The sample gun came with a handsome set of rosewood grips, checkered in the classic double diamond pattern. This pattern was used on the very first 1911 pistols and was abandoned in 1924. Colt has brought it back as a welcome reflection of the gun’s long history. The fit and finish of the new gun is good, but probably not as good as was offered in the halcyon days of yesteryear. However, the polished flats of the slide are very nicely executed and the overall finish is excellent. Happily enough, Colt still uses plain old-fashioned bluing as a finish, as opposed to the paints or ceramics of their competitors.

I went to the range with the new gun and an assortment of ammunition. This is the fun part of a gun evaluation, with lots of tin can rolling and dirt-clod busting. The new Series 70 has the old familiar balance, the typically heavy trigger pull and the common recoil and muzzle rise. I wouldn’t expect anything else, but enjoyed working my way through a dozen or so magazines of mixed loads. No malfunctions or problems noted. Then it was time to get serious about an accuracy check with the Ransom Rest. Results show a new pistol with an excellent accuracy potential—on the average, 2.34 inches. Best groups were fired with Hornady 200-grain TAP ammo measuring 1.17 inches. This is very good accuracy for a box stock pistol with no tuning.

Colt .45 autos are often the basis for advanced custom pistols and my information is that they would be used more often than they are if the price tag were not so high. A Colt is still the best foundation for a fine tactical or competition gun. But this one is also something else. It is a refection of the history of both gun and gunmaker. This is as close as possible to the old guns, made in the “way they used to make ‘em.” In that light, the gun can be simply left as is, but still used and fired often. It is a new example of the best fighting handgun of all time—the .45 Government Model—as made by Colt’s of Hartford.

Manufacturer: Colt’s Manufacturing Co., Coltsmfg.com
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action: Recoil-operated single-action semi auto
Frame: Carbon steel
Slide: Carbon Steel
Barrel: 5 inches
Rifling: 6 grooves, LH, 1:16
Magazine: 7 rounds
Sights: Drift-adjustable rear, ramp front
Trigger Pull: 4 lbs., 9 ounces (average)
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Width: 1.25 inches
Height: 5.75 inches
Weight: 39 ounces
Accessories: Lockable hard case, manual
Suggested Retail Price: $1,100