The M1911 is an American single-action, semi-automatic handgun designed by John Moses Browning. Its short-recoil operation with a reciprocating slide highly influenced modern pistol designs.
The weapon is visually identifiable by its external hammer, a beaver tail safety, both grip panels being held by two screws and a thumb safety. Chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge, the standard magazine capacity is seven rounds. In 1924, the M1911 was largely revised into the M1911A1, with a shorter trigger and a longer back spur. It was the standard sidearm of the U.S. military from 1911 to 1985.
Due to its ease of use, production, and repair, it is currently the oldest model of firearm in continuous military service in the world, with the United States Army being its oldest user.
This tag applies to any M1911-styled handgun, regardless of specific model.
The following tags are aliased to this tag: colt_m1911 (learn more).
This tag implicates handgun (learn more).