The Browning pistol design was formally adopted by the US Army on March 29, 1911, and thus became known officially as the Model 1911. The US Navy and US Marine Corps adopted the Browning-designed pistol in 1913.101 years old and still going strong. What other mechanical device in use in the early 1900s is still being used today? Aside from indoor plumbing, I can't think of anything that's still even vaguely close to the same condition as the 1911 counterpart. Sure, we had electric light and phones in 1911, but the people living in 1911 wouldn't recognize a compact fluoresscent, nor would a 2011 college gradute be able to use a switchboard...
The 1911: Good for over 100 years and still going strong!
That is all.
11 comments:
I'd say that even indoor plumbing has changed more in that time, both in materials and assembly methods (PEX connected with clamps v. copper connected with lead-containing solder).
There may be some minor layout changes, too, but I would compare those to the change in design of the M1911A1.
All sorts of hand tools - screwdrivers and hammers haven't changed to speak of, and many woodworkers still prefer manual planes.
Non-self-loading firearms in general; there's precious little practical difference between a Remington 700 or a Ruger M77 and a pre-1900 Mauser, or any of the lever guns and those of the 1890s, or in revolvers in general...
Also, bicycles. The modern form was established by the 1890s, with derailleurs (in Europe, at least), the modern triangle frame, and pneumatic tires.
A great basic design has good longevity!
Browning's M2 .50 Caliber MG is not
far behind the 1911 in longevity.
They keep trying to come up with something that works as well and failing.
AND....runs on real black!!!
;-)
"What other mechanical device in use in the early 1900s is still being used today?"
It's gone through tweaks and nomenclature changes, but the basic modern S&W DA .38 revolver dates to a bit before that.
Actually there are a number of gun designs dating from the early 1900s that are still in use today. Some that are older, too. Winchester 1873 rifle, Winchester and Browning pump-action shotguns, Mauser-based bolt-action rifles, numerous single-action and double-action revolvers, Luger's P08 pistol, breech-loader howitzer...
For non-gun things, how about: the internal-combustion engine, Diesel engine, steam locomotive, radio, emulsion film (movie and still), Grand Central Station ...
"Browning's M2 .50 Caliber MG is not far behind the 1911 in longevity."
Well, what did you expect? It is, after all, a Browning. I believe there are even a lot of Browning thirty-cal MGs still in use in various 3rd world countries.
Let's not forget certain adult items that were used to treat women who suffered from 'hysteria'......
I'll be using a Browning A-5 in a match on Saturday. I'd say it's the match to any "modern" shotgun.
The 1911 is an obsolescent design with a microscopic market share, only kept alive by John Wayne wannabees.
Get a glock.
And send me your 1911's
(Grinning, ducking and running) - Full disclosure - I own a half dozen 1911's and not a single piece of combat tupperware.
Regarding the A5 - I rebuilt a really worn out example as an 18 inch bbl social gun, with peep rear and rifle front sight. Swapped it to a buddy of mine, who is still ragging me about it and refuses to swap it back. It is his very favorite gun.
"The 1911 is an obsolescent design with a microscopic market share, only kept alive by John Wayne wannabees."
No, that's the Colt Single Action Army. The M1911 is the one that's kept alive by Ahnuld wannabes. ;-)
I love the 1911 design. 101 years and it's still taking out the trash. Thanks JMB!
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