Used to fire a Colt 45 while in the USAF (Early 1960’s Air Police). These were WW11 vintage.
Accurate range of these puppies was about 10 feet. If your target was further away your best bet was to throw the pistol at him.
WW 11. Heck I missed 9 world wars in my public education. :) Unless they have been accurized, old Model 1911’s sound make good maracas when you shake them.
I used a Colt 1911A1 .45 while in the USSF in Vietnam. The only time I ever drew it in anger was when, in the middle of a firefight, my Colt XM-16E1 jammed with a spent cartridge frozen in its chamber. Fortunately, the VC withdrew and I didn't have to use my .45, but I knew it would always be there for me when I needed it. The loose tolerances were designed into the 1911A1 so you could roll around in the mud with it and it would still function when you needed it. It might not have been very accurate at long range, but it would reliably be there for you when you needed it.
Those old WWII 1911’s were all clapped out.