It goes without saying that Colt is one of the most iconic manufacturers in the firearms industry. From the Model 1873 Single Action Army to the M1911 and the M16, the company has undoubtedly had a significant impact on American gun development. But how do its modern firearms hold up? To answer that question, our buddy Graham Baates recently got his hands on a Colt Competition 1911 in 9mm. Recognizing that a 9mm 1911 also brings with it the added question of reliability, Graham went to work.
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Graham started off with a full mag +1 basic reliability test from about 17 yards out. He followed it up with a magazine compatibility test, using four non-Colt mags by Mefalform, Zenith, Mec-Gar and Springfield, each filled with three rounds of 115gr Freedom Munitions ball ammo. After that came the “What’s for Dinner?” test, where Graham uses Freedom Munitions’ Hush 165gr subsonic ammo; Remington HTP 147gr JHP; Hornady Steel Match 125gr; Hornady American Gunner 115gr XTP; Fiocchi 100gr 9SFNT; Geco 94gr; and Liberty Civil Trainer 65gr. Lastly, Graham conducts a field accuracy test, shooting five rounds from seven yards out using Nosler Match Grade 124gr ammo.
Watch the video above to see the results. See the specs for the Colt Competition 1911 below.
For more on Colt, visit Colt.com.
Colt Competition 1911 Specs
- Action: Single Action Hammer Fired Semi-Auto
- Barrel: 5″
- Capacity: 9+1
- Finish: Stainless
- Sights: Novak Adjustable Fiber Optic
- Stock: Steel Frame / G10 Checkered Blue Grips Grips
- Magazine: 2 / 9 rd.
- Weight: 36 oz.
- Safety: Thumb Safety, Grip Safety
- Grips: G10 Blue and Black Grips
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Overall Length: 8.5″
- Features: National Match Barrel/ Dual Recoil Spring System
“Graham Baates” is a pen name used by a 15-year active U.S. Army veteran who spent most of his time in the tactical side of the Intelligence community including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Post-Army, Graham spent some time in the 3-Gun circuit before becoming a full-time NRA Certified defensive handgun instructor and now works as an industry writer while curating a YouTube channel on the side.
