Colt Model 1911 A1 explained

by Grard Henrotin
Release 01-00

Ebook's Content
From the Model 1911 to the Model 1911 A1
Further refinement of the Model 1911 A1
National Match Pistols in caliber .45 ACP
Commercial production of the Model 1911 A1
War production of the Model 1911 A1
Post War changes until the 1960s
Changes of the 1970s
Colt Government in caliber .38 Super
Colt "Commander"
Colt "Gold Cup National Match" in caliber .45 ACP
Colt "AMU" and kits in caliber .38 Special & .45 ACP
Colt "Gold Cup National Match" in caliber .38 Special
Colt Government field stripping
Colt Government advanced dismounting - 1
Colt Government advanced dismounting - 2
Colt Government advanced dismounting - 3
Operation of the Colt Government
(includes one animated sequence)

Thumb safety and animated sequence of the 1911 A1 firing

cycle

From the Model 1911 to the Model 1911 A1

Shortly after the end of World War I, Colt initiated a program to improve the design of the Model 1911. From January of
1920 until February of 1924, the Government Model underwent no less than 40 revisions that consisted mostly of reducing
mechanical tolerances, and improving the manufacturing process.

Model 1911
The following changes were the most notable:
1 - The barrel length was brought from 5.025" to 5.03", while internal dimensions were modified as follows:
- Land diameter from .455" to .443"
- Groove diameter from .451" to .450"
- Height of lands from .003" to .0035"

2 - The former tapered front sight was changed to one with a constant thickness (1920), and later (1923) the former front
sight round post was made rectangular.
3 - In 1922, the rear sight notch was increased from .06" to .07" wide, and from .04" to .05" deep.

4 - The front end of the receiver (red circle) was lengthened by .031", to avoid any possible gap between the receiver and
the slide spring housing.

5 - Beginning in late 1920, the slides were progressively serial numbered. At first the serial number was struck on the flat
area of the firing pin housing, but it appeared that the marking was causing an excess of wear on the head of the
disconnector.

To remedy the problem, the marking location was changed to the rear face of the slide, on the flat located behind the firing
pin retainer.
6 - At the same period the slide were serial numbered, and the slide rail tolerances on the receiver were reduced.

7 - In April of 1919, the groove machined on the right side of the slide stop was eliminated.

One year later, in late 1920, the thumb piece of the slide stop was redesigned, to improve the manufacturing process.
8 - In 1922, Colt decided to weaken the main spring by reducing it, of one coil and diminishing slightly the wire diameter
from .045" to .0414". But firing tests, conducted in 1924, revealed that the weakened mainspring was inadequate to fully
warrant the cartridge ignition. As a result, the former .045" mainspring was re-installed. The weakened mainspring, with a
right-hand twist, were made of 21 coils while the older with left-hand twist had 22 coils.
9 - In February of 1921, the recoil spring was also weakened by reducing the wire diameter (from .043" to .0414"), while
augmenting the number of coils from 32 3/4 to 34/1/2. But like with the main spring, to meet the Ordnance requirements,
the recoil spring was changed back to the older version by February of 1924.

10 - The plunger cut on the left side of the safety catch was deepened.
11 - The bottom of the two-tone magazine was left unmarked.

12 - In November of 1919, the assembler's mark moved from the lower area of the trigger guard on the left side of the
frame to the upper area of the trigger guard on the right side of the frame (red circle above).
13 - Between serial numbers C132000 to C138530, the wood grip plates were made without the lozenge around the
retaining screw holes. The whole surface of the grip was checkered.
14 - In 1920, the slide marking was changed.

Left side marking

Right side marking

In parallel to the Manufacturer's changes, the U.S. Ordnance technicians established a list of new requirements. When
Colt received an order for 10,000 pistols in June of 1923, these requirements (detailed below) had to be implemented.

U.S. Ordnance new requirements:

1 - The mainspring housing had to be redesign with an arched profile.

2 - The grip safety comb had to be extended to prevent squeezing of the hand by the hammer.
3 - The trigger had to be shortened.
4 - A finger clearance cut had to be machined on both sides of the frame at the rear of the trigger guard.

Colt requested the approval of its own changes, stating that these changes would not affect the interchangeability of
parts. In the Model 1911 A1, though, the grip safety has its bottom edge beveled at each corner, while the corners remain
right angled in the Model 1911. As a result, the grip safety of the Model 1911 cannot be installed in the Model 1911 A1
before the grinding off of these corners.

Further refinement of the Model 1911 A1

In late 1925, two additional changes were introduced.

The disconnector recess, which was formerly shaped around a drilled hole, was later modified into a longer shallow and
curved area.

To better protect the front end of the slide against wear, it was hardened on 2 1/4" to 2 1/2" of length. The hardened area can
usually be delimited by a darker color (red arrows above) in the parkerized military pistols.

In 1935, the breech seat was modified to receive a screwed plug (orange color above). It was discovered that the repeated
striking of the cartridge case against the breech face caused a peening around the firing pin hole. As a flame hardening of the
whole breech face area was likely to deform the thin wall around the ejection port, it was therefore found more convenient to
screw a drilled plug of hardened steel.

Among other minor changes was a change in the barrel marking and bottom of the magazine.

- The Swartz Safeties -

The next major change was the introduction of the Swartz safety in 1937. William L. Swartz, with its firing pin safety (U.S.

Patent # 2,140,946 - December 20, 1938), was the precursor of a kind of safety which is today of general use in semi-auto
pistols.

Principle of the Swartz firing pin safety

The safe carrying of a semi-auto pistol, with a cartridge chambered, and the hammer resting on the firing pin, or positioned in
the safety notch, was since a long time a theme of controversy. The principle of the Swartz safety was to prevent any
possible movement of the firing pin until the pistol was properly and firmly gripped.

The Swartz safety operation is quite simple because it requires no other action than firmly gripping the pistol. Squeezing the
grip safety operates the locking block through a small sliding lever (blue color above). When the pistol is not properly
gripped, the firing pin remains securely locked by the firing pin lock, which is maintained downward between two shoulders
of the firing pin, by the pressure of its return spring. The sliding lever shares the same pivot with the sear and the
disconnector. The clever positioning of the safety parts warrants that the mechanism does not interfere with the operation of
the trigger mechanism.

The firing pin lock is roughly L-shaped, with the tip of the L leg protruding on the bottom of the slide (yellow circle), and
aligned with the tip of the sliding actuator. The forward corner of the protruding portion of the lock is beveled to allow the
sliding actuator to re-engage the lock after firing, and to automatically unlock the firing pin for another shot. Note, that the
lock must be introduced by the top of the slide through a hole machined below the rear sight.

"Swarzt" safety hole drilled but left unused in pistol serial # 901726 (1943)

The sliding lever, or actuator, whose head slightly emerges in the vicinity of the disconnector hole, and whose foot rests on
the top of the grip safety's inward extension, which blocks the movement of the trigger when the grip safety is not properly
gripped.

Besides the two specific parts explained above, two standard parts were slightly modified. The extractor was partly ground
off in its middle, to ease its removal, and the firing pin head was machined to accept the locking block.

Note, that the face of the locking block, which is oriented toward the extractor tunnel, is notched in such a manner that the
extractor can be removed without being obliged to dismount the locking block, and consequently the rear sight.

The pistols fitted with a Swartz firing pin safety are usually equipped with a Swartz-designed hammer safety, whereby a lip on
the safety notch of the hammer is aligned with a mated recess in the sear nose. This hammer safety was designed to prevent
any risk of the sear nose being unsteadily "caught" by the edge of the safety notch while the shooter is convinced that the
sear is fully engaged in it. The first caliber .45 Government models fitted with the Swartz safety were assembled in October of
1937. Note, that most of the pre-war receivers, which were used in the post-war period, were milled for the Swartz safety, but
the components were not installed.

National Match Pistols in caliber .45 ACP

Colt "National Match" serial # C175879

After many years of insistent demand of pistols specifically intended for target shooting, Colt decided to
produce a Government Model fitted with super-smooth hand-honed action, selected "Match" barrel, and
"Partridge" type sights. This target pistol was to be known as the Colt "National Match" Model. It seems
that the earliest National Match pistols date back to early 1932. They were produced randomly in the
Government Model serial range and were not identified in the production ledgers. Note, that the
mainspring housing of these pistols does not carry a lanyard ring.

Besides the regular markings, the barrels "National Match" pistols had a specific MB marking into a
circle, standing for "Match Barrel". From 1935 onward, the marking "Colt .45 Auto Match" was added on
the left side of the chamber. After Word War II, the production of "National Match" pistols resumed under
the new label of: "Colt Gold Cup National Match".

- "National Match" pistols of the U.S. Army -

During several years, military pistols of the U.S. Army were modified and improved by the Springfield
Arsenal to meet the requirements for competition at the "National Match". Later, the same task was
entrusted to private gunsmiths. The selected pistols were going through a series of modifications, to
diminish the tolerances and play between the moving parts. The parts playing a vital role in the
accuracy, like the barrel, the trigger, the sights were replaced by more precise counterparts. Generally
these new components were marked "NM", as shown on the drawing above. The example shown above
was built around a Remington receiver, on which was tightly adjusted a slide of Colt origin. The slide
was fitted with a "Triangle H.E.G" rear sight, and a Partridge front sight, with a serrated anti-glare ramp.
The trigger was made of aluminum, and the front strap of the grip was improved, with an anti-slipping
surface.

- Production of the .45 Colt Government until 1950 Years

1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936

Approx. serial numbers

C135000
C140000
C145000
C151000
C152000
C155000
C156000
C159000
C161000
C164800
C174600
C178000
C179800

C139999
C144999
C150999
C151999
C154999
C155999
C158999
C160999
C164799
C174599
C177999
C179799
C183199

1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950

C183200
C188700
C189600
C198900
C199300
C208800
C221001
C221001
C232000
C238501
C240001

C188699
C189599
C198899
C199299
C208799
C215018
C222001
C231900
C238500
C240000
247700C

Note, that after 1950, the prefix "C" of the serial number
was positioned at the end (suffix).

Commercial production of the Model 1911 A1

From 1919 until 1942, near fifty percent of the production of the Government Model was devoted to the international
commercial market. Among these foreign customers were many countries of South America, where the Models 1911
and 1911 A1 were greatly appreciated. To the extent, that in parallel to the purchase of Colt pistols, a local production of
more or less faithful copies was initiated. Notably in Spain and Argentina.

- Foreign purchases of Models 1911 from 1919 until 1924 -

Mexico
Argentina
Brazil
London Armory Cie
Guatemala
London Armory Cie

1,790
830
700
300
18
10

Marine
Cal. 45
Cal. 455

- Foreign purchases of Models 1911 A1 from 1924 until 1942 -

Argentina
Brazil
Mexico
British Purchas. Comm.
Philippines
Shanghai
Cuba
Norway
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Colombia
Hong Hong
Haiti
Puerto Rico
London Armory Cie
Peru

19,595
16,180
3,160
2,595
1,175
1,053
350
200
180
115
100
90
50
50
30
12

1,969 for the Marine

500 for the Marine
Marine
Cal. 45
Municipal Police
Marine

Cal. .45

- Argentine Army Procurements In 1927, the "Argentine Commission for Foreign Acquisitions", based in Brussels, Belgium, negotiated an order with
Colt for the procurement of 10,000 Models 1911 A1 intended to equip the Argentine Army, and listed as "Pistola
Sistema Colt Modelo Argentino 1927, Caliber .45". Those pistols were differentiated from the current Colt commercial
production, only by their specific markings, and serial range (from 1 to 10,000 - struck on the top of the slide, on the
receiver behind the main spring housing and on the top of the barrel chamber), as required by the Argentine
Government. Notice, that the magazines were also serial numbered.

A team of Argentine inspectors was present at the Colt factory to inspect the parts and pistols. When passed, they were
being struck with specific markings, which were the letters "RA" or "R", enclosed inside an oval. Notice, that Argentina
ordered 159 additional pistols in 1927, serial numbered from 1 to 159. Specific details about that purchase are not
available.

- Argentine Navy Procurements In the course of the twenties, the Argentine Navy placed three consecutive orders for an overall quantity of 306 Models
1911 A1.

The pistols of the first two shipments (156 pieces) were roll-marked "MARINA ARGENTINA" on the right side of the
slide, and there was an "M-II" marking positioned before the specific sequential number, struck on the right side of the
receiver. The third shipment of 150 pistols was marked "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA / ARMADA NACIONAL" on the right
side of the slide, and the serial number marking was preceded by "No". From the year 1935 until 1938, a supplemental
quantity of 1,024 pistols was ordered, and delivered to the Argentine Navy. These pistols were roll-marked "MARINA
ARGENTINA" on the right side of the slide. In 1941, a bulk of 500 pistols, drawn from the current commercial
production, was ordered and most of them were marked: "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA / ARMADA NACIONAL - 1941", with
the national crest struck on the top of the slide. Some pistols of this same order were marked: "REPUBLICA
ARGENTINA / MARINA DE GUERRA - 1941". During the fifties, other orders were issued, and pistols were also delivered
as part of the equipment of World War II ships, purchased as surplus by Argentina. Among those war ships was the
"ARA General Belgrano", which was sunk by the English Marine during the Falklands war.

- 1911 A1 orders for the Argentine Marine Years

serial ranges

Qty

1924
1925

C140700
C144100

C140900
C145300

78
78

1927

C154600

C15500

150

1935
1935
1936
1936
1938
1941
1941

C177000
C178000
C178000

C178000
C179000

600
70
60
185
109
250
250

C182700
C198700

C180000
C187800
C208700

Besides the government purchases, several local firearms importers ordered Colt pistols to be sold to various Police
bodies. These pistols generally carry such markings as: "POLICIA DE LA CAPITAL", "POLICIA FEDERAL", "POLICIA
DE ROSARIO", "POLICIA DE TUCUMAN", ...

- Local production in Argentina In the view of reducing its dependence toward foreign producers, Argentina decided to build up its own firearms
industry, which was a branch of the Military administration. The new body, named DGFM (Direccion General de
Fabricaciones Militares) was in charge of erecting a series of plants, to provide the country with all the necessary
weapons to fulfill its various needs.

Inside that vast industrial compound, the FMAP (Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles Domingo Matheu) had the
responsibility of producing copies of the Colt Model 1911 A1. From 1945 until 1966, near 88,500 of those copies were
manufactured under license. They carry the marking "D.G.F.M. - (F.M.A.P.)" on the left side of the slide, and the right
side is marked "EJERCITO ARGENTINO / SIST. COLT CAL. 11,25mm. MOD. 1927".

- Brazilian purchases -

Brazil was the second largest purchaser of Colt Government pistols in South America. In 1932, the Brazilian Army
ordered 1,000 pistols, which were numbered in the C154000 - C164000 serial range. From 1937 until 1941, 14,500 pistols
were ordered in the serial range C188000 to C209000. These pistols were struck with the Brazilian crest (shown above),
and "EXERCITO BRASILERO" on the right side of the slide. They also carried a sequential number from 1 to 14500 on
the same side of the slide. Notice, that in addition to Military procurements, some quantities of Colt pistols were
acquired by government agencies and Municipal Polices. 180 pistols were devoted to the Municipal Police in Rio de
Janeiro.
The Brazilian Navy received 1,200 pistols, whose quantities and serial ranges are listed behind:

- Model 1911 A1 for the Brazilian Marine Years

1921
1922
1925
1935

serial range
C129000
C128000
C139000
C178000

C131000
C129500
C141000
C179000

Qty
200
500
300
200

Like Argentine, Brazil built up a light firearms industry with the help of the U.S. Government, which supplied machine
tools declared in excess by the Ordnance Department. In about 1961, Brazil began to produce a crude copy of the
M1911 A1 at "Fabrica de Itajuba".

- Mexican purchases -

Mexican Colt 1911 A1 - serial number C135932

Mexico procured 5,400 Colt Government between 1922 and 1941. Most of which were bought through local importers.
The first 1,790 pistols were of the M1911 pattern. Some of these pistols were roll-marked "EJERCITO MEXICANO" or
"EJERCITO NACIONAL" on the right side of the slide.

Obregon pistol - serial number A311 - sold in auction in 1993 for 1,870 $US
During the mid-1930s, Alejandro Obregon, a Mexican firearm designer, patented a pistol in caliber 11.46 (US Patent
2,115,041 - 02/04/1935), which externally resembled the Colt Government but which had a locking system based on a
rotary barrel. The total quantity produced by the "Fabrica de Armas Mexicanos" is estimated at about 1,000 pistols.

War production of the Model 1911 A1

In 1939, the firm Colt was the sole source of .45 automatic pistols for the U.S. Army. Late in 1940, when it became
obvious that the U.S. could not remain longer idle with the German threat coming from one side, and the relations
with Japan becoming each day more conflicting, a limited emergency was declared which included expansion of
the equipment to produce firearms. One early stage of the mobilization process resulted in the evaluation of small
arms in the view of eliminating handguns and submachine guns. As a result of that study, it was not until 1941 that
the Ordnance Department, which was facing a huge demand for .45 automatic pistols, considered the procurement
of such weapons from other sources than Colt. Actually, the War Department decided in 1941 to adopt a light .30
caliber semi-automatic carbine, designed by Winchester. In adopting this carbine, it was hoped that the pistols and
submachine guns would become unnecessary. As things developed, if we except Colt, a total of four firms became
involved in the production of pistols, but only three of them actually produced large quantities.

- Singer -

Pre-production Singer pistol - serial # X-1

The first firm involved was Singer Manufacturing Company, Elizabethport, New Jersey. Singer was a best-known
precision manufacturing company, specialized for decades in the production of sewing machines. The negotiation
with the Ordnance Department resulted in one order, considered as a test, whereby Singer would tool and
manufacture 500 pistols in accordance with the Springfield Armory master drawings. The 500 pistols were
produced and delivered between late 1941 and early 1942. They were finely finished and gave little trouble to the
firm during the course of manufacture. The firm marking was struck on the left face of the slide, and the pistols
were assigned serial numbers following in sequence the last number of the previous Colt contract. The Singer
pistols serial numbers, covering the S800001 to S800500 range, were struck on the usual location on the right side
of the receiver, and were distinguished by an "S" prefix letter. Those pistols were allegedly issued to the U.S. Air
Forces during 1942.

- Union Switch & Signals -

If we except the firm Singer, which cannot be considered as a true producer with regard to the total quantity
produced, the firm Union Switch & Signals (Pennsylvania), which manufactured 55,000 pistols in 1943, can be
considered as the smaller World War II producer of the Model 1911 A1. The firm was a subsidiary of
"Westinghouse Air Brake Company", specialized in the production of metallic parts and complex assemblies for
the railroad industry. As it was the rule, U.S.& S. was granted a serial block (958101 - 1088725), which was
continuing a Colt sequence.

- Ithaca Gun Co. -

The firm Ithaca was positioned third if we consider the amount of pistols produced. A well-known company in the
realm of sport guns, Ithaca owned all the facilities and manpower for that kind of job. She was endowed with the
M1911 A1 production tools coming from Singer. The first order of 60,000 pistols was granted in mid-1942, and the
first deliveries started early in 1943. Ithaca received the first serial block available, which followed the Colt
production, and from 1943 until 1945, at least 369,000 were being produced. That number represents
approximately twenty percent of the entire war production.

- Remington Rand Inc. -

Remington Rand Inc., of New York, was a firm with considerable experience in the manufacture of office machines.
With a total production of 1,032,000 pistols manufactured in its plant at Syracuse (slightly less than 54% of the
entire war production), Remington Rand exceeded the combined production of Colt and all other firms involved.
They were initially assigned the next consecutive serial number after the first Ithaca block. Their production
started in 1942, with an initial order of 125,000 pistols, and the last deliveries took place between January of 1945
and the summer of the same year.

Colt production

Remington production
In order to ease the production, several modifications in design were adopted, like the protruding side flanks of the
hammer which were eliminated, or the checkering of the holdopen latch, which became simple striations.

Above: stamped trigger made by Remington

Left: Remington stamped trigger - Right: Colt forged trigger

When time-consuming operations of forging and machining could be replaced by stamping, these new methods
were promoted. Notably for the trigger.

Note also, that the mainspring housing made by Remington was serrated while Colt's was checkered. Among
other changes was also the development of molded plastic grips, which were subcontracted to countless small
plastics firms, and the replacement of the blue finish in favor of a greenish phosphating, which was less timeconsuming and did not reflect light.

Production of the 1911 A1 by producers 1940 - 1945

Colt Hartford Connecticut

1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945

4,693
35,256
99,367
112,000
134,000
135,000

Remington Rand Inc. Syracuse N.Y.

1942
1943
1944
1945

26,257
98,518
557,225
350,000

Ithaca Gun Co. Ithaca, New York

1943
1944
1945

161,000
74,000
134,000

Union Switch & Signal Co.

Swissvale, Pennsylvania

1945

55,000

Singer Elizabeth, New Jersey

1941

Total

500
1,976,816

- Military markings found on the Model 1911 A1 -

The U.S. Ordnance "crossed cannons" logo was struck on the left upper corner of the right side of the receiver. It
is generally faintly visible.

- Ordnance inspectors markings J.S.B, standing for Capt. John S. Breen (Colt plant in 1936 - 1937)
W.B. inside a rectangle, standing for Col. Waldemar Broberg (Colt plant in 1941)
F.J.A. standing for Lt. Col. F.J. Atwood (Ithaca, USS, Remington plants in 1942 - 1944)
R.C.D. inside a circle, standing for Lt. Col. Downie (Union Switch Signal plant in 1943)
G.H.D. standing for Lt. Col. Guy H. Drewry (Colt plant in 1930 - 1957)
J.K.C. standing for Lt. Col. John K. Christmas (Singer plant in 1942)

English Model 1911 A1 furnished under lend-lease agreement

with mention NOT ENGLISH MAKE

English proof marks

Post-war changes until the 1960's

As soon as WW II was over, all the pending contracts for firearms were canceled. It resulted for Colt, and other firms
deeply implied in war production, a period of downsizing and reorganization to re-oriented the business toward the
commercial market. The Ordnance policy being not to reclaim unfinished components on hand, the first Colt pistols for
the post-war commercial market were assembled from these left over parts. It is why such oddities of that period can be
encounter like slides carrying the rampant Colt logo on each side. On the left side as it was the rule during wartime, and
on the right side as required by the new commercial design. Actually, throughout the year 1946, the commercial
production was mainly drawn from unachieved military pistols (serial range C220001 - C222000). Among the many
changes quickly introduced into the post-war commercial production was the high luster chemical blue, which was
replacing the more expensive gas-fired oven bluing of pre-war days. Other changes included the suppression of the
lanyard loop at the bottom of the mainspring housing and the suppression of the serial number on the slide.

- Commercial production of the 1947- 1960 era At about serial number C222500, all the wartime components were exhausted.

Several parts were redesigned, among which was the trigger, which received a series of vertical serrations, and the
thumb area of the holdopen latch, which was machined with four thick horizontal serrations (C230000). About at serial
number C228000, the front sight width was broadened from .080" to .090". As to the finish, the surface was bright
polished, before undergoing a chemical bluing. The upper face of the slide only was left with a matt finish. Some time
later (serial C230000), the back face of the slide, and the portion of the recoil spring housing were also left with a matt
finish.

COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. (1946 - 1947)
COLT'S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. (1947 - 1955)

From early 1947 on (serial C228000), the company marking was modified by suppressing "F.A. MFG." (standing for Fire
Arms Manufacturing), to the benefit of the mention "MFG", to show that Colt was not only implied in the production of
firearms.

In late 1949, concurrently to the introduction of the Government model in several calibers, the inward lug of the slide
stop (red color above), which protrudes inside the receiver, had to be adjusted in length to be engaged by the different
magazine followers, which were adapted in width following the size of the cartridge used. Note, that the truncated
follower is in yellow color.

The inner face of the slide stop was marked to know for what caliber, and what receiver, it was adapted. For example,
the slide stop numbered "1" (adapted to caliber .45) has a lug too short to be securely engaged by the follower of a
9mm magazine.

List of the slide stops and their markings

Unmarked: length .197" - Pre-war standard .45 caliber
Number 1: length .197" - Post-war (1950) .45 caliber
Number 2: length .205" - .210" - Caliber .22 conversion units
also used in .38 AMU and Gold Cup .38 mid-range pistols
Number 3: length .215" - .220" - Super .38, 9mm Commander
and some Gold Cup .38 mid-range pistols.
Letter M: length .197" - Caliber .45 Gold Cup NM pistols
(unmarked or number 1 are also working)

In 1949, at the same time that the letter "C" of the serial number was changed from prefix to suffix, several other
changes were introduced.

The slide left side marking was modified, as shown above, with the word CALIBRE transformed in CALIBER.

The safety thumb area was greatly enlarged (left drawing above), and the barrel was marked "COLT .45 AUTO" on the
top of the chamber.

The grip safety was redesigned, as shown above, and the hammer featured unfinished sides while the front sight was
changed to 1/10"-wide with 1/8" as an alternate.

COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.

From 1955 onward (approximate at serial # 273000C), the marking relating to the firm was reverted to the previous
inscription, with the mention "F.A. - Fire Arms", and the "Government Model" marking migrated from over the serial
number to the left of the slide marking.

It was also at that time, that appeared the adjustable "Colt Accro" rear sight, which was fitted on slides with slanted
serrations instead of the vertical usual design.

A rotation of one click clockwise of the lateral windage screw moves the rear sight to the left to obtain a left shift of
0.99" of the impact on a target placed at 45.00 m. One click clockwise with the elevation screw (top) lowers the sight
and cause the impact to be shifted 0.75" down.

The thumb area of the hammer, which was checkered until the 1960s, received then a serrated area as shown above. It
is also in the 1960s that the shiny plastic grip plates, with the Colt emblem molded into them, were made with a
lusterless brown plastic.

Above: standard slide - Below: cut slide

Notice also, that to lighten certain models as the "Commander", caliber .38 sp and .45 ACP "Gold Cup", caliber .38
AMU, .22 conversion unit and Kit, the underside of their slide was partly skeletonized. One result of these cuts is that
the extractor was exposed through the cut, machined on the underside of its housing in the slide.

Changes of the 1970's

During the 1970's, as Colt was selling an ever growing part of its pistol production in the commercial
market, a series of modifications were judged necessary to meet the requirements for a better
accuracy. That is why, in 1970, a pilot run of approximately 1,000 pistols (serialized in the last range
of the "C" suffix series) was assembled with 70 type barrel and bushing to create a new
manufacturing standard for the future.

These pistols were identified by the letters BB struck below the serial number and on the barrel.

They were also carrying the Mark IV/Series 70 Accurizor barrel, and its special bushing, designed to
improve accuracy. It is well known, that the M1911 accuracy is improved by warranting an identical
locked position of the barrel after each shot. The control of the barrel locking begins at the muzzle,
with a reduced clearance between the bushing and the barrel, between the bushing and the slide. As
reducing the general clearance at the gun muzzle would have asked costly hand finishing, Colt tried
to offer an "out of the box" solution, by adopting the collet bushing, which became the standard in

the Series 70 Models.

The barrels of the 1970 Series, which all use the collet bushing system, are identifiable by the
stepped-up, slightly larger diameter at the mouth of the barrel. The collet bushing works by grasping
the barrel at the step-up point, and then simultaneously expanding the outer face of its four springy
"fingers" about .003", when the slide closes. This improves the contact and fit of the barrel with the
slide.

The Model Government (O- 4) was available in three different calibers: .45 ACP (7 shot mag.), .38
Super, and 9 mm Parabellum. The metal finish was based on chemical glossy bluing, with areas
remaining matt at the top of the slide, and the front strap of the receiver. A nickel finish was available
for the pistols in caliber .38 and .45 ACP. The grip plates were made of wood with the external face
treated by sandblasting.

In parallel to the efforts made by Colt to improve its products, upsurge a true industry for the
purpose to fulfill the demand for customized Government Models. Various specific add-on's were
offered, like wrap-around grips, made of non-slip rubber, new types of adjustable sights, elongated
barrels and sides, beavertail shaped grip safeties, return spring with telescopic guide, lighter main
spring housing, ...

- Approximate serial ranges of the Colt Government from 1950 to 1970 Years
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969

Approx. serial ranges

C240001
247701C
253180C
259550C
266350C
270550C
272550C
276700C
282000C
283800C
285800C
288000C
289850C
291300C
293800C
296000C
300300C
308500C
315600C
324500C

247700C
253179C
259549C
266349C
270549C
272549C
276699C
281999C
289799C
C285799
287999C
289849C
291299C
293799C
295999C
300299C
308499C
315599C
324499C
332649C

1970

332650C

336169C

- Approximate serial ranges of the Colt Government from 1971 to 1982 Years
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982

Approx. serial ranges

70G05551
70G18001
70G34401
70G43001
70G73001
70G88901
01001G70
13901G70
45200G70
89186G70
01000B70
30009B70
72990B70
70B00001
70B11247

70G18000
70G34400
70G43000
70G73000
70G88900
70G99999
13900G70
45199G70
89185G70
99999G70
30008B70
72989B70
99999B70
70B11246
...

Colt Government in caliber .38 Super

The Colt Government pistol in caliber .38 Super was offered for the first time on the commercial market in January 1929.
Of the same general size and design than the Model in caliber .45 ACP, it differed only by the following points:
- The breech face and the ejection port were modified in size to conform with the smaller barrel.
- The firing pin hole was narrower, and the extractor hole was closer to the center.
- The extractor claw was adapted to the .38 semi-rimmed cartridge case.
- The ejector was made wider to reach the smaller cartridge case, and consequently the ejector path in the slide was
made larger.
- The firing pin diameter was reduced to fit the smaller primer.
- The recoil spring was made weaker with fewer coils.
- The chamber was adapted to the .38 cartridge, whose semi-rim was seating on a shoulder, machined under the
overhanging projection of the barrel.
- The barrel bushing hole had a smaller diameter to fit the barrel size.
- The magazine, which could carry 9 cartridges against 7 in the .45 models, had a shell designed with one lateral groove
on each side, to maintain the .38 cartridges in the center of the magazine by narrowing the way of passage.
Until 1939, the magazine was of the two-tone type. All the other parts were interchangeable with the .45 ACP models.
The mainspring housing was not fitted with a lanyard loop.

Super .38 Automatic Pistol Cartridge

The Super .38 auto pistol cartridge is identical in its overall dimensions to the old .38 ACP used in the first Colt's Model
1900 - 1902 series.

Colt Model 1900

As to the technical performances, the Super .38, which is more powerful than the 9mm Parabellum, is a high-velocity
cartridge, with extremely flat trajectory. Due to its semi-rim feature, the cartridge requires to be seated on a shoulder,
machined under the rear extension of the barrel. This shoulder determines the headspace.

Super Match .38 Automatic Pistol

The Super .38 auto pistols, which were hand-fitted and tuned the same way as the "National Match" pistols, were first
offered in the 1933 catalog, but the "Super Match" label - and related slide markings - was not approved until 1934. They
were produced randomly from about serial number 14000 to 37835, in the current Super .38 serial range, and they were
advertised with a Stevens adjustable rear sight and fixed front sight with a serrated rear face.

Colt Super Match with engraved finish - serial # 17106 - Stevens rear sight

The early .38 barrels were left unmarked if we except for an M.B. inside a circle on the left face of the barrel lug. Later
barrels were struck: "COLT SUPER .38 AUTO MATCH", on the left side of the chamber.

- Approximate serial ranges of the Colt Super .38 pistol until 1970 Years
1929
1930
1931
1932

Approx. serial ranges

1
5850
9850
13650

5849
9849
13649
13999

1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970

14000
15100
17300
19250
24050
32100
33450
34450
36550

15099
17299
19249
24049
32099
33449
34449
36549

Limited production
during
wartime

40000
56700
73300
78900
86400
95500
107300
112950
117800
120000
124500
129600
136900
148800
155200
158850
163000
167800
172000
177600
186200
192200
CS001001
CS002800

37835
56699
73299
78899
86399
95499
107299
112949
117799
119999
124499
129599
136899
148799
155199
158849
162999
167799
171999
177599
186199
192199
CS002799
CS005280

Colt Super .38 of the 1947 - 1969 era

The first production run of Super .38 and Super Match .38 pistols ended in 1946. From 1947 onward, a new series
started which included all the technical improvements brought to the Government Model. In 1961, Colt manufactured a
limited series (107-MS - 855-MS) of Super Match .38 pistols, equipped with Colt "Accro" rear sight, and carrying slanted
slide serrations.

Colt "Commander"

In late 1949, Colt offered a new pistol based on the Government design but fitted with shortened barrel
and slide (- 3/4"), mounted on a slightly trimmed receiver (-1/4"). As a result, the weight of the new pistol
was 26 1/2 ounces versus 39 ounces for the standard Government model, while the overall length was 7
3/4" vs. 8 1/2". This lightweight pistol was developed in 1948, to meet the Army request for a smaller
military pistol, chambered for the 9mm NATO cartridge.

- Markings The markings of the right side of the slide followed the same pattern as the Government Model.

COLT'S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. (1949 - 1955)

COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A. (1956 ...)

Markings of the .45 caliber

Markings of the Super .38 caliber

Markings of the 9mm Luger caliber

All pre-70 receivers and mainspring housings were made of lightweight alloy advertised as "Coltalloy".
From 1970 on, an all steel variation was introduced, under the name of "Combat Commander". A
particular of the Colt Commander is the round hammer, which was perforated and had the spur area
serrated. The slide was of the skeletonized type, as depicted in a previous chapter (Post War changes
until the 1960s). All the other components followed the 1950-era Colt Government pattern. When

introduced, the "Commander" was offered in Colt blue finish only. The sides of the receiver were
anodized glossy black, with a matte finish on the other faces (picture above). Other types of finish were
offered on the Model 70 series. Note, that the Commander Models of a specific caliber cannot be
converted in another caliber. Each caliber has its own receiver feeding ramp, barrel ramp, ejector and
slide stop.

- Approximate serial ranges of the Colt Commander until 1982 Years

1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982

Approx. serial ranges

001
66LW
6000LW
20300LW
30100LW
32200LW
34900LW
37200LW
38450LW
39200LW
39450LW
41501LW
42000LW
42400LW
43000LW
44151LW
45300LW
46951LW
49651LW
53401LW
CLW001001
CLW005101
CLW009751
CLW013051
CLW016901
CLW017550
CLW019201
CLW024000
CLW029400
CLW032800
CLW039353
CLW042849
CLW045254
CLW047044

0065
5999LW
20299LW
30099LW
32199LW
34899LW
37199LW
38499LW
39199LW
39449LW
41500LW
41999LW
42399LW
42999LW
44150LW
45299LW
46950LW
49650LW
53400LW
60277LW
CLW005100
CLW009750
CLW013050
CLW016900
CLW017549
CLW019200
CLW023999
CLW029399
CLW032799
CLW039352
CLW042848
CLW045253
CLW047043
...

2004 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Colt "Gold Cup National Match" in caliber .45 ACP

Colt "Gold Cup National Match" serial # 02661N70 in caliber .45 ACP
blue finish - adjustable trigger - Elliason rear sight - flat serrated mainspring housing
serrated grip front strap - walnut grip plates

In 1957, Colt introduced a new "National Match" pistol designated as "Colt Gold Cup National Match". The mention
"Gold Cup", though, was not present on the slide until 1970. Available in .45 ACP or .38 Special, the model was praised,
as the most accurate out-of-the-box pistol on the market of the time.

The Model was fitted with:

Improved ejection port

- skeletonized and hand fitted slide, with a flat grooved 7/16" wide rib on the top, an improved ejection port, and slanted
serration moved forward 5/16".
- selected barrel.
- Colt-Accro adjustable rear sight, and Partridge 1/8"-wide front sight. Note, that Colt-Elliason rear sights became

standard in November 1964.

Chamfered recoil spring plug

- chamfered recoil spring plug, which was pressing against a matching chamfer on the barrel bushing.
- larger, grooved and perforated, adjustable trigger, left bright unfinished on the sides, and with spring-loaded stop.
- hammer, left bright unfinished on the sides, with half-cock notch designed to minimized sear wear (details below).
- flat serrated mainspring housing, and serrated front grip strap.
- custom fitted slide stop, and slightly re-shaped trigger guard.
- walnut grip plates, with gold plated medallion.

- Approximate serial ranges of the "Gold Cup" until 1982 Years

1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982

Approx. serial ranges

26NM
1580NM
3600NM
5550NM
7450NM
8850NM
10900NM
12500NM
14700NM
16600NM
19500NM
25450NM
32250NM
35800NM
70N02001
70N06201
70N08901
70N11301
70N22301
70N31600
70N40401
70N58700
70N66934
70N80735
70N92647
01000N70
11067N70

1849NM
3599NM
5549NM
7449NM
8849NM
10899NM
12499NM
14699NM
16599NM
19499NM
25449NM
32249NM
35799NM
37025NM
70N06200
70N08900
70N11300
70N22300
70N31599
70N40400
70N58699
70N66933
70N80734
70N92646
70N99999
11067N70
...

Besides the classical safeties, the "Gold Cup" pistols were also fitted with a very sensitive sear mechanism, and a
special device to prevent hammer rebound and following as the slide returns into battery. First, the hammer of the "Gold
Cup" series is quite different from the standard Government model, in that it has a narrower first notch area. In the
"Gold Cup" model of the 70's, the first notch also acted as a safety notch, with a retaining ledge to catch the sear. In the
"Gold Cup" pistols of the Series 80, the retaining ledge was eliminated, and as such the first notch could no longer be
considered as a safety notch. Its only purpose was to block the hammer, in case of rebound, and prevent it from
reaching the firing pin.

Government model

Gold Cup Series 70

Gold Cup Series 80

As they were intended for accurate shooting, which requires precise sear-hammer engagement, the "Gold Cup" models
were fitted with a specific sear, whose nose differs considerably from the usual Government model.

To minimize the wear of the sear nose, which constantly rubs against the hammer breast, the face of the hammer breast
was narrowed, and the sear nose was modified, so that one part contacted the hammer breast, while the other, which
engages the hammer full cock notch - was kept from making contact with the hammer breast.

The red area is the only area that rubs against the hammer breast.

As a consequence of that small area available for a sear-hammer engagement, added to a fine tuning of the parts
angles, there is the potential risk of an accidental hammer release. It must be understood that in some cases, the trigger
weight alone can be sufficient to exert a thrust, that will release the hammer. It is a well-known feature of the Colt .45,

that the trigger assembly can slide backward freely, by inertia, if the gun muzzle is raised. In such a case, the strike of
the trigger bar against the disconnector can be sufficient to rotate the sear out of engagement with the hammer.

To remedy this problem, ultra-light hollow triggers, made of alloy, were proposed. Another issue, due to the limited
engagement of the sear in the full-cock notch, was the possibility that the hammer would rebound during the firing
cycle. To fix that, a new device was created, that had to be installed on the sear itself. The device holds in a single small
spring-loaded part (green) known as the depressor.
As shown on the drawings above, one leg of the sear has a hole drilled in it to accommodate a tiny spring, whose
function is to actuate the depressor. The depressor is fitted on one of the sear's legs and is maintained by its two
opposed shoulders (red arrows).

In classical Government models, when the trigger is depressed, the trigger bar pushes the foot of the disconnector,
which in turn is supposed to meet and push the sear. In the configuration of the "Gold Cup" model, there is an
intermediary part - the depressor - between the disconnector and the sear.

Progressively, as the trigger is depressed, the disconnector pushes the depressor against its spring, until the usual
disposition of the parts (shown above) is achieved, where the trigger bar, the disconnector, and the sear are all in
contact with each other. Going further would rotate the sear, and release the hammer.

Upon firing, the disconnector is pushed down by the recoiling slide, and separated from the depressor. On the
separation, the depressor is instantly pushed by its small spring (green arrow), nested inside the sear. This cause the
depressor's other shoulder (orange arrow) - opposed to the spring-loaded one - to strike the leg of the sear and keep the
sear nose firmly against the hammer.

Above are shown the parts, from the rear of the gun : The sear (red arrow), the depressor (yellow arrow), the
disconnector (blue arrow), and the trigger bar's rear face (green arrow). The yellow arrow shows the depressor's
shoulder, which strikes the sear as explained above.

Colt "AMU" and kits in caliber .38 Special & .45 ACP

From .38 Special to .38 AMU

In 1958, the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) at Fort Benning would have been behind the developments to adapt the .38
S&W Special revolver cartridge for use in automatic pistols. The .38 Special Wad Cutter cartridge used in revolvers has
a wide rim, which obliged to modify the chamber of the pistol. But even with these modifications realized, the tests
conducted proved to be not conclusive due to major feeding problems. As a solution, the rim diameter was reduced
to .406", and the extractor groove was milled to obtain a semi-rim cartridge, with a thinner extractor rim measuring
about .013" - .015"-wide. The resulting cartridge was the .38 AMU or .38 Special SR Mid-Range or Wad Cutter.

Colt furnished conversion kits to the Army Marksmanship Unit, which included a slide, a .38 AMU barrel, a bushing,
a .38 ejector, slide stop number 3, a specific extractor, a firing pin, a recoil spring, and magazine. The kit could be
mounted on Government Model or Super .38 receivers, and the slide was marked with the .38 AMU mention, on the left
side as shown above.

- Kits in caliber .38 Special -

In 1964, Colt manufactured 300 kits in caliber .38 Special. The first 150 kits were delivered to a dealer named Gil Hebard
of Knoxville, Illinois. This is why the serial number of these kits had a letter "H" as a suffix. The kits included a receiver
with all the inner components mounted, and the other parts (slide, barrel, ...) delivered separately because these parts
had to be hand fitted by a professional gunsmith. Note, that the front and rear sight were not furnished. Consequently,
the assembled pistols were fitted with various type of sights. As these pistols were not assembled by Colt, they did not
carry the usual Colt assembler markings or the Colt VP "verified proof" mark. The production staggered throughout the
seventies, and approximately 600 units were produced in the serial range 00100H to 00703H. The .38 Special kit barrels
were of the same construction as .38 AMU barrels: One locking rib and a shoulder for the rim seat at the front of the
chamber.

- Kits in caliber .45 ACP -

Following the same pattern as the .38 Special kits, a series of kits in caliber .45 ACP were delivered to Fort Benning,
where the parts were hand fitted and assembled to suit the needs of the Army Marksmanship Unit. These kits were
produced from 1964 until 1972. The serial numbers, spanning from 00500-B to 01564-B, had a letter "B" as a suffix,
standing for Benning.

Colt "Gold Cup National Match" in caliber .38 Special

The Colt "Gold Cup" .38 Special Mid-Range pistols were introduced on the market in late 1960, as a commercial
alternative to the Military .38 AMU pistols.

As to their way of functioning, these pistols were greatly different from the AMU Models, because the barrel had no
locking rib, and the principle retained was very close to a blowback system. However, the separation of the breech face
from the chamber was delayed by the fact, that the barrel was slightly recoiling (3/32") with the slide upon firing (as
shown in the drawings above).

The barrel had an elongated hole drilled through its hanging lug, and upon firing the barrel was pulled back about 3/32",
through the cartridge case, which was dragging against the chamber's inner wall. The rearward move of the barrel was
limited by the slide stop pin, passing through the elongated hole.

Colt "Service Model Ace" on firing

The sharp recoil of the barrel imparted a great part of its momentum to the slide in the same manner as the "floating
chamber" use in a "Service Model Ace" .22 LR conversion. At the end of the barrel rearward travel, a small return
spring, housed into the barrel lug, pressed against the receiver, and forced the barrel back to its forward position.

In the first variation of the Colt .38 Spec. N.M. there was no headspace shoulder machined at the front of the chamber.
The cartridge was supported by its rim, which was seating against the face of the chamber, and the lower part of the
cartridge was not supported, because the barrel was cut away to create a feed ramp and an extractor slot. This
configuration proved unsatisfactory.
The second variation, designated Mark II, had an headspace shoulder to support the cartridge. However, this second
model also failed to meet expectations. Production of the first two variations was extremely limited and are ranked
among the rarest Colt pistols.
The third variations, designated Mark III, featured an innovative chamber inner wall, which was coarsely threaded. The
goal was to increase the time of exit of the cartridge case, and consequently delay the slide opening. This variation was
not fitted with a chamfered recoil spring plug and bushing, but a standard hand-fitted bushing. To prevent followthrough of the hammer, a depressing device (as depicted in the chapter : Colt "Gold Cup National Match" in caliber .45
ACP) was installed on the sear. Notice, that the third variation can be found with an experimental barrel which has an
enlarged diameter on half of its length to the muzzle.

- Approximate serial ranges of the .38 Sp. "Gold Cup NMR" until 1973 Years
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973

Approx. serial ranges

100NMRR
500NMR
3500NMR
3700NMR
4800NMR
5000NMR
5400NMR

499NMR
3499NMR
3699NMR
4799NMR
4999NMR
5399NMR
5900NMR

Very few made

Very few made
Very few made

5950NMR
7000NMR

6999NMR

9409NMR

Field stripping of the Colt Government pistol

Before beginning the dismounting of the pistol, the magazine has to be removed by pushing on its retaining latch,
which is located on the left side of the receiver (red arrows above). Once the magazine is removed, cycle the slide to be
sure that no cartridge remains chambered.

Depress the recoil spring plug, and turn the barrel bushing toward the right side of the gun (green arrows above).

Do it cautiously as the plug is under the pressure of the recoil spring, so keep firmly you finger on the checkered area
of the plug while easing it out of its housing in the slide. Notice, that if the barrel bushing can ordinarily be turned with
the fingers, it can happen that on tight hand-fitted guns, and especially on Series 70 pistols, a special wrench is
necessary.

When the plug is out of the slide, remove it from the end of the spring. Note, that in some cases, the forward coil of the
spring remains trapped behind an internal tab. A slight rotation of the spring should release it.

The next step is to align the small semi-circular cut located at the lower edge of the slide with the rear bump of the slide
stop (two black arrows above). Cock the hammer first, to ease the operation.

Push on the right extremity of the slide stop shaft and remove it from the left side of the receiver. The slide assembly
can now be removed toward the front out of the receiver, as shown above.

Remove the recoil spring with its guide out of the slide toward the rear.

Rotate the barrel bushing toward the left side of the slide, until its locking lug is aligned with the opening, and remove it
toward the front.

Before removing the barrel out of the slide, tip the barrel link toward the front.

Colt Government field-stripped

Advanced dismounting of the Colt Government (1)

Using a punch, depress the firing pin until the retainer can slide downward to release the firing pin, and unlock the
extractor.

As soon as the retainer is removed, the firing pin spring out of is housing, and can be pulled out, along with its return
spring.

The removal of the firing pin retainer also unlocks the extractor, which can be removed by prying it gently out, with the
tip of a small screwdriver, inserted in its locking slot.

The rear sight can be drifted out of its dovetail slot, by pushing it from the left toward the right.

2004 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing (Belgium)

Advanced dismounting of the Colt Government (2)

The dismounting of the receiver begins with the removal of the mainspring housing, which is retained by a
cross pin, located at the lower rear edge of the grip.

The hammer being at rest, use a drift (or any other appropriate tool) of the proper size to push out the
cross pin. Notice, that the pin has a convex face on one of its ends to prevent the pushing tool from
slipping.

The mainspring housing can now be slid down, out of the receiver. If you encounter some difficulties,
because of a tight adjustment of the mainspring housing, you can cock the hammer to exert some
pressure on it.

The mainspring housing carries a small pin at its upper extremity, which can be drifted out (black arrow
above), to release the main spring assembly.

The hammer being cocked, rotate the safety lever almost to the ON (safe) position while exerting an
outward traction. When its internal locking stud is aligned with the frame aperture, the safety lever can be
pulled out.

The removal of the safety lever releases the grip safety, which can be removed toward the rear.

When the grip safety is removed, the multipurpose leaf spring, which interact with the sear, the
disconnector, the trigger and grip safety, can be lifted out of its retaining slot in the grip frame.

The spring (and attached plungers) which provides tension to the hold-open lever, and the safety lever, can
be pushed out and removed by the rear of its tubular housing. Note, that the tunnel is riveted to the frame,
and should be left in place.

Advanced dismounting of the Colt Government (3)

From the right side of the receiver, push the pivot pin of the hammer toward the left, and
remove it.

When its pivot pin has been removed, the hammer can be lifted out of the receiver.

The hammer strut is attached to the hammer by a loose pivot pin, which can be easily
removed.

From the right side of the receiver, push the pivot pin (red arrow) of the sear/disconnector,
and remove it by the left side.

The sear and disconnector can be removed from the rear of the frame. Remember how they
are positioned together, for correct reassembly later.

While the magazine catch is kept depressed, using a screwdriver, turn the slotted head of the
catch retainer to the left, until it enters its rest slot, cut inside the catch shaft.

When the retainer is locked into the body of the magazine catch, the latter can be taken out,
toward the right side of the receiver. The retainer and its spring can be dismounted from the
catch body; by simply turning the retainer back to the right.

After the magazine catch has been removed, the trigger can be pulled out from the rear of the
frame.

The grip plates can be removed by simply unscrewing their two retaining screws.

Operation of the Colt Government

Insert a loaded magazine into the handle, and push it until the magazine catch engages in the retaining slot of the
magazine shell.

Hold the pistol firmly in the right hand with your finger outside the trigger guard, and while grasping the slide at its
serrated section with the left hand, pull the slide rearwards as far as it can go. It is preferable to cock the hammer before
the cycling of the slide, otherwise the mainspring tension will be added the one of the recoil spring.

When the slide is released, it is pushed forward under the pressure of the recoil spring (red arrow above), which is located
below the barrel. The breech face strips the first cartridge in the magazine and chambers it. During the horizontal and
vertical move of the cartridge case, the extracting groove is engaged by the claw of the extractor.

When the pistol is held firmly, the grip safety is depressed by the web of the hand, and the grip safety extension (red
color) is lifted, to allow the rearward move of the trigger.

In the Colt Government, the trigger does not act directly on the sear, but through an intermediary part called disconnector
(shown in red above).

When the trigger is depressed, its rear extension bears against the lower extremity of the disconnector, which contacts
the sear and put it out of engagement with the hammer full cock notch. When released, the hammer is pushed through its
strut by the mainspring, and it rotates at great speed, to strike the firing pin. It imparts a part of its energy to the firing pin,
which subsequently flies toward the cartridge primer, which is exploded. When at rest, the firing pin remains out of
contact with the cartridge primer, because of its forward return spring. When the cartridge explodes, the gasses expand in

all directions, and as long as the bullet travels down the barrel, the same amount of gas pressure is exerted against the
bullet, and against the emptied cartridge case. As a result, the backward thrust of the gasses inside the cartridge case
presses the head of the case back against the breech face.

In the Colt Government, barrel and slide are locked together by the locking ribs on the top of the barrel, which engage in
corresponding recesses in the slide.

On firing, slide and barrel remain locked together when the pressure of the burning gasses is at its maximum. The brass
cartridge case expands until being tightly bound to the wall of the barrel chamber, and this prevents any rearward gas
leakage. At this point, one could say that the cartridge case becomes integral with the barrel, and consequently to the

whole slide through the barrel-slide interlocking. Consequently, it is the bullet which offers the lowest resistance to the
gasses thrust, and which is pushed with the higher speed down the barrel, while the same gasses thrust progressively
overcomes the greater resistance of the slide-barrel and recoil spring compound. When the bullet leaves the barrel, the
gasses dissipates in the open air, and the pressure quickly drops to zero. The expanded cartridge case recovers its initial
size and is detached from the inner wall of the chamber. Under the initial momentum imparted by the gasses pressure, the
barrel recoils by swinging backward on its pivoting link, which is fixed to the receiver by the hold-open latch shaft,
passing through it. As the barrel is forced downward by its link, it progressively disengages its locking ribs from the
recesses in the slide, until the latter is released and can fly backward.

As soon as the slide begins its recoil, the disconnector is forced down (blue arrow above). The disconnector will remain in
this low position until the slide is back into battery, and correctly lock against the barrel. This lowering of the
disconnector breaks the link between the trigger bar and the sear. The sear can then rotate freely to re-engage the
hammer cock notch.

From this point on, the shooter will not have another possibility to shoot again, until his finger continues to depress the

trigger. He must release it to permit the extremity of the trigger bar to be repositioned ahead of the sear (left drawing
above).

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During its rearward travel, the slide rotates the hammer, to its full cock position, where it can be engaged in its notch by
the sear.

Meanwhile, the extractor (green arrow above) carries the empty cartridge case out of the chamber, until the case strikes
the ejector (red arrow above), and is hurled out the gun through the ejection port.

The magazine follower has a step (black arrow above) on the left side, which progressively moves upwards after the firing
of each cartridge. When the last cartridge is in line, the follower step is positioned below the inward extension of the holdopen latch.

When the last cartridge is fired, the step of the follower lifts the hold-open latch, which snaps into a recess on the
underside of the slide (green circle). The slide is then retained open.

Pushing downwards on the slide stop, will release the slide. If a loaded magazine was previously inserted, the first
cartridge in line, will be automatically chambered.

Functioning of the thumb safety

Long and integral axis pin at the rear (seen from the top)

Same but seen from below

The thumb safety has on its under face a long axis pin, which crosses the pistol frame. The safety rotates
around this long pin.

On the forward area of the same under face stands a strong stud, which has two deeply cut areas (black
arrows above).

- Hammer cocked and safety OFF

Hammer cocked and safety set to OFF

When the hammer is cocked and the safety lever set to OFF (in its lower position), on can see in the drawing
above, that the cuts in the safety stud allow the sear to rotate and disengage the hammer cock notch. One can
also see that there is no hindrance to the rotation of the hammer, which can freely fall on the firing pin.

- Hammer cocked and safety ON

Hammer cocked and safety set to ON

When the safety lever is raised to its ON position, on can see that the lower edge (red arrow above) of the
locking stud is positioned almost against the rear extension of the sear (black arrow in the detailed drawing

above). Moreover, the middle edge (yellow arrow above) is such positioned, that the hammer is no longer able
to rotate.

- Hammer uncocked and safety disabled

Hammer at rest

Hammer retained at the safety notch

When the hammer is positioned at rest against the firing pin, or retained by the sear at the safety notch, the
safety lever cannot be rotated, because its upper edge remains locked by the under surface (yellow arrow
above) of the hammer body.

Animated sequence of the 1911 A1 firing cycle

Draw the mouse over the drawing to start the animated sequence