Colt Combat Unit Pistols: Their Latest in the 1911 Lineage

The names “Colt” and “1911” go hand in hand, largely because it was John Moses Browning who invented them. And while Colt has gone on to design and produce all manner of firearms, the 1911 remains an enormous piece of the company’s history. The renowned gun maker produces a number of 1911s including their Colt Combat Unit pistol line, which includes three models.

Details of the Colt Combat Unit pistol line from the gun maker:

Available in CCU Government, Combat Unit Rail and the Combat Unit CCO Commander models, all CCU Series 1911’s feature matte black DLC coated stainless steel frames that are corrosion-resistant and EDC-friendly. Custom G10 grips and 25 LPI checkering provide steady traction all around, and an undercut trigger guard and upswept beavertail safety command proper hand placement for accuracy and recoil control.

All three of the single-action CCU models are available in .45 ACP and 9MM chamberings.

CCU Government models sport five-inch barrels and ammunition capacities of 8+1 in 45 ACP and 9+1 in 9MM.

Combat Unit Rail models offer a handy Picatinny rail under the barrel for accessories. Ammunition capacities and barrel lengths are the same as the government models.

Combat Unit CCO pistols feature Commander length, 4.25-inch barrels and ammunition capacities of 7+1 in 45 ACP and 9+1 in 9MM.

Colt based the design of the pistols in their Combat Unit line on suggestions from US Special Forces trainers. According to the gun maker, that means they were created for superior reliability, control, and accuracy, among other things. The G10 grips provide a firm grip, even with wet or sweaty hands, and their extended beavertail grips facilitate a high grip for greater control. As is standard for 1911s, these guns have thumb safeties, grip safeties, and internal safety mechanisms.

Other features include front and rear angled slide serrations for greater manipulation and a textured hammer. The guns come standard with Novak sights for rapid target acquisition and an undercut trigger guard for a sure grip. These are Series 80 1911s. With their varying barrel lengths, frame sizes, and chamberings, there’s bound to be a gun for you in this 1911 lineup.

Colt Combat Unit Government (9mm)

• Safety: Ambidextrous Extended Thumb
• Barrel Length: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 5 inch
• Color: 9+1
• Series: Government Combat Unit

Colt Combat Unit Rail (45 ACP)

• Safety: Ambidextrous Extended Thumb
• Barrel Length: 45 ACP
• Capacity: 5″
• Color: 8+1
• Series: Government Combat Unit

Colt Combat Unit CCO (9mm)

• Safety: Ambidextrous Manual
• Barrel Length: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 4.25 inch
• Color: 9+1
• Series: Commander Combat Unit

MSRP varies by model but starts at $1499.00.