The Colt National Match is a factory accurized variant of the Government Model 1911 produced for competitive target shooting. Colt offered National Match pistols in several pre-war production runs, with post-war production resuming in 1957. These pistols were built on the standard Government Model frame and slide with a series of precision enhancements intended to improve mechanical accuracy and trigger quality for bullseye competition. The slide is machined to a flat top profile to accept an Eliason adjustable rear sight, providing precise windage and elevation correction for target work. The barrel is a hand fitted National Match barrel paired with a tight fit bushing to improve lockup and shot to shot consistency, and the muzzle end is finished with a checkered beveled recoil spring plug. The trigger is an adjustable wide target trigger allowing take up and overtravel adjustment. The grip safety is an extended profile for improved hand placement and positive engagement during rapid fire strings. The front strap is serrated to provide a positive grip surface without the bulk of applied checkering. The grips are checkered walnut with Colt medallion inlays. The pistol was finished in Colt's Royal Blue, a deep, high polish blued finish characteristic of Colt's premium production during this period.

This example was manufactured in 1958, making it of second year production. It is configured with all standard National Match features of the period, with the exception of the mainspring housing, which has been replaced with an aftermarket Pachmayr flat aluminum housing with rubber diamond checkering. Accompanied by one magazine, no original box or accessories included.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Colt's Manufacturing Company
• Model: National Match
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Date of Manufacture: 1958
• Action: Short recoil, locked breech, single action semi automatic
• Barrel: 5 inches, National Match
• Frame: Steel, Royal Blue finish, serrated front strap
• Slide: Steel, flat top, Royal Blue finish
• Sights: Eliason adjustable rear sight, fixed front blade
• Trigger: Adjustable wide target trigger
• Safety: Frame mounted thumb safety, extended grip safety
• Grips: Checkered walnut with Colt medallions
• Mainspring Housing: Pachmayr flat aluminum, rubber diamond checkering
• Magazine: One 7-round magazine