Free Republic

(Photo: Naval History and Heritage Command)We often say, "if only a gun could talk," but in this case, the voyage through history that the above .45 ACP took is well-documented.Also joining the fleet in 1941 was Ensign Victor Antoine Moitoret, a Californian who was admitted to the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1937 and graduated with the Class of '41. Moitoret's first ship was the brand-new aircraft carrier USS Hornet, which he joined three months prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that ushered America into World War II.Moitoret served as an assistant navigator on Hornet during the flattop's...

Versatility, dependable function, and high hit potential are among the reasons why so many of us cling to a 110-year-old pistol design. However, we have a couple of generations of gun owners who didn’t grow up with that particular pistol — the 1911 — and can benefit from the experiences with it of those who have gone before. Let’s look at a few “hacks” that make life with the 1911 a little bit easier and, even, safer. Safest grasp for holstering: thumb safety engaged, shooters thumb holding the hammer, no pressure on grip safety and the finger off of the...

A War Story for the Ages - During World War 2, the 7th BG's 9th Bomb Squadron was dispatched to destroy a railroad bridge at Pyinmana, about halfway between Rangoon and Mandalay and near two active enemy fighter bases. The formation was led by Col. Conrad F. Necrason, 7th BG commander. The B-24 on his right wing was piloted by 1st Lt. Lloyd Jensen whose copilot was 2d Lt. Owen J. Baggett. On that mission, Baggett was to earn a distinction believed to be unique in Air Force history. Before reaching Pyinmana, Burma, to destroy a bridge, the American B-24...

All are excellent weapons for defense, and in some cases offense; they are equally at home in a homeowner’s gun safe or carried as an officer’s sidearm.Here's What You Need To Remember: Locked away behind the Iron Curtain and unable to secure contracts with the Czechoslovakian government, the CZ 75 failed to gain adherents until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today the pistol is available in an updated form, the CZ 75BD, featuring a firing pin safety, decocking lever and underbarrel accessory rail, and available in a variety of midsized handgun calibers.The bustling global arms trade has...

Based on the original WWI-era blueprints, the new Black Army replicates the guns Colt made for the military during 1918 and early 1919. (Photo: Colt)For those looking for a GI M1911 with classic Great War styling without the classic Great War price, Colt could have just the ticket. Teased by the Colt Collector’s Association as coming soon, the new Colt Black 1911 Black Army is listed on the company’s website as a “vintage limited run.” The so-called “Black Army” .45s is a term often used by collectors to describe the late World War I finish techniques applied to Colt’s 1911s...

Pretty much anyone on the planet who studies firearms or military history has heard of the pistol known as the 1911. In continual service and production for over 100 years, it is the longest serving handgun in US military history and one of the longest serving weapons in world history.With such longevity, there are naturally many myths, legends, and stories attached to the 1911.The pistol was designed in the early 1900s for a US Army contract. It was a product of the fertile mind of John M. Browning, a man considered to be one of the most important and...

There are a couple ways of checking your 1911 pistol to make sure its clear. Larry from Vickers Tactical goes over some different ways you can check to make sure your 1911 is clear, and why he prefers the press check. Most have been taught is the "pinch" check. This is where you apply pressure to the slide with your index finger to the rear about half an inch, while the thumb was hooked in the trigger guard. However, accident occurs when the slide slips forward and the thumb accidentally hits the trigger resulting in an accidental discharge. (AD) With...

A War Story for the Ages. March 31st, 1943, British India. Headed to Pyinmana, Burma, to destroy a bridge, the American B-24 bombers were intercepted by Japanese fighter pilots. With the plane going down and Japanese fighter pilots attacking the parachuting airmen, Owen J. Bagget did what no man had done before or since. It must take some sharp shooting and nerves of unbending steel to keep straight aim in the face of certain death, but he managed to shoot and kill the enemy fighter pilot with none other than a .45 caliber M1911 pistol. Whether a testament to sharp...

After about 30 years of using the Beretta as the primary sidearm pistol for the U.S. military, the Pentagon is seeking a new gun contract. For gun manufacturers, this kind of a contract is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While the Beretta lasted three decades, the U.S. military's first semiautomatic standard-issue sidearm, the M1911 from Colt, lasted nearly 90 years. It was issued during the U.S. war in the Philippines through the World Wars to Vietnam and beyond.

I am looking to get a 1911 45 ACP for recreational shooting, home defense and sometimes Carry. I currently have a .357 Taurus snub nose that I carry with .38 +P Personal Defense Ammo. I would like an older, used Military Pistol and am leaning toward a M1911A1. I am not interested in modern day knockoffs at this time. Anyone out there please advise pros and cons of the various vintages of 1911's. Is there a preferred Manufacturer?

A Browning M1911 semiautomatic pistol may soon join the sego lily, Rocky Mountain elk and sugar beet as official symbols of the state of Utah. The State Senate is considering a measure passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday that would declare the .45-caliber handgun the official state firearm — the first in the country. "This firearm was created by John Moses Browning, who was a son of Utah pioneers," said Republican Rep. Carl Wimmer of Herriman, Utah, during debate on the House floor. "This firearm really has defended liberty and freedom around the country and around the world....

John Moses Browning was an inventor. Many consider him a genius. He lived from 1855 to 1926, and during his life he was granted 128 patents. His father Jonathan was a friend of a young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln, who had been an overnight guest in his home. Jonathan was one of the original Mormon settlers of Utah. They left Missouri and Illinois after bloody pogroms in which their leader, Joseph Smith, was lynched, perhaps in part because of his anti-slavery views. On his arrival in Utah, Jonathan established a gunsmith shop in Ogden. Perhaps these stories of fleeing from...

please the experienced and very serious shooters may add to the list of ultimate handguns in 1911 out of there knowledge and experience.(it would be more help full that if you recommend one gun onlyalong with its manufacturers name and specific model repectively). slightly compact models will be more appreciated(for concealed carry but without in any way compromising accuracy and durability). thanks zeeshan

Action Profile: Inside The 1911 There are two basic types of autoloading handguns available today: the Government Model and everything else. By Dan Johnson The 1911 has an enviable reputation as America's premier fighting handgun. Is it the perfect action design, or is there room for improvement? Those who rely on autos for self-defense often divide into two passionate and often opposing factions. Either they carry a 1911, or they carry something else. This is in no way intended to slight the many excellent handgun designs out there, but the 1911 is the gun all others are compared to and...

By offering unequaled quality,performance and value,Kimber sets the standard for the world ’s gunmakers.Today more than ever,Kimber is out front.Twelve new pistols,four new rifles and a line of fine shotguns are being rolled out.Stop by one of the 1,500 Kimber Master Dealers across America.See for yourself why everyone wants a Kimber. New Pistols Eclipse Series ™ ..45 ACP pistols feature stainless steel slides and frames with an elegant brush-polished finish.Standard features include 30 LPI front strap checkering and Meprolight ®night sights.Details on page 18. The Custom Shop ’s LTP II ™.45 ACP is the first Kimber with a new, innovative...