Colt pistol - a powerful argument for democracy

The Colt pistol is an excellent example of the embodiment of engineering thought in the production of self-loading small arms. An objective prerequisite for its creation was the need to supply the US army with a quick-fire, high-piercing force and accuracy of fire and weapons. After numerous tests and technical improvements, the Colt pistols that replaced the revolvers became the basis for the armament of the American army.

Adopted at the beginning of the spring of 1911, already in 1913 they began to be regularly supplied to the bases of the Navy and to the Marines. The Colt pistol (Colt M1911) - a true masterpiece created by John Browning, combined all the innovative design solutions that complemented the "civilian" models, such as the 1900, 1902 and others. The cartridge 45 ASR after completion in 1911 was equipped with a weighted shell bullet. Its initial speed was 262 m / s, weight - 14.7 grams, and energy of motion - 505 Joules.

The complex of these characteristics gives the bullet a high stopping action: it pierces the body to a depth of up to 35 cm, it transfers the lion's share of its kinetic energy to the target, even if there is a slight obstacle in its path. Automation of firing is carried out due to recoil with the condition of a short stroke of the trunk. The declining barrel is the basis of the locking system, based on Browning's patented 1897 developments.

Today, this mechanism is used in the design of most models of self-loading weapons. The Colt is equipped with a box-type single-row magazine, containing seven cartridges. First, the Colt 1911 gun was razed, other coating variants began to be used in the subsequent production. In some collector models, even special decorations were used, giving the gun a stylish and elegant look. The needs of the civilian population in armaments were satisfied with the sale of the 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 from walnut wood. Feature of the decor on them - a characteristic diamond-shaped notch, which was absent only in the places of fastening with screws. These smooth surfaces in the shape of a diamond were called "diamonds." The production of these weapons was initially carried out at Colt plants, later Springfield, Remington and several other companies mastered the production technologies, which made it possible to meet ever-growing needs.

During the military operations in the arena of the First World, regular deliveries of this pistol to the armies of Russia, Britain and France were established, and a few later the Colts were successfully used by the US Army, which entered the war closer to its end. This provided invaluable experience both in the combat use of this weapon, and in 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 press the trigger. The angle of the handle is 108 degrees, and its shape makes it possible to tightly cover and comfortably hold, it is good to control the weapon when firing. Significant deficiencies were called significant size and weight. But this did not prevent the Colt M1911 from becoming one of the most popular pistols around the world.