Colt’s Manufacturing Company has collaborated with US Special Forces trainers, leveraging their tactical expertise to design and build the Colt Combat Unit (CCU) Series of 1911 pistols.

The Colt Combat Unit 1911 product line has six different pistol models to choose from. Three of these pistols are chambered for the venerable .45 ACP cartridge, and the other three are chambered for 9mm. Shooters can select a classically configured five inch “Government” (duty) sized 1911, with the additional choice of a Picatinny railed dustcover if so desired. Shooters also have the option to purchase a “Commander” sized, non-railed pistol. The only real difference between a “Commander” sized pistol from a “Government” pistol is that the former generally has a shorter slide and barrel length (4.25 inches) and is slightly more compact in size. In years past, “Commander” pistols also had rounded hammers as opposed to the original spur hammers found on a military 1911 pistols, but over the past few decades, the commander hammer has become en-vouge across 1911 pistols in general. The Colt Combat Unit Commander models do differ from their Government brethren in that they feature anodized aluminum frames that are lighter in weight.

All six 1911 models on the line up include:

• 25 lines per inch (LPI) checkering on frame with an undercut trigger guard and extended magwells; upswept beavertail safeties
• Stainless steel slides and frames with a black diamond like coating (DLC) finish (except for Commander models, which are black anodized aluminum)
• Custom G10 stocks
• Colt National Match Barrels and front and rear slide serrations
• Novak cut plain black rear sight with a tritium front sight

Retail pricing for Colt Combat Unit 1911 pistols starts at $1,499, and the railed frame models sell for an additional $100. For more information on the Colt Combat Unit family of 1911 pistols and other firearms in Colt’s lineup, please visit the company’s website at colt.com.

Article by SHOOTING ILLUSTRATED STAFF