White-Merrill Experimental Model 1911 Pistol

Published on April 6, 2017
Duration: 10:59

This review examines the White-Merrill Experimental Model 1911, a unique delayed blowback prototype that was never officially submitted for testing. Unlike the adopted Colt-Browning 1911, this design features a rotary hammer and a novel friction-based locking system. The pistol shares some aesthetic similarities with the earlier 1907 model but differs significantly in its internal mechanics and single-stack magazine configuration.

Quick Summary

The White-Merrill Experimental Model 1911 was a unique delayed blowback prototype featuring a rotary hammer and a novel friction-based locking system. It was never officially adopted, as only one prototype existed and the Colt-Browning design was already selected.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: White-Merrill 1911 Prototype
  2. 03:001911 vs 1907 Model Comparison
  3. 04:15Mechanical Design & Friction Lock Patent
  4. 06:12Delaying Mechanism & Internal Components
  5. 08:35Markings and Final Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the White-Merrill Experimental Model 1911 unique?

The White-Merrill 1911 prototype was unique due to its delayed blowback action, employing a rotary hammer and a novel friction-based locking system, differentiating it from the standard locked-breech Colt-Browning 1911.

Why was the White-Merrill 1911 prototype never officially adopted?

It was never officially submitted for full testing because only one prototype existed, and the Colt-Browning design had already been selected by the Ordnance Department following the 1911 US Pistol Trials.

What was the proposed locking mechanism in the White-Merrill 1911?

The patent described a friction-based locking system intended to safely handle varying powder charges. The actual delaying mechanism involved the mechanical disadvantage of the slide pushing back a rotary hammer.

How did the White-Merrill 1911 prototype differ from the 1907 model?

While sharing some styling, the 1911 prototype was a delayed blowback, single-stack pistol. The 1907 model was a locked-breech, double-stack design, showcasing significant mechanical differences.

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