Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 онлайн

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Still, after 1946, for the first time in almost four decades, U. S. military planners considered the possibility of a lighter pistol, and also began to consider a change to the 9mm Parabellum (9mm Luger) ammunition used by both wartime adversaries and allies.

Colt investigated the possibilities of a lighter Government Model, and developed an association with ALCOA Aluminum. A number of frames were made of aluminum alloy, and test pistols were made. To further reduce weight, the barrel length was shortened to 4-1/4 inches, and the slide shortened accordingly. A rounded “burr” hammer was used, which also allowed use of a shorter-tang grip safety. The test pistols were made in the by-then traditional .45 ACP and .38 Super, and — with an eye to possible military tests — also in 9mm Luger chambering.

Eventually the military reconsidered, realizing that plenty of 45-caliber 1911A1 pistols were on hand. In June 1950, the United States became involved in a “police action” in Korea (it was not called the Korean War until later). The 45-caliber pistols, along with the rest of America’s WWII armament, went back into service. Consideration of a 9mm pistol was dropped, at least for the time being.