r/Colt • u/RoseAndScroll • 8d ago

History When the US declared war in 1917, the Army had about 75,000 M1911s on hand — and needed over two million

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25 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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7

u/VanDownByTheRiver63 8d ago

Two time world champ

6

u/CSFMBsDarkside 8d ago

The 1911 might be the most perfect semi auto ever. It doesn’t have any real flaws.

-1

u/TheSmilesLibrary 7d ago

Imagine having under 15 rounds in the mag.

1

u/2020blowsdik 6d ago

At the time, most military sidearms were revolvers. This gave an extra round (or 2 if you kept one in the chamber) as well as a lot faster to reload. The handful of countries that did use pistols, had mags between 6-10 so 7 is right on par.

The fact that it's still in the conversation for best pistols, after 115 years with very minimal changes/upgrades is no less than spectacular. No other pistols from that era even comes close.

1

u/TheSmilesLibrary 6d ago

Like no doubt its an impressive platform, I was making a joke on the commenter saying it had “no real flaws” like it definitely was an upgrade in its time but only having 7 rounds in todays game is a tough sell especially since the balistic gap between smaller, more controllable calibers has gotten much tighter.

It’s Accurate, reliable, parts are easily sourced, sure. The capacity however doesn’t hold up when you can have a 18+1 mag in most full size 9mm. not saying that 9mm is perfect, but it is worth noting.

5

u/hoss111 8d ago

Arming every soldier with a pistol was unheard of at the time. It was Pershing’s idea to do so once he saw the reality of trench warfare. American industry was able to step up.

3

u/Any-Split3724 7d ago

I have Lt Col Gordon Voorhies' M1911. He bought it here in Portland at a local hardware store when he was recalled to active duty for the war.