Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Loaded Stainless .45 ACP

FROM THE HIP

- Brian Pearce

Most mechanical products designed and pat-ented around 1910 have long since become obsolete, museum pieces or discarded in favor of more modern designs. However, John Browning’s amazing Model 1911 pistol seems to be timeless.

While the U.S. military almost immediately adopted it, and it racked up an excellent service record in many wars and conflicts that spanned more than 74 years, it was ultimately replaced by the high capacity Beretta M9 chambered in 9mm to allow the U.S. to conform to NATO standards in 1985. However, the Model 1911’s military history was far from over, as it is still being used by elite combat units such as the U.S. Marines Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). They clearly understand the value of the design and reliable performance of the .45 ACP cartridge in combat.

In recent years Colt, Kimber and Springfield Armory have each been awarded various contracts to supply U.S. Special Ops combat units with specified features on Model 1911 pistols. These units could have any pistol they desire, but they still choose the Model 1911. While today’s Model 1911 is improved and more reliable than those produced more than a century ago, the basic design remains unchanged. One example includes Springfield Armory’s Model 1911-A1 Loaded Stainless.