Colt 1909 (pre-1911 developmental pistol)

Published on November 11, 2015
Duration: 11:04

This video provides an expert-level deep dive into the Colt Model 1909, a crucial developmental pistol preceding the iconic Colt 1911. Ian from Forgotten Weapons meticulously compares the 1909 with its predecessors and successors, highlighting key design evolutions in its locking mechanism, frame, ejection system, and safeties. The rarity and historical significance of the 1909, with only 23 produced, are emphasized, offering valuable insights for firearm historians and collectors.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1909 is a rare developmental pistol preceding the 1911, featuring a double swinging link lock-up, heel magazine release, and external extractor. Unlike the 1911, it lacks manual safeties. Only 23 were made, making it historically significant and highly collectible.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction: Colt 1909 Context
  2. 01:00Pistol Models Overview: 1905, 1909, 1911 A1
  3. 02:11Colt 1905/1909 Features: Lock-up & Mechanics
  4. 03:38Colt 1911 A1 Improvements
  5. 04:30Frame and Barrel Comparison
  6. 05:12Ejection System Evolution
  7. 05:40Firing Pin Plate and Safeties
  8. 07:41Grip Angle Evolution
  9. 08:01Disassembly and Internal Parts Comparison
  10. 09:41Colt 1909 Rarity and History

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Colt 1909 a significant developmental pistol?

The Colt 1909 is significant as it bridges the gap between earlier Colt designs and the iconic 1911. It introduced key features like a shorter frame ending behind the muzzle and a spring cover, while retaining an earlier double swinging link lock-up mechanism.

How does the Colt 1909's locking mechanism differ from the Colt 1911?

The Colt 1909 uses a double swinging link lock-up where the barrel lifts and moves forward. The Colt 1911, however, features a single-link tilting barrel system, which became the standard for many subsequent semi-automatic pistols.

What are some of the safety features (or lack thereof) on the Colt 1909?

The Colt 1909 lacks manual thumb safeties and grip safeties, relying solely on a slide lock for safety. This contrasts with the later Colt 1911 A1, which incorporated both a manual thumb safety and a grip safety.

How rare is the Colt Model 1909 pistol?

The Colt Model 1909 is exceptionally rare, with only 23 examples ever produced. These pistols are numbered from serial number 0 to 22, making them highly prized by collectors and historians of firearm development.

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