The Colt pistol is an excellent example of the embodiment of engineering in the production of self-loading small arms. An objective prerequisite for its creation was the need to equip the US Army with rapid-fire weapons with high breakdown power and accuracy. After numerous tests and technical improvements, Colt pistols, which replaced the revolvers, became the basis of the armament of the American army.
Adopted in early spring of 1911, already in 1913 they began to be regularly delivered to the navy and for the marines. Colt pistol (Colt M1911) - a true masterpiece created by John Browning, combines all the innovative design solutions that complemented the "civilian" models, such as models 1900, 1902 and others. The cartridge 45 ACP after completion in 1911 was equipped with a weighted shell bullet. Its initial velocity was 262 m / s, mass - 14.7 g, and energy of motion - 505 J.
The complex of these characteristics gives the bullet a high stopping effect: plunging into the body to a depth of 35 cm, it transfers the lion's share of its kinetic energy to the target, even if there is a slight obstacle in the way of its movement. Automation of firing is carried out due to recoil with the condition of a short stroke of the barrel. The lowering barrel is the basis of the locking system, based on the 1897 patented by Browning.
Today, this mechanism is used in the design of most models of self-loading weapons. Colt is equipped with a single-row box magazine holding seven rounds. First, the Colt 1911 pistol was burned, and in the subsequent production other coatings were used. Some collection models even used special decoration that gave the weapon a stylish and elegant look. The needs of the civilian population in armaments were met by the sale of a commercial version, in which the Colt pistol was called the Government Model.
These models could be decorated with engraving, and the cheeks of the handle were made of walnut wood. A feature of the decor on them is a characteristic rhomboid notch, which was absent only in the places of fastening with screws. These smooth diamond-shaped surfaces were called "diamonds." The production of this weapon took place at first at Colt's factories, later Springfield, Remington and several other companies mastered the production technologies, which made it possible to satisfy ever-growing needs.
During the hostilities, regular deliveries of this pistol to the armies of Russia, Great Britain and France were established in the First World War arena, and a little later the Colts began to be successfully used by the US Army, which entered the war closer to its end. This gave an invaluable experience as a combat use of this weapon, and the possibility of a comprehensive assessment of its shortcomings along with advantages.
The Colt pistol proved to be an extremely reliable weapon in a combat situation and showed a high degree of safety in operation. This weapon sample has a constant, standard stroke length and requires little effort to pull the trigger. The angle of inclination of the handle of 108 degrees, as well as its shape make it possible to tightly embrace and comfortably hold, well control the weapon when shooting. Significant shortcomings were called significant dimensions and weight. But this did not stop the M1911 rings from becoming one of the most popular pistols in the world.