fbpx

Kimber Compact

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.

Kimber Compact
Kimber Compact

Additional Resources:

Kimber Cocked and Locked

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.

Kimber Cocked and Locked
Kimber Cocked and Locked

“Damn Sight” Poster from WWII

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.

"Damn Sight" Poster from WWII
"Damn Sight" Poster from WWII

“Tunnel Rat” in Nam

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.”

"Tunnel Rat" in Nam
"Tunnel Rat" in Nam

Additional Resources:

Swenson Commander

This is a Swenson Commander 1911 in excellent condition.  Look at the custom features including the trigger guard, thumb safety, grips and hammer.

Swenson Commander
Swenson Commander

Springfield NRA

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.

Springfield NRA
Springfield NRA

Colt Officer’s Model

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.

Colt Officer's Model
Colt Officer's Model

 

Additional Resources

Colt Serial No. 1136

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.

Colt Serial No. 1136
Colt Serial No. 1136