The Complete Guide To 1911 Pistols

The 1911: Everything You Need To Know About It

Whilst the past couple decades have been dominated by Glock, there can be no doubt that the most popular and enduring pistol design of all time is the 1911 pistol. Even today they are among the most popular for daily carry, competition shooting, target shooting, other sporting uses and also for collectors. Few guns are as iconic.

Some might say the 1911 is an old design, but the truth is that it's an enduring design. Regardless of what plastic pistol fans might say, the fact is the 1911 still works and works well as a big-bore plinker, concealed carry or home defense gun and probably always will.

If you're considering the 1911 pistol as a CCW gun, or if you just want one to put in the safe to get what they're all about, this Alien Gear guide will give you just about everything you need to know.

John Moses Browning And The History Of The 1911 Handgun

The 1911 handgun is the brainchild of one John Moses Browning, easily the most brilliant and certainly most important firearms designer to have lived. Handguns and long guns designed by JMB have either survived wholesale or formed the basis for some of the most popular firearms in existence. Many are still in production, such as Winchester's lever action rifles as well as the products made by the company that bears his name, among others.

However, the one that most people are familiar with is undoubtedly the 1911 pistol.

The genesis of the 1911 pistol was during Browning's tenure working with Colt, as he had ceased working with Winchester and had yet to begin work with FN Herstal, which would also prove fruitful. At the time, Browning and Colt were trying to develop an automatic pistol for use as a service arm, as the US Army was - in the late 1890s - cognisant that semi-auto pistols were the future given the greater carrying carrying capacity and dissatisfied with the performance of the .38 Long Colt cartridge in the Colt M1892 revolver.

Browning had been tinkering with semi-automatic pistol designs, and eventually devised the short-recoil method of operation with the Colt M1900. The 1900 had two tilt barrel links, one at the muzzle and one at the rear of the barrel. When fired, the barrel stays in place but tilts away from the frame. As the slide returns to battery, the barrel tilts back into place.

The pistol was single-action, fired by means a hammer that was cocked by racking the slide to load the pistol and then by every shot fired. Early models employed a "sight safety" that - when deactivated - served as the rear sight. Later models were intended to be carried with an empty chamber.

The basic tenets of operation proved sound, and the M1900 was submitted for testing in 1899. Initially, the pistol was chambered in .38 ACP (or Automatic Colt Pistol) a Browning-devised cartridge that was closer in performance to the later .38 Super than other .38 caliber cartridges.

The Army liked what they saw. However, field reports from the Philippine-American War changed the Army's mind about .38 caliber rounds, as some troops had reverted to Colt SAA pistols chambered in .45 Colt with success. This led to the development of the .45 ACP cartridge (basically a rimless .45 Colt with a shorter case) and the Colt 1905 - a revised 1900 - being chambered in this cartridge.

Further revisions were made to the Model 1905, mostly at the behest of the US Army since that's who Browning (and therefore Colt) were making the pistol for. The safety lever was moved to the rear of the frame. The cavalry requested an additional safety feature essentially as a redundancy, specifically a grip safety, so that was added as well. The tilting link at the barrel was replaced with a bushing, which held the barrel in place and reduced complexity.

The pistol went through a number trials, culminating in a 1910 field test pitting the then-current iteration of the gun (the 1910 model) against a Savage Model 1907 chambered in .45 ACP. The trial was a 6,000-round torture test, with the only reprieve being dunking the gun in cold water if it got hot. The Savage suffered 37 malfunctions, but the Colt had none.

The US Army announced the Colt would be their new standard sidearm starting the following year, and thus dubbed it the M1911 pistol.

The M1911 Enters Service

As it happens, the new M1911 pistol was adopted just before a major engagement as World War I was just around the corner, though the first combat deployment of anyone armed with an M1911 pistol was actually on "Blackjack" Pershing's 1916 "Punitive Expedition" chasing Pancho Villa.

However, the U.S. officially entered WWI by 1917 and the new pistol was put to use, including by Sgt. Alvin York's stunning single-handed capture of more than 100 German troops with one. Legend has it only one round remained when they surrendered.

While Colt nominally held the contract, there were periods where they couldn't keep up with demand due to military needs, such as the first and second World Wars. During these periods - and by the way, this was and is still common - the design was licensed out to other companies to buttress Colt's production capabilities.

For WWI, 1911 pistols were also made by Remington, Springfield Armory - the ACTUAL Springfield Armory, not the company that's named Springfield Armory - and North American Arms.

The pistol acquitted itself well in the war, but feedback from the end user (ie combat troops) indicated that some revisions were necessary.

1911 Pistols Get An Update: The M1911A1

Original 1911 pistols worked well, but there were some complaints. To make the pistol a bit easier to operate, the following changes were made:

The hammer spur was shortened, and the grip safety spur was lengthened, to reduce hammer bite. The "double diamond" checkering on the grip was changed to a simpler pattern. The tang of the grip safety was enlarged for easier operation, and a shorter trigger blade was installed for better use with gloves and easier shooting by personnel with shorter fingers. The slide was also slightly revised. The pistol was also fitted with an arched mainspring housing instead of the flat housing of the original, to improve ergonomics.

The changes resulted in a new model designation for 1911 pistols, as the new iteration - was dubbed the M1911A1.

Carbine Williams - who helped design the M1 Carbine - also developed a .22 LR trainer variant for training personnel in its use prior to shooting the full-meal-deal version, which Colt would make and sell to the military and civilians as the Colt Service Ace.

The M1911A1 would serve as the standard sidearm of the US armed forces (except for the Air Force, who issued the Smith and Wesson Model 10 revolver until the 1990s) from 1924 until 1986, when it was replaced with the M9.

1911 Pistols Continue To Develop

1911 pistols were sold to civilians and police officers as well, though

On the civilian side, Colt recognized a need for a hotter round for law enforcement purposes in the post-WWI era. Common revolver calibers of the day such as .32-20, .32 Colt, and .38 Special didn't penetrate body armor nor were they much good for the car bodies and auto glass of the day. So they dusted off .38 ACP and goosed it with a bit of extra powder, creating a new round which they dubbed ".38 Super Auto" and in 1929, commenced to selling it to police.

It found some adopters, as the round was found to be (and still is!) plenty potent, up to the task of penetrating the body armor and cars of the era. However, police of the day were mostly used to revolvers (which would remain the standard police sidearm for the next 50 years) and the ammunition market really wasn't then what it is today.

At the time, revolver ammunition was soft lead, which deforms in soft targets. Semi-autos only ran hardball (FMJ) which does not, and was NOT commonly found in stores. Since the ammunition was rare and could easily overpenetrate and hit bystanders, and the technology was different from what most officers were used to, it didn't exactly go over like gangbusters. (Ha! See what we did there?) A few years later, the .357 Magnum cartridge (and the Registered Magnum pistol) were released, which found much wider adoption.

In the late 40s/early 50s, the Army floated the idea of replacing the M1911A1 with a smaller, lighter pistol in 9mm. A few different pistols were submitted for trials (a few Hi Power variants and the S&W Model 39) but Colt's version was a trimmed-down 1911, with a 4.25-inch barrel, shortened slide and ring hammer in lieu of the standard spur, as well as an aluminum alloy frame to save weight. This, of course, was dubbed the "Colt Commander" also known as the "Commander frame."

The Army didn't go for it, opting to keep the 1911 pistols they already had, but Colt decided to produce it commercially anyway. The pistol was offered in 9mm as well as .45 ACP and .38 Super.

The Rock Island Arsenal, the Army's munitions manufacturing facility, produced the M-15 General Officer's Model Pistol in 1975, which was basically a standard M1911 chopped down to Commander specs and fitted with taller sights.

By the 1980s, various firms besides Colt were manufacturing 1911 pistols. These ranged from reproductions of the GI-spec "Government frame" full-size pistols to compact models for concealed carry. Some were (and still are) budget models for the bare-bones shooter to highly accurized pistols for competition shooting, handmade custom guns for display or as personal sidearms to those who can afford them and all points in between. During this decade, the 1911 was retired from military service in lieu of the Beretta 92/M9, though some units still issue 1911 pistols.

Colt kept a certain amount of pace, releasing the Series 80 design in 1983, which featured a trigger-actuated firing pin block as a drop safety. This was followed by the Colt Officer's ACP - the Officer frame - in 1985, and the Delta Elite chambered for the 10mm cartridge in 1987. However, Colt - for a variety of reasons - is no longer a dominant force in handgun manufacturing nor even among 1911 producers. In their place, a plethora of makers have risen offering a fantastically diverse array of takes on the platform.

The Dawn Of Custom 1911 Pistols

In the post-war era, a whole bunch of people wanted to know how to make 1911 pistols better. More accurate, easier to use, more reliable and so on.

Part of this was spurred on by the the nascent practical shooting sports. Prior to World War II, about the only competitive shooting was either trick shots (Annie Oakley, Ed McGivern) and bulls eye (strictly accuracy, slow-fire) events including Olympic pistol competitions. A few cowboys, police officers and former military guys started coming up with tests of marksmanship under time constraints that simulated combat shooting.

It started with the Big Bear Leather Slaps in the 50s, and was largely led by Jeff Cooper, with help from shooters like Ray Chapman, Jack Weaver, and eventually culminated in shooting leagues like IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) and the International Defensive Pistol Association or IDPA.

Competitors wanted to improve the guns for better use in competition, which led to a cottage industry of gunsmiths developing tuning techniques and fabricating new accessories and so on to make the pistol better. Early smiths like Frank Pachmayr, Jim Clark and Armand Swenson went about improving the pistols, which led to many of the features that are common on 1911 pistols today.

Extended beavertail grip safeties, extended thumb safety levers, hand-fit barrels, adjustable target sights, ambidextrous safety levers, 25 LPI checkering, trigger and action jobs for an easier, smoother pull and more reliable operation, melt treatments to keep the frame from cutting clothing and drawing easier...all of these features which are now standard on 1911 pistols on store shelves nationwide were all developed by these gunsmiths.

The tradition of these smiths was carried on by later gunsmiths like Bill Wilson, Les Baer, Ed Brown and others. Their innovations changed the 1911 pistol substantially, as it's no longer just the GI-style model by Colt anymore.

The 1911 Today

Today, dozens of companies make a 1911 pistol. As a result, the gun can virtually be "all things to all men" as the diversity of features and configurations mean there's a 1911 for practically anyone. Just about anyone can find a 1911 pistol to suit their needs and at almost any price point.

If you're looking at getting a 1911, the question really becomes about balancing how much you're willing to spend and what you want out of the pistol in terms of features and specifications. Given the diversity of firms making them, you'd be surprised at how much you can get for the money.

The 1911 Frame System

Whilst the 1911 frame was at one point limited to just one size, there are currently three "frame" sizes for most 1911 pistols, roughly corresponding to full-size, compact and subcompact sizes. There are also a number of micro-sized pistols that have 1911-derived designs as well.

Government frame: the "Government" frame is the full-size pistol. Barrel length is 5 inches, for an overall length of 8.25 inches. Height is usually 5.5 inches, and width is typically about 1 inch at the slide and around 1.2 inches at the grip.

Commander frame: the "Commander frame" is derived from the Colt Commander of 1950, and is a very popular compact model that some prefer for concealed carry. In truth, "compact" is somewhat relative. A true Commander 1911 has merely had 3/4" shaved off the barrel and slide, but is otherwise the same size.

Officer frame: the Officer 1911 is the subcompact variant. Standard barrel length is 3.5 inches for most models from most manufacturers, though there are shorter barrel lengths out there. The grip is also shortened, as most Officer frames are 4.8 inches in height or shorter.

There is some overlap between Commander and Officer frames. The original version - the Rock Island Arsenal Officer's pistol was a Commander slide with a shortened grip, and a number of 1911 pistols with a Commander slide and barrel but Officer frames are available to date.

Micro 1911 pistols, like the Kimber Micro, Sig Sauer P238 and P938, and the Colt Mustang, take many cues from the 1911. These pistols are micro-sized and are highly popular for concealed carry, though are chambered for .380 and 9mm only. The single-action operation remains, as does the thumb safety, but the grip safety is omitted.

The 1911 Today

The 1911 pistol today is made by dozens of companies, in dozens upon dozens of permutations and with a plethora of options available. Additionally, there is a wealth of aftermarket support includes parts, accessories, 1911 holsters and so much more.

Given this bounty of 1911 options, the pistol can be all things to all men - and nearly anyone can find a 1911 pistol meeting their needs, including price point. However, there are also handmade custom guns from the highest of high-end makers available as well, which can easily run upward of $2,000 or more. Spending $4,000 on a 1911 pistol is not unheard of in the least.

For the entry-level shooter, 1911 pistols with fewer features and refinements are available at reasonable price points ranging from less than $400 to just under $800, depending on the manufacturer. There may be a few bonuses thrown in, such as the odd set of combat sights or beavertail grip safety, but many will be not too different from the standard issue model formerly issued by the US government, including front and rear blade sights.

Some people may be looking for that, however, and there are WWII reproductions available for those shooters as well as people who are just looking for a .

For the concealed carry crowd, there are still a great number of 1911 pistols available for this role. The Government frame is arguably the most popular full-size gun for concealed carry, as the slim dimensions - less than an inch at the slide, no more than 1.3 inches at the grips - allow it to be concealed more easily than the double-stack "wonder nines" of the modern era. Both IWB and OWB concealed carry with a full-size is easily done.

Commander frames are not much smaller than the Government frame, but the Officer frame pistols are certainly the 1911 pistol to have for a CCW gun.

As to caliber, the 1911 is available in a wider range of chamberings because the gun has become a shared platform. As a result, you can find 1911 pistols in the classic .45 ACP, but other popular chamberings include 9mm, .38 Super, 10mm and the odd .40 S&W there are also a number of .22 LR pistols for plinking, and there are a small number of 3/4-size 1911s in .380.

Boutique makers have also brought some rare chamberings to the platform, including .50 GI, .460 Rowland, the odd .45 Super, essentially an ACP +P+, and even .357 Magnum.

As far as amenities, there are many to be had. Ambidextrous thumb safeties are popular upgrades, as are extended beavertail grip safeties, upgraded sights including night sights, adjustable target sights and so on, accessory rails and many more.

What To Look For In A 1911 Holster

There are a number of attributes you should look for in a 1911 holster. For starters, you should get what you need from any decent holster - comfort, concealability and adequate retention.

That said, the need for truly comfortable concealment can be thrust into sharp relief by carrying the 1911 and especially if carrying inside the waistband. The gun has relatively straight sides but the thumb safety can protrude a bit. If an IWB holster lacks adequate padding, you may feel it through the holster and that isn't necessarily pleasant.

How the thumb safety interacts with a holster is a key attribute as well. The 1911 is best carried in Condition 1, or "cocked and locked" where the hammer is cocked and the manual safety engaged. Some holsters, due to how the gun rides in them, may snag the safety and deactivate it. This isn't necessarily a safety hazard - the 1911 has a grip safety that must be depressed in order for the trigger to be pulled - but that doesn't mean this should be overlooked.

Given the weight of the pistol, it may also be desirable to find a holster that spreads the weight out to a certain degree. are best suited for IWB deployment, and should at least have a solid belt attachments method, such as a hard plastic paddle or solid belt slide attachment.

Living With The 1911 Pistol

The 1911 pistol is an American icon, but there are - in perfect candor - some shortcomings. Capacity is limited by modern standards; standard magazine capacity is only 7 rounds, and there are compact pistols that hold double that number and are easier to carry every day.

Weight is also something to be aware of. Since most 1911 pistols are made entirely from steel, they are heavy. Most weigh in at or above 35 ounces and when fully loaded exceed 3 pounds, which is a lot of weight to carry on the hip all day.

A 1911 pistol may require a bit more attention than the typical poly striker gun. The longer slide rails have to be lubricated to function at their best, though a weekly light cleaning and lubrication is good for any pistol.

Then there's the single-action, hammer-fired operation. This necessitates carrying either with an empty chamber - requiring the slide to be racked if drawn, which is nearly impossible with only one hand and time-consuming - or the gun must be carried with the manual safety engaged or "cocked and locked." That requires the safety to be disengaged if the pistol must be drawn, which requires training to commit to muscle memory.

Some feel the manual safety is too much, but training can easily overcome this.

While some people feel the cocked hammer means a greater chance of an accidental discharge, the truth is a cocked and locked 1911 has several redundancies in place. First, the manual safety locks the hammer and the grip safety - when not being deactivated by holding the pistol - blocks the sear, preventing the trigger from tripping the hammer. Lastly, if a pistol is of Series 80 design, there is also a firing pin block that can only be deactivated by pulling the trigger. Thus, a Series 80 1911 has three safeties engaged while carrying in this manner.

Another thing to be aware of is the Achilles' heel of the 1911 pistol is the magazines. Factory mags can be of varying quality; some are great and some should be tossed straight away. As a result, it's a good idea to invest in some quality magazines. MecGar, Chip McCormick and Wilson Combat are very popular brands.

The extractor is another common failing.

Like any mechanical system, there are inherent limitations. Once they are understood, and the operator takes care of the pistol as it is supposed to be cared for - meaning kept clean and well-oiled for best operation - it is a reliable, accurate pistol platform.

Why Buy A 1911?

Given all this, why is the 1911 pistol so popular? For several reasons. A decent example, with moderate care, is a powerful, accurate and reliable sidearm that can be trusted to save your life if needed. It is also one of the darlings of competitive shooters.

The ergonomics are also a strong selling point. Few guns sit in the hand and point as naturally. Some find this makes for more intuitive aiming and thus easier accurate fire.

There is also the trigger. Many shooters find the 1911 trigger better than almost any other pistol in existence, even on what some would consider lower-end guns. Good 1911 triggers have minimal creep, with a crisp single-action break and many are fantastic out of the box.

Part of this is the trigger design. Most triggers are a lever, which must be pulled to the rear to trip. The 1911 trigger travels straight back, riding in grooves for a smooth, short travel. As a result, trigger control is not difficult with many 1911 pistols, a feature many appreciate.

Some find the pistol aesthetically appealing, as there are some beautiful 1911 pistols out there.

Another appeal is the generous aftermarket support. The sheer number of aftermarket parts and accessories for the gun is astounding. Just like a muscle car, you can buy a "beater heater" and customize it to your satisfaction. Take a budget gun and add the bits you want until you've created the gun of your dreams.

These are some of the reasons why so many people have one or more 1911 pistols for recreational shooting, personal protection, service use and also sport shooting, as 1911s are very common competition guns. The gun is also an American icon, a piece of Americana, and an enduring one.

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