M1911

The M1911 is a single-action, semiautomatic pistol (handgun) chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge.

History

The M1911 was designed by John M. Browning, and was the standard-issue side arm for the United States armed forces from 1911 to 1985, and is still carried by some U.S. forces. It was widely used in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Its formal designation as of 1940 was Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911 for the original Model of 1911 or Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911A1 for the M1911A1, adopted in 1924. The designation changed to Pistol, Caliber .45, Automatic, M1911A1 in the Vietnam era. In total, the United States procured around 2.7 million M1911 and M1911A1 pistols during its service life.

The M1911 is the most well-known of John Browning's designs to use the short recoil principle in its basic design. Besides the pistol being widely copied itself, this operating system rose to become the pre-eminent type of the 20th century and of nearly all modern centerfire pistols.

The Springfield Armory Professional Model is the current sidearm of the FBI's elite Hostage Rescue Team. Agents specially trained in HRT or SWAT, are authorized to carry the Professional Model as their duty pistol, even while not serving in a HRT/SWAT role. David Rossi carries a Professional Model as his duty weapon, indicating he is SWAT or HRT trained.