The 1911 pistol is one of the most popular handguns to ever hit the civilian market. During the turn of the 19th century, the first 1911 firearm was developed for military testing, with the new stronger 45ACP round, which was specified during initial testing of several competitors. The 1911 pistol won the bid, firing over five thousand rounds without a single misfire, thus making it the most ideal military pistol at the time. Over the course of time the military switched to the M9 and USP for the most part, leaving the 1911 to the civilian markets.
Over the past twenty years, the number of producers of 1911 pistols has more than doubled, due to the universal 1911 parts; it makes for simple configuration, as well as the ability to easily customize any 1911 with relatively little experience. The 1911 parts market has taken off since the recent 1911 boom, with items like 1911 grips, 1911 holsters, and many aftermarket 1911 parts, to ensure match grade precision.
The 1911 pistol is not only ideal for a work in progress, to customize and become familiar with, but is also a must-have for many concealed carry owners, as well as standard issue for a number of police and special law enforcement agencies. With over a dozen companies producing 1911s, you have the opportunity to choose what model is right for you, despite budget or precision. Some 1911 pistols retail for around $400, but others are well over the $1,000 mark.
When it comes to choosing the right 1911 pistol, it is all a matter of individual preference. There are compact models, subcompact models, full-sized models, and even tactical 1911 carbine kits. The universal fit of 1911 parts makes them ideal for aftermarket accessories. For those who want to customize their 1911 pistol without spending time and money on gunsmiths, there are a series of videos available for 1911 pistols, with everything from care to customizing 1911s.
The 45 caliber round that made the 1911 pistol special is also the most popular round in home defense, due to the low velocity and stopping power; this hasn’t changed in over one hundred years. The development of the 45ACP cartridges paved the way for new tactical carbines like the MP5 and a number of other firearms to adopt the 45ACP.
The 1911 pistol design is not only the most popular civilian pistol, but it truly has stood the test of time. With the 1911A1 World War I specs still being sold (in fact, one of the most popular firearms), its clear that despite all the custom 1911 pistols on the market, people are still reaching to the old familiar configuration. The 1911 pistol is showing no signs of stopping or slowing, even with the almost one-hundred-year-old design.