Military Issued 1911 .45 ACP

This John Browning patent gun, Model 1911, was so named for the year it was officially adopted for use by the United States Army. The Browning design was so great, that it has been changed little in over 100 years of production. This gun shares the nick-name "Colt .45" with Colt's other famous .45 caliber handgun, the Single Action Army "Peacemaker" revolver, but, that is the cartridge it fires—not a proper name for the handgun.

The most widely produced, copied, used, talked about, written about and debated handgun in the world. The Colt Government Model 1911 is referred to by many as "the world's greatest handgun". Colt introduced this model in 1970 as a newer version of the Model 1911A1. The major changes were a slightly heavier slide and a slotted collet barrel bushing. From 1970 to 1976 the serial numbers had a prefix of "70G", from 1976 to 1980 they had a suffix of "G70" which changed to a prefix of "70B" from 1980 until 1983 when production ceased. In 1983 the Series 80 Models were introduced with an additional passive firing pin safety lock and the half-cock notch was also redesigned.

There's nothing I can say about these guns that hasn't already been said a thousand times, by a thousand others. The 1911 Colt is without a doubt, "the most copied and most modified gun in the world".

All of these modifications to the John Browning designed and Colt produced Model 1911 remind me of a couple of things. I have a really good friend in Memphis that once told me, "those folks in Nashville have been looking for somebody that can sing better than old George Jones for years, and they ain't found them yet". People have been trying to make a better 1911 Colt for years and with all of the modifications they've come up with, I think the old original holds its own very well indeed.

It also reminds me of something my younger brother once said concerning Mexican food. I'm a pretty big fan of Mexican food, but my brother on the other hand, can only tolerate it. He said, "you don't need a menu, you might as well just order this food in dollar amounts, $5 worth, $10 worth, etc. depending on how hungry you are, because it's all the same stuff, just arranged differently".

1-800-962-COLT

The serial number tables on this page are for the Commercial line of 1911s. I wont' be much help in dating one of these guns after 1976. As always, I suggest you call the Colt Archive at 1-800-962-COLT.

The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols, 3rd Edition, totals 566 pages. It includes 84 tables detailing parts and markings and 678 photos and drawings. This book is part of North Cape Publications, Inc.® For Collectors Only® series of books on collector’s and antique firearms. Parts are described in chapters organized by subassembly receiver, slide and magazine. Serial numbers are listed in individual tables by military and the individual commercial models such as the ACE and Service ACE, National Match, .38 Super, Commander, Gold Cup, British, Argentine, Norwegian, and Canadian military models, etc. An appendix also contains a serial number listing organized by shipping date. Check to see when a pistol was manufactured, then to see when it was actually shipped.

Parts are described in chapters organized by assembly receiver, slide and magazine. Each part of each assembly, i.e., trigger system, magazine release, sights, etc. are then described and photographed complete with markings and other identifying characteristics. Parts are differentiated by model and manufacturer, i.e. Colt, Springfield Armory, Remington Arms-UMC, Singer, Ithaca, Remington Rand and Union Switch & Signal. All Colt commercial model and variation parts are also described and compared to the military .45 ACP part. Serial number ranges are provided for every model and manufacturer of the Model 1911, Model 1911A1, and Series 70/80 in separate tables.

Development and Design - John Browning began working on the design in the late 1890s, seeking to develop a reliable, semi-automatic pistol. Patent and Initial Design

Browning patented his design, which was initially developed in response to the U.S. military's desire for a new sidearm. The design was refined through a series of military trials.

Caliber Selection

The pistol was designed to use the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge, also developed by Browning. This was in response to reports of the ineffectiveness of the then-standard .38 caliber revolvers in military engagements.

Abstract
The United States military's decision to replace the iconic Colt 1911 with 9mm handguns marked a significant shift in its sidearm choice. This report explores the factors that prompted this transition, including the evolution of military requirements, advancements in firearm technology, logistical considerations, and budgetary concerns. It also examines the advantages and disadvantages of the switch to 9mm handguns and its impact on the effectiveness of the U.S. military personnel.

Introduction
The Colt 1911, a .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol, had been the standard-issue sidearm of the United States military for over seven decades. Its iconic status and legendary performance in both World Wars had solidified its reputation as a reliable and effective handgun. However, in the late 20th century, the U.S. military decided to replace the Colt 1911 with 9mm handguns, sparking significant debate and discussion within the military community. This report aims to explore the reasons behind this transition.

Historical Background
Before delving into the reasons for replacing the Colt 1911, it is essential to provide some historical context. The Colt 1911 was adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, hence its name, and it served as the standard-issue sidearm for most of the 20th century. During this time, the U.S. military faced different challenges, and the requirements for sidearms evolved over the years.

Evolving Military Requirements
The changing nature of modern warfare played a crucial role in the decision to replace the Colt 1911. While the .45 ACP cartridge was powerful, it had limited magazine capacity compared to 9mm pistols. The need for increased ammunition capacity became apparent as military engagements shifted from traditional battlefields to urban and close-quarters combat scenarios.

Advancements in Firearm Technology
Advancements in firearm technology, particularly with regards to ammunition and firearm design, also contributed to the decision to switch to 9mm handguns. The 9mm Parabellum cartridge offered improved ballistics, reduced recoil, and increased magazine capacity, making it a more versatile and user-friendly option for military personnel. Additionally, advancements in pistol design allowed for more ergonomic and modular handguns, further enhancing the capabilities of 9mm pistols.

Logistical Considerations
Logistics played a pivotal role in the transition. The U.S. military operates on an immense scale, and standardizing ammunition across various branches and units can simplify supply chains. Adopting the 9mm cartridge allowed for greater ammunition compatibility with NATO allies, streamlining procurement and logistics. This logistical advantage was particularly crucial during joint operations and deployments.

Budgetary Concerns
Another factor that cannot be ignored is budgetary considerations. The production of 9mm ammunition is generally less expensive than .45 ACP ammunition, allowing the military to allocate resources more efficiently. This cost savings can be reinvested in other critical areas, such as training, equipment, and infrastructure.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Transition
While the transition to 9mm handguns offered several advantages, it also came with its share of disadvantages.

Some of the key advantages include:

Increased magazine capacity: 9mm handguns typically offer larger magazine capacities, providing more rounds per loadout.
Reduced recoil: The 9mm cartridge generates less recoil compared to .45 ACP, making it easier for shooters to maintain accuracy during rapid fire.
Ammunition compatibility: The 9mm Parabellum cartridge is widely used by NATO countries, enhancing interoperability during coalition operations.


However, there were also disadvantages:

Reduced stopping power: Critics argue that the 9mm cartridge lacks the stopping power of the .45 ACP, potentially requiring more rounds to neutralize a threat.

Weapon familiarity: Transitioning to a new sidearm necessitated retraining for military personnel accustomed to the Colt 1911.

Cultural attachment: The Colt 1911 had a deep cultural significance within the military, and some were reluctant to see it replaced.

Impact on Military Personnel

The transition to 9mm handguns had a notable impact on military personnel. While some initially resisted the change, extensive training programs helped ease the transition. Ultimately, the increased ammunition capacity and reduced recoil of 9mm handguns improved overall weapon proficiency and combat readiness.

Conclusion
The decision to replace the Colt 1911 with 9mm handguns in the United States military was influenced by evolving military requirements, advancements in firearm technology, logistical considerations, and budgetary concerns. While the transition had its advantages and disadvantages, it ultimately improved the capabilities and readiness of military personnel. The move to 9mm handguns represented a necessary adaptation to modern warfare and demonstrated the U.S. military's commitment to staying at the forefront of firearm technology.