There are a ton of 1911s available; how do you pick? We discuss the top 1911 handguns, their features, as well as our personal recommendations for each price level. The M1911 is the world’s most famous handgun.
Nearly nobody knows where to begin when it comes to 1911s because there are so many different models available. The good news is that you can find the ideal 1911 at your ideal price, we have options for everyone, whether you’re trying to scrape together enough money to join the club or you want to buy a high-end 1911 with your tax refund.

QUICK BACKGROUND HISTORY OF THE M1911

First, a little history of the century-old design; I promise that this will shed some light on how to pick the 1911 that is perfect for you.

John Moses Browning, a brilliant gun developer, wanted to provide the military with a handgun round that was more powerful.

He was in direct rivalry with other gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson and Savage, but in March 1911, the US Military formally accepted his auto-loading handgun as their preferred sidearm.

The 1911 held up under harsh conditions, including 6,000 rounds of torture shooting distorted cartridges and being buried in mud and acid.

Not only did Browning’s design, which Colt will make, pass this rigorous test with flying colors, it was the only firearm to do so.

.45 ACP
The military sought to employ a.45 caliber bullet because it needed a handgun cartridge that was deadlier than the.38 Long Colt being used at the turn of the century. The.45 caliber ammunition were first used by the Army with the Single Action for a long time, the Action Army revolver (SAA) was in service.

The ideal alternative would be a John Browning 1911 in.45 Automatic (also known as a.45 ACP,.45 Auto, or a.45 Automatic Colt Pistol). This.45 Auto was significantly more effective as a self-defense round than the.38 Long Colt was because it featured a 230-grain bullet that could travel at speeds of roughly 850 feet per second.