For their 9th edition in the 'Weapons' book series, Osprey has chosen the Colt 1911 pistol. When one hears the term '45' in conversation about weapons, this is the one that springs immediately to my mind and I'm sure it does for many others. Like most all of us who entered the military up till sometime in the 1980s, I have had the opportunity to strip and fire a Colt 1911 pistol. Sure, it was boot camp and I didn't see another in my hands for a full career, but we all had the chance to spend some time with and fire this most impressive gun.

It was developed due to experiences with American forces in the Moro war in the Philippines during the early 20th century. The US took possession of these islands after the 1898 war with Spain and took over the problems the Spanish had with the Moros. These warriors would often work themselves into a frenzy with rituals and drugs prior to entering battle. It was not uncommon for these men to be shot several times with the then-current 38 caliber pistols and keep coming. What was needed was something with more stopping power and so tender was put out to several companies for a pistol that could do the job. Colt won the competition and the Model 1911 was born.

It has proved itself time and time again to be quite effective, stopping and killing an opponent with one well placed shot. They were particularly effective in WWI during trench fighting where a rifle was just in the way. Early British airmen even developed a cage for their 45s so they could shoot at enemy airmen without worrying about the cartridges falling into the engine. This, of course, was in the first year of the war before airplanes were normally armed.  During WWI a goodly number were produced with several times the number made being cancelled with the end of hostilities. Still, the gun was popular with the military and law enforcement.

Like all guns, civilian versions were developed. Not only enthusiast, but criminals have used the Colt pistol with several famous gangsters of the 20s and 30s arming themselves with Colt pistols. Some had extended magazines to allow more shots to be fired before reloading. Of course, it was WWII where hundreds of thousands of these pistols were built by dozens of companies. There has been considerable manufacturing done overseas as well. Even today, some US military units are still using versions of the Colt 1911 and you can buy a new one from any gun dealer.

Author Leroy Thompson tells us the story of the Model 1911 from its inception to today's use. THis includes all of the different variations and improvements made to the gun in the last 100 years. It is truly staggering the number of types made and the huge number of places and companies who made these pistols.

It all makes for another superb book and if you are interested in weapons, then this book is very much a must have. Highly recommended.

June 2011

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