The history of the M1911 semi-automatic pistol

James Bond would not have been dreamt of being seen with such an inelegant weapon – but the M1911 semi-automatic pistol is among the most effective killing machines ever made.

Its history dates back to the late nineteenth century, when the United States armed forces began the search for a self-loading pistol.

During the Philippines war of 1899-1902, US soldiers were faced with Moro tribal insurgents (Muslim Terrorists - Ed) whose reputed use of drugs to inhibit pain appeared to make them invulnerable to bullets. Their standard-issue .38 Long Colt revolver just didn't pack enough stopping power or firepower to stop the charging tribesmen, The U.S. Army reverted, for some time, to using the 19th-century M1873 single-action .45 Colt.(The "SSA" Single-Action Army Revolver, aka as the "peacemaker")...

Its heavier bullet proved effective, but the M1873 didn't meet the need for a higher rate of fire.

In 1906, the M1911 began to be tested against pistols made by five other manufacturers. The final test, which was attended by the gun's inventor, Joseph Browning, involved firing 6,000 rounds from a single pistol – and dipping the weapon in water when it grew hot. No problems were reported.

Following its success, the M1911 was formally adopted on March 29, 1911 – thus gaining its designation. It saw service in both the First and Second World War. The M1911 continued to the workhorse of the US armed forces in the Korean and Vietnam War, and is still in service with some units deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan...
----Full Article at Telegraph UK----
J.M.B. remains the one man who has saved more lives of the good guys in battle with his innovative inventions than anyone else. "Moses" indeed, properly named after one who leads the people out of slavery to freedom, It is a crying shame that the clueless do-gooding anti-gun fools of the world only focus on the criminal misuse of his inventions, unable to see the forest for the trees with their narrow minded world view...(S9)