On this date, in 1911, the iconic pistol that was designed by John Moses Browning was formally adopted.
Still one of the best designs out there, his creation was the platform that nearly all other semi-automatic pistols follow today.
Yes, lots of other designers built upon his work, but his was the first…Slide, tilting barrel, etc.
The “Pistol, Model of 1911” (and later the 1911A1) was used until 1985, when NATO pressure for the US to conform to the 9MM standard meant that another pistol was chosen (The Beretta 92) to replace it.
74 years of service. Not bad.
and many still carried it unofficially for years.
And still around, and still work well! My oldest one is 106 years old!
106?
I’d like to see that one some day.