Colt 1991 Government, 45 ACP 5", Matte Blue

After carrying on of these side arms for over a decade until the US Military shifted to the Baretta 92F, I can say without hesitation, I would much rather have the stoping power of the .45 ACP. I know I could have the same caliber gun from a different make but why would you choose anything but the original. It feels like an old friend and carries well, better than the Baretta. So what if you have more rounds in you magazine..if you need all 15 you had better practice more.

By tmelitta from San Diego

My Colt 1991 Government M1911 has been a real joy to own and to shoot. I've owned it since June of this year (2011) and put about 300 to 400 rounds through it. I haven't had a single problem with it, and it has definitely lived up the reputation of the 1911. The pistol is accurate, reliable, and extremely comfortable in the hand. Recoil is more than manageable with standard commercial .45 loads. My only complaint is that the white paint in the dots on the rear sight came off. This is a minor gripe compared to the overall quality of the weapon. For those of us who want our guns to be deadly AND attractive, this Colt fits the bill. The classic blued finish and rosewood grips give the weapon a timeless look that harkens back to the original 1911s that our boys carried to war. There is something about a classic, military spec 1911 that stirs the heart. If you want a superb, beautiful 1911 for home defense, personal defense, or for target shooting, the Colt 1911 Government is a great choice, and much less expensive than the many "tacticool" versions you'll find out there.

By Benjamin from Colorado

The Model of 1911 is the prototypical American semi-automatic handgun and, as such, ownership of at least one example is perhaps required of all American gun owners. Colt is the iconoclastic M1911 maker. As a complete novice to pistol ownership -- and gun ownership for that matter -- I spent a long time researching my options. I researched as many different 1911 style models as possible, from Kimber to Ed Brown, Springfield to Smith and Wesson, Para Ordnance to Wilson Combat. I decided to start at the beginning with a basic Colt. When I held my first Colt O1991 (the M1911 design with an added firing pin defeat to prevent accidental discharge if dropped) I knew I was on the right track. It fit my hands well and felt comfortable, like it had always belonged there. It had a solid, weighty feel, and the movement of the slide was as smooth as a Barry White ballad. Fit and finish were excellent. The slide to frame fit -- a contentious issue surrounding 1911 lore -- was quite good, although not as tight as some other brands. The manufacture, however, was as precise as some models costing three times as much. While I contemplated the more customized versions of the M1911, I realized starting with the Colt O1991 offered a blank canvas. I could leave it in its original configuration and enjoy the classic lines or I could have my own modifications performed. After nearly a year of ownership I chose the latter, performed by Colt's more than capable Custom Gunsmiths. My Colt O1991 is a beautiful and comfortable handgun that has been absolutely reliable. It is a wonderful choice for a first or only M1911, and judging by my particular example, the quality and reliability is such that it may become your grandchild's first M1911 as well. I am more than satisfied with the Colt O1991 and have absolutely no regrets about my purchase. I recommend it highly. If you purchase the Colt O1991 and are not satisfied, you are likely a Commie who hates Barry White.

By David from Crystal Lake, IL