The Model 1911 is semi-automatic handgun that was the official pistol of the United States Armed Forces for several decades.

History:

The Model 1911 was developed after the United States Army announced its need for a .45 caliber handgun. John Browning, who worked for Colt, responded to the challenge by redesigning an existing .38 model to accommodate a .45 caliber round.

A government selection committee evaluated six gun designs and quickly narrowed their choices down to three.


Of these three, the committee required some modifications. Two redesigns-including Browning’s—were resubmitted and put through a series of rigorous tests. After the lengthy evaluation, the committee chose the Colt pistol as the U.S. Army’s official sidearm. This announcement was made on March 29, 1911, and the weapon was thus named the Model 1911. Within a couple of years, the United States Navy and Marine Corps also adopted the weapon.

So many M1911s were in use during the First World War that additional production of the weapon was required. The United States government-owned Springfield Armory began producing the gun to meet the growing demand. By the Second World War, demand for the gun was so great that five different manufacturers were producing it.

The 1911 went on to see service in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In the 1970’s, however, the 1911 was replaced. Nevertheless, a few of these guns still remain in service with specialized units of the armed forces and have seen action in the Gulf War and the Iraq War.

Ammunition:

The M1911 shoots a .45 ACP round as John Browning was trying to satisfy the United States Army’s requirement of a pistol with a minimum caliber of .45.

Collectibility:

As the Model 1911 has been in production for more than a century, its collectability is varied. While 1911s of many ages can be readily found, the very early incarnations—particularly if they are in good shape—are sought after as collector’s items. Similarly, anyone with an interest in military weaponry will consider these guns to be collectible.

If you are interested in a particularly old M1911, plan to purchase it as a showpiece, rather than as a gun to shoot. At the very least, have the gun inspected by a knowledgeable gunsmith before attempting to fire it.

Availability:

Again, the gun’s many years of production means that it is easy to find at gun stores, pawn shops, and from private individuals. Some specific years or particular features may be more difficult to find than others. Online gun auctions are a good place to look for the collectible 1911s although it is possible to stumble upon one at a gun store or pawn shop.

Price:

Depending upon the age and manufacturer, you can expect to find Model 1911s for as low as around $300 for a basic newer weapon to more than $1,000 for a World War I era gun in decent shape.

Special Notes:

In addition to the M1911’s rich military history, it also has a place in some of America’s most legendary true stories.

• Machine Gun Kelly was reported to have been holding a Model 1911 in his hand when he was captured.
• Sergeant Alvin York used the 1911 to defend himself against a group of German soldiers during World War I.
• Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie and Clyde) was found to be in possession of a stolen M1911 upon his death. The gun was believed to have been stolen from the United States army.
• Gangster John Dillinger had a Model 1911 that was customized per his instructions by a gunsmith.