This is an example of the Colt National Match 1911 pistol. The National Match pistols were available in both .45 ACP and .38 Super. The National Match guns are found with 5″ barrels and blued steel and stainless steel models. Eight round models were standard in .45 ACP and nine round mags in 9mm and .38 Super.
The Colt Commander, adopted in the 1950’s, was the first 1911 firearm manufactured in a caliber other than .45 ACP. This specific example was chambered in .38 Super. Other Commanders were produced in .45 ACP and 9mm. This Commander is a highly modified pistol, likely designed for competition.
These Colt 1905 pistols are .45 caliber semi-automatic handguns made by John Moses Browning at the request of Colt. The pistols were designed to fire a 200 grain bullet. The Colt 1905 was one step in the evolution of handguns that would eventually become the M1911 pistol adopted by the US Army.
The 1905 was single action but did not have the classic grip or thumb safeties found on the 1911.
The Colt M1911A1 pistol, shown below, was carried by many soldiers in World War II. Combat photographers frequently carried a M1911A1 for protection as they photographed in the field.
This is a photo of a heavily modified Colt 1911 designed for use by the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) troops. The pistol has an integral suppressor and laser sighting device.
This is the custom M1911A1 pistol owned and carried by the Texas Ranger captain M. T. Gonzaullas. Note the beautiful scrollwork on the slide and frame. Also feast your eyes upon the special grip panels affixed to the 1911 frame.
The below photo is a picture of a highly customized Colt 1911A1 laying on a pair of boots. The boots are black. The 1911 pistol has lots of fancy scroll work and custom grip panels.
This is a photo of all of the guns possessed by the Dillinger Gang when lawmen took them down. Among the guns are the classic M1911A1 pistol. Also shown are a sawed off shotgun, a Thompson submachine gun, and various other firearms. There is also a hat.
The Colt Commander was developed in the 1950’s as a smaller version of the M1911A1 service pistol. As the name suggests, the idea was to have a gun that was smaller for upper ranking officers who were unlikely to actually see combat.
The Colt Commander was the first 1911-style pistol to be chambered in 9mm. The models made for the US Army were all chambered in .45 ACP.