colt m1911 vs. m1911a1

jimmyd787

what is the difference between these two pistols?

thank you in advance for your answers.

jim davis

nmyers

The 1911A1 has cuts in the frame so that those with shorter fingers can reach the trigger, better sights (wider front, squared cut in the rear), curved main spring housing.

Neal

v35

Also extended grip safety tang, shorter trigger and narrow hammer spur on the A-1.
Checkering patterns on hammer, safety and slide stop may be different. I believe it was cut on the 1911 and stamped on the A-1

Xracer

From "The Sight's .45ACP Page" "History of the M1911 Pistol" http://www.sightm1911.com/

"After World War I, the Army's Ordnance Department evaluated the Colt .45's combat performance. They recommended the following changes:

1. Wider front sight to develop "Patridge-type" of sights, allowing the shooter to quickly align both front and rear sights under various lighting conditions.

2. Longer hammer spur. Both changes 2 and 3 work together to prevent the web between the thumb and the forefinger being pinched between the hammer and the safety spur when the gun is fired.

3. Longer grip-safety spur.

4. Arched spring housing fills the shooter's hand and checkering backstrap provides a better grip.

5. Relief cuts in the frame around the trigger allowing easier access to the trigger.

6. Shorter trigger with knurled face to avoid the trigger finger from slipping.

These changes were put into production on June 15, 1926 as AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER .45, MODEL OF 1911A1"

jimmyd787

i really appreciate everyone's answers. thank you very much. i'm a police officer but not a "street cop" (i'm an arson investigator) and don't know a whole lot about this stuff so i really appreciate your input

jim davis