This is a Kimber Compact, a compact 1911 handgun in .45 ACP. This pistol is an excellent tool for concealed carry and personal protection. The Kimber Compact is a stainless steel, single action handgun.
The pistol is the preferred choice of many armed citizens and police officers. Kimber is considered by many to be an excellent manufacturer of firearms.
This is a detail photo of a modern Colt 1911 showing the “cocked and lock” look. In this position, the chamber is loaded, the hammer is cocked and the safety is on. Although some people think this is unsafe because of the way it looks, it is actually one of the safer ways to carry a pistol.
This is a fine example of the Springfield Armory National Match 1911 chambered in .38 Super. The National Match guns were chambered in .45 ACP, .38 Super and in 9mm.
Springfield Armory made 1911’s under license from Colt, which is what this pistol is.
This is one of the many World War II posters that feature the Colt M1911 pistol. This one is prominently displayed in the hand of a soldier leading troops into battle.
Tunnel rats were US and allied troops who went into tunnels seeking out the enemy during the Vietnam War. The tunnel rats were typically equipped with just a pistol, knife and flashlight due to the confined spaces they had to enter.
The Colt M1911A1 was the standard issue pistol, and was frequently carried by the tunnel rats. However, other handguns were frequently used including personally owned handguns and “battlefield pick ups.”
This is an example of the Colt M1911 manufactured and sold to a member of the National Rifle Association prior to World War I. The guns were sold to NRA members for $16 each. “N.R.A.” is stamped just below the serial number on the right side of the frame (just above the trigger).
Guns made by Colt and Springfield Armory were both sold to the NRA in this program. Approximately 100 were sold and are quite desirable now.
The Colt Officer’s Model 1911 pistol was originally developed in 1975 for the general officers in the US Army and US Air Force. It was developed to be smaller and lighter than the Commnader 1911.
Following the military introduction of the Officer’s Model, civilian manufacturers began to make Officer’s Models for the public market. Officer’s Model pistols tend to be ammunition sensitive.
The below photo is of a very rare Colt M1911 pistol: serial number # 1136. Serial number 1136 is known for its exquisite showcase qualities. Look how the tones of the blueing play off the felt rojo background under the blue-green lighting color.