$1,349.00Original price was: $1,349.00.$1,075.00Current price is: $1,075.00.
🚚 Ships to your local FFL — order online, put your dealer’s address in shipping, and we coordinate the rest. Most firearms ship same or next business day. How buying a gun online works.
The Colt Competition 1911 38 Super is a semi-automatic pistol built on the 1911 platform and chambered in .38 Super. This model combines Colt’s 1911 legacy with the higher velocity and flatter trajectory that .38 Super delivers, making it a strong choice for competitive shooters and enthusiasts who want more capacity and less recoil than .45 ACP in the same frame.
The .38 Super cartridge runs at higher pressure than traditional 1911 rounds, delivering faster cycling and softer felt recoil. That translates to quicker follow-up shots and easier target transitions during practical shooting competitions or range drills.
Key Facts
SKU: O1073CCP
Brand: Colt
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: 1911 Platform, Semi-Auto
Why Choose .38 Super in a 1911
The .38 Super cartridge offers distinct advantages over .45 ACP in competition settings. It generates higher velocities with less muzzle flip, allowing faster sight recovery between shots. The round also headspaces on the case mouth rather than the rim, which can improve accuracy when paired with quality brass and careful handloading.
Many competitive shooters prefer .38 Super for USPSA Limited and Single Stack divisions, where the combination of speed and control matters more than raw stopping power. The platform remains the same proven 1911 design, so manual of arms and aftermarket support are both extensive.
What to Know Before You Buy
The 1911 platform is a single-action design, meaning the hammer must be cocked before the first shot. The grip safety and thumb safety work together to prevent unintended discharge, and shooters who train with the manual safety find the system intuitive and fast.
If you need confirmation on magazine capacity, barrel length, or finish details, send us a message to speak with our team. We can also discuss aftermarket sight options, holster compatibility, and recommended ammunition for both practice and competition use.
Ordering from Western Sport
Order online and we ship it to the licensed FFL dealer you choose near you — see how buying a gun online works. Western Sport has been a licensed FFL/SOT dealer since 2007, and everything we sell carries the full manufacturer warranty. Questions before you order? Send us a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Colt Competition 1911 38 Super designed for?
A: The Colt Competition 1911 38 Super is designed for competitive shooting and range use, where the .38 Super cartridge’s higher velocity and reduced recoil enable faster split times and improved accuracy during rapid fire. It suits USPSA competitors, handloaders, and experienced 1911 shooters looking for an alternative to .45 ACP.
Q: How does .38 Super compare to .45 ACP in a 1911?
A: .38 Super operates at higher chamber pressure and delivers greater velocity with less felt recoil than .45 ACP. This allows quicker sight recovery and faster follow-up shots, which is why many competition shooters choose .38 Super. The trade-off is that .38 Super typically offers smaller diameter bullets and requires careful attention to headspacing and ammunition quality.
Q: Can I use standard 1911 magazines with the Colt Competition 38 Super?
A: The Colt Competition 1911 38 Super requires magazines specifically designed for .38 Super or 9mm, which share the same case head diameter. Standard .45 ACP magazines will not work. Send us a message to confirm compatible magazine options and capacity.
Q: Is the Colt Competition 1911 suitable for carry or home defense?
A: The Colt Competition 1911 38 Super is primarily built for competitive shooting and range work, where the .38 Super cartridge excels. While it is a functional defensive arm, most shooters reserve this model for competition and choose other calibers for carry. The platform is reliable, but .38 Super ammunition is less common and more expensive than defensive staples like 9mm or .45 ACP.
Q: Does Colt offer a warranty on the Competition 1911 38 Super?
Our team can provide the most current information on factory support, service options, and any registration steps Colt recommends for new owners.
