I have always referred to it as the 45 Long Colt so as not to have any confusion. And the reason there is confusion is because some (many) auto owners refer to their Government Model as a "45 Colt."

Back in the old days of Shotgun News, with no photos and minimal descriptions because they charged by the word, I once called a guy up who had a "45 Colt" for sale. After less than a minute discussing condition, etc., it turned out to be a Government Model in 45 Auto. And the guy acted like I was the dummy

On another forum, a year or two ago, this same topic came up of 45 Colt vs. 45 Long Colt. One guy responded that he used to work at a gun range. He told of a time he saw a shooter having difficulty loading the magazine on his 45 Auto. You guessed it. He was trying to stuff 45 Long Colt's into the mag!

John Gross