New For 2025: Colt Optics-Ready Competition 1911s

by
posted on February 12, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Colt Optics Ready Competition 1911 01
Images courtesy of Colt.

As the original manufacturer of John Browning’s iconic M1911 handgun, over the past century, Colt's Manufacturing has sought to strike a balance between honoring the heritage of the pistol and meeting the contemporary needs of firearms owners. While staying true to the the basic design, the company has introduced numerous innovations to the M1911 world, from compact, alloy-frame pistols for easier carry to an M1911 chambered in 10 mm Auto. With optical sights being all the rage in the handgun market these days, Colt is once again answering customers demands with the new-for-2025 Optics-Ready Competition 1911 pistol. 

Left side of the Colt Optics-Ready Competition 1911 in stainless steel with blue stocks.
The Optics-Ready Competition takes the original Competition 1911 and adds the capacity to use electronic optics with an optics-cut slide.

Like the original Competition model introduced in 2016, the Optics-Ready Competition incorporates many of the lessons learned from the M45A1 handgun that the company produced for the U.S. Marine Corps, including its “Dual Spring Recoil System.” They are full-size (5” barrel), all-steel pistols with a Series 70-type firing mechanism. Other features are what you would expect from an “enhanced” M1911 design, including an extended beavertail, an extended safety lever, an undercut trigger guard, National Match barrel, Novak front sight with red fiber-optic insert and checkered G10 grips.

Three black optics mounting plates designed for the Colt Optics-Ready Competition 1911.
The Optics-Ready Competition 1911 uses a plate system to mount optics, with three patterns offered initially.

The model’s optics-ready capacity reflects a trend at Colt that includes optics-ready mounting options for the company's revolvers also introduced this year. For the Competition 1911, a plate system is used. The pistol is supplied with an optics-cut slide and a coverplate that has a notched-rear sight with a serrated face mounted in a Glock-compatible dovetail. Optics-compatible plates will be available as accessories.

Plates with provisions for a rear sight have the same Glock-compatibile dovetail and allow for the iron sights to have a 1/3-lower co-witness with optics. Initially, three plates with compatibility with the RMR, RMSc/507K and DeltaPoint Pro will be offered. Plates are made of stainless steel with a black anodized finish and have an MSRP of $99 each.

Recognizing the importance of the 9 mm Luger cartridge in the M1911 world these days, the Optics-Ready Competition 1911 is offered chambered in both that cartridge and the classic .45 ACP. While the non-optics ready versions of the Competition 1911 are offered in both matte black and stainless steel finishes, the optics-ready version will only be offered in stainless steel at this time. 

The Colt Optics-Ready Competition 1911 has an MSRP of $1,399 for models of either chambering. Guns are scheduled to be available in April 2025. For more information, visit the company's website here.

Latest

Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web
Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.