Colt 1911 Serial Number Lookup May 2026

For nearly 150 years, Colt’s Manufacturing Company has been a titan of American firearms history. Among its legendary lineup, one pistol stands above the rest: the Model 1911 . Designed by John Moses Browning, this semi-automatic pistol served as the official sidearm of the U.S. Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985, and it remains one of the most collected and coveted firearms in the world.

Happy hunting. Disclaimer: Laws regarding firearm serial numbers and ownership vary by jurisdiction. Always comply with local, state, and federal laws. When in doubt, consult a qualified firearms appraiser or historian. colt 1911 serial number lookup

But if you own a Colt 1911—or are looking to buy one—you quickly realize that not all 1911s are created equal. A commercial model from 2020 is a very different beast from a World War I "Black Army" pistol or a 1943 WWII "Remington Rand" contract piece. So, how do you separate a safe queen from a relic of the Argonne Forest? For nearly 150 years, Colt’s Manufacturing Company has