But Does it Take 1911 Mags? Prototype Winchester 1905SL in .45 ACP

Published on August 25, 2021
Duration: 6:24

This video explores a rare prototype Winchester 1905SL rifle chambered in .45 ACP, developed in 1919. Notably, it was designed to accept standard Colt 1911 magazines, showcasing an early concept for a pistol-caliber carbine. Despite modifications like an enlarged ejection port and 1911 magazine release, Winchester never produced this variant, likely due to market considerations and cartridge power.

Quick Summary

The prototype Winchester 1905SL in .45 ACP was designed to use standard Colt 1911 magazines, representing an early 'pistol caliber carbine' concept. Modifications included an enlarged ejection port and 1911 magazine release. Winchester never produced it, likely due to market factors or reliability concerns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Cody Firearms Museum Prototype
  2. 00:38Winchester Self-Loading Rifle History
  3. 01:34The .45 ACP Prototype & 1911 Mags
  4. 02:00Technical Modifications: Ejection Port & Mag Release
  5. 03:35Markings and Barrel Specs
  6. 04:31Production Viability: Why No .45 ACP?
  7. 05:139mm Variant & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the prototype Winchester 1905SL unique?

This prototype Winchester 1905SL is unique because it was experimentally converted to fire the .45 ACP cartridge and was designed to accept standard Colt 1911 pistol magazines, showcasing an early concept for a pistol-caliber carbine.

What modifications were made to the Winchester 1905SL for the .45 ACP prototype?

Key modifications included an enlarged ejection port to handle the larger .45 Auto cases and the integration of a standard Colt 1911 magazine release button and magazine well, allowing it to feed from 1911 magazines.

Why did Winchester not produce the .45 ACP version of the Model 1905SL?

Winchester likely decided against production due to commercial considerations, such as the .45 ACP cartridge potentially being less powerful than their existing Winchester Self-Loading cartridges for hunting, or possible unresolved reliability issues with the conversion.

What is the significance of the Winchester 1905SL prototype using 1911 magazines?

Its significance lies in demonstrating an early, forward-thinking concept for a pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) in 1919, anticipating the trend of rifles chambered in common pistol calibers and utilizing readily available pistol magazines.

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