Primer 213: US Colt 1911A1

Published on October 28, 2025
Duration: 72:27

This comprehensive video details the evolution and features of the US M1911A1 pistol, from its origins as an upgrade to the original 1911 to its widespread production during World War II. It highlights key design changes such as the extended grip safety, humped mainspring housing, shorter trigger, and improved sights, explaining their functional benefits. The video also covers the various manufacturers involved in its production, the transition to Parkerized finishes, and the differences between early and late war models.

Quick Summary

The M1911A1 is an upgraded version of the original 1911 pistol, featuring an extended grip safety, a humped mainspring housing for better grip, a shorter trigger with frame relief cuts, and improved sights for faster target acquisition. These modifications enhanced shooter comfort and usability during its extensive service life.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Sponsor
  2. 01:11Professor Oias Griffith Introduces the M1911A1
  3. 01:42M1911A1 Dimensions and Weight
  4. 02:01Magazine Capacity and Caliber
  5. 02:41Recap of Original 1911 and Precursors
  6. 04:06Complaints and Proposed Modifications
  7. 04:27Marcellus Rambo's Suggestions
  8. 05:43Cavalry Board Response and Colt's Input
  9. 06:44Lieutenant William Holmes Wenstrom's Recommendation
  10. 08:03Springfield Armory Modifications and Testing
  11. 09:04Ordinance Committee Review and Standardization
  12. 09:34Colt's Contract for 10,000 Improved Pistols
  13. 10:37Production Underway and Contract Delays
  14. 11:20Colt's Commercial Production Influence
  15. 12:20Deliveries Begin: The First M1911A1s
  16. 13:27Need for a Better Designation: M1911A1
  17. 14:14Designation Moved to Frame
  18. 14:31Army and Navy Orders in the 1930s
  19. 15:06Navy and Arsenal Orders
  20. 15:53Hardened Firing Pin Hole Plug
  21. 16:37Serial Number Marking on Slide
  22. 17:01First Correct M1911A1 Markings
  23. 17:28Shortened Hammer Spur
  24. 17:56Britain Enters WWII and Arms Shortages
  25. 18:51Lend-Lease Act and Shipments to Britain
  26. 19:33US Educational Orders for Defense Manufacturing
  27. 20:02Harrington & Richardson Educational Contract
  28. 20:49Singer Manufacturing Company Educational Contract
  29. 22:55Plastic Stocks in M1911A1 Production
  30. 23:46Colt's Dominance and the Search for New Producers
  31. 24:14Manganese Phosphate Finish (Parkerizing)
  32. 25:01Pearl Harbor and US Entry into War
  33. 25:26Pistol Industry Integration Committee
  34. 26:13New Manufacturers: Remington Rand, Union Switch & Signal, Ithaca
  35. 26:27Remington Rand Production Details
  36. 29:04Comparison: Remington Rand vs. Colt M1911A1
  37. 29:43Remington Rand Markings and Features
  38. 30:31Keysar Fiber Plastic Grips
  39. 30:45Trigger and Frame Relief Cuts
  40. 31:21Bulged Mainspring Housing and Serrations
  41. 31:44Hammer Spur, Manual Safety, Slide Stop Serrations
  42. 32:30Comparison: 1911 vs. 1911A1 Grip Safety and Hammer
  43. 33:22Flatsided vs. Winged Hammer Spurs
  44. 34:05Parkerized vs. Blued Finish
  45. 35:20Slide Heat Treatment Discoloration
  46. 36:38Serial Number Marking Location
  47. 36:43Front Sight Progression: Tapered to Serrated
  48. 37:15Rear Sight Notch Evolution: Round to Square
  49. 37:56M1911 Magazine Progression
  50. 38:51Magazine Follower Wire Loop
  51. 39:15Recoil Spring Comparison: 1911 vs. 1911A1
  52. 39:39Barrel Manufacturers: High Standard, Colt, Springfield
  53. 40:03Functional Similarity to Original 1911
  54. 41:26May's Demonstration and Comparison
  55. 41:31Remington Rand's Production Success
  56. 42:12Union Switch and Signal Contract
  57. 45:02Ithaca Gun Company Production
  58. 49:05Stamped vs. Milled Triggers
  59. 50:54Subcontractors and Magazine Production
  60. 52:15WWII Production Numbers by Manufacturer
  61. 53:55Serial Number Duplication Issues
  62. 54:37William Holmes Winstrom's Later Life
  63. 55:59Marcellus Rambo's Later Life
  64. 56:07Overall Assessment of the M1911A1
  65. 56:51Extended Service Life and Reputation
  66. 57:36Firing Demonstration and Comparison
  67. 59:08May's Impressions: Grip and Ergonomics
  68. 63:06Hammer Manipulation and Hammer Spur
  69. 63:36Sights: Front and Rear
  70. 65:38Trigger Pull and Feel
  71. 67:03Final Comparison: 1911 vs. 1911A1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the M1911 and the M1911A1?

The M1911A1 features several ergonomic upgrades over the original 1911, including an extended grip safety, a humped mainspring housing for better grip, a shorter trigger with frame relief cuts for easier reach, and improved sights for faster target acquisition. These changes aimed to enhance shooter comfort and usability.

Who manufactured the M1911A1 pistol during World War II?

During World War II, the M1911A1 was produced by multiple manufacturers to meet demand. Key producers included Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, Remington Rand, Ithaca Gun Company, and Union Switch and Signal Company. Singer Manufacturing Company also produced a small batch.

What is the significance of the 'hump' on the M1911A1's mainspring housing?

The 'hump' or bulge on the M1911A1's mainspring housing serves two primary purposes: it encourages a higher grip on the pistol, which helps correct a tendency to shoot low, and it provides better support for the hand, enhancing control during firing.

What type of finish was common on WWII M1911A1 pistols?

During World War II, the M1911A1 transitioned from blued finishes to a manganese phosphate coating, commonly known as Parkerizing. This finish was more durable, non-reflective, and better at retaining oil, making it ideal for military service.

How did the sights on the M1911A1 differ from the original 1911?

The M1911A1 typically features a squared-off front sight and a rear sight with a squared notch, sometimes serrated to reduce glare. These changes provided a cleaner sight picture and facilitated quicker target acquisition compared to the more tapered sights of the original 1911.

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