As I write this, it has been almost exactly 100 years since the Model 1911 pistol was designated as the standard service pistol for U.S. armed forces. When introduced, the John M. Browning designed pistol was absolutely state-of –the art. In fact semi-automatic pistols had only been around for 15 years, if you count the “broomhandle” Mauser :C96 of 1896 as the first commercially acceptable semi-automatic pistols. As a replacement for 38 caliber revolvers, the larger caliber and superior reliability of the Model 1911 made it clearly superior. But that was 100 years ago. Let’s ask ourselves: what other products, in production or service 100 years ago, are still considered best-in-class? Would it be the Ford Model T? How about the M1903 Springfield rifle? Maybe the Wright brothers airplane? My point here is this: the world has come a long way in 100 years, and although the 1911 pistol was breakthrough when launched, and has served very well in several wars, it is not now state-of-the art for practical pistol purposes and should not be held in unreasonable reverence.
Much of the current popularity of the 1911 comes from the writings of Col. Jeff Cooper. When he developed The Modern Technique in the 1950s, the model 1911 was only 40 or so years old. Few other semi-automatic pistols were available, and Cooper’s military experience with the 1911, combined with his preference for large calibers, led him to use and promote the 1911. The American Pistol Institute, which later became Gunsite Training Center, served as a strong advocate for the 1911, particularly during the 1980’s when many new pistol designs became available. During that same period, The Model 1911 was officially retired from military service in 1985 in favor of the Beretta M9. The cult-like following of the 1911 was never clearer than when the U.S. military was considering and selected the M9.
Compared to many modern pistols, the 1911 is heavy, large, and low capacity. The 45 ACP cartridge is available in many other pistol designs, which unlike the classic 1911, also are available in 9x19, 40 S&W, 10mm, 357 SIG, etc. While the 1911 is known for a crisp, consistent trigger, it also is encumbered with a manual safety and a superfluous hammer. Many people find the force required to retract the slide, when the hammer is up (Condition 3) to be much greater and more difficult to accomplish than other pistols.
The 1911 played a large role in my personal firearms experience. After saving up money for several months, I acquired a new Colt Mark IV Series 70 in 1980 for $305, As I recall, few other semi auto pistol choices were available. I remember looking at Browning Hi Power, and Smith & Wesson models 39 and 59. I carried and shot that Colt for many years, until I acquired my first Glock in 1994. I welcomed the lighter weight, enhanced corrosion resistance, and higher magazine capacity, and I found that I shot it just as well.
Like cowboy action shooters using 1873 Colt Peacemaker copies, 1911 aficionados tend to be traditionalists, often favoring leather holsters and wood grip panels. This is contrast to more weather resistant synthetic materials used with modern pistols.
Because of the light, consistent single action trigger, and ability to be accurized via closely fitted parts, the 1911 is a favorite among competitive shooters. At the same time, the 1911 is infrequently seen in police or global military service.
It is a free country (at least for now), and you pay your money and make your choices. And if after considering all pistol choices with an open mind, you choose to carry (or just shoot) a 1911, then enjoy the pleasure it brings, including the nostalgia. But if you consider and select another pistol, carry and shoot it proudly, and be proud that you are an independent thinker and capable of coming to your own, perhaps superior, conclusion. Make the decision based on careful evaluation of the alternatives, and not because of what you read or what some “experts” tell you.
Much of the current popularity of the 1911 comes from the writings of Col. Jeff Cooper. When he developed The Modern Technique in the 1950s, the model 1911 was only 40 or so years old. Few other semi-automatic pistols were available, and Cooper’s military experience with the 1911, combined with his preference for large calibers, led him to use and promote the 1911. The American Pistol Institute, which later became Gunsite Training Center, served as a strong advocate for the 1911, particularly during the 1980’s when many new pistol designs became available. During that same period, The Model 1911 was officially retired from military service in 1985 in favor of the Beretta M9. The cult-like following of the 1911 was never clearer than when the U.S. military was considering and selected the M9.
Compared to many modern pistols, the 1911 is heavy, large, and low capacity. The 45 ACP cartridge is available in many other pistol designs, which unlike the classic 1911, also are available in 9x19, 40 S&W, 10mm, 357 SIG, etc. While the 1911 is known for a crisp, consistent trigger, it also is encumbered with a manual safety and a superfluous hammer. Many people find the force required to retract the slide, when the hammer is up (Condition 3) to be much greater and more difficult to accomplish than other pistols.
The 1911 played a large role in my personal firearms experience. After saving up money for several months, I acquired a new Colt Mark IV Series 70 in 1980 for $305, As I recall, few other semi auto pistol choices were available. I remember looking at Browning Hi Power, and Smith & Wesson models 39 and 59. I carried and shot that Colt for many years, until I acquired my first Glock in 1994. I welcomed the lighter weight, enhanced corrosion resistance, and higher magazine capacity, and I found that I shot it just as well.
Like cowboy action shooters using 1873 Colt Peacemaker copies, 1911 aficionados tend to be traditionalists, often favoring leather holsters and wood grip panels. This is contrast to more weather resistant synthetic materials used with modern pistols.
Because of the light, consistent single action trigger, and ability to be accurized via closely fitted parts, the 1911 is a favorite among competitive shooters. At the same time, the 1911 is infrequently seen in police or global military service.
It is a free country (at least for now), and you pay your money and make your choices. And if after considering all pistol choices with an open mind, you choose to carry (or just shoot) a 1911, then enjoy the pleasure it brings, including the nostalgia. But if you consider and select another pistol, carry and shoot it proudly, and be proud that you are an independent thinker and capable of coming to your own, perhaps superior, conclusion. Make the decision based on careful evaluation of the alternatives, and not because of what you read or what some “experts” tell you.
aaay back when. I can't think of many things that would have been designed a century ago that I still use today, and in basically the same way it was originally designed!
