First used in combat during the Punitive Expedition into Mexico and then extensively during the world wars, the Colt Government Model (1911) pistol remained the standard issue handgun in the US armed forces for nearly 80 years and has continued in service with some units to this day. In fact, the M1911 has seen a resurgence amongst US Special Operations units as US Marine MARSOC and MEUSOC personnel are issued current generation 1911-type pistols. In addition the pistol has seen service with famous law enforcement agencies such as the Shanghai Municipal Police, LAPD Swat and Texas Rangers. Nearly a century after its introduction, the M1911 pistol remains a popular design and is now produced by virtually every major firearms manufacturer doing business in the USA.

Celebrate the Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911 in 1911: The First 100 Years, 2nd Edition! Now, in one fascinating, illustrated volume, authority Patrick Sweeney celebrates the greatest fighting handgun ever designed, John M. Browning's legendary 1911 .45. Early predecessors of the 1911 1911 history and development Today's factory 1911 models Competition 1911s and top 1911 gunsmiths Custom 1911s that shoot as good as they look Lavishly illustrated with 1911 photos collected from around the world For the collector, for the shooter, for the historian--for anyone interested in the evolution of this truly American classic, 1911: The First 100 Years, 2nd Edition is a must-have volume, and builds upon the wildly successful and popular first edition, with even more history, models and information on this timeless pistol design.