Colt 1991A1

The M1911 is a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, recoil-operated handgun chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge.   It was designed by John M. Browning, and was the standard-issue side arm for the United States armed forces from 1911 to 1985, and is still carried by some U.S. forces. It was widely used in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Its formal designation as of 1940 was Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911 for the original Model of 1911 or Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911A1 for the M1911A1, adopted in 1924. The designation changed to Pistol, Caliber .45, Automatic, M1911A1 in the Vietnam era. Sold as the Government Model it was changed in 1980 to include the hammer block and designated as a Series 80. Later, cosmetic and manufacturing changes intended to reduce cost resulted in the 1991A1. Mine is the latter.

I like the gun because it is plain as all get out. The only modifications I've found "necessary" was the switch to the Smith and Alexander flat main spring housing with lanyard ring, installation of a short trigger and replacement of the plastic "issue" stocks with wood. The result is a GI like gun at less cost to me. Suits me to a "T".

With the addition of a Bianchi contract swivel lid military holster on a GI pistol belt we've got a useful rig. I really like it because the gun in holster doesn't slap my thigh when I move around but the pistol is an easy draw. With a properly deployed lanyard, loss is unlikely.

I think the .45 ACP cartridge is the perfect balance of performance and ease of use. Terminally it works and an experienced shooter can make it "hot" for an opponent out to a considerable distance.

These guns were designed by Jonathan Browning. He was a real firearms designing genius. As you can see they come apart easily...

and go back together easily without an undue number of parts.