Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

What are the differences between 1911 and 1911A1 ? anyone have some pics to add?

Here is my 1913 issue 1911,,,,,

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...sam134/715.jpg

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

They learned a few things, during the war.

They found that, with point shooting, the 1911 shot a little low for most people. They changed the mainspring housing from flat to arched, which made the gun point higher when you held it.

They found that some folks had trouble reaching the trigger. They changed the length of the trigger, making it shorter, and they machined little notches into the frame, on both sides, behind the trigger, so short fingers could get in easier.

They found that the hammer spur would often pinch a layer of flesh between the back of the spur and the top of the grip safety, so they shortened the spur slightly and lengthened the grip safety, slightly.

The biggest VISIBLE difference is the notches behind the trigger guard. Everything else is replaceable. You can put a 1911 trigger on an A1, and vice-versa. Same with flat and arched mainspring housings, hammers and grip safeties.

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

The primary difference between them is the A1 has an arched mainspring housing.

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

Good info. I just always figured it was an abbreviated term that didnt have any meaning as far as differances.

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

One says A1.........

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

The A1 was a series of modifications that the US Army submitted to Colt. Arched housing, the recessions around the trigger, the hammer spur and sights are slightly different, short trigger.

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

Good information Guys, thank you.

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

Thanks all and a big thanks to Alpo, nothing better than a good pic to show the details :cool:

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

+1

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

One other distinction: The sights.

The 1911 rear sight had a very tiny 'U' shaped notch, and the front sight was narrower than the 1911A1 (not sure of actual dimensions, but fairly subtle).

The 1911A1 (the 'A1' in military speak in those days meant 'alteration one') had a subtly wider front sight and was squared flat on top, rather than almost a point, and the rear sight notch was slightly wider and deeper and was square on the bottom.

However, one does occasionally find a G. I. pistol with a 1911A1 frame and a 1911 slide with the original sights. These are presumed to be arsenal rebuilds.

I believe it was at the 1911A1 introduction the pistols went from a polished blue finish to the more familiar, more durable and cheaper parkerized finish. The finish change may predate the 1911A1; no doubt one of our more studied brethren will correct me.

Re: Differences between 1911 and 1911A1
 

magazine release and cut out wall for the extractor,trigger, main spring housing. What they should have changed was the beaver tail safety or as they say no extended grip safety.