel Length | 4.5" | 4.0" | 4.0" | 4.25" |
| Operation | Single Action | Double Action | Double Action | Single Action |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Thumb | Ambidextrous Thumb | Ambidextrous Decoder | Constant Action |
| Magazine | 8 Rounds | 14 Rounds | 10 Rounds | 8 Rounds |
Features / Specs
- Single-action semi-automatic pistol
- .45 ACP caliber
- 5-inch barrel
- carbon steel frame and slide
- 8+1 capacity
- fixed blade front sight
- dovetailed rear sight
- walnut grip panels
- overall length of 8.6 inches
- overall weight of 36 ounces
- Parkerized finish
- checkered grip and mainspring housing
Popular Accessories
- Holster: Most 1911 owners prefer a secure, well-made holster for carry and competition.
- Magazines: Finding quality, reliable magazines for your 1911 is essential.
- Grips: Grips come in a variety of materials and styles and are essential for comfort and protection.
- Sights: High-visibility sights for competition and self-defense are essential for accuracy.
- Magazine carrier: A magazine carrier is a great way to keep a spare magazine on hand.
- Recoil Spring Guide Rod: An adjustable guide rod for customizing the recoil of your 1911.
- Extended Thumb Safety: Extended thumb safeties allow you to disengage the safety from a firing grip.
- Mainspring Housing: Specialized mainspring housings can offer improved ergonomics and better access to the controls.
- Trigger Enhancement Parts: From trigger jobs to custom trigger shoes, 1911 owners have many options for customizing the trigger feel.
- Magazine Subplate Kits: A relatively recent trend, these kits offer an advanced internal customization for the 1911.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Walther 1911 Colt Government A1 is exceptional. It is a favorite with both competitive shooters and self-defense enthusiasts due to its reliable accuracy, even in heavier calibers. Although the gun is more expensive than respected alternatives, its accuracy makes it well worth the extra expense. Its five-inch barrel length, combined with its all-steel construction, provides exceptional accuracy and reduced recoil. The gun has a low bore axis, which reduces muzzle rise, allowing for quick follow-up shots. All-in-all, the 1911 Colt Government A1 is incredibly accurate and perfect for target shooting, competition shooting, and carrying for self-defense.
