Excerpt from
this Guide:
Brief History of the 1911
Series Pistol.
“For nearly a century the Colt Government Model 1911
has been without challenge, the most recognized, most imitated, most
influential and the most used semi-auto handgun in the world.”
Guns & Ammo Magazine - 2006
1911 John Moses Browning’s original .45 Colt Auto
Cartridge and 1911 Pistol was adopted as the standard U.S. service
pistol and remained in faithful service for nearly 75 years.
1923 Modifications were made to include a narrower
trigger, wider and longer grip safety spur, and an arched mainspring
housing. Adopted as the U.S. Model 1911-A1 in 1924.
1932 National Match Version with adjustable rear
sights.
1935 National Match Version in .38 Super caliber.
1957 Gold Cup National Match with improved trigger
assembly.
1970 Series 70. Introduction of the collet-type barrel
bushing.
1981 Series 80. Introduction of the firing-pin-block
safety.
1985 Colt’s introduction of stainless steel models.
2006 + Most all major pistol manufacturers produce a
1911 clone.
