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articles:1911_improvements [2021/02/01 14:10] – [The Improvements Continue... with the M45A1] rrandallarticles:1911_improvements [2023/01/31 15:26] (current) – [The 1911 - A History of Improvements] rrandall
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 ====== The 1911 - A History of Improvements ====== ====== The 1911 - A History of Improvements ======
  
-One of the most popular handguns in the world is the "1911". It was adopted by the United States Armed Forces and designated the M1911, where it was THE standard-issue sidearm from 1911 to 1985. And an updated version of the M1911A1, designated the [[https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-cmc-marine-pistol-45-acp-brown-5-ns-rail-g10-grips-night-sights|M45A1]], remains the standard-issue sidearm for the US Marine Corps (USMC) Systems Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).+One of the most popular handguns in the world is the "1911". It was adopted by the United States Armed Forces and designated the M1911, where it was THE standard-issue sidearm from 1911 until 1985. And an updated version of the M1911A1, designated the [[https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-cmc-marine-pistol-45-acp-brown-5-ns-rail-g10-grips-night-sights|M45A1]], remains the standard-issue sidearm for the US Marine Corps (USMC) Systems Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).
  
 I was recently having a discussion with a "gun guy" about some improvements to the popular 1911 pistol. To my surprise, he balked at the idea of ANY improvements to the 1911. He literally stated, "//How can anyone improve upon perfection?//" I was recently having a discussion with a "gun guy" about some improvements to the popular 1911 pistol. To my surprise, he balked at the idea of ANY improvements to the 1911. He literally stated, "//How can anyone improve upon perfection?//"
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 Among the many changes, Browning redesigned the grip and frame safety, simplifying their internal design and multi-function while still maintaining their intended purpose. Browning noted that this “//manually operated combined slide-lock and hammer-lock//” would now make the gun “//positively safe against discharge//” despite the condition in which the gun was being carried by soldiers in the field. Among the many changes, Browning redesigned the grip and frame safety, simplifying their internal design and multi-function while still maintaining their intended purpose. Browning noted that this “//manually operated combined slide-lock and hammer-lock//” would now make the gun “//positively safe against discharge//” despite the condition in which the gun was being carried by soldiers in the field.
  
-<note>Not fully satisfied with the safety that Browning designed into his 1913 version, during the series of changes that Colt made later, they added a firing pin block safety (aka a "drop safety") in 1983. This was one of the changes made in the [[https://gunbelts.com/blog/series-80-1911/|Series 80 model]]. A pivoting link is actuated by the trigger pull, pushing the firing pin block up and unblocking the firing pin. Thus, the firing pin can only move IF the trigger is pulled. Many critics of this change (including some manufacturers) modify their 1911 pistols to better align with the Series 70 model.</note>+<WRAP center round info 40%> 
 +Not fully satisfied with the safety that Browning designed into his 1913 version, during the series of changes that Colt made later, they added a firing pin block safety (aka a "drop safety") in 1983. This was one of the changes made in the [[https://gunbelts.com/blog/series-80-1911/|Series 80 model]]. A pivoting link is actuated by the trigger pull, pushing the firing pin block up and unblocking the firing pin. Thus, the firing pin can only move IF the trigger is pulled. Many critics of this change (including some manufacturers) modify their 1911 pistols to better align with the Series 70 model. 
 +</WRAP>
  
 To achieve the goal of allowing the gun to be disassembled without any tools, one of the ways this was accomplished was by simply redesigning the spring and its housing between the frame safety and the slide lock. By allowing the now-slightly-bent spring to essentially hold itself in tension between the safety and lock, Browning was able to eliminate a locking pin and frame stud. Fewer parts meant faster production, less cost, and easier assembly and disassembly. To achieve the goal of allowing the gun to be disassembled without any tools, one of the ways this was accomplished was by simply redesigning the spring and its housing between the frame safety and the slide lock. By allowing the now-slightly-bent spring to essentially hold itself in tension between the safety and lock, Browning was able to eliminate a locking pin and frame stud. Fewer parts meant faster production, less cost, and easier assembly and disassembly.
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 The next major change took place in 1924... with which the U.S. Military changed the designation of the pistol to M1911A1. The next major change took place in 1924... with which the U.S. Military changed the designation of the pistol to M1911A1.
  
-The below video describes the most significant differences between the "official" 1911 and the 1911A1.+The below video describes the most significant differences between the M1911 and the M1911A1.
  
  {{ youtube>Huk1b9PKSmw?large&rel=0 }}  {{ youtube>Huk1b9PKSmw?large&rel=0 }}
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 ===== The Improvements Continue... with the M45A1 ===== ===== The Improvements Continue... with the M45A1 =====
  
-As mentioned above, the [[https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-cmc-marine-pistol-45-acp-brown-5-ns-rail-g10-grips-night-sights|M45A1]] (used by the USMC) is a modernized M1911A1. While there are too many differences to cover here, some of the key changes are: [{{ :articles:m45a1-usmc_pistol.jpg?direct&450|Colt M45A1}}]+As mentioned above, the M45A1 (used by the USMC) is a modernized M1911A1. While there are too many differences to cover here, some of the key changes are: [{{ :articles:m45a1-usmc_pistol.jpg?direct&450|Colt M45A1}}]
   * A Decobond™ Brown Coated Stainless Steel Slide & Frame   * A Decobond™ Brown Coated Stainless Steel Slide & Frame
   * M1913-spec Picatinny rail (for mounting lights, lasers, and other accessories)   * M1913-spec Picatinny rail (for mounting lights, lasers, and other accessories)
-  * Dual Recoil spring system (reduces felt recoil while extending recoil spring life) - with a short Guide Rod +  * Dual Recoil spring system (to reduce felt recoil while extending recoil spring life) - with a short Guide Rod
-  * Based on Series 80 design+
   * Novak tritium front and rear three-dot night sights   * Novak tritium front and rear three-dot night sights
   * Serrations added to the front portion of the slide (as well as the rear serrations remaining)   * Serrations added to the front portion of the slide (as well as the rear serrations remaining)
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   * G10 Checkered Desert Camo Grips (with Magwell cut)   * G10 Checkered Desert Camo Grips (with Magwell cut)
   * Extended trigger (as appeared on the original M1911 design)   * Extended trigger (as appeared on the original M1911 design)
 +  * Based on Series 80 design
   * A lanyard loop (below the handle grip)   * A lanyard loop (below the handle grip)
- 
 <WRAP clear></WRAP> <WRAP clear></WRAP>
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 80%>
 +Read a review of the Dual Recoil Spring system approach at: [[http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=5171|COLT 1911 DUAL RECOIL SPRING TEST - Part 1]] & [[http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=5942|COLT 1911 DUAL RECOIL SPRING TEST - Part 2]]. Also, read [[http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=3187|COLT M45: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DUAL RECOIL SPRING SYSTEM]].
 +</WRAP>
 +
 However, it's difficult to justify spending $1699.00 (MSRP) on a [[https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-cmc-marine-pistol-45-acp-brown-5-ns-rail-g10-grips-night-sights|Colt M45A1]] when MANY of these same improvements are in the [[https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/tac-series/tac-ultra-fs-45-acp/|Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra FS - 45 ACP]] (owned by [[https://www.armscor.com|Armscor]] - the worlds largest producer of 1911 style pistols) for only $775 (MSRP).  This is a fantastic M45A1 equivalent: [{{ :articles:ria_tac_ultra_fs-45_acp_575x405.png?direct&450|Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra FS - 45 ACP}}] However, it's difficult to justify spending $1699.00 (MSRP) on a [[https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-cmc-marine-pistol-45-acp-brown-5-ns-rail-g10-grips-night-sights|Colt M45A1]] when MANY of these same improvements are in the [[https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/tac-series/tac-ultra-fs-45-acp/|Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra FS - 45 ACP]] (owned by [[https://www.armscor.com|Armscor]] - the worlds largest producer of 1911 style pistols) for only $775 (MSRP).  This is a fantastic M45A1 equivalent: [{{ :articles:ria_tac_ultra_fs-45_acp_575x405.png?direct&450|Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra FS - 45 ACP}}]
   * Built with 4140 Ordnance steel finished with a Parkerized Matte Coating   * Built with 4140 Ordnance steel finished with a Parkerized Matte Coating
-  * A full tactical rail (for mounting lights, lasers, and other accessories)+  * M1913-spec Picatinny rail (for mounting lights, lasers, and other accessories)
   * A Full Length Guide Rod   * A Full Length Guide Rod
-  * A skeletonized hammer and trigger with adjustable over travel stop. 
-  * Based on Series 70 design (typically in the higher end pistols) 
   * Front Sights - Dovetail Fiber Optic / Rear Sights - LPA MPS1 Adjustable   * Front Sights - Dovetail Fiber Optic / Rear Sights - LPA MPS1 Adjustable
   * Serrations added to the front portion of the slide (as well as the rear serrations remaining)   * Serrations added to the front portion of the slide (as well as the rear serrations remaining)
   * Ambidextrous Thumb Safety and extended Grip Safety   * Ambidextrous Thumb Safety and extended Grip Safety
   * G10 tactical grips (with Magwell cut)   * G10 tactical grips (with Magwell cut)
 +  * Based on Series 70 design (typically in the higher end pistols)
 +  * A skeletonized hammer and trigger with adjustable over travel stop.
  
 Don't let the comparatively low price fool you. On Nov. 19, 2018, [[https://www.armscor.com|Armscor]] announced that, after extensive qualification testing, they had signed a deal to supply the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with 50,000 pistols. The first pistols delivered were of the Armscor Rock Island Armory "[[https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/tac-series/|TAC Series]]". Don't let the comparatively low price fool you. On Nov. 19, 2018, [[https://www.armscor.com|Armscor]] announced that, after extensive qualification testing, they had signed a deal to supply the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with 50,000 pistols. The first pistols delivered were of the Armscor Rock Island Armory "[[https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/tac-series/|TAC Series]]".