For Tennessee shooters who demand precision at the range or need a reliable sidearm for the backcountry, the RTG Parts Colt Custom Shop, Custom Competition Limited, 45ACP, Series offers a blend of craftsmanship and performance that holds up under the Tennessee sun. Whether you’re competing at a local match in Nashville or dialing in your shot at a private range near Knoxville, this stainless steel .45 ACP is built to deliver consistent results. It’s a firearm that respects the tradition of Colt while meeting the expectations of serious marksmen across the Volunteer State.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The RTG Parts Colt Custom Shop Custom Competition Limited is a semi-automatic 1911-style pistol chambered in .45 ACP, designed primarily for target shooters and competition enthusiasts. It comes from Colt’s Custom Shop, which means it undergoes hand-fitting and assembly by experienced gunsmiths, setting it apart from standard production models. This pistol is for shooters who value accuracy, reliability, and a refined trigger pull at the range or in competitive shooting events. While it can serve as a home defense firearm due to its proven cartridge and robust construction, its long slide, target sights, and single-action trigger make it best suited for controlled, deliberate shooting rather than concealed carry or hunting. Collectors will also appreciate the Custom Shop lineage and limited production nature of this model.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: Typically 8+1 rounds (standard 1911 magazine)
- Barrel Length: 5 inches (match-grade barrel)
- Overall Length: Approximately 8.5 inches
- Finish: Stainless steel (brushed or satin finish)
- Weight: Approximately 38-40 ounces unloaded
- Sights: Fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight
- Trigger: Single-action, custom shop tuned (typically 4-5 lbs pull)
- Grips: Custom wood or G10 grips (specific to this model)
- Frame: Steel frame, full dust cover
- Safety: Manual thumb safety, grip safety
Feature Deep-Dive
The barrel on this Custom Competition Limited is a 5-inch match-grade component, precision fitted to the slide and frame to minimize play and maximize accuracy. Colt’s Custom Shop uses a tight barrel bushing and a carefully chambered barrel that supports the .45 ACP cartridge consistently, which translates to tighter groups at 25 yards and beyond. For Tennessee shooters who spend time at outdoor ranges where wind and distance demand consistency, this barrel system provides the mechanical advantage needed for repeatable shot placement.
The fiber optic front sight is a practical upgrade for target shooters who need quick sight acquisition in varying light conditions. The bright, contrasting fiber optic rod draws the eye naturally to the front sight, reducing the time spent aligning your sights. The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing you to dial in your point of aim for different ammunition loads or distances. This combination is especially useful for competition stages where you transition between targets at different ranges, such as in USPSA or IDPA matches.
The stainless steel finish is more than just cosmetic—it provides corrosion resistance that holds up well in Tennessee’s humid summers and rainy spring months. A brushed stainless surface also reduces glare in bright sunlight, which is a common issue at outdoor ranges. The frame and slide are machined from bar stock stainless steel and then hand-fitted, ensuring smooth cycling and a tight lockup that improves with use. This level of fitment reduces felt recoil and muzzle flip, allowing you to stay on target for faster follow-up shots.
The trigger on this model is a single-action design that has been honed by Colt’s Custom Shop. You can expect a crisp break with minimal overtravel and a consistent pull weight, typically around 4 to 5 pounds. This is a significant improvement over standard 1911 triggers, which often require aftermarket work to achieve the same level of performance. For a target shooter, a clean trigger break is the difference between a center hit and a flyer, especially under time pressure in a competition setting.
The grip geometry and the custom grips provided with this model are designed to promote a high, firm hold on the pistol. The beavertail grip safety is extended and contoured to prevent hammer bite, which is a common issue with older 1911 designs. The front strap is often checkered or serrated to provide a non-slip surface, even with sweaty hands or in wet conditions. This attention to ergonomics means you can maintain a consistent grip throughout a long shooting session without fatigue.
Finally, the Custom Shop’s attention to detail extends to the internal components. The extractor, ejector, and firing pin are all fitted and tuned to ensure reliable feeding and ejection of .45 ACP ammunition. The pistol is shipped with a single 8-round magazine, but it will accept any standard 1911 magazine. The slide stop and thumb safety are also fitted to operate with positive engagement, reducing the chance of accidental disengagement during use. These internal refinements are what set a Custom Shop Colt apart from a production model, and they are the reason this pistol commands a higher price point.
Ideal Use Cases
This pistol is primarily built for target shooting and competitive shooting events. The 5-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and tuned trigger make it a strong choice for bullseye shooting, steel challenge, or action pistol sports. It can also serve as a home defense firearm, as the .45 ACP cartridge has a proven track record for stopping power, and the full-size frame provides a stable platform for rapid, accurate fire. However, due to its weight and size, it is not recommended for concealed carry. It is also not ideal for hunting, as the .45 ACP is not a typical hunting round, though it could be used for dispatching varmints at close range if necessary.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This pistol is designed for standard-pressure .45 ACP ammunition. Avoid using +P or +P+ loads unless specifically noted by Colt, as they can accelerate wear on the firearm.
- Holsters: The 5-inch barrel and full-size frame require holsters designed for a 1911 Government model. Many leather, Kydex, and nylon holsters will fit, but ensure the holster is molded for a 5-inch barrel and a stainless steel finish to avoid scratching.
- Magazines: The pistol accepts standard 1911 8-round magazines. Colt factory magazines are recommended for optimal reliability, but aftermarket magazines from brands like Wilson Combat, Tripp Research, or Chip McCormick are also compatible.
- Accessories: The pistol does not have a rail for lights or lasers, so accessories are limited to grip modifications or custom sights. The fiber optic front sight can be replaced with other front sight options if desired, but the rear sight is specific to this model.
FAQ Section
Q: Can this pistol be shipped directly to me in Tennessee?
A: No. As a licensed FFL retailer, we can only ship this firearm to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in Tennessee, such as a local gun store or a licensed dealer. You will need to arrange for the transfer with a receiving FFL before we ship. We can help you locate a nearby FFL if needed.
Q: What is the FFL transfer process for Tennessee buyers?
A: After you place your order, we will require the contact information and a copy of the FFL license for your chosen receiving dealer. We will ship the firearm to them, and you will complete the ATF Form 4473 and a background check at the dealer’s location. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our price.
Q: What ammunition is compatible with this pistol?
A: This pistol is designed for standard-pressure .45 ACP ammunition. We recommend using factory-new ammunition from reputable manufacturers like Federal, Remington, Winchester, or Speer. Reloaded or hand-loaded ammunition is not recommended unless you are certain of the quality and pressure specifications. Avoid +P ammunition to prevent excessive wear.
Q: Does this pistol come with a warranty, and how does it work?
A: This pistol is covered by Colt’s standard limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty is valid for the original owner and is not transferable. If you encounter an issue, you will need to contact Colt directly or return the firearm to us for warranty service. We will assist with the process, but shipping costs for warranty work are typically the responsibility of the owner.
Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Firearms sales are final due to federal regulations. We do not accept returns on firearms unless there is a manufacturer defect or an error on our part. If you have an issue with your pistol, please contact us within 7 days of delivery, and we will work with you and Colt to resolve the problem. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or if the firearm has been fired.
Closing Call to Action
This RTG Parts Colt Custom Shop Custom Competition Limited .45 ACP is a precision tool for Tennessee shooters who take their accuracy seriously. It is currently in stock at tn-guns.com, and we can ship it to your chosen FFL dealer anywhere in Tennessee. If you have questions about availability or the transfer process, contact our team. Order today to add a hand-fitted Colt to your collection or competition bag.
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