Although there are plenty of 1911 makers out there, there is no substitute for getting to say you have a Colt 1911. Colt helped perfect the design continues to produce Browning’s masterpiece over 110 years on. But in that time, Colt has done little to change the design.
While it is hard to improve upon perfection, technology does evolve. Whether you are a competitive shooter or an everyday carrier, reflex sights allow you to shoot more quickly at extended distances. Given the 1911’s staying power in all parts of the firearms community, it made sense for the Optics-Ready Colt 1911 to make its debut at SHOT Show 2025.
Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Quick Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger or .45 ACP
- Capacity: 9+1; 8+1
- Barrel Length: 5.0 inches
- Overall Length: 8.5 inches
- Slide Width: 1.25 inches
- Weight: 36 oz. unloaded
The new Optics Ready 1911 (OR) is Colt’s latest addition to their venerable Competition Pistol series. These are Government Model 1911s that are tuned for high round counts and quick shooting in mind. Available in either 9mm Luger or .45 ACP, the Colt 1911 OR pistols are full-sized and feature 5 inch Colt National Match stainless steel barrels, stainless side, and frame.
The OR wears blue/back Colt G10 grips and features an extended grip safety for added reliability and an extended beavertail to eliminate hammer and slide bite. The grip safety and front strap are sculpted to allow for a higher purchase on the handgun compared to a standard GI 1911, but the Colt OR retains the same reliable GI guide rod. It lacks the rail of some of the more tactical versions of the 1911. As such, it happily fits the many standard 1911 holsters out there.
“We are excited to announce the launch of the Optics-Ready 1911 Competition pistols from Colt,” said Josh Dorsey, president of Colt. “This new line represents the perfect fusion of Colt’s legacy of excellence and the cutting-edge technology competitive shooters demand. With advanced optics compatibility, enhanced ergonomics and the legendary performance Colt is known for, we’re confident these pistols will give shooters the edge they need to stay ahead in the competition.”
The Colt 1911 OR is a Series 70 pistol with a short trigger and a crisper break compared to later Series 80 pistols. These features are repeated on a few of Colt’s competition pistols, but the standout feature is the optics-ready capacity.
The Colt OR wears a Novak fiber optic front sight and a serrated rear sight in a Glock-shaped dovetail, but forward of the rear sight sits a black nitrite cover plate and an optics footprint below that allows the use of most popular reflex sights thanks to a set of machined aluminum adapter plates that ships with every pistol. In the blue hard case, look for the handgun, a pair of stainless-steel magazines, and three adapter plates.
The Colt 1911 OR is the latest twist on an old classic that begins shipping in April 2025 at an MSRP of $1,399.
