Key facts
- Manufacturer
- Colt and many later manufacturers
- Model
- Colt 1911 family
- Type
- Handgun
- Action or operating system
- Single-action, recoil-operated semi-automatic
- Chamberings
- .45 ACP is the historic service reference; later 1911 variants use many chamberings
- Introduced or adopted
- 1911 military adoption
- Status
- Historic pattern with current variants
What it is
The 1911 is a single-action, recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol design. “1911” can refer to the military pattern, Colt models, or a wide field of later manufacturers and configurations.
Development and history
The design was adopted by the United States military in the early twentieth century and remained influential through service, competition, custom work, and civilian ownership. Colt remains an important reference point, but not every 1911 is a Colt.
Why it matters
The 1911 illustrates how a military pattern becomes a platform: the same broad name can cover different makers, materials, dimensions, safeties, and chamberings. A useful database must name the maker and variant.
Safety and owner resources
Use the manual from the actual manufacturer and model. Do not infer controls or dimensions from a generic 1911 label.
Sources
Each source is linked to the facts it supports.
- Colt 1911 series
- Type
- Manufacturer
- Reviewed
- August 7, 2026
- U.S. Army Center of Military History
- Type
- Manufacturer
- Reviewed
- August 7, 2026
Reviewed August 7, 2026 Version 1
Report an error
Send a source for an incorrect or missing fact. Changes are reviewed before publication.
Use the current manual for the exact firearm. Follow all safety and legal requirements.