M1911A1 38 Super Full Size Bi-Tone Pistol with Rosewood Grips

Description

Americangunwarehouse is a Charlotte, NC-based retailer specializing in quality firearms for serious enthusiasts. The Colt M1911A1 38 Super Full Size Bi-Tone Pistol is a modern iteration of a classic duty pistol chambered in the high-velocity .38 Super cartridge. Its distinctive two-tone finish and genuine rosewood grips set it apart from standard models. This pistol is in stock and ready to ship for $999.99.

What are the specifications of the Colt M1911A1 38 Super Bi-Tone?

Having handled countless 1911s over the years, I know specs are where you separate marketing from reality. This isn’t a parts-bin gun; it’s a Colt. The build sheet tells the story of a purpose-built firearm. Let’s get into the details that matter for function, reliability, and long-term value.

What are the key features of this M1911A1 38 Super?

This pistol isn’t just about looks, though it has plenty. From a quality control perspective, these are the features that translate to performance on the range and longevity in the safe.

• Forged 4140 Steel Construction: This is the foundation. Forged steel, as opposed to cast or MIM for critical parts, provides superior grain structure and tensile strength. It’s what you expect from a duty-grade 1911 and what Colt continues to deliver.
• Classic Bi-Tone Finish: The polished stainless steel slide paired with the deep, rich blued frame isn’t just for show. The stainless resists corrosion, while the bluing offers a classic, durable finish. It’s a practical and iconic combination.
• Genuine Rosewood Grips: These aren’t plastic or laminate. They’re solid, checkered rosewood grips that provide a firm, non-slip hold. The warmth and grain of the wood add a level of craftsmanship you can feel.
• 5″ Government Model Barrel: The full-length barrel maximizes the ballistic potential of the .38 Super cartridge, providing excellent sight radius and inherent accuracy. It’s a true, no-compromise full-size 1911.
• .38 Super Chambering: This is a key differentiator. The .38 Super Auto offers higher velocity and flatter trajectory than standard .45 ACP or 9mm in this platform, making it a historically significant and ballistically interesting round.
• Series 80 Firing System: Colt’s Series 80 incorporates a passive firing pin safety. It’s a robust design that adds a layer of security without negatively impacting the classic 1911 trigger pull when properly tuned—which this one is from the factory.

Who is the Colt M1911A1 38 Super Bi-Tone for?

Buy it if:

• You’re a 1911 enthusiast seeking a model that stands out from the sea of .45 ACP versions.
• You appreciate the historical significance and ballistic profile of the .38 Super cartridge.
• You want a U.S.-made Colt with the classic two-tone aesthetic and premium wood grips straight from the factory.
• You value forged steel construction and proper metallurgy in a modern production firearm.
• You’re looking for a full-size, range-ready pistol with a classic design and modern reliability.

Skip it if:

• Your primary concern is the lowest cost of ammunition for high-volume shooting. Standard 9mm is more economical. (See our Handguns category for 9mm options.)
• You need a compact or lightweight pistol for concealed carry. This is a full-size, all-steel firearm. (We carry Commander and Officer-size 1911s for that role.)
• You intend on immediately performing extensive custom gunsmithing. You’re paying for a complete, finished Colt product here.

What are the pros and cons?

Being honest about a product’s fit is part of the job. Here’s my take after inspecting this model.

Pros:

• ✅ Authentic Colt Quality: Forged frame and slide, proper hardening, and tight machining. It’s the real deal from Hartford.
• ✅ Distinctive Chambering & Performance: The .38 Super offers a unique shooting experience with excellent ballistics in the 1911 platform.
• ✅ Stunning Factory Presentation: The bi-tone finish and genuine rosewood grips make it a standout piece right out of the box. No immediate upgrades needed.
• ✅ Proven M1911A1 Platform: Ergonomic, accurate, and with a legendary single-action trigger. The manual thumb safety is intuitive and positive.
• ✅ Historical Pedigree: This is a direct descendant of the pistols used by law enforcement and competitors who needed the power of the .38 Super.

Cons:

• ❌ Ammunition Cost & Availability: .38 Super Auto is not as ubiquitous or inexpensive as 9mm Luger. You’ll likely be ordering online or visiting specialized shops.
• ❌ Heavy for Its Size: All-steel construction means it’s a solid 2.5 pounds. This aids recoil management but is a consideration for all-day carry.
• ❌ Magazine Capacity: Ships with one 9-round magazine. While standard for the caliber, it’s less than many modern polymer pistols. Quality aftermarket magazines are readily available, however.

How does it compare to other 1911-style pistols?

Let’s put this Colt in context. The 1911 market has tiers, from budget imports to semi-custom masters. This pistol occupies a specific space: the authentic, factory-original tier.

Feature	Colt M1911A1 .38 Super Bi-Tone	Budget Import 1911 (e.g., ~$600 Tier)	Premium Semi-Custom 1911 (e.g., ~$2,000+ Tier)
Material	Forged 4140 Steel (Frame/Slide)	Often Cast or Forged with more MIM parts	Forged 4140/4150 or Stainless Steel, often with hand-fitted parts
Quality	High, consistent factory fit & finish. Proper hardness testing.	Variable. May require tuning for reliability. Finish may be less durable.	Exceptional. Hand-fitted, dehorned, with exceptional attention to detail.
Compatibility	Standard M1911A1 .38 Super specs. High parts compatibility.	May have non-standard specs or tolerances requiring gunsmith fitting.	Built to standard specs but often with custom features.
Shipping	In stock, ships same-day from NC.	Often drop-shipped or from importer, longer lead times.	Typically made-to-order, lead times measured in months.
Lifespan/Durability	Designed for long-term service with proper maintenance.	May show wear faster; component longevity can be a question.	Built for extreme round counts and competition use.
Price	$999.99	$600 – $800	$2,000 – $4,000+

The takeaway? This Colt sits above the budget imports in material certainty and factory quality control, offering a reliable, authentic experience without venturing into the investment-level cost of a semi-custom gun. It’s the sensible choice for the shooter who wants a real Colt that works.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the classic lines, unique chambering, and undeniable presence of a true Colt M1911A1 in .38 Super speak to you, this bi-tone model with rosewood grips is a compelling choice. It bridges history and modern manufacturing in a package that’s ready for the range right now.

Browse more: 1911 Pistols | Firearms | Handguns | Semi Automatic Handguns | Full Shop