At a glance
- Manufacturer
- Colt and many later manufacturers
- Firearm type
- Handgun
- Action
- Single-action, recoil-operated semi-automatic
- Chamberings
- .45 ACP is the historic service reference; later 1911 variants use many chamberings
- Introduced
- 1911 military adoption
- Status
- Historic pattern with current variants
- Record scope
- Pattern/family record. Colt 1911 models and non-Colt 1911-pattern pistols require separate manufacturer and variant checks.
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.
