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How to Tell the Difference in Colt 1911 Models

The Colt M1911 was designed by Joseph Browning and produced by Colt for the U.S. Armed Forces in 1911. It was used by the U.S. military until it was replaced in 1985 by the M9 Beretta 92F. Colt based a number of different designs on the M1911 model improving the design for ease of use and different caliber bullets. M1911 and M1911A1 are the two basic models with the M1911 designation. There are slight differences between the two that can be recognized if you know what to look for.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the frame behind the trigger. The M1911A1 has cutouts for smoother trigger access.
- 2
  Compare the length of the trigger. The M1911A1 has a shorter trigger than the M1911, and knurling was added to the face of the M1911A1 trigger.
- 3
  Check the mainspring housing. It should be arched and knurled in the M1911A1.
- 4
  Compare the grip safety spur. The M1911A1 has a longer grip safety spur to prevent hammer bite.
- 5
  Compare the front sights. The M1911A1 has a wider sight that was changed from taper sided to parallel sided. The rear sight was changed from a u-notch to a square notch circa 1943.
- 6
  Compare the length of the spur on the hammer. The M1911A1 has a shorter spur.
- 7
  Check the design on the grip. The "Double Diamond" relief was eliminated from the M1911A1 grip.
- 8
  Compare the finish, which changed from a blued finish to either Parkerized or Du-lite after 1941.

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