THE 1911 PISTOL – A CLOSER LOOK AT A LEGEND

 ABOUT THE GUN

The hammer fired, single action only (SAO) 1911 uses a single stack magazine with capacity dependent on caliber and model. The biggest differences between most 1911s are the size of the frame and barrel type. While many modern manufacturers have given their guns unique names to designate sizes, the original Colt designations are still the standard. You should also be aware that some manufacturers will mix slide and frame sizes to create new combinations. Pay attention to these differences when ordering holsters, replacement parts such as custom grips, and magazines.

Government: 5″ barrel, full sized frame & grip – 7 or 8 round magazine

Commander: 4 1/4″ barrel, full sized frame & grip – 7 or 8 round magazine

Officers: 3″ barrel, short frame – 6 or 7 round magazine

Note: Several manufacturers produce a high capacity, double stack version of the 1911. This modern version known as the 2011 has helped keep the venerable John Browning design in use by elite federal and local law enforcement agencies to this day.

TRADITIONAL BUSHING VS BULL BARREL
The original bull barrel design was first introduced with shorter barrels to solve the problem of shorter barrels locking up when out of battery. Today the choice between bull and bushing barrels is largely a matter of personal preference. Many shooters feel that the added weight of the bull barrel aids in controlling recoil and adds longevity to the barrel itself while others swear by the traditional bushing method.

Springfield 1911
INTERNAL VS EXTERNAL EXTRACTOR
Another matter of personal preference is internal vs external extractors. The first production 1911s were equipped with internal extractors by request of the US military for simplicity and ease of maintenance in the field. Internal extractors must be properly tuned and shaped when installed, however parts are interchangeable with other internal extractor 1911s. External extractors, while easier and cheaper to manufacture are more specific to the manufacturer and model of gun. Although early external extractors earned a less than stellar reputation, most modern manufacturers have worked out the kinks leaving the choice between the two largely an esthetic one.

Sig-External-extractor
THE TRIGGER
No discussion of the 1911 would be complete without addressing the trigger. Unlike most modern semi-auto handguns which use some form of lever mechanism that pivots at the top of the trigger, the 1911 uses a straight action that slides the trigger from front to rear. This feature combined with the Single Action Only mechanism creates an exceptionally smooth crisp trigger that many feel is the best available on any handgun.

IN CONCLUSION
The 1911 is a historically significant weapon that is a joy to shoot. It’s 100 year old design is not only esthetically pleasing, but still held as a standard for safety, reliability, and ergonomics today. Many experienced shooters and professionals prefer the 1911’s added weight, ergonomics, and legendary trigger over modern polymer firearms. With a wide range of calibers and options from manufacturers such as Colt, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Dan Wesson, Staccato, Sig Sauer, Wilson Combat, Rock Island Armory, Tisas and more, no serious gun collection should be considered complete without one.

https://www.gunbuyer.com/blog/the-1911-pistol-a-closer-look-at-a-legend.html

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