How the Colt M1911 Was Adopted by the U.S. Army

Summary

On March 29, 1911, the U.S. Army Ordnance Department officially adopted the Colt M1911 semi-automatic pistol, which served for over 75 years and significantly influenced subsequent handgun designs. The article details the Army's historical preference for large-bore calibers, transitioning from .45 caliber revolvers like the Colt Walker to the .38 Long Colt before recognizing the need for greater stopping power, ultimately leading to the M1911's .45 ACP chambering. The piece also includes current pricing for several Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec models.