If you’ve been around the handgun world for any length of time you know there are two basic camps when it comes to autoloaders: “Tupperware” and “Real Steel”. The former being polymer based firearms and the latter being steel framed firearms. In some people’s minds the difference between the two is as far as the east is from the west. Some people don’t have a dog in that hunt so the debate matters not to them.
When talking about “real steel” pistols, there’s one design that has been around longer than all the others and is still very popular today. And this would be the fruit of John Moses Browning’s mind, the 1911. Yes, from a time period where naming a gun after the year it was made was in fashion, the 1911 was born and welcomed into the firearms loving world. It became so popular, so fast that it even found its way into the wild west on cowboys and lawmen’s hips.
From the old west to the mob filled streets of Chicago and New York and all around the world the 1911 represented a change in direction for the firearms world. The ability to carry more ammo in a firearm and reload the firearm in mere seconds fundamentally transformed many peoples approach to how they see, use, and implement sidearms.
Gaining 1 to 2 shots over the revolvers that were common in that day was arguably negligible. However, the ability to reload in a matter of seconds to effectively double your gun’s capacity was a big deal. This with a substantial caliber, .45ACP, meant that one could carry a powerful, reliable, easy to carry firearm.
Over the years there has been quite a bit of revision to the platform. There have been shorter barrelled versions made, different caliber offerings, modernizations like accessory rails, sight systems, and even flaring out the magazine well so double stack magazines will fit.
The 1911 is Alive & Well
Because of this continued refinement the 1911 has not only lived on, but it has thrived through to today.
While Umarex isn’t making 1911 firearms, we do make a few common and popular versions of the 1911 in BB shooting form.
For fans of the traditional 1911s, we offer the Colt Commander. Please don’t get hung up on the name. Our Commander does have a full size profile despite the “Commander” name that is associated with a 4 inch barrel version in the firearm world. This isn’t an A1 version since it has a skeletonized trigger and hammer. Additionally, the sights on our Commander feature a more modern look rather than the tiny blade and notch on the A1 variants. Our Commander will fit in most any holster made to accommodate a full size 1911 and it features blowback operation as well as a full size drop free magazine.
For those looking for a more compact version, we have the Colt Defender. Our Defender has a shorter barrel, in the neighborhood 3.5 inches. It also features a bobbed beavertail. This model is a non-blowback design so it has a double action style trigger rather than the traditional single action trigger found on 1911s. Our Defender is very affordable, coming in with an MSRP of less than $70, it certainly doesn’t hurt the wallet to obtain.
Is Airsoft More Your Thing?
Next on the list for .177 caliber 1911s would be our M45 CQBP. This model pay homage to the 1911 used by the United States Marine Corps since 2012. This model features an accessory rail under the barrel, blowback action, FDE slide and a skeletonized hammer. Where our M45 differs greatly from the 1911 tradition is on the frame. We used a polymer frame instead of metal. (1 Time 20% Code 9371EDC)
When we move over to the airsoft side of our business, we have four full sized options, all powered by CO2 and all featuring full blowback action. Three models in the TAC series vary in color only, with brushed stainless, black, and black on FDE being those differences. All three feature skeletonized triggers and hammers, three dot sights, under barrel picatinny rails and threaded barrels.
The 4th model, the M1911, has a longer under barrel picatinny rail, flat faced skeletonized trigger, squared off trigger guard and extended beavertail. The M1911 also features fiber optics sights, a polymer frame and 24 round staggered magazine.
So is the 1911 concept dead? Hardly. 1911s aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.