Colt 1911: Pop Culture's Most Iconic Pistol - Loadout

From Medal of Honor and Max Payne, to Saving Private Ryan and John Wick, the Colt 1911 is a pistol with over 100 years of service, a veteran of two world wars, and a weapon that boasts some of the most iconic appearances in movies, TV and video games.
In this episode of Loadout, Dave Jewitt visits the Royal Armouries to talk through the history of the 1911, from its invention through to the modern day, and break down the legacy of this century-old handgun, as an iconic weapon in both reality and in our video games.
You can check out more episodes of Loadout right here. - • How Games Are Lying To...
You can check out our Firearms Expert Reacts series here. - • Firearms Expert Reacts...
If you're interested in seeing more of Jonathan's work, you can check out more from the Royal Armouries right here. - / royalarmouries
If you would like to support the Royal Armouries, you can make a charitable donation to the museum here. - royalarmouries...
#Loadout #RoyalArmouries #Colt1911

[@SaturnianDragon]

"A gun so good, they named a year after it."

[@aslamc9288]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@theoutlawking9123]

🤣🤣🤣👍

[@kabardino1337]

My favorite year: Colt 1911

[@raptorcell6633]

And a Bible verse

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

1918 has entered the chat

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

"This type of .45 automatic pistol was designed by one of my tribe almost four hundred years ago. Learning its use is a New Canaanite rite of passage.” - Joshua Graham, Honest Hearts; Fallout New Vegas

[@darinfoat8410]

It's doubly amazing that the same man who designed this pistol, John Browning, also designed the BAR, the M2 heavy machine gun, the Winchester Model 94, the Auto-5 shotgun, and dozens more. You could make a game where the player has access to nothing but Browning designed guns, and have a pretty complete range of weapons for a typical FPS.

[@theoutlawking9123]

Man's a National Treasure!

[@JnEricsonx]

1887 shotgun. As Terminator 2 showed us. :)

[@stevenbobbybills]

@@JnEricsonx and the 1897, too, the classic trench shotgun.

[@tbotalpha8133]

Did he make any rocket launchers?

[@JnEricsonx]

@@tbotalpha8133 I dont think so.

[@jax199]

Hard to think that a gun made 110 years ago is still perfectly serviceable and effective nowadays. John Moses Browning was indeed an engineering genius.

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

A lot of guns from back then are still serviceable. Almost all of them are, it's just that none of them get the excessive amount of time and effort required to modernize them like the 1911s got.

[@jamskinner]

Because none of them were as good.

[@alexisborden3191]

Eh, serviceable is pushing it I think, that said, it did pioneer a lot of features still in use today, if you wanna attribute the slide to it, in FN1900 guise, tilting barrel and thumb mag release.

[@MrChickennugget360]

@@alexisborden3191 its perfectly serviceable. of course serviceable could apply to a Colt Single Action Army from the 1870s if its firing modern ammunition.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

It’s very easy to believe that a pistol named the Model of 1911 is 110 years old.

[@chrisstuart8261]

I believe John Wick reloads “too much” in that scene in JW2 because he’s mostly reloading half-empty pistols from people who had been shooting at him before he killed them. You can watch him scrounge pistols like he’s in a FPS, occasionally managing to get .45 ammo to go back to the Kimber but mostly using mook’s guns until they go dry and grabbing another.

[@DevNode27]

I think that was supposed to be a citation for when they *do* slavishly care about his ammo consumption for narrative purposes, my friend It's more the rest of the movie that the criticism is aimed at, I figure, though I think maybe the later ones are better about it it's been a while

[@baxskopog2375]

he just has compulsive reloading disorder

[@Tenchigumi]

I love the notion that the popularity of the 1911 sort of ensures that at least some of Wick's adversaries are carrying one as well, making their bodies legitimate ammo drops.

[@mehmedii7594]

Forgot to mention the one thing that keeps folks coming back to the 1911 platform: the superlative trigger.

[@theoutlawking9123]

Exactly, that single-action trigger pull, 3-4 lbs, just perfect!

[@Demmrir]

It is a weird shift. 1911 has the best trigger, Beretta has a decent trigger, Glock has the worst trigger. For some reason, gun triggers get worse over time. Some people just prefer squishy, it seems.

[@aslamc9288]

One of the first guns I ever shot was a 1911. I was a novice shooter, it was maybe only my second or third gun I ever shot. I knew my way around it already because of all the shows, movies, and games I’d experienced it in. Took my target out to 15 yards and shot a smiley face in the center circle with my first magazine. It was love at first bang. I’ve shot thousands of rounds through 1911s since then and have one of my own now. I have a pretty basic one-Springfield MilSpec Defender, with the curved mainspring housing but thankfully upgraded sights from the original-and it’s still a work of art. Absolutely love it. I was very disappointed not to see one in the new Modern Warfare II, with the Sig P220 sort of fitting that role of a low capacity “single action” (I know it’s DA/SA, but in game unless you use an attachment, it always shoots SA) .45ACP. I hope they add it as a DLC gun at some point, though.

[@captainpiggz6391]

@@Demmrir I think that’s to prevent accidental discharge. Making the gun harder to shoot, but easier to maintain and keep control of.

[@captainpiggz6391]

Mind you I know literally nothing about guns so I may be waffling about nothing.

[@ianswanson332]

The scene where Snake gets his 1911 Operator in Snake Eater is what got me. He was like a kid opening his presents on christmas

[@GratuaCuun]

I'm surprised they didnt show Snake Eater in the footage of games. Thats what got me too.

[@HideousConformity]

The talk about stopping power reminded me of something I read not too long ago. If I remember correctly, according to FBI statistics the 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W and .45 ACP have comparable stopping power. The 9mm cartridge however has a couple of advantages over the other two: you can fit more rounds in a magazine and it has less recoil.

[@iamjames8200]

Yep, that's why the "wonder nine" is so popular.

[@griz312]

I watched a video talking about that sometime ago when I first got interested in handguns. In my educational guess why .45 acp ragged on the 9mm when it came to “stopping power” came down to the lethality of FMJ rounds. FMJ 45 acp indeed was better than 9mm because of a larger cavity causing more blood loss. Hallowpoint rounds regardless of caliber are almost equally lethal.

[@theoutlawking9123]

Don't listen to the FBI, they always tend to fudge their numbers and statistical data. The .45 acp round is definitely better, has way more stopping power, there's a reason you hear of people getting shot multiple times with a 9mm and surviving, like 50 cent who was shot 9 times. You never hear of someone getting shot 9 or even 5 or 4 times with a .45 and surviving, there's a reason for that, .45 just better!

[@acorgiwithacrown467]

@@griz312 Idk man, .50 BMG hollowpoint is alot more deadly than 9mm hollowpoints imo

[@dane5121]

Agreed. The one modern use case for 45 ACP, is that when shooting suppressed, the subsonic 9mm have poor real world performance compared to ordinary 9mm, so someone may choose a 45 and shoot ordinary defensive rounds

[@paulopatine]

.45 huh? Incredible. The feeding ramp is polished to a mirror sheen... The slide's been reinforced, and the interlock with the frame is tightened for added precision. The sight system is original too. The thumb safety is extended to make it easier on the finger... a long type trigger with non-slip grooves... A ring hammer... The base of the trigger guard's been filed down for a higher grip. And not only that, nearly every part of this gun is expertly crafted and customized.

[@binhanjustbinhan9141]

Is it from Metal Gear, I assume ?

[@paulopatine]

@@binhanjustbinhan9141 yeah, from MGS3, when EVA gives Snake a custom 1911.

[@Wildo87112]

I was wondering when theyd fit the footage from that game in here

[@Ogaitnas900]

I've been waiting since this series started for the to acknowledge that scene, it baffles me they never do lol I want to hear what Jonathan says about it.

[@Ffourteen]

I was disappointed Jonathan didn't take the chance to talk about John Browning, he may not have designed the 1911 directly, but his designs during his time at Colt made it possible and he is the important designer of military firearms in history.

[@caprise-music6722]

John Browning absolutely designed the 1911. Maka no mistaka.. what a legend. One of my all time heros

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

If you want hours of discussion in depth about John Moses Browning and his designs, I would recommend the channel C&Rsenal. They make fantastic documentary length episodes on firearms history of mostly First World War era firearms, ranging from the obscure to extremely famous. Although they have not yet covered the M1911, and it has become an almost decade long tradition at this point to troll finds with hints and references to the M1911.

[@alexv6324]

Are you possibly thinking of the Browning Hi-Power? That was the successor, so to speak, of the 1911 that was adopted by many militaries following its release in the 1930s and is chambered in 9mm. I believe it may still be in service with Canada if I'm not mistaken. He passed away early in its development, and it was largely finished by another designer whose name I can't remember. Browning however, was very much behind the 1911.

[@ponraul1221]

John Moses Browning absolutely designed the 1911. If you want to claim anyone else did it, it better be nothing short of God himself bestowing enlightenment to John on how to design the greatest pistol of all time.

[@Hellberch1]

Why didn’t he talk about Browning? Because if he did we’d still be here three years later

[@mrpurple2306]

Also love to mention the AMT Hardballers from the HITMAN franchise! ;)

[@MrJerrycampbell]

After 62 years exploring life and earth, the 1911 is still my favorite personal rock thrower. At least 30 vendors make a modern version of it, so obviously I am not the only one that feels that way.

[@theoutlawking9123]

112 years and STILL the Best Handgun Ever Made! Well done John Moses Browning, your design is a work of art, hope it lasts another 100 years.

[@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401]

104 years of M1911 with 45.ACP

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

It's not the best handgun. It's not the best handgun in the slightest.

[@jamskinner]

You try making a better one over 100 years ago.

[@theoutlawking9123]

@@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz Be gone Glock lover.

[@240pixel]

@@jamskinner "Best Handgun Ever Made" doesn't mean 100 years ago. Back then 1911 and Luger P08 Were probably the best self-loaders. Now they are becoming obsolete. One could argue Browning himself started that trend when he started the work on Browning Hi-Power.

[@believeinmatter]

Happy Holidays Everyone! Feels fitting that today’s video is on one of the most iconic weapons in all of history ❤🎉

[@KayoMichiels]

Props to John Moses Browning for designing this iconic pistol!

[@skeven0]

Not only that iconic fire arm, he made a bunch

[@KayoMichiels]

@@skeven0 Oh i know!

[@izaicslinux6961]

These guns are just as good in real life as they are in games. Fantastic to shoot.

[@chairmanofthebored6860]

I carry a glock, but 1911s are still my favorite. Just a joy to shoot. Nothing beats that buttery smooth trigger pull.

[@vingtorodinson1967]

@@chairmanofthebored6860 i have a rock island. it's not as fancy as other brands but that thing has me clover leafing rounds at 10-15 yards than any of my 9mm striker guns.

[@chairmanofthebored6860]

@@vingtorodinson1967 I have a Colt 1911 gov. model I bought new in 2004 that has a ton of rounds on it and it has the best trigger pull out of anything I own, including my Kimber.

[@livingcorpse5664]

We can also argue that in context of the story, the Terminator keeps the laser sight for plausible deniability. People are less likely to think he is a robot if his gun has a laser sight cause, well, he doesn't need it.

[@MrQwint22]

This is one of those guns where if it's in a game, I'm going to use it, and if it isn't I'm going to mod it in.

[@Medicae131]

My favorite firearm. I bought a Springfield Armory 1911 when I was 21 and I think since then I've fired it more than all the other firearms I own combined. I do actually agree that it is technically obsolete at this point for LEO and military. But for a personal defense weapon it's still more than up to the task and feels so good to shoot and train with.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

Oh the topic of the American-ness of the M1911, it might of interest to note, that the first large scale combat use the M1911/Colt Government Model saw, was likely with the 1st Canadian Division in 1915. Due to a shortage of Webley revolvers, an order for Colt Automatic Pistols was placed by the Canadian government in 1914 for first batch of troops training than departing for England. The first action those saw was at Ypres and St. Julien in early 1915.

[@CancerGaming56]

The Royal Navy also purchased many M1911s in WWI chambered in .455 Webley.

[@CausalityLoop]

Jonathan's revulsion at ridiculous gun decorations gives me life and joy.

[@whiteboi6735]

The engravings give no tactical advantage whatsoever

[@KT-ki6gz]

Bad Company 2’s 1911 was my favorite, it felt good to make the trade off in mag capacity in exchange for the extra power

[@thisisntmadeinchina]

"The pistol that forgot to become obsolete" - XboxAhoy

[@Rrgr5]

At least in pop culture it surpassed the improved and way better version, the HP, which still being used and got upgraded recently, even tho the 1911 looks better, I rather have the HP, double the capacity makes way more difference than stoping power.

[@stevenbobbybills]

The Hi-Power did get the short end of the stick when it came to media representation, and that's before we consider that most of the British Commonwealth used it after WWII. At least the "other" modernised 9×19mm double stack 1911 design, the 2011 platform, is starting to creep into more movies and games.

[@Rrgr5]

@@stevenbobbybills the HP was a world success, it was indeed wildly adopted, my father use to have one when he was police detective, he said was the best gun he ever had and it was quite scary as how good it was, but in the US? Wasn't that much, even the S&W Model 59 wasn't and that was also a way better gun than the 1911.

[@stevenbobbybills]

@@Rrgr5 it's a shame how many American police services and the like stuck by their revolvers and single stack pistols up until the 80s or even 90s for many departments, the golden era of the Hi-Power was effectively skipped over in the States.

[@Ishmaille]

The FN Hi-Power has a higher capacity, and it's smaller, but I wouldn't describe it as a "way better m1911". In particular, the HP's trigger was heavy and the hammer was likely to "bite" many shooters, problems that the m1911 never had. FN could've and should've fixed these problems, but they never bothered. These days, you can get a HP clone with fixes for these problems, but that wasn't the case until relatively recently.

[@stevenbobbybills]

@@Ishmaille the trigger issue at least could be resolved by removing the magazine disconnect. The hammer bite issue admittedly would require slightly more extensive modification, but we are talking about the first real double-stack production handgun in 1935, after all.

[@martinjuniorbalbihurtado9599]

"9mm kills the body but 45. ACP kills the soul, you gotta make sure people don't come back as a lich"- TheRussianBadger

[@shadow9774]

Many people still like and use the 1911 because it has a lot of good soft points. It is well balanced, slim slide and grip, not small but not too large either, steel and wood rather than plastic, 45 auto has a smoother recoil impulse than 9mm, 45 auto is more easily suppressed, when suppressed the gun shoots quieter, good triggers, intuitive controls, slide can be buttery smooth on even cheaper guns, and also has a huge array of aftermarket parts.

[@zdenekcizek6681]

When I was buying my first handgun, I picked the 1911A1 pretty much without thinking... Never regretted that decision.

[@fireaza]

Alyx's gun in _Half-Life_ is a heavily modified 1911 (the wiki claims it's a Para-Ordnance P14-45 model)! In _Half-Life: Alyx,_ you get to take it through the upgrade path that eventually results in the gun you see Alyx using in _Half-Life 2_ !

[@spvrda]

Alyx must be a badass to use such a small pistol in full-auto .45.

[@kabardino1337]

@@spvrda it's super modified to make more sense check it out

[@S1deshowRob]

I used to have a para ordnance. Instead of the usual 1911 trigger it has a trigger that feels like the lightest revolver trigger you’ve ever used

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

I thought it was a Browning Hi-Power.

[@johnpagdilao6075]

I'll be honest I was surprised to not see the 1911 in Modern Warfare 2.

[@aslamc9288]

Same. Fingers crossed we get it in the Battle Pass at some point!

[@ArteriusSaren]

Why would you needed it if we get Sig Sauer instead? Where are plenty of others pistol like Gurza in 9x21, FN 57, USP.

[@aslamc9288]

@@ArteriusSaren I just like it.

[@crudboy12]

The 1911 is certainly outdated, but the fact that people are still even having this debate about it is extremely impressive when you compare it to it's peers. I can't think of another pre-WWII automatic handgun that is still remotely relevant today, other than maybe the Hi-power. It was basically the first modern handgun and the tilting barrel locking mechanism and full length slide has become the default way to design a handgun. Even to this day, deviations from this form factor are extremely rare. An interesting fun fact is that Georg Luger made a version of his toggle lock handgun in Browning's .45 acp round, to compete with the 1911 in US army trials. Now it's common to see the 1911 chambered in the 9mm round that Luger designed.

[@gameragodzilla]

The 1911 isn’t outdated, though that relates more to how little handguns have evolved lately than how timeless the design itself is. Most pistols still use a tilting barrel, short recoil system with a slide. Even the controls are what you expect for modern pistols. So really, the only thing the 1911 lags behind is features, but you can easily backport all those features to the original 1911. There are double stack versions to address capacity, ones with rails to attach accessories, even ones with polymer frames and different trigger mechanisms though they didn’t really catch on. To think that the same amount of time before the 1911 as the 1911 was to now, we were still using flintlocks.

[@karlhaber1904]

I own and have carried a 1911 as a self-personal defense weapon. This weapon is timeless and versatile. I live in Washington State if you go out into the woods you're equally as likely to run into a tweaker high on methamphetamine or a bear. The 1911 chambered in 45 ACP can handle dealing with either. This pistol carries flatter and more comfortably than a lot of 9 mm that I own or have owned. This weapon was designed originally for the calvary and it's designed to be carried cocked and locked. This weapon works fine that way because turning off the safety on the draw is something that takes about 30 seconds to teach yourself how to do after that it's natural. It's pistol fires a big heavy piece of lead and can be reloaded very quickly. Also there are 10 round magazines that can be had aftermarket.

[@theoutlawking9123]

Just PERFECT!

[@alexisborden3191]

I'm incredibly skeptical a 45 will do much more than tickle a bear.

[@evanburdick8503]

The best designs, are timeless. The wheel. The lightbulb. Sliced bread. The 1911, ranks among these

[@Tenchigumi]

I've fired my fair share of handguns, and to this day my favorite pistol to shoot is still this old, cheapish S&W 1911. It fires so smoothly, but with authority, balance and grace. The limited ammo capacity is obviously a liability in combat scenarios, but for just shooting for shooting's sake, that old 1911 holds a special place in my heart.

[@kebabsvein1]

Watching this while reading "Kongsberg Colten" the history of the Norwegian 1911 (mod 1914)!

[@TK199999]

What many don't know is that Colt 1911's main competition in US Army trails was actual Lugar pistol chambered for in .45ACP. That version of the Lugar was created by Lugar himself and though it lost to Browning's pistol. When the gun was rediscovered in the 1990's, people were shocked at how good of feel it was. To the point its made today and is considered the smoothest and perhaps the most accurate .45 caliber pistol in existence. So that one US Army competition give us at least two amazing things.

[@TheFirstCurse1]

I love Dave and Jonathan's dynamic. I truly hope that they enjoy working with one another. They seem to.

[@towerbunga]

Jonathan discussing my favourite firearm, that's a christmas gift

[@Triad_Orion]

I'm really basic when it comes to appreciating pistols. The 1911 is always one of my favorites in any game I can get my hands on it in, and if there's not a 1911, there's often one of its descendants. Notably, things like the H&K USP, which is often my go to if the 1911 isn't available, because... well, it's a more up-to-date design of a similar principle. The 9mm handguns may have more practicality in real life, but in video games I love me my .45s.

[@blufalconactual3807]

No handgun that I have held or fired feels as comfortable and natural in my hands as the 1911A1.

[@captaincumrag42069]

Say what you want, but in terms of pure ergonomics and comfort, the 1911 is truly perfect

[@AlexKS1992]

I love the 1911 pistol, I should know I own a Rock Island Armory 1911 chambered in .45 ACP and I absolutely love it and plenty of others as well. I think it’s fair to say that pop culture has kept the 1911 alive and probably will for a long time.

[@nikoenciso01]

My bro had that gun was so much fun to unload 💯💪

[@oliversdouglas]

These are 100% the best loadout episodes :D I love seeing you two just sit down and chat about something with some rich history & cultural relevance to dig into - we get to see you be yourselves and enjoy the discussion - great video!

[@jennifervalentine8955]

Having made a 1911, I really appreciate it. It is gorgeous and very versatile

[@seano4822]

It's the best looking handgun and best trigger. Ever.

[@VashMaverick09]

Solid vid and a good way to kick off Christmas

[@maxlhetvxhywxvxbm7645]

At a young age, I didn't like the 1911 because of bo1 Zombies but as I got older and played more games I now appreciate the gun's significance.

[@khartog01]

My grandfather was a marine during the 50's. He loved this gun.

[@leifwulffstephan3725]

.45 ACP The lords caliber on earth

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

10mm Auto and 45 Super: exist Me: the Lord's a wimp.

[@LoadedGunn47]

3 clips of John Wick with his Kimber Warrior within 30 seconds of playtime coupled with all the 1911 love on display? Simply leaving a “like” wouldn’t be enough to show my appreciation, lol, well done! ❤️

[@alexanderdiogenes8067]

I think one of the biggest reasons you see it in comics so much is that it's so easy to draw lol

[@commanderpreacherlocust1439]

It looks big in peoples hands so it can stand out on the small screen 📺 so that helps

[@caprise-music6722]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this! My favorite gun ever. In Battlefield 1, it was literally my best weapon (not just best sidearm) with over 2400 ks I just love everything about it.

[@Skusty]

The 1911 is like a classic muscle car, cool to look at, cool to use, get the job done; but they are outdone by more modern cars in the practical sense. And much like people restomodding classic cars giving them modern features, people are doing the same to 1911s.

[@theoutlawking9123]

No pistol to this day comes close to it's PERECT TRIGGER, none, so I'd say it's still better than most other pistols, even today. This gun will NEVER DIE OR RETIRE!

[@joaquinvelasquez6252]

👏👏👏 I must say, the interview style of this Loadout was a nice change of pace.

[@jiriz0r]

9mm kills the body, but .45 ACP kills the soul!

[@jordank316]

It’s just classic, I think that’s the best way to describe it. It’s just got a classic beautiful look to it.

[@JamesDOConnor1916]

Great video guys thanks Dave and Jonathan I love the 1911 it's the benchmark for all modern semi automatic pistols 🔫 merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 😀 respect

[@Gjorten]

I hadn't realized it before they mentioned it, but when I as a kid was drawing guns, I always did and still would draw a 1911. Though it is my favorite pistol, it didn't become my favorite until I was in my mid/late 20's (unrelated to me drawing it in my youth).

[@Aaahrg]

It even apears in Titanic, a movie set in 1912, the only 1 year old gun (very unlikely) got into the hands of the bad guys henchman.

[@187Blondie]

Its not even unlikely, they were rich

[@Aaahrg]

@@187Blondie True but not nickel plated and pearl grips with a A1 hammer. Sry im a nerd.

[@brownmsoe]

There are M1911 variants that are double stack magazines. Therefore carrying 15+ rounds and matching modern pistol capacities. At the time, other than the C93 and C96 Mausers, most guns were revolvers that had usually 6 rounds. Yes, some smaller caliber revolvers had more chambers, but not what the military was using. The M1911 was 7+1 capacity and speed of reloading was miles ahead of the existing technology at the time. The gun has an excellent feel in the hand for most people. Newer pistols that are double stack are less comfortable for people with smaller hands.

[@thomasmolyneaux3700]

Merry Christmas thanks Johnathon🎄🎁

[@antivanti9805]

I heard a lot of movies actually used the Browning Hi Power because it looks quite similar to the Colt 1911 but were easier for some reason. Not sure if they were cheaper or 9mm blanks were easier to find or whatever it was

[@trinalgalaxy5943]

thats funny considering how hard Hi Powers are to find for the most part since their big brother is the one everyone knows.

[@Kaden10]

The 1911 may not be as groundbreaking as it once was, but it works and has stood the test of time.

[@willyum3920]

Don't worry Dave, I thought he blew up the tank with the pistol at the time too. I remember thinking..... erm, did he hit a glowing weak spot or something?

[@TheSundayShooter]

His cartridges were loaded with Stalinium bullets, the P-51 was mere coincidence

[@butterlerpunch]

He landed a random crit

[@MrEndersai]

I think the first 3D WWII shooter was 1999's Hidden & Dangerous, and the only sidearm you could equip your SAS commandos with in that was the .45 Colt 1911. The expansion offered up the Browning HP, and I think you could acquire Lugers off dead Germans but Hidden & Dangerous predates Medal of Honor by a few months. And desperately needs a remake, it was the absolute business for a '99 game.

[@chaosXP3RT]

"The pistol that forgot to become obsolete. Antique. Veteran. Patriot. The M1911." - Ahoy

[@racermigs1]

"M1911: The pistol that forgot to become obsolete" -Ahoy

[@Offbeaten]

One reason they use them alot in movies, I reckon. Is that it's just easy and cheaper to get replicas for it than alot of other guns.

[@animedude667]

glad Medal of Honor got a decent mention, good old series that needs some love

[@mrscary3105]

You did forget to mention the inventor, and the fact it's still the iconic main weapon of The Punisher. You could do a series on this firearm alone. (Or the Remington 870, another historic gold mine)

[@five8finest818]

I got a Thompson 1911..I love it

[@runway313]

Tom Hanks had a 1911 in Saving Private Ryan AND Forrest Gump. Iconic

[@FyremaelGlittersparkle]

I fired my first 1911 at twelve years old. Even then, I knew pretty much precisely how to operate it because it was/is THAT intuitive, like an AK. Almost three decades later, I still carry one when I go out every bit as often as a more modern polymer-framed sidearm with higher capacity and I don’t feel like I’ve made a bad choice in defense in the least. Sometimes, a classic is a classic because it just works.

[@By-s]

If John wick reloads "too much" it's because they kept actual count of how many rounds he shot, the only movie to my knowledge that doesn't use the infinite ammo cheat code.

[@fearingalma1550]

Watch Die Hard again, it was one of the first movies to really make reloads important to the action beats. One of the many reasons it's a timeless Christmas classic.

[@matthew_natividad]

The 45 long slide with laser sighting

[@manz7860]

wrong. 🔫

[@zachdave3803]

Love the “see you in fallout 5,1911” at the end.

[@chris.3711]

I've never shot a finer pistol than my father's 1942, Remington Rand. Amazing gun. When I turned 21, I bought a 1911.

[@samuelwoodouse4482]

Imagine making something so well that every version of that thing made after copy's you

[@mooneyes2k478]

At the base, the .45 ACP is a large slow round. The 9mm is not. And the kinetic energy calculation is 1/2m*v^2. One half mass times velocity squared. Velocity is what matters. But, in the range we're talking about, with pistol rounds, the difference is slight at best.

[@gameragodzilla]

Ballistic experts actually say energy doesn’t matter that much for pistols. They move far too slowly for the temporary stretch cavity and energy dump to mean anything. Therefore, the only damage a pistol does on target is the permanent crush cavity from the bullet traveling through the body. In that case, a larger caliber bullet inherently will do more tissue damage, and .45ACP hollow points actually expands typically 60% larger than 9mm hollow points.

[@trinalgalaxy5943]

@@gameragodzilla I have also heard that .45 has a better dropoff at a longer pistol ranges than 9mm due to the mass making it more predictable. personally havent had a chance to test that myself.

[@otacon5648]

I share the surname with the man who made this gun and many others that ended up as .50 cal and being strapped to everything from tanks to planes. I hear my surname a lot every time I watch pretty much any documentary about a WW2 vehicle 😁

[@manz7860]

He was Mormon so he probably has loads of descendants

[@otacon5648]

@@manz7860 I’m from England and can trace my family back a few generations and all were from London. Would have been cool though.

[@AlexKS1992]

@@otacon5648 It’s possible that you could be related through a distant cousin. Mind you it’s a wild guess and the possibility of it being true is slim but still it’s cool to the Browning name.

[@johnhatzos361]

The man who made this is hands down the most American person in the world

[@mrobor_YT]

Ahh yes , I was just waiting for this iconic gun to come up on my KZbin notifications (;

[@George_M_]

I appreciate that Jonathan clearly isn't a huge fan. Not just hyping it for the videos sake.

[@RiffSilverthe1andonly]

Engravings… give every advantage that I can possibly think of

[@LazarheaD]

Usually the first gun you get.

[@ismarwinkelman5648]

I really needed this! Thank you very much, Dave & Jonathan 🙂👏

[@Mr_T_Badger]

I always like the Para-Ordnance P14, admittedly having never shot one, since they managed to create a double stack .45 magazine and were made here in Canada. Unfortunately there were apparently quality control issues and the whole thing eventually moved out of Canada to the United States. But for a while it was a uniquely Canadian handgun, which you don’t get a lot of.

[@oldesertguy9616]

Those were pretty popular in their day. I almost bought the frame conversion but my 1911 fit my hand so well, I didn't want to mess with it.

[@chaselofundist8727]

Honestly probably the first handgun I'll but I know they are expensive but they're so beautiful and reliable

[@col.mustard1233]

My every day carry is a Colt Officers Model 1911, you could never talk me out of it!

[@quatreraberbawinner2628]

I grew up with m9 that will always be my favorite handgun

[@flyboymike111357]

I hate to tell Jonathan that he's wrong, but there are studies that show .357 Sig, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, some +P+ 9mm/.38 Super Auto, and variants of the 5.7mm are able to achieve a hydrostatic effect the same as you might see from an M4 or carbine using revolver rounds.

[@darklighter66]

A feeding ramp polished to a mirror sheen, providing a smooth area for the cartridge to slide into the chamber on, improving reliability; A reinforced National Match slide;[4] Mating of frame and slide for a precise, tight fit, with the frame itself having been iron-welded and scraped down multiple times, for maximum precision and accuracy; "Stepping" texture on the mainspring housing to avoid slippage during recoil, as well as a checkered front strap part for a more positive grip; A high-profile 3-dot type sight system. It features an enlarged front sight, giving it superior target sighting capability, helping the user to see over the suppressor; A ring hammer from the Colt Commander model, replacing the standard spur hammer. This eliminates "hammer bite" occasionally experienced by some shooters and decreases lock time, making the ignition system faster; A unique dovetail that stood in for the altogether removed grip safety mechanism, designed to simultaneously accommodate the ring hammer; An extended thumb safety and slide stop to allow for easier operation of both controls; A long-type trigger replacing the standard version, which is more comfortable for people with longer fingers. Holes have been drilled into the trigger shoe to reduce bouncing from the recoil. Trigger pull has been estimated to be around 3.5 lbs(1.6kg); A bevelled magazine well for easier and swifter reloading; A shaved down and recheckered magazine release button to lessen the chance of accidental magazine drops during a firefight; Cocking serrations at the front of the slide to allow the user to press-check and clear jams using the front of the slide. This is easier to do for some shooters; Whittled down walnut grips to create a less bulky grip when holding the CQC knife. A threaded barrel made to accept a custom suppressor

[@ponraul1221]

From the Old West to modern day, it’s still the most ergonomic, smoothest, and fastest shooting pistol. John Browning was a genius and an artist.

[@imanassole9421]

It's just a beautiful gun. I like the lines, the contour, I just like it.

[@ranwolf7650]

Not that long ago I went to a gun shop with my father, he's planning on buying a pistol. He was looking at some glocks, but my eye kept getting drawn to an all black 1911 in the case.

[@feathersigil2048]

I'd love to see Johnathan react to and assess the heavily customized 1911 from Metal Gear Solid 3, and all the upgrades Snake gushes about over the radio.

[@isaacjeterphotography]

2:14 “I still think in imperial” shots fired

[@odinsbaer]

Missed opportunity the punisher original movie covers it's modifications best 1911 in film

[@theoutlawking9123]

The second, not the original, the original starred Dolph Lundgren who didn't use a 1911. The second with Thomas Jane did. The custom A1s with custom made compensators.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

The 1911 .45 is the Quintessential GUN. It’s virtually perfect.

[@AlexGarcia-ze4yg]

If you're a 1911 fan but you want great capacity go with Para Ordinance. 14 in the clip, 1 in the chamber.

[@gnomeachu8045]

merry sunday

[@TheSundayShooter]

Can confirm

[@WanderlustZero]

5:50 'Bit too late for The Old West' The Wild Bunch: 'Allow me to introduce myself :D ' To be fair, that film's about 'The Old West' fading away in the face of the new industrialised world. The old cowboys in that film only have 1911s, which are regarded as fancy-looking future guns, because they knocked off a US Army train. A classic film, especially for the Maxim gun rampage near the end