What is the difference, if any, between a basic 1911 and a 1911A1?
By Holster Guy ~ May 8th, 2009. Filed under: Uncategorized.
gilgland asked:
I own a Sig GSR 1911 and am a huge fan of the Colt 1911 and its clones so I enjoy learning as much as I can about them. I have searched many times for the distinction between a basic colt 1911 ( and clones) and a 1911A1. Wikipedia mentions that the A1 was brought in in the Vietnam era but I can't seem to find any where that tells me what is different about it. Is there any difference or is the A1 just the full model number? If the A1 is different then in what way dose it differ from the basic 1911and what dose that mean as far as buying things like holsters, extra mags and other accessories and add-on's?
I own a Sig GSR 1911 and am a huge fan of the Colt 1911 and its clones so I enjoy learning as much as I can about them. I have searched many times for the distinction between a basic colt 1911 ( and clones) and a 1911A1. Wikipedia mentions that the A1 was brought in in the Vietnam era but I can't seem to find any where that tells me what is different about it. Is there any difference or is the A1 just the full model number? If the A1 is different then in what way dose it differ from the basic 1911and what dose that mean as far as buying things like holsters, extra mags and other accessories and add-on's?
One main reason I ask, aside from expanding my knowledge, is I already have some trouble finding extra stuff like I mentioned above, for my GSR, because of the rail and its relative newness on the market. I know that it is a government sized 1911 and that many of the government 1911 aftermarket parts and holsters will work for it but if there is something specific to the regular 1911 or the 1911A1 that will NOT work for it I would like to know before buying something that I can't use.
May 12th, 2009 at 6:12 am
The Colt Model 1911 was slightly improved in the early 1920’s when the flat mainspring housing was replaced with an arched one, a shorter hammer spur was used, a short trigger was made standard as well as a longer grip safety. The new model was named Colt M-1911 A1 Government Model.
May 12th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
most changes from the 1911 to 1911a1 were cosmetic changes to the external parts. the grip safety was lengthened to keep the hammer from biting the web of a hand during recoil. the frame was milled at the trigger to improve the trigger access. if you have bought one of the recent 1911 clones from the many manufacturers that currently make them, they will be the 1911a1 configuration. however some of the manufacturers have made some internal modifications to the parts, your owners manual might give some idea if your gun uses standard or modified parts