Looking over several of my 3rd generation SW autos, I see the caliber marked on the top of the barrel on all of 'em... .45 auto, 10mm, .40, etc. I have an older (late '70's early '80's) plain-jane Colt Gov't model .45 acp... no markings at all on the top of the barrel. I'm pretty sure I've had it since it was new. Is this a factory oversite or is this why I have four SW 3rd generation autos and only one Colt?

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TMW
ExFed

I have a Colt Govt, same time frame that I bought new, & it says "-Colt .45 Auto- MK.IV /Series'70" on the barrel's chamber. I just recently got hooked on the Smith 3rd Gens. The Colt doesn't compare to my S&W autos. I want more!

I've got three 9mm S&Ws that I carry in rotation and only one Colt 1911, a Combat Commander that's getting on to 40 years old. I dearly love it. It has been a long and faithful companion. Back before it was legal to do so here in Texas, I wore it in a Mexican carry and it was a comforting presence. It has the electroless nickle that's started to turn a little yellow with age. I no longer carry it - I rarely shoot .45ACP any more at all. I probably need to trick it out and make it a barbecue gun. That's one advantage to a steel gun. I can't quite see fluffing up a Glock/xD-whatever/M&P to impress the fellas around the keg.

I bought a commander with an unmarked barrel years ago.The correct one showed up on eBay a few months later for $75