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Dumb questions from a new guy

bugieman
But isnt that what new guys are for? [?]

Can anyone tell me exactly what a 1911 is? Is it a specific model number of a specific manufacturer or is it a generic term given to a style of handgun?

I have a S&W model 4506 in .45 ACP, it looks like a 1911 but is it?

I'll be out looking for a bucket of steam until you guys stop laughing long enough to answer [:)]

Thanks in advance

Bugie the Bewildered
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • Supreme One
    Hello, to answer them in order:

    Yes, that is what new guys are for.

    It is the best handgun ever made. Designed by John Browning and adopted my the U.S. government as standard issue hand gun in 1911 to replace the .38 Specials that were just pissing off the Eastern Islanders. It is the most manufactured, customized, and copied hand gun EVER. Available in a wide variety of chamberings, it is usually (and in my opinion the best chambering) chambered for the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol).

    No, your Smith isn't a 1911.

    Michael

    Paranoid keeps you alive, worry just gives you stomach problems.
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    sound
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  • nmyers
    The only dumb question is
    the one you didn't ask (but should have).

    The US Model M1911 pistol was developed by John Browning & accepted by the US War Dept in, yes, 1911. In the 1930's improvements were made that were adopted as the M1911A1. It is a single action automatic, & many minor changes & improvements have been made by many manufacturers over the years. However, few guns have continued to be so popular after 100 years.

    Although S&W DOES make a M1911-style pistol, the 4506 is not it, as the design is based on S&W's single action/double action system. (That is, the first shot is double action, & every shot after that is single action.)

    I learned much of what I know from reading the American Rifleman, a magazine sent to members of the National Rifle Assoc. I suggest that you consider joining.

    Neal
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  • Pauper
    Hello Bugieman and welcome to this forum.

    I have always been told that there are no dumb question, just dumb answers. Anyway, I won't dwell on that highly controversial statement.

    I'll give you my 2 cents worth on 1911s. I'm sure there are many more knowledgeable GunBroker patrons out there that will add to, correct and otherwise add their opinions to what I have to say.

    Here we go. The 1911 is, as you stated, more of a generic term for a certain style of semi-auto pistol, but to be a true 1911 a pistol does have to meet certain design requirements to be strictly classified as a 1911. Originally the 1911 is a basic designed of John Browning from around the early part of the 20th century. This 45 ACP pistol design was produced (much as it remains today), tested, adopted and used by the US Military in 1911. It remained their standard service weapon until around 1985 or 86 when it was replaced (questionably some say) by the military with the Beretta 92 FS 9mm.

    There have been some changes (as would be expected) in the 1911s initial design, but the basic design has generally remained the same for over 90 years. There are now numerous manufacturers of this pistol design. Some of newer 1911s now being made are high very high quality, some are junk (or lets be kind and just say) save your money. The top players who now make the nicest versions of the 1911 (now often called 1911A1 after certain changes) today (arguably) are Colt, Les Baer, Kimber, just to name a few (these are the best of bunch - in my opinion).

    Your S&W model 4506 in .45 ACP, looks like a 1911 but it isn't. Somewhat similar in look, true but to be a true 1911 the design has to meet a certain configuration style.

    I'm feel that the above (the supposed, 25 words or less version) is fairly accurate, but I know that I have probably left out a huge amounts on info that other users will be more that happy fill in if you have other questions.

    I hope that this is somewhat informative and helps.
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  • heavyiron
    Hi bugieman,

    I'm glad you asked what a 1911 was because I love to talk about them!

    The greatest pistol the world has every seen and the standard by which all others are judged.

    Here is a photo of a classic 1911 Colt in .45ACP and then a Kimber Gold Match which is considered a 1911 clone also in .45ACP. Sorry the pictures are kind of grainy.

    DCP_1911_Colt.jpg

    DCP_Kimber_GM.jpg

    Regards,

    Heavyiron[8D]
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  • bugieman
    Thanks to you all. The information is greatly appreciated.. Hopefully, after hanging out in here for a few decades, I may be knowledgable enough to return the favor. Until then, feel free to give me a poke with a sharp stick when appropriate.

    Bugie (slightly less bewildered)
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