Make: Colt Custom Shop, Baron Engraving

Model: 01991Z Government Model, Friends of NRA 2011 Gun of the Year Limited Edition

Serial Number: 1911NRA0416 (416 of 1,150) 

Year of Manufacture: 2010

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5" 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a recessed white dot fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two recessed white dots dovetailed to the rear of the slide. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece rosewood laminate with laser-engraved scroll and serrations centered by gold-colored “NRA” medallions and secured with gold-plated screws. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued & Gold

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The grip safety shows minor operational wear and there are a few scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. This pistol has a Series 80-style firing pin safety. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one original Colt blued 7-round magazine stamped with a prancing pony, “COLT / 45 AUTO”, and the letter “C” (for manufacture by Checkmate) on the bottom floorplate.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt 1991 Government Model Friends of NRA 2011 Gun of the Year Limited Edition, made in 2010. Crafted by the Colt Custom Shop in collaboration with Baron Engraving, it celebrates a century of service of the Model 1911 pistol, from World War 1 through the Global War on Terror. From its gold inlays to its military-inspired engravings and its laser-engraved rosewood grips, this is a beautiful tribute to America's longest-serving sidearm.