The Enduring Legacy: Colt 1991 Government Series .38 Super Pistol (O2071ELC2)

For firearm enthusiasts, collectors, and competitive shooters seeking a blend of classic design, powerful performance, and striking aesthetics, the Colt 1991 Government Series .38 Super stands as an iconic choice. This specific model, the O2071ELC2, exemplifies Colt's enduring commitment to quality and the timeless appeal of the 1911 platform, chambered in a cartridge renowned for its high velocity and flat trajectory. If you're wondering which handgun offers a unique blend of history and modern utility, or what makes the .38 Super an appealing caliber, this detailed overview will provide clarity.

Why Choose a Colt 1911 Government Model?

The Colt 1911 Government model is more than just a pistol; it's a piece of American history, a benchmark for semi-automatic handgun design, and a testament to John Moses Browning's genius. For over a century, the 1911 has served in military conflicts, law enforcement, and civilian hands, proving its reliability and effectiveness.

Who is this pistol for?

• 1911 Purists and Collectors: Those who appreciate the original design, robust construction, and historical significance of Colt firearms. The O2071ELC2, with its classic styling and high-polish finish, is a prime candidate for any serious collection.
• Competitive Shooters: The inherent accuracy and excellent trigger of the 1911 platform, especially when paired with the potent .38 Super cartridge, make this pistol a strong contender for disciplines like USPSA, IPSC, and other action shooting sports where rapid follow-up shots and precision are key.
• Self-Defense and Home Protection: While many opt for more common calibers, the .38 Super offers formidable ballistic performance. For those who prioritize penetration and velocity, this pistol delivers. Its full-size frame ensures excellent recoil control for effective personal defense.
• Firearm Enthusiasts Seeking a Unique Caliber: The .38 Super occupies a special niche, offering performance surpassing the 9mm Luger while retaining a manageable recoil profile compared to larger calibers. It's a superb choice for shooters looking to explore beyond the mainstream.
• Individuals Who Value Craftsmanship: The high-polish stainless steel and genuine rosewood grips are not just functional but also visually stunning, reflecting a commitment to aesthetic quality that sets this model apart.

Delving into the Features of the Colt O2071ELC2

The Colt 1991 Government .38 Super (O2071ELC2) is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its performance, durability, and visual appeal:

The Robust Stainless Steel Construction

The frame and slide of this Colt 1911 are crafted from high-grade stainless steel. This material choice offers several significant advantages:

• Exceptional Durability: Stainless steel is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long service life even with extensive use.
• Corrosion Resistance: Unlike blued carbon steel, stainless steel inherently resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for various environmental conditions and reducing the maintenance burden. This is particularly beneficial for a handgun that might be carried or exposed to the elements.
• Weight and Recoil Management: The solid steel construction provides substantial mass, which helps in absorbing and mitigating recoil, especially when firing the potent .38 Super cartridge. This contributes to better control and faster follow-up shots.

The Dazzling High Polish Finish

One of the most eye-catching aspects of the O2071ELC2 is its high polish finish. This mirror-like surface is a testament to Colt's attention to detail and adds a level of sophistication rarely seen on modern production firearms.

• Aesthetic Appeal: The brilliant sheen makes this pistol stand out, drawing admiration and highlighting its classic lines. It transforms a functional tool into a work of art.
• Collector's Value: For collectors, the high polish finish enhances the desirability and potential long-term value of the firearm.
• Ease of Cleaning: While high polish finishes can show fingerprints, they are generally easy to wipe clean, allowing the pistol to maintain its pristine appearance with minimal effort.

Elegant Rosewood Grips

The Colt O2071ELC2 is adorned with beautiful rosewood grips. These grips are not merely decorative; they are ergonomically shaped to provide a comfortable and secure hold, which is crucial for accuracy and control.

• Superior Aesthetics: The rich, deep grain and color of rosewood complement the high-polish stainless steel, creating a visually harmonious and luxurious appearance.
• Tactile Comfort: Wood grips offer a warm, natural feel in hand, which many shooters prefer over synthetic alternatives.
• Enhanced Control: While smooth, the natural texture of rosewood, combined with the classic double-diamond checkering often found on 1911 grips, provides a firm purchase, preventing slippage during rapid fire.

The Potent .38 Super Cartridge

The .38 Super Auto cartridge, introduced in 1928, was designed to penetrate the then-common automobile bodies and body armor of the Prohibition era. Today, it remains a favorite among discerning shooters for several reasons:

• High Velocity and Flat Trajectory: The .38 Super is known for its impressive muzzle velocity, often exceeding 1,200 feet per second, which translates to a very flat trajectory over typical handgun distances. This makes it easier to achieve precise hits without significant holdover.
• Penetration: Its strong penetration capabilities are still relevant for certain applications, including barrier penetration in defensive scenarios or for competitive power factor requirements.
• Reduced Recoil (Relative to Velocity): While powerful, many shooters find the recoil impulse of the .38 Super to be less snappy and more manageable than larger-bore cartridges like the .45 ACP, particularly in a full-size steel 1911. This can lead to faster, more accurate follow-up shots.
• Competitive Edge: In competitive shooting, the .38 Super is favored for its ability to easily make "major power factor" in divisions like Open and Single Stack, often with less felt recoil than a .40 S&W or .45 ACP.

Barrel Length and Capacity

• 5-inch Barrel: The Government model features a full-size 5-inch barrel, which is the standard for the 1911 platform. This length contributes to excellent sight radius for enhanced accuracy and allows for maximum velocity potential from the .38 Super cartridge.
• 9+1 Round Capacity: The Colt O2071ELC2 comes with an 8-round magazine, offering a standard capacity of 9 rounds when one is in the chamber. For a 1911, this is a respectable capacity, balancing firepower with the slim profile of the single-stack design.

Performance and Shooting Experience

What is it like to shoot the Colt 1991 Government .38 Super?

• Accuracy: The inherent design of the 1911, combined with Colt's manufacturing precision, means this pistol is capable of exceptional accuracy. The long sight radius and crisp trigger pull contribute significantly to precise shot placement. Shooters can expect tight groups at typical handgun distances (15-25 yards).
• Recoil Management: Despite its high velocity, the .38 Super's recoil in a full-size, all-steel 1911 is remarkably manageable. The weight of the pistol, coupled with the straight-back recoil impulse characteristic of the 1911, allows for quick target reacquisition. Many describe the recoil as a push rather than a sharp snap.
• Reliability: Colt's 1991 Government Series pistols are built to be reliable, incorporating modern manufacturing techniques while retaining the classic features. When properly maintained and fed with quality ammunition, the O2071ELC2 is designed to function flawlessly.
• Trigger Feel: A hallmark of the 1911 design is its superior trigger. The Colt 1991 Government typically features a crisp, single-action trigger pull with minimal take-up and a clean break, which is highly advantageous for both precise target shooting and rapid-fire scenarios.

Maintenance and Care for Your Stainless Steel Pistol

To ensure your Colt 1991 Government .38 Super (O2071ELC2) remains in pristine condition, especially with its high-polish finish, proper maintenance is crucial.

• Regular Cleaning: After every shooting session, clean the bore, chamber, and breech face. Disassemble the pistol to clean the frame rails, slide, and other internal components.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of quality gun lubricant to all friction points, such as the slide rails, barrel lug, and recoil spring guide rod. This ensures smooth operation and reduces wear.
• Wiping Down: The high-polish stainless steel finish will show fingerprints and smudges easily. After handling, wipe down the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth, possibly treated with a silicone-based gun cloth, to restore its luster and prevent corrosion.
• Storage: Store the pistol in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, ideally in a padded case or gun safe, to protect the finish from scratches and environmental damage. Avoid storing it in environments with high humidity that could promote rust, despite its stainless steel construction.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Colt 1991 Government .38 Super

What is the primary difference between the Colt 1991 series and other Colt 1911 models?

The Colt 1991 series was introduced to provide a more "no-frills" or "classic" option, harkening back to the original GI-spec 1911-A1 designs. While they incorporate modern metallurgy and manufacturing, they typically feature traditional sights, a spur hammer, and a short trigger, distinguishing them from more contemporary or custom-shop Colt 1911 variations that might include beavertail grip safeties, skeletonized hammers, or adjustable sights.

Is the .38 Super caliber suitable for self-defense?

Yes, the .38 Super can be an effective self-defense round. With modern JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) ammunition, it delivers excellent velocity and energy, capable of reliable expansion and penetration. Its high velocity also makes it a good choice for barrier penetration, if that is a consideration.

How does the .38 Super compare to 9mm Luger?

The .38 Super operates at higher pressures and generally achieves higher velocities than standard 9mm Luger ammunition, resulting in more kinetic energy and a flatter trajectory. While 9mm is more widely available and often less expensive, .38 Super offers a distinct performance advantage in terms of power, making it a favorite for those seeking an edge.

Are replacement parts and accessories readily available for the Colt 1991 Government?

As a standard 1911 Government model, a vast array of aftermarket parts, accessories, and holsters are available. This makes customization, if desired, and maintenance relatively straightforward, though owners of the high-polish O2071ELC2 may be less inclined to alter its classic appearance.

What kind of ammunition should I use with this pistol?

For range practice, standard full metal jacket (FMJ) .38 Super ammunition is ideal. For self-defense or competitive use, high-quality jacketed hollow point (JHP) or specialized competition loads are recommended. Always ensure the ammunition meets SAAMI specifications for .38 Super to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Where to Acquire the Colt 1991 Government .38 Super (O2071ELC2)

For those ready to experience the legendary Colt 1991 Government .38 Super, this specific model, the O2071ELC2, represents a superb investment in both performance and aesthetics. Prospective owners can explore this and other Colt firearms through reputable firearms dealers like DEGuns. DEGuns offers access to genuine Colt products, ensuring you receive a firearm that lives up to the brand's storied reputation. Visiting DEGuns.com provides an excellent avenue to discover and acquire this magnificent piece of American firearm heritage.

Feature	Description	Detail
Model	1991 Government Series	O2071ELC2
Caliber	.38 Super	High-velocity, flat trajectory
Capacity	9+1 Rounds	Single-stack magazine
Barrel Length	5 inches	Standard Government Model
Finish	Stainless Steel, High Polish	Corrosion-resistant, mirror-like sheen
Grips	Rosewood	Classic look, ergonomic comfort
Action	Single Action	Crisp, clean trigger pull
Weight	Approx. 39 oz. (unloaded)	Contributes to recoil absorption