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

Published on April 14, 2020
Duration: 16:08

The Colt Model 1907 was a crucial but ultimately unsuccessful prototype in the lineage leading to the M1911. Developed after the Thompson-LaGarde tests mandated a .45 caliber, it incorporated requested features like a grip safety and loaded chamber indicator. Despite improvements over the 1905, cavalry field trials revealed reliability issues and soldier dissatisfaction, leading to its obsolescence with Browning's subsequent M1911 design.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1907 was a prototype automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, developed for US military trials that preceded the M1911. It featured a grip safety and loaded chamber indicator but faced reliability issues and soldier dissatisfaction during cavalry field tests, leading to its obsolescence.

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 military. These trials were crucial in evaluating automatic pistols and ultimately led to the adoption of the iconic M1911 pistol.

What caliber was the Colt 1907 designed for?

The Colt 1907 was designed and chambered for the .45 ACP caliber. This caliber was determined to be necessary for effective stopping power based on the findings of the 1904 Thompson-LaGarde tests.

What were the key features of the Colt 1907 pistol?

Key features included a grip safety, a loaded chamber indicator, vertical ejection, and a modified ejection port. It utilized a dual-link short recoil action and was chambered in .45 ACP.

Why did the Colt 1907 pistol not become the standard US military sidearm?

Despite incorporating requested features, cavalry field trials revealed reliability issues and soldier dissatisfaction with its operation, particularly the grip safety. John Browning's subsequent single-link design, which became the M1911, proved superior.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →