What Are The Differences Between The Colt Model 1910 And The Classic Colt 1911?

[Sgt. Quincannon]

Hello to All
I assume this is the correct forum for this question, since the 1910 and the 1911 were developed in response to US Military requirements. I recently saw a photo of an example of the developmental model 1910 pistol made by Colt for the military trials- I assume it was one of the transitional models along the way in the evolution of the military .45 into the classic 1911 that we all love. My question is- what were the differences between the two models, other than the obvious lack of a thumb safety on the 1910? Any information is welcome. Thanks for your time.
Regards, Sgt. Q
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[RickB]

Actually, some 1910 models did have thumb safeties. There was no single standard for the 1910, as the guns were constantly evolving. By the time the 1910 was completely developed, it had become the 1911.

[exitwounds]

Visit www.coltautos.com and view the pictures of the model 1910's, you will see that out of the 12 made, that a thumb safety was later fitted. The pictures also show some of the various parts used and you will be able to see several differences. Barrel and grip safety are notably different.

[1911Tuner]

On the www.coltautos site...Anybody else notice that the pistol amongst the GI holster, web gear, and the lanyard has a Wilson Bulletproof slidestop in it? Think we oughta tell'em? :D

[garrettwc]

Anybody else notice that the pistol amongst the GI holster, web gear, and the lanyard has a Wilson Bulletproof slidestop in it? Think we oughta tell'em?
Well at least it's not as bad as the HK catalog last year that had the ammo in the magazine backwards. :p

[John]

LORL, obviously the photographer was not a gun aficionado!

[OD*]

This picture?

http://coltautos.com/images/1911a1_721200_home_1.jpg

Looks like the pre-1924 slide stop to me.

http://coltautos.com/images/1911_gm.gif

http://coltautos.com/images/1911c.gif

http://mysite.verizon.net/od45/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/1913l.jpg

[1911Tuner]

Nope. It's a Wilson. The Wilson's pad is thinner and parallel to the arm from end to end. The old pre-24 stop is thicker and asymmetric. Look close...

[garrettwc]

You gotta look real close, but I see what Johnny's gettin' at. I wonder if the one in the first photo had a broken slide stop and it was replaced with the closest in appearance that the owner could find?

[Sgt. Quincannon]

WOW!! Remind me not to try to run a scam on any of you guys.

[RickB]

Which picture are you guys talking about? I went to the site, and looked at the three 1910 Colts they have pictured, and none of the pics include a holster, lanyard, or a Wilson slide stop?

[mayagrafix]

My question is- what were the differences between the two models, other than the obvious lack of a thumb safety on the 1910? Any information is welcome. Thanks for your time.



For starters, the grip angle was changed from 84* to 74*, resulting in the profile we all know and love. The Model of 1909 still looks like the other best seller from Colt, the .32 pocket pistol. Beginning with the Model of 1910, and the aforementioned grip angle change, the guns profile is as we know today.

Other changes from the 1909 version to the 1910 version resulting in the Model of 1911 were:

1- Recoil spring plug
2- Extractor moved inside of breech cover
3- Ejector made square instead of rounded
4- Sear, trigger, and grip safety springs are made in one piece
5- Addition of a lanyard loop by squaring the butt of the grip
6- slightly lowered barrel
7- larger ejection port

All Model of 1910 were originally manufactured without a mechanical safety lock, but were later retrofitted with a thumb activated lever after JB designed one in July 1910 at the behest of the Cavalry Board testing the pistol.

Once all the aforementioned changes were implemented, and some further tests, the Army designated the pistol Model of 1911.

[OD*]

This picture Rick;
http://coltautos.com/images/1911a1_721200_home_1.jpg

Could be a Wilson, could be the picture?
I would imagine that Sam Lisker would know, slisker@coltautos.com

[RickB]

Doesn't the Wilson have a flat tab? The one in the pic doesn't look like that, to me.