History Primer 186: Norwegian 1914 Documentary

Published on October 17, 2023
Duration: 63:46

This documentary delves into the complex history of the Norwegian Model 1914 pistol, a near-clone of the Colt 1911. It details Norway's extensive trials and development process, highlighting the challenges faced in adopting a new sidearm, including cartridge selection, domestic production hurdles, and the impact of World War I. The video also contrasts the Norwegian 1914 with the original Colt 1911, focusing on subtle design differences and production timelines.

Quick Summary

The Norwegian Model 1914 is a .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol, closely based on the Colt 1911 and manufactured in Norway. Adopted in 1914, its production was delayed by WWI, with full serial production starting in 1917. A key improvement over the Colt 1911 is its extended slide release lever, offering enhanced ergonomics for easier operation.

Chapters

  1. 00:21Introduction to the Norwegian 1914
  2. 00:39Physical Specifications
  3. 01:04Series Context: Colt 1911 Development
  4. 02:30Norway's Search for a New Sidearm
  5. 03:55The Nagant Revolver and its Shortcomings
  6. 04:37Early Autoloader Investigations
  7. 05:001904 Commission Report: Early Automatics
  8. 06:45September 1907 Trials: New Options
  9. 08:51Further Trials and Domestic Designs
  10. 09:23General Requirements for a New Handgun
  11. 10:13Pistol Caliber Commission: Ammunition Trials
  12. 11:22Ammunition Testing Observations
  13. 12:01August 1909 Commission Report: Caliber Debate
  14. 12:47March 1910 Trials: Caliber Conflicts
  15. 13:34International Entries in 1910 Trials
  16. 14:17Recommendation for Colt 1902 Trials
  17. 15:05Patent Negotiations with Colt
  18. 16:02Review of Domestic Designs (1910-1911)
  19. 17:11Colt 1902 Field Trials (Summer 1911)
  20. 18:06Colt 1911 Emerges as Superior
  21. 18:441912 Trials: A Compromise Decision
  22. 19:191912 Military Budget Condition
  23. 19:36Commercial Colt 1911 Arrival in Norway
  24. 20:041914 Trials: New Requirements
  25. 21:00Entries in the 1914 Trials
  26. 21:351914 Trials: Testing Procedures
  27. 22:011914 Trials: Results and Colt's Victory
  28. 22:52Official Adoption: Model 1914
  29. 23:18Domestic Production Plans
  30. 23:54Impact of World War I on Production
  31. 24:40Patent Rights Dispute: FN vs. Colt
  32. 25:21Technical Drawings and Manufacturing Challenges
  33. 26:08Attempts to Order Commercial Models
  34. 26:19Norwegian Navy Orders
  35. 26:40Norwegian Army Orders and Import Issues
  36. 27:03Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk Production Progress
  37. 27:31First Production Clones and Markings
  38. 28:21Improvement: Extended Slide Release
  39. 29:22Detailed Look: Norwegian Model 1914
  40. 30:30Finish and Markings
  41. 31:40Extended Slide Release Ergonomics
  42. 32:00Serial Numbering and Inspection Marks
  43. 32:51Grip Variations
  44. 33:16Unique Holster Design
  45. 34:55Shooting Demonstration
  46. 35:33Production Delays and WWII Impact
  47. 36:00Ammunition Production Issues
  48. 36:55Ammunition Specification Resolution
  49. 37:06Cartridge Delivery Snags
  50. 37:20End of WWI and Production Resumption
  51. 37:301919 Deliveries and Markings
  52. 38:05Post-War Issues: Magazine Springs
  53. 38:16Ammunition Precision Issues
  54. 38:36Production Halts and Resumption
  55. 39:14Plan for Replacing Nagant Revolvers
  56. 40:34German Invasion of Norway (1940)
  57. 41:00German Occupation and Production Demands
  58. 41:28German Seizure and Designation (Pistol 657(n))
  59. 41:36German Orders for New Production
  60. 42:01German Inspection Marks
  61. 42:43Secret Resistance Production
  62. 42:52Naval 1911s During Occupation
  63. 43:04Post-Occupation Production
  64. 43:43Changes in Finishes
  65. 44:29Lanyard Ring Dropped
  66. 44:43Post-War Handgun Surplus
  67. 45:00Navy Request Denied
  68. 45:11Slipping Importance and Home Guard Issue
  69. 45:28Replacement Testing (1980s)
  70. 45:50Glock 17 Selection
  71. 46:04Kongsberg's Pseudo-1914 Production
  72. 46:39Shooting Impressions with May
  73. 48:04Comparing 1914s and Colt 1911
  74. 49:21Critical Difference: Slide Release Ergonomics
  75. 53:29Recoil and Sighting Differences
  76. 53:44Preference: Norwegian 1914
  77. 54:15Serialization Advantage
  78. 55:06Confidence in the 1914
  79. 55:56Production Timeline Clarification
  80. 56:22Model 1912 vs. 1914 Distinction
  81. 57:09Early Semi-Automatic Development Context
  82. 59:011911 Assembly Complexity
  83. 60:041911's Keystone Role
  84. 60:29Acknowledgements and Thanks
  85. 61:10Executive Producers
  86. 62:05Discord and Website Information
  87. 62:52Final Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Norwegian Model 1914 pistol?

The Norwegian Model 1914 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, developed as a near-clone of the American Colt 1911. It was manufactured in Norway by Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk and adopted by the Norwegian military.

What are the key differences between the Norwegian 1914 and the Colt 1911?

While mechanically very similar, the Norwegian 1914 features a notably improved and extended slide release lever, offering better ergonomics. It also has distinct markings and was produced with slightly different manufacturing tolerances.

When was the Norwegian Model 1914 adopted and produced?

The Norwegian Model 1914 was officially adopted in September 1914. However, full serial production did not begin until 1917 due to various challenges, including the impact of World War I and domestic production issues.

What caliber is the Norwegian Model 1914 pistol?

The Norwegian Model 1914 pistol is chambered in .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), the same caliber as its predecessor, the Colt 1911.

Why is the Norwegian 1914 considered an improvement over the Colt 1911?

The primary improvement cited for the Norwegian 1914 is its extended slide release lever. This design enhancement makes it easier for the shooter to release the slide after a magazine change, improving operational efficiency.

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