Writing a book on the Colt 1911 and its clones

[hunt janin]

If any reader is interested in writing the definitive book on the Colt 1911 and its clones, a reputable American publisher, McFarland & Co., is very interested in publishing such a book. Visit www.mcfarlandpub.com. If you are a good writer, a good researcher, and can get lots of high-quality 1911-related illustrations, McFarland would like to hear from you. Contact me off-list at huntjanin@aol.com if you need any further information.

Best,

Hunt Janin
Vignoble
47270 St. Urcisse
France

[John]

I am sure anyone interested can contact McFarland directly.

[horse 91-A1]

I wonder if they would be interested in my "custom" one of a kind build up M1911/M1911-A1? :cool:

Adios,
Bob

[Hawkmoon]

I wonder if they would be interested in my "custom" one of a kind build up M1911/M1911-A1? :cool:

Adios,
Bob
Probably not, but I can ask if they want a chapter on customized 1911s. The publsiher is looking for a "definitive" book on the 1911, so there may be a place for discussion of customizing. I have contacted Hunt's publisher and it appears that I will be taking on this book in his place. Once I get into it, I hope I'll be able to draw on the collective expertise of the forum membership.

[hunt janin]

I'm sure that Hawkmoon will do a fine job on the book. He's probably well ahead of me on this, but one thing I've noticed in my own reading about the 1911s is that -- excluding WWI and WWII -- I haven't seen any accounts of the pistol being used in combat. This is a bit surprising, given how long these pistols have been around and what a good reputation they have as man-stoppers. If any forum members can provide chapter and verse of actual use, this would be of interest to me and perhaps to Hawkmoon as well.

Best,

Hunt

[OD*]

I haven't seen any accounts of the pistol being used in combat.

You need to look closer is all.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/legends/rdshughart.htm
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/legends/djohnson.htm
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/legends/serious.htm

[frodo_lives]

I can't think of any other firearm that has such a rich and diverse history. One small example is I keep looking for one of the Norwegian 1911s made under German occupation during WWII which supposedly had Nazi markings.

[RandyColt]

Charles W. Clawson wrote the definitive book on the 1911/1911A1 service pistol, circa 2003, it quickly sold out and is now bringing $650-$850. Even his paperback edition is now bringing a premium over the $35 cover price. His new book on the commercial models is due out very soon. I am sure that also will sell out quickly.

[hunt janin]

This book doesn't seem to be available at any reasonable price. I have the impression -- correct me if I'm wrong -- that it was originally published a considerable time ago. If it is going to be reprinted, how can one get a copy?

Best,

Hunt

[RandyColt]

Clawson's first book was just published in 1998, but in a very small quantity. the usual gun book dealers sold out very quickly at about $50 each and it is now only available on the secondary market in the $650 to $850 range. I have seen two copies in the past year, both were marked $695 and they were sold. He also published a condensed paperback edition, which I own, with a cover price of $35, that book now brings $60+. If you have never seen the book, believe me it is worth the money. It is very detailed as to the manufacturing variations of the 1911/1911A1 service pistol. I know that $850 seems like a lot for a book but with the price of a good collectable 1911 reaching the $2000 to $3500 range if you avoid one costly mistake it would be money well spent. I am hoping that Clawson's new book on the commercial models will be as detailed and that it will include the recent models.