Cavalry Trials for Browning's Automatic Pistol: The Colt 1907

Published on April 14, 2020
Duration: 16:08

This video from Forgotten Weapons, hosted by Ian McCollum, provides an in-depth look at the Colt Model 1907, a crucial prototype in the development of the M1911 pistol. McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, details the pistol's design evolution, its participation in demanding US Army trials, and the reasons for its eventual obsolescence despite its significance. The entry highlights the technical specifications, historical context, and the pistol's status as a rare collector's item.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1907 was a crucial prototype in the development of the M1911 pistol, manufactured for US Army field trials. It featured a .45 ACP caliber and a dual-link short recoil action, incorporating requested improvements like a grip safety and loaded chamber indicator. Despite its significance, it was eventually superseded by the M1911's single-link mechanism.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Colt 1907
  2. 00:33The Thompson-LaGarde Tests
  3. 02:401906 Automatic Pistol Trials
  4. 05:14Development of the Model 1907
  5. 06:20Technical Features of the 1907
  6. 08:10Cavalry Field Trials
  7. 11:10Final Modifications and Obsolescence
  8. 12:46Surplus and Survival

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the Colt Model 1907 pistol?

The Colt Model 1907 was manufactured for extended field trials by the US Army, serving as a critical developmental step that ultimately led to the adoption of the iconic M1911 pistol. It incorporated features requested by the military based on earlier tests.

What caliber was required for the US Army service pistol based on the Thompson-LaGarde tests?

In 1904, US Army officers John Thompson and Louis LaGarde concluded through tests on cadavers that a .45 caliber, flat-faced bullet was necessary for a service pistol to achieve effective stopping power.

Why did the Colt Model 1907 ultimately become obsolete?

Despite its role in trials, the Model 1907's dual-link mechanism was superseded by John Browning's development of the simpler and more reliable single-link mechanism, which became the foundation for the M1911 pistol.

How many Colt Model 1907 pistols were made and how many survive?

Approximately 205 units of the Colt Model 1907 were manufactured for trials. A significant number, around 66, have survived to the present day due to their sale as surplus on the commercial market.

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