M1911 Semi-Automatic Handgun

Originally, the M1911 semi-automatic .45 caliber hand gun was selected by the U.S. military after the .38 caliber was determined to be ineffective for soldiers. Following a rigorous design process ending in 1911 that proved the M1911 pistol was the most effective military gun among all other semi-automatic hand guns, the M1911 semi-automatic was chosen as the next standard issue sidearm for the U.S. Army.
 
Through continued use in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, the M1911 semi-automatic handgun established itself as a pre-eminent weapon among military arms. While the M1911 pistol was later replaced by a 9mm weapon, most soldiers still claim that the M1911 semi-automatic is superior, remaining a favored sidearm by many.

The Military and the M1911

The M1911 semi-automatic hand gun was selected in 1911 from among several potential military guns to be the standard issue pistol for soldiers in the U.S. Army. The M1911 pistol was chosen because it offered soldiers a reliable .45 caliber semi-automatic weapon to replace the weaker .38 caliber weapons they had been using. Popular among soldiers, the M1911 (recognized for its superiority in close range combat) is now used by many organizations, such as:
  • 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta (Delta Force)
  • FBI Hostage Rescue Teams
  • SWAT Teams
  • USMC Marine Expeditionary Units.
Among military guns, the M1911 has established a history of reliability and superiority.
 
In its original testing, the M1911 hand gun was subjected to a grueling endurance trial. The M1911 hand gun was fired 6,000 times with only a five minute cooling period after every 1,000 shots. Weighing in at 2 pounds 7 ounces unloaded, the semi-automatic M1911 pistol is not a light weapon by modern standards. Aside from the weight, the M1911 is not recommended for the recoil-sensitive because it has a stronger kick than most hand guns.
 
Depending on the model, an M1911 semi-automatic hand gun costs between $250 to as much, or more than, $3,000. The M1911 semi-automatic can be purchased from companies such as:
  • Colt
  • Kimber Manufacturing
  • Les Baer
  • River Rock Arms
  • Smith & Wesson
  • Springfield Armory
  • STI International Inc.
  • Strayer Voigt Inc.
  • The M1911 Debate
Military gun enthusiasts debate which of the M1911 semi-automatic manufacturers makes the best model. However, as the M1911 pistol has grown more popular with the general public, various companies have marketed options to customize the M1911 semi-automatic to each hand gun owner's personal preference. For instance, the M1911 has options for the owner to customize the pistol's grip, as well as an aftermarket clip and an extended clip, which allow up to nine rounds plus one in the chamber.
 
Several companies for the M1911 pistol also produce optical mounts and sights, which can be attached to the semi-automatic hand gun to enhance the accuracy of the weapon when fired. Whether you are looking for a powerful weapon or one simply one that can be customized to the buyer's preference, the M1911 semi-automatic pistol is an excellent choice.
 
Resources
 
The Sight M1911 (2007, June 12). The Sight's M1911 .45 ACP page. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from the sightm1911.com Web site: www.sightm1911.com/.
 
Worldband.com (n.d). The M1911 pistols organization home page. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from the M1911.org Web site: www.m1911.org/m1911dt.htm.