The M1911 pistol, designed by John Moses Browning and adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911, has an illustrious and storied history that has made it an iconic firearm over the past century. I’ve been fascinated with the pistol since I first fired one at US Navy Boot Camp many moons ago. I would steadily over my career grow fonder for the ingenious design. Having had the luxury of visiting the Browning Museum and seeing so many of the original designs it really helps paint a picture for its beauty. The enduring legacy of the M1911 pistol is evident in its continued popularity among civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel worldwide. The pistol has seen countless customization's and improvements, with numerous manufacturers offering modern versions in various calibers and configurations.
But where did it all begin and more importantly, why? During the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), the .38 Long Colt cartridge proved inadequate in stopping the determined Moro fighters. This prompted the military to search for a more effective sidearm. The solution was to first adopt a larger, more powerful cartridge; the .45 ACP. Developed by Browning specifically for his new semi-automatic pistol design. In the late 19thcentury he began working on a recoil operated handgun. Another significant change was the desire to move to a box style magazine for faster reloads and sustained rates of fire. The revolver was slowly seeing the end of military service life as the auto-loader began its reign.
In 1906, the U.S. Army organized a series of rigorous tests to select a new standard-issue sidearm. Several manufacturers submitted designs, but Browning's design stood out due to its reliability, durability, and powerful .45 ACP cartridge. The final version, known as the Colt Model 1911, successfully passed the tests in 1910 and was officially adopted as the standard-issue U.S. military sidearm on March 29, 1911.Unlike many military designed weaponry, the M1911 saw immediate service in the US involvement in Mexico to capture Pancho Villa. What many don’t know, was the Model 1911 handgun got its name from the year it was officially put into service. It would have a most impressive fight record, serving in two World Wars and numerous wars and battles.
The M1911 would dutifully serve America until being replaced in 1985. Even then, the “old warhorse” as it was affectionally known, would fine a passionate following in the competitive world. My first competition pistol was a modified Colt Gold Cup. I regret selling that pistol for so many reasons. Another bit of little-known trivia came as a result of the increased demand during World War 2, leading to additional manufactures producing the M1911 including my favorite from the Singer Sewing machine company. Considered incredibly rare, when you hear the comment “runs like a sewing machine” this was partly attributed to the handguns they produced to meet the war effort. Regardless of your opinion, the M1911 represents American ingenuity affirming its legacy as one of the greatest handguns ever produced.