Reference Number: D9666

This large model of the M1911, standing over a meter tall, also known as the Colt 1911 or Colt Government for Colt-produced models, stands as an iconic firearm. This single-action, recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol is chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. Its official U.S. military nomenclature evolved over the years, starting as the Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911 when first adopted in March 1911, transitioning to the improved M1911A1 in 1926, and finally becoming the Pistol, Caliber .45, Automatic, M1911A1 during the Vietnam War era.

This legendary firearm was masterminded by the renowned designer John Browning, who ingeniously incorporated the short recoil principle into its fundamental design. The M1911's influence was nothing short of colossal, with its operating system becoming the predominant standard for 20th-century centerfire pistols. This enduring popularity extends to civilian shooters participating in competitive events like the International Defensive Pistol Association and the International Practical Shooting Confederation.

Throughout its service life, the U.S. military acquired approximately 2.7 million M1911 and M1911A1 pistols. Serving as the official sidearm for the United States Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985, this pistol played a pivotal role in significant conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1985, the M1911A1 was replaced as the standard U.S. military sidearm with the adoption of the 9mm Beretta M9 pistol. Yet, it took until October 1986 for the U.S. Army to fully phase out the M1911A1 in favor of the Beretta M9, owing to the enduring preference for the M1911 among users. Even today, modernized derivative versions of the M1911 continue to be utilized by select units within the U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Navy.