Western Arms products are gas guns made of high-density plastic, allowing you to enjoy the same realistic weight as a real firearm. The "Magna Blowback" mechanism, which controls the gun's core, allows you to experience a powerful recoil shock just like a real firearm, making for a realistic and exciting shooting experience. It uses safe low-pressure gas and fires 6mm BBs using the same process as a real firearm.
Recreating the Colt 1911's traditional masterpiece, the National Match, alongside the Government Model and Commander, as a premium blued (black-dyed) model adorned with wooden grips.
The Traditional Target Model of the 1911
In the history of the 1911, there are broadly two types referred to as "National Match."
One refers to the Colt M1911, hand-fit and tuned by armorers within the military for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, in preparation for the esteemed National Match competitions that began in Caldwell, New Jersey, in the early 1900s, and were held in Camp Perry, Ohio, after 1907.
The other is the Colt National Match Pistol, produced by Colt from 1933 to 1944 for the civilian market as its first factory custom.
This model featured a match barrel added to the M1911A, with internal hand-fitting performed by Colt's gunsmiths. Later models included an enlarged front sight and adjustable rear sights, but production ceased with the outbreak of World War II.
After the end of World War II, in 1957, Colt resumed production of the National Match. This version received practical cosmetic updates for competitive shooting and was given the new name Gold Cup National Match.
Pre-Series 70 National Match
American collectors believe that Colt's products until the 1960s embodied the spirit of good old American craftsmanship.
Even in the 1911 series, it is said that after 1970, cost reductions accompanying the shift to mass production gradually led to shortcuts in finishing. Products shipped until the early 1970s were assembled with hand-finished craftsmanship by gunsmiths, and even today, well-preserved examples reportedly fetch high prices in the used market.
WA's Premium Edition reproduces the Colt National Match manufactured from 1957 to 1970.
National Match Specifications
Although a variation of the 1911, the National Match uses a dedicated slide that differs from the Government Model.
The slide's upper surface features a flat-top rib with fine anti-glare serrations, characterized by its square form.
Additionally, the cocking serrations are wider and angled, differing from the classic 1911, enhancing operability and creating a sporty look.
The Partridge-style front sight features an undercut specifically designed for competitive shooting, engineered to minimize the impact of light.
The rear sight is an Eliason sight, allowing for fine adjustments in elevation and windage, with a wide sight leaf that provides an excellent sight picture.
The bottom edge of the ejection port is lowered, and a case rollover notch has been added. The polished metal chamber cover features a replica stamping of COLT.45AUTO N.M., indicating its match grade.
The traditional straight barrel is machined from lightweight aluminum, considering weight reduction to minimize the impact of slide movement, and is combined with a thick barrel bushing.
The trigger hole in the frame is widened laterally, which is another distinguishing feature from the Government Model.
The trigger is boldly lightened and features a wide, serrated face, making the wide trigger with an internal adjustment screw one of the distinctive parts of the National Match.
The front strap features machined vertical anti-slip grooves.
Premium Specification with Wooden Grips
The grip panels, which provide a vivid accent color, are made of rosewood, a dense and durable material also known as shitan in Japan.
Crafted in the traditional full-checker specification with neatly carved checkering, it provides a secure grip while offering a soft, warm feel in the hand, a unique charm of wooden grips made from natural materials.
The center of the grip panels, adorned with the distinctive rosewood pattern, proudly features the Rampant Colt (prancing horse) medallion.
