A 1911 is a model of .45 semi auto pistol. The Army commisoned them in 1911, I belive, hence the name.
Several manufacturers make them. They are tried and true to this day.
Try one!
(Admittedly, it’s kind of a cult thing too!)
And the reason for the implementation of the 1911 in the first place is because of the Phillipine/American war. This conflict happened as America colonized the Phillipines after the Spainish American war. The Army was fighting Phillipine Guirillas named the Morros. These Phillipinos would get all worked up on drugs and charge the American positions. The Officers found that their .38 service revolvers would take multiple shots to put the Moros down. After that, the Army was in search of a round that would have more stopping power.