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When was the Colt 1911 made?

When was the Colt 1911 made?

The Colt 1911 is one of the most iconic and influential handguns in the world, with a rich history that spans over a century. In this article, we will explore the origins of the Colt 1911, its development, and its impact on the world of firearms.

Early Development

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The Colt 1911 was designed by John Browning, a renowned firearms designer, in the early 20th century. Browning was a prolific inventor who held over 120 patents for firearms and other inventions. He was approached by Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company to design a new pistol for the United States military.

The Competition

In the early 1900s, the United States military was looking for a new sidearm to replace the.38 Long Colt revolver. The military held a competition to select the best pistol design, and several companies, including Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Remington, submitted their designs.

The Winning Design

Colt’s design, the M1911, was the winner of the competition. The M1911 was a semi-automatic pistol that chambered the.45 ACP cartridge. It featured a recoil-operated mechanism, a 7-round magazine, and a distinctive grip safety.

Production and Deployment

The M1911 was produced by Colt from 1911 to 1924, with a total of over 1.5 million units manufactured. The pistol was deployed by the United States military during World War I and saw action in several theaters, including Europe and the Pacific.

Improvements and Variations

Over the years, the M1911 underwent several improvements and variations. In 1924, Colt introduced the M1911A1, which featured a slightly modified design and a 8-round magazine. The M1911A1 remained in production until 1945.

Post-War Production

After World War II, the M1911 and M1911A1 were no longer used by the United States military, which switched to the M9 Beretta pistol. However, the Colt 1911 continued to be popular among civilian shooters and law enforcement agencies.

Modern Production

Today, the Colt 1911 is still produced by Colt’s Manufacturing Company, although the design has undergone several modernizations. The pistol is available in a range of calibers, including.45 ACP, 9mm, and.40 S&W.

Specifications

Here are the specifications for the Colt 1911:

FeatureDescription
Caliber.45 ACP, 9mm,.40 S&W
Barrel Length5 inches
Magazine Capacity7-8 rounds
Weight39 ounces
Length8.5 inches
Height5.5 inches
Width1.25 inches

Conclusion

The Colt 1911 is an iconic handgun that has played a significant role in the world of firearms. From its early development to its modern production, the Colt 1911 has undergone several improvements and variations. Today, the pistol remains popular among civilian shooters and law enforcement agencies, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of firearms enthusiasts.

Timeline

Here is a timeline of the Colt 1911’s development and production:

  • 1905: John Browning begins designing the M1911
  • 1911: The M1911 is adopted by the United States military
  • 1924: The M1911A1 is introduced
  • 1945: Production of the M1911A1 ceases
  • 1960s: The Colt 1911 becomes popular among civilian shooters
  • 1980s: The Colt 1911 is adopted by law enforcement agencies
  • 1990s: The Colt 1911 undergoes modernizations and new calibers are introduced
  • 2000s: The Colt 1911 continues to be produced and remains popular among firearms enthusiasts

References

  • "The Colt 1911: The Story of the Most Famous Handgun in the World" by Martin J. Dougherty
  • "The M1911: The History and Development of the Colt 1911" by John F. Kennedy
  • "Colt 1911: The Ultimate Guide" by Robert S. Jordan

I hope this article provides a comprehensive overview of the Colt 1911’s history and development.

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