Colt Competition Optics-Ready Handgun .45 Auto 8rd Magazine 5" Barrel Stainless Finish
The Colt Competition Optics-Ready Handgun in .45 Auto is built for shooters who demand precision and modularity on the competition circuit. This stainless steel 1911 combines Colt's proven match-grade engineering with a modern optics-ready slide, giving you the platform to customize your sighting solution while maintaining the reliability and ergonomics that make the .45 ACP a favorite among competitive pistol shooters. With a 5-inch barrel, it delivers the accuracy and velocity needed for tactical and action shooting disciplines.
The slide is milled and ready to accept Colt's optics plate system, with a fixed serrated rear sight installed in a Glock dovetail for immediate use. A Novak red fiber optic front sight aids target visibility, while the black serrated rear provides a clean sight picture. The stainless finish resists corrosion during extended range sessions and competition prep, and the black nitride cover plate protects the optics-mounting surface.
Where this pistol earns its competition credibility is under the hood: a Colt National Match barrel paired with the Series 70 firing system delivers the kind of shot-to-shot consistency that separates winners from the field. The dual spring recoil system soaks up the .45's bark and extends spring life—valuable when you're putting hundreds of rounds downrange. Custom G10 checkered grips with scallops, an undercut trigger guard, and an upswept beavertail grip safety keep the gun low in your hand, giving you better control during high-speed strings and reload transitions.
At 36 ounces and 8.5 inches overall, it's manageable for all-day competitions. The 8+1 capacity (8 in the magazine, 1 chambered) is standard for the platform. Extended thumb safety and upswept beavertail give you thumb-operated manipulation and a secure grip—essential when speed and safety matter equally.
Key Features
- Optics-ready slide with black nitride cover plate for mounting your choice of red dot
- Colt National Match barrel with Series 70 firing system for match-grade accuracy
- Novak red fiber optic front sight and serrated rear sight for immediate use
- Dual spring recoil system reduces felt recoil and extends spring life
- Custom G10 checkered grips with scallops and undercut trigger guard for secure, low-hand grip
- Upswept beavertail grip safety and extended thumb safety for competitive manipulation
- Stainless steel finish with black nitride slide cover plate
Specifications
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 8+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches (127 mm) |
| Overall Length | 8.5 inches (216 mm) |
| Overall Height | 5.75 inches (146 mm) |
| Overall Width | 1.25 inches (32 mm) |
| Unloaded Weight | 36 oz (1,021 g) |
| Finish | Stainless with black nitride slide cover |
| Front Sight | Novak red fiber optic |
| Rear Sight | Black serrated, fixed |
| Barrel | Colt National Match; 1:16 LH twist, 6 groove |
| Firing System | Series 70 |
| Trigger | 3-hole black anodize aluminum |
| Grips | G10 checkered blue with scallops |
| Safeties | Extended thumb safety, upswept beavertail grip safety |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this Colt optics-ready .45 accept aftermarket red dot plates?
Yes. The stainless slide is milled for the Colt optics plate system, and aftermarket plates are available for installation of your preferred red dot optic. The black nitride cover plate is removable to allow easy swapping of mounting solutions.
What's the magazine capacity and what does 8rd mean?
This .45 Auto holds 8 rounds in the magazine, plus 1 chambered in the barrel, for 8+1 total capacity. The single-stack magazine is standard for the 1911 platform.
Is this pistol suitable for competition shooting?
Yes. The match-grade barrel, Series 70 firing system, fiber optic front sight, dual recoil spring system, and ergonomic touches like the undercut trigger guard and scalloped G10 grips are all designed with competitive shooting in mind.
Does it come with sights installed and ready to shoot?
Yes. The Novak red fiber optic front sight and black serrated rear sight are already installed, so the pistol is ready to use immediately. You can add an optic later by installing an aftermarket plate on the milled optics-ready slide.

