Original Colt 1911

Published on June 18, 2019
Duration: 28:23

This video provides an expert comparison of the original Colt 1911 and its successor, the 1911A1, from the perspective of a seasoned firearms instructor. Key differences in design, such as the mainspring housing, beaver tail, trigger, and sights, are detailed. The instructor highlights the historical context and evolution of this iconic firearm, offering insights into its military service and enduring legacy.

Quick Summary

Expert firearms instructor Hickok45 compares the original Colt 1911 and the 1911A1, detailing key design differences like the mainspring housing, beaver tail, trigger, and sights. He discusses the historical context of the .45 ACP adoption and the 1911's enduring reliability, offering insights from over a decade of experience.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 1918 Colt 1911
  2. 01:28Historical Significance and Military Use
  3. 03:08Trigger Characteristics and Initial Shooting
  4. 05:06Commercial vs. Government Production
  5. 08:321911 vs. 1911A1 Feature Comparison
  6. 13:03Origins of the .45 ACP Requirement
  7. 14:55Reliability and Modern Perspective

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the original Colt 1911 and the 1911A1?

The 1911A1 features an arched mainspring housing, a longer beaver tail grip safety, a shorter trigger, and larger sights compared to the original 1911's flat mainspring housing, shorter beaver tail, long trigger, and smaller sights. These changes improved ergonomics and usability.

Why did the US military adopt the .45 ACP caliber?

The adoption of the .45 ACP was driven by combat experiences in the Philippines, where the .38 caliber revolvers previously issued were found to lack sufficient stopping power against adversaries.

Is the original Colt 1911 considered reliable?

Yes, the original Colt 1911 is considered a very reliable platform for its time. Modern reliability can also depend on the quality of the magazines used, as noted by the instructor.

What is 'hammer bite' on a 1911 pistol?

Hammer bite occurs when the hammer of the pistol pinches the web of the shooter's hand between the thumb and index finger. This is often associated with the original 1911's shorter beaver tail grip safety design.

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