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Selected Handgun Detail

Colt
Model .380 Government
Colt Pistol .380 Government .380 Auto Variant-1
Scale To:
Gun Dimensions Width:1.05-in
Length:6.5-in Height:No Data
Barrel:3.25-in Weight:21.75-oz
Variant 1 of 2
Gun Rankings
  • Power Factor (90 grain bullet)87210
  • Recoil Factor (90 grain bullet)2.47 ft-lb
  • Total Capacity8 rounds
  • ConcealabilityGood
  • Defense Factor55%
Gun Specifications
Type:Pistol
Caliber:.380 Auto
Action:recoil operated semi-automatic
Trigger:single-action (SA)
Safety:frame mounted safety lever
Magazine:7-round
Frame:blued finish steel
Grip:black composite
Sights:fixed combat
Notes:Mk IV Series
Manufacturer
Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC
More Info
About the Gun

Produced as part of the Government Model Mk IV Series, this is a scaled down model chambered for the .380 auto cartridge, but retains the locked breech recoil action of the larger .45 Auto weapon, though it is not really necessary in this caliber. Unlike the larger .45 caliber Mk IV models, there is no grip safety.

Production

Production ran from 1983 until 1997.

Market value
Last updated: 3/6/2026

MSRP during production reached $500. Average used values hover around $650–$750 for examples in good to very good condition.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge: .380 Automatic
Alias: 9mm Browning Short
More Info
Ballistics for This Gun
Selected Bullet Mass:90 grains
MV:969 ft/sec ME:188 ft-lbs
Analysis

The Colt Government Model .380, also referred to as the Government Model MK IV Series 80 in .380 ACP, emerged in the early 1980s as part of Colt's effort to expand its lineup of compact semi-automatic handguns. Introduced in 1983, it represented a downsized adaptation of the M1911 platform, scaled to approximately 78 percent of the full-size model's dimensions to accommodate the .380 ACP cartridge. Production ran from 1983 until 1997, when Colt discontinued the line amid financial challenges facing the company. During this period, it served as a bridge in the market between full-size service pistols and smaller pocket models, appealing to users seeking familiar 1911-style controls in a more concealable format. Design-wise, the pistol employs a locked-breech, short-recoil operation similar to the M1911, but with an angled camming surface under the barrel in place of the traditional swinging link. It operates in single-action mode, incorporating a Series 80 firing pin safety system, a manual thumb safety that functions whether the hammer is cocked or down, and the ability to rack the slide with the safety engaged. Notably absent is the grip safety found on standard 1911s, and it includes an extended tang on the backstrap to reduce the risk of hammer bite. The frame and slide were typically machined from steel, contributing to a weight of around 21.75 ounces unloaded, with an overall length of 6.5 inches, a 3.25-inch barrel, and a width of 1.05 inches. It uses a detachable single-stack magazine.

User Rating
2 User Ratings
3 User Comments
User Comments

4 of 5 Stars
Really nice pistol
By ToninCA on 01 Feb 2021
Mine is the stainless model. Really fun to shoot but the silver sights make accuracy only a wish. With the one I own I found that it was not reliable with the 11 LB factory recoil spring. I got the Wolff 12 pound and it is 100% with just about every kind of ammo. I probably have 3000 + rounds on this little pistol over the years. As a lefty I needed an aftermarket safety and found one at Cylinder and Slide. Put it in myself. The Sig P238 is a very close copy (with a few minor improvements) , I wish they made the Sig with a longer barrel!

0 of 5 Stars
.380 colt gov.
By DaveD on 11 Apr 2020
I have one in stainless, great small carry gun. Most think a .380 is underpowered, well. With modern defensive ammo, and also knowing a .380 round is the same diameter as a.9 mm. It just is not the case. PS it will stop any man with 2 well placed shots.

5 of 5 Stars
Solid pistol
By Chemo12 on 09 Jan 2020
I finally found one. It is a great pistol to shoot very solid .