Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 онлайн

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In 2003, the familiar old name of Smith & Wesson was also added. Apparently figuring “if you can’t beat them, join them,” S&W introduced the SW1911, and plunged into an extensive line of 1911-design pistols within a few years. A year later, in 2004, SIGARMS (now SIG-Sauer) also decided to get into the 1911 business. SIG brought out its GSR (Granite State Revolution) line of 1911 pistols, which soon became known by “Revolution.”

In 2004, a bright spot appeared for firearms owners: the absurd “Assault Weapons Ban” was allowed to sunset. High-capacity pistols and magazines in all calibers could again be made. Of course, smaller calibers could be made with larger magazine capacities. New high-capacity 9mm pistols were offered. However, the popularity of the 1911 had grown to the point that it was not threatened by new designs.

After the AWB sunset, in the last half of the new century’s first decade, firearms developments continued. The pace of 1911 development was breathtaking.

The largest additional entry into the 1911 field was Taurus, in 2005. Billing itself as the “World’s Foremost Pistol Maker,” Taurus quickly marketed a full line of 1911 pistols. The Brazilian maker joined Smith & Wesson and SIG, all of which had just joined frontrunners Kimber, Springfield and Para as new major players in the 1911 world.