Us&s m1911 a1

[Scott Brady]

I appreciate quality and classic firearms, and within the confines of my own opinions believe that competence with a firearm is an attribute desirable as an adventure traveler.

While my gun collection varies from the practical to the eclectic, I have a particular love for certain classics. One can make arguments until the end of time regarding the practicalities and functionalities of owning a Glock, and yet one will never reside in my collection - for those very reasons.

I have wanted an M 1911 A1 for some time, and researched all variations from full-tilt Kimbers to new Colts. Ultimately, I decided on something a little more interesting.

By most standards, the 1911 is an ancient pistol, in service for over 100 years and still popular and sold today. Entire courses are based upon this model. The 1911 was the standard issue sidearm from 1911 to 1985 for the US military (and is still reported to be in use in limited applications today). Over 2.7 million units have been produced. In 1924, several small changes were made to the 1911, giving it the designation 1911 A1.

During World War II, production increased significantly to nearly 2 million units. To accommodate demand, units were produced by Remington (900,000), Colt (400,000), US&S (50,000) and Singer (500). The M1911 A1 is still in use today by the Marine Force Recon units.

From the original March, 20th 1911 evaluation committee:

"Of the two pistols, the board was of the opinion
that the Colt is superior, because it is more
reliable, more enduring, more easily disassembled
when there are broken parts to be replaced, and
more accurate."

Of the 1911s, there are some common examples and some exceedingly rare ones. Of the units produced in the US (some were produced outside our borders), the Singer model is the most rare. The Singer Sewing company produced 500 units. The second most rare is the Union Switch and Signal company, who produced an estimated 55,000. The last of these pistols were shipped November 1943. As an interesting quality control effort, each of the 55,000 1911s were test fired at their range 21 times. Not a single gun was rejected during this test. Of the tests conducted by military inspectors, two guns failed, both found to be fully automatic in their operation, firing seven rounds on a single trigger pull - mine, fortunately does not have that feature. . .

A unique safety feature of the 1911 is the grip safety

I love the crappy plastic grips on the original 1911s

A nod to the calvary sidearms

The rear site is terrible by modern standards - yet perfect.

I love the holster wear

So, like a proud new father, there is my newest acquisition. Not the most functional and far from modern, quite rare, and worn and used - just how I want it to be.

 

[RiverCityDave]

I like me some 1911 as well. I have three. But, Im generally NOT a fan of anything the Army has decided is a good sidearm. Military quality has not been a good thing since Korea. My 92F I carried last year in the Stan would stove pipe at the slightest amount of movement, and the slide rattled like the clutch on my Duc.

Thats a nice pistol, and it looks like it will give you some very nice days of service.

 

[Scott Brady]

But, Im generally NOT a fan of anything the Army has decided is a good sidearm.

I can certainly agree with that, the M9 being a prime example. . .

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I like the 1911, still looking for an old Military one in decent shape. (find them, but not when I have the spare cash:elkgrin

That's a nice one there.

 

[nwoods]

Nice photography Scott!

 

[Wyowanderer]

Nice pistol. Have you slept with it yet? :elkgrin:

 

[TangoBlue]

There is no finer example of elegant, simple engineering in its most enduring form. Indeed a sterling addition to any collection but with the added advantage that it can still be used. :drool:

To round out that pistol and holster you require a campaign hat and some nice gabardine jodphurs.. who here would pay money to see Scott in jods?

 

[case]

Very nice.
I wouldn't change a thing about it.

An interesting fact is that Browning's original submitted design did not include the grip safety. He was asked to add one and resubmit it. Considering the firing system I believe it was a good change.

 

[robert]

Beautiful example! Don't change anything on it; if you want a more accurate and modern looking gun buy a new/newer one but leave that old warhorse alone.

Yeah, I love me some 1911 goodness too.

 

[REasley]

I also have M1911A1. Mine was built in 42 and is one of 335,466 made by Ithaca. It carries the Rock Island Arsenal inspection stamp and was issued to my father 1942. He carried it to the Pacific where he was a Sherman Tank commander (the flame throwing version). It still shoots like it did when issued, that is, not very accurately. Remember these were designed to be trench weapons. Big bullet = Lots of stopping power, but low muzzle velocity (550 fps). I still have a few of the original steel cased bullets that were being issued during the war.

 

[02TahoeMD]

Scott, superb photography. Congrats on the addition to the family!

I collect .45's (most are 1911s) and I was fortunate enough to procure a Colt 1911 that had been made in 1917 for the US Army, still wearing her original finish, but with wood grips that looked to be close to the same age as the original. She still shoots quite well for her age but I keep her in storage most of the time. I just wish it could talk, I can only imagine the tales...

If you are looking for a 1911 to carry in the field without any worry I would look into the Colt 1991A1, which is rather faithful modern build of the original. My suggestion to improve a 1911 you will carry and shoot alot would be to add a beavertail safety and a commander or skeleton hammer. The beavertail makes a world of difference in shooting.

For concealed carry I have a Kimber Pro CDP2 that I love. IMHO it is worth every cent.

Amazing that John Browning's design has held up so well for over 100 years, and I am glad to see the renaissance the 1911 has had over the past few years.

Again, congrats.

 

[Rexsname]

I also have M1911A1. Mine was built in 42 and is one of 335,466 made by Ithaca. It carries the Rock Island Arsenal inspection stamp and was issued to my father 1942. He carried it to the Pacific where he was a Sherman Tank commander (the flame throwing version). It still shoots like it did when issued, that is, not very accurately. Remember these were designed to be trench weapons. Big bullet = Lots of stopping power, but low muzzle velocity (550 fps). I still have a few of the original steel cased bullets that were being issued during the war.

I think you may be mistaken on the muzzle velocity.....it should be closer to 850fps. Still pleanty of oomph to break the skin


REX

 

[flywgn]

I, too, have a 1911. Letter of authentication from Colt Mfg. verifies the family provenance. It is Serial No. 39****, one of 2500 manufactured and shipped July 30, 1918. It is complete with military issue holster, extra clips, web belt with clip holders, and the U.S. Army papers issued to the family member, including the "right to keep in possession after separation" paper.

It's a fun pistol to shoot, and I'm enjoying beings its present steward.

Allen R

P.S. Scott, I don't think those handles of the original ones are plastic. I believe they're bakelite. A technicality, I know, but bakelite in and of itself is more valuable.

 

[007]

That is my all time favorite pistol without a doubt. I miss the romantic times we had together, in fact I would still be with her today except for the issue we had of never seeing eye to eye. I would find myself pointing at something and she would be wandering off somewhere else. By all accounts it was my fault and not hers i've come to learn.

I ended up with this goofy looking plastic contraption that had a bad rap. Her name sounded like a dog trying to yack up some grass, which made it even harder to connect emotionally, but we manage to get the job done despite her bad looks and fake demeanor.

I miss the romance of the 1911, a love-hate relationship was never where I saw myself ending up, but hey you take what you can get and I don't care what people think of her, this Glock gal and I are always on the same page.

Not to say I wouldn't mind putting my hands back on the ol' 1911 from time to time.

I hope you two get along well Scott, thanks for sharing it :ylsmoke:

 

[flywgn]

...To round out that pistol and holster you require a campaign hat and some nice gabardine jodphurs.. who here would pay money to see Scott in jods?

I just saw this, but I'll kick in a few bucks.

Allen R.