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Colt Government Model National Match, .45acp with Letter
Guns International #: 103081237 Seller's Inventory #: 14542
Category: Colt Pistols - 1911 Pistols
Seller's Information
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Seller: Handguns of the World
Member Since: 11/4/21
First Name: DAVID
Last Name: RACHWAL
State: Ohio
Zip: 43026
Country: United States
Phone: (614) 777-0785
Number of Active Listings: 32
Total Number of Listings: 77
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
All parts are intact. Please view all photos to get an idea of condition. All items included are pictured. This is in proper working order. A 3 day inspection applies, and I will gladly refund the purchase price, less shipping and Visa/MC fees, if not satisfied. Have inspected by a certified gunsmith before shooting this weapon. All federal, state and local laws are to be abided by. Sales tax will be added where applicable. No local pick-up available. An FFL or C&R is required for purchase. Please add $30.00 shipping to a FFL dealer or C&R license holder, Insurance is included. Certified funds, Money order, accepted or add 3% Visa/Mc fee. Thanks
Payment Types Accepted: Certified Check, Money Order or Visa/ MC, Discover American Express will add 3% fee
About Us: Handguns of the World is a leading business in collector grade Handguns. Please visit our -HandgunsoftheWorld. for 100's of collectors guns and accessories.
Description:
Colt Government Model National Match – .45 ACP (1938)
Outstanding Pre-War Example with Factory Letter and Provenance
This is an exceptional and scarce example of a Colt Government Model National Match, chambered in .45 ACP and manufactured on February 18, 1938. This pistol features original checkered walnut grips, a matching-numbered slide, and the highly sought-after MB in Circle – Colt .45 Auto Match barrel. It is equipped with an adjustable rear sight and retains approximately 99% of its original blue finish. The bore is mint, showing sharp, clean rifling.
A Colt factory letter confirms this pistol was originally shipped to the Smith Winchester Company in Jackson, Michigan, further enhancing its historical value and collector appeal.
Historical Background
The Colt National Match pistols were introduced in the 1930s as precision-tuned versions of the standard Government Model, specifically built to meet the demands of competitive shooters in the growing sport of bullseye and National Match competition. These pistols received factory-selected barrels, hand-fitted slides and frames, improved triggers, and target sights—making them some of the finest production target pistols of their time.
This particular example, built in early 1938, comes from a key period in Colt’s production just before World War II, when the company was at the height of its craftsmanship. The “MB in circle” marking on the barrel identifies it as a factory-selected Match Barrel, a hallmark of the National Match line that ensured superior accuracy. These barrels were often hand-fitted and test-fired at the factory.
The adjustable rear sight further reflects the gun’s competition pedigree, and the overall build quality illustrates Colt’s dedication to excellence prior to wartime mass production.
Surviving examples in this condition—complete with matching numbers, correct parts, and documentation—are increasingly hard to find. With nearly all of its original finish and a pristine bore, this 1938 Colt National Match is not just a firearm, but a true piece of American shooting and manufacturing history.
Price: $15,950.00
Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .45 ACP (.45 Auto)
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1911 National Match