Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 онлайн

345 страница из 495

Production was aided by the early determination of a “standard” pistol to be made by all companies. Essentially all WWII 1911A1 pistols were “Parkerized” (a rust-resistant phosphate finish), had brown plastic grip panels, and had flat-sided hammers. The trigger/stirrup unit was made from stamped components, and grooving replaced checkering on some parts. Colt worked with the other manufacturers, and this cooperation assisted production.

In addition to production of new 45s, a number of old Model 1911 pistols that had been placed in storage were refurbished for WWII use. They were parker-ized, and if parts were needed, 1911A1 parts were installed. Work was done at Augusta Arsenal, and such pistols were stamped with the letters “AA.”

Again, the Colt/Browning 45 pistol proved itself as a reliable, powerful sidearm. It stood apart from other handguns used during the Second World War.

POST-WAR, THROUGH THE 1950S

The basic 1911 handgun had gone through its second world war with an exemplary record. Essentially every American serviceman held the pistol in high regard. This feeling was well-represented in the 1959 novel, The Pistol, by James Jones. The novel follows the movement of a 45-caliber pistol among U. S. servicemen after Pearl Harbor, in which every man who has any contact with the pistol wants it for his own personal protection.