1911 question

[Mike Fitz]

Originally posted by Herb
Ok, as long as we are on 1911's I have a Colt 1911, made in 1918, so I guess it's a 1911a1(?)

Hi Herb,

Even though manufactured in 1918 it is still a Model 1911.

According to Clawson, first attempts to improve the Model 1911 took place on 9/15/1920.
Ordnance Department proposed the following:
Shorten the hammer to eliminate pinching of the hand: and
Reduce length of the trigger.

This endeavor evolved into further proposals which included extending the grip safety comb (tang), create a "hump" on the mainspring housing and mill finger clearance cuts on the sides of the receiver behind the trigger.
The lengthened grip safety comb / tang was ultimately adopted instead of shortening the hammer.

The proposed changes were finally approved on April 20, 1923.
The modified pistols were then designated "Improved Model of 1911" and commonly referred to as the "Transition Models".

On May 20, 1926 the improved pistol was officially designated, Pistol, Automatic, Caliber .45, M1911A1.

Regards,
Mike