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The 1911 pistol proved itself in combat during World War I. Many instances of excellent performance of the 45 were reported. The exploits of Corporal Alvin York are probably the most memorable use of both rifle and pistol. York almost single-handedly captured 132 German soldiers. His actions stopped a German counterattack in France’s Argonne Forest. (And, yes, I know - the Gary Cooper movie depicted York as using a captured German Luger. However, that was only because the moviemakers could not get the 1911 to work with blanks! York used a 1911.)

Taurus, a 1911 manufacturer since 2005, makes a variety of 1911 pistols, including this rail-equipped variant.

Kimber, one of the major forces in the 1911 world, recently introduced the SIS variant, in several different sizes.

BETWEEN THE WARS

After any war, military development generally slows down. Pistol development during the decades of the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression was relatively minor.

Use in the World War had pointed out a few minor complaints concerning the 1911. Soldiers with small hands had experienced some trouble gripping the pistol and controlling the trigger properly. The hammer spur sometimes pinched the fleshy web of a shooter’s hand against the tang of the grip safety. The fine sights were difficult to see under conditions of low light. It tended to point low during instinct shooting.