For help identifying 1911 style guns, see 1911 Gallery.
The M1911A1 pistol and variants are used by the following actors in the following movies, television series, anime, and video games:
Specifications
(1911 - Present)
Type: Pistol
Caliber: 11.43x23mm/.45 Automatic Colt Pistol(ACP)
(Various calibers in clone copies including .22 LR, .380 ACP, .38 Super, 9x19mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, 10mm Auto, and .45 GAP)
Capacity: 7+1 (original), 8, 9, 10, 15,(all single stack mags for original M1911A1) 30 drum. Various capacities for clone copies.
Fire Modes: Semi-automatic (single action)
Information
M1911 to M1911A1 comparison pictures.
The 1911 pistol is considered by many gun collectors and veterans to be the greatest self-loading pistol ever made and the grandfather of the modern handgun, which despite its age is still used alongside modern pistols today. Designed by John Moses Browning in 1910 with patent dates going as far back as 1897, the .45 caliber pistol was adopted into the U.S. military arsenal February 14, 1911. Browning had combined traits of his former pistols and built a prototype around the recently-developed .45 ACP round. The end result was the M1911.
Browning sold the pistol to Colt, the first major company that would market the handgun. During initial testing in the military trials, the M1911 fired 1,000 rounds flawlessly, becoming the first self-loading pistol to pass with a 100% grade. After World War I, the military modified the M1911 design to optimize it for combat, adding a slightly larger ejection port, shortening the trigger, extending the grip safety tang to help prevent "slide bite", and adding an arched mainspring housing to allow the gun to better fit in the user's hand. The new firearm was called the Colt M1911A1. Many companies manufactured the M1911 for the U.S. military besides Colt, including Remington and Springfield Armory. The M1911A1's power and reliability kept it in circulation through the Korean and Vietnam Wars before the pistol began showing its age. However, it should be noted that at the time that the military began looking for a new sidearm, no new M1911's had been purchased since 1945 (note; this statement only applies to large contract orders, many small special purpose purchases have been made for 1911 pattern pistols since). In the 1980's, the U.S. Military held new military trials, during which they tested numerous pistols, the finalists being the SIG-Sauer P226 and the Beretta 92F. Due to the high price of the SIG-Sauer's magazines, the Beretta 92F was chosen to replace the M1911A1, a highly controversial decision to this day.
The M1911A1 remains alive in the hands of many gun enthusiasts and many U.S. Military special forces. Modern incarnations include models built by Colt, responsible for the M1911A1, Commander and Officers series, and Springfield Armory which faithfully continues building 1911's based on their original designs. Para USA (formally Para-Ordnance) manufactures a number of high-capacity double stack variations, including the P13, P14 and the LDA (Light Double Action). Kimber, who is acknowledged as the first large scale factory mass produced "custom" 1911 manufacturer, produces versions such as the Desert Warrior and the Custom TLE II, variations that are used by some special forces and SWAT teams.
Countless foreign copies are also in circulation, including Llamas, Mausers, and Argentinian clones. Despite being around 100 years old, the 1911 pistol continues to be manufactured with almost no major design changes, and has proven itself as one of the most popular handguns ever made.
Colt Variants
M1911
Original Colt M1911 (dated 1913) - .45 ACP
M1911 - .455 Webley, a licensed handgun to the British Armed Forces during and after World War 1, later issued to members of the R.A.F. and Royal Navy
The original M1911 first issued to the U.S. Military during WWI. When identifying, note a smaller ejection port (not visible in photo), smaller grip safety spur, original diamond cut checker wood grips, a flat mainspring housing (on the rear of the grip below the grip safety), longer trigger, lack of trigger finger recess frame cuts, and a larger hammer spur.
Film
Television
Anime
Video Game
M1911A1
Pre-War Colt M1911A1 Pistol - Commercial Model known as the "Colt Government Model" - .45 ACP. This has a deep Colt factory blued finish, common for commercial variants before and after the war.
World War II Colt M1911A1 Pistol - .45 ACP. This was an issued U.S. Army pistol with parkerized finish, thus the official designation of M1911A1
Satin Nickel M1911A1 Pistol - .45 ACP. Manufactured on license by Remington Rand - nickel plated later by it's owner.
Rock Island Armory M1911A1 Pistol that was
bright nickel plated by the owner (with Pearl grips) - .45 ACP.
Nickel Plated M1911A1 Pistol with brown grips - .45 ACP
The U.S. military was re-issued the 1911 pistol in 1924, now designated the M1911A1. Changes to the gun included a larger ejection port, a shortened trigger, a longer grip-safety spur and slightly shaved hammer spur to prevent hammer bite, serrated front sight, a curved mainspring housing, simplified checkered grips (although diamond grips still appeared on some), and relief cuts around the trigger guard on the frame.
Note many in the list below could actually be Colt Mark IV Series 70/80 Government Models, Springfield Armory, or another manufacturer. Instead of a former military issued M1911A1, unless its a war film. Since the markings of the gun aren't always clear, M1911A1 is a catch-all term. Being most 1911 manufacturers pistols are based off the M1911A1 platform.
Film
Television
Anime
Video Games
Game Title
|
Appears As
|
Notes
|
Release Date
|
Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty |
|
Unusable |
1999
|
Hidden & Dangerous |
|
|
1999
|
Medal of Honor (1999) |
|
|
1999
|
Fallout Tactics |
"Colt M1911 A1" |
Erroneously holds 12-rounds |
2001
|
Devil May Cry |
|
Extensively customized with unlimited ammo |
2001
|
Commandos 2: Men of Courage |
"M1911A" |
With unlimited ammo |
2001
|
Ghost Recon |
|
Nickel-plated, unusable |
2001
|
Return to Castle Wolfenstein |
|
Can be dual-wielded |
2001
|
Grand Theft Auto III |
|
|
2001
|
Battlefield: 1942 |
|
|
2002
|
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault |
|
Nickel-plated |
2002
|
Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven |
|
|
2002
|
Medal of Honor: Frontline |
"Colt .45" |
|
2002
|
Forgotten Hope |
|
|
2003
|
Vietcong |
|
|
2003
|
Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory |
|
Can be dual-wielded, erroneously holds 8-rounds, and has an optional sound suppressor |
2003
|
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness |
"M-V9" |
Custom version with front cocking serrations, erroneously chambered in 9mm and holds 12-rounds |
2003
|
Commandos 3: Destination Berlin |
|
With unlimited ammo |
2003
|
Hidden & Dangerous 2 |
"Colt 1911" |
|
2003
|
Call of Duty (2003) |
|
|
2003
|
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun |
|
|
2003
|
Medal of Honor: Infiltrator |
|
|
2003
|
Battlefield: Vietnam |
|
Erroneously holds 9-rounds |
2004
|
Söldner: Secret Wars |
|
|
2004
|
Shellshock Nam '67 |
"9mm" |
Standard and suppressed versions |
2004
|
Call of Duty: United Offensive |
|
|
2004
|
Conflict: Vietnam |
|
Suppressor can be attached |
2004
|
Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault |
|
With bright, wooden grips |
2004
|
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |
|
Standard and heavily customized versions |
2004
|
S.W.A.T. 4 |
|
Equipped with a tactical flashlight, erroneously holds 8-rounds, and can fire JHP and FMJ ammunition |
2005
|
Close Combat: First to Fight |
".45 Pistol" |
|
2005
|
Cold Fear |
|
Two-tone with laser and weaponlight |
2005
|
Forgotten Hope 2 |
|
|
2005
|
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas |
"9mm" |
Standard and suppressed versions, erroneously holds 17-rounds |
2005
|
Vietcong 2 |
"M-1911 A1" |
|
2005
|
Call of Duty 2 |
|
|
2005
|
Shadow the Hedgehog |
|
|
2005
|
Condemned: Criminal Origins |
".45 Cal" |
Erroneously holds 9-rounds |
2005
|
Darkest Hour: Europe '44-'45 |
|
|
2005
|
Project Reality |
|
|
2005
|
Hitman: Blood Money |
"Custom 1911" |
Heavily customized |
2006
|
Scarface: The World is Yours |
|
With a suppressor, erroneously holds 12-rounds |
2006
|
Call of Duty 3 |
|
Available only in multiplayer |
2006
|
Rainbow Six: Vegas |
|
Nickel-plated, unusable |
2006
|
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl |
"Kora-919" |
|
2007
|
Little Busters! |
|
|
2007
|
Medal of Honor: Airborne |
Colt M1911A1 Pistol |
Can be upgraded with quick draw holster to switch weapons with the pistol faster, a match trigger to improve rate of fire, and "Magnum" rounds for increased fire power. |
2007
|
7.62 High Calibre |
"M1911 A1" |
|
2008
|
Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 |
|
Nickel-plated, unusable |
2008
|
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots |
|
Can be unlocked via password |
2008
|
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky |
"Kora-919" |
|
2008
|
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames |
|
Unusable |
2008
|
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 |
|
Has golden ring hammer, golden safety switch, slide release, and pearl grips but unusable |
2008
|
Call of Duty: World at War |
"Colt M1911" |
Standard version erroneously holds 8-rounds and "Holy Pistol" version firing grenades, also the hammer is always cocked |
2008
|
Mirror's Edge |
|
Erroneously holds 8-rounds |
2008
|
Art of Murder: Hunt for the Puppeteer |
|
Standard and nickel-plated versions |
2009
|
Art of Murder: Cards of Destiny |
|
|
2009
|
1968 Tunnel Rats (VG) |
|
|
2009
|
X-Men Origins: Wolverine |
|
Standard and nickel-plated versions but aren't usable |
2009
|
ArmA II |
|
Erroneously used by USMC Force Recon units and snipers, also by British Army units |
2009
|
Cross Fire |
|
|
2009
|
Bioshock 2 |
|
Seen on a poster, unusable |
2010
|
Heavy Rain |
|
Has tan checked grips |
2010
|
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker |
|
With optional suppressor |
2010
|
Mafia II |
|
Standard version and special costume version with 23-rounds |
2010
|
Battlefield Play4Free |
"M1911" |
Basic, "veteran" (more ammo/high damage) and "elite" (more high damage/has tan grips) versions |
2011
|
L.A. Noire |
|
|
2011
|
Duke Nukem Forever |
"M1911" |
Heavily customized, gold-plated and fitted with laser aiming module |
2011
|
Rage |
|
Very worn blued finish, the finish is worn completely off the slide, used only by enemies |
2011
|
7554 |
"Colt 1911" |
|
2011
|
Batman: Arkham City |
|
seen on unlockable concept art |
2011
|
NCIS: The Video Game |
Various models |
Seen on poster |
2011
|
World War II Online: Battleground Europe |
|
Released with v1.34 update |
2011
|
Max Payne 3 |
|
Standard and gold-plated versions, erroneously holds 8-rounds |
2012
|
Project Reality: Vietnam |
|
Used by Officer, Sniper and Pilot classes of the US Army and USMC factions |
2012
|
Sniper Elite V2 |
"Colt M1911" |
|
2012
|
Heroes & Generals |
"Colt M1911" |
|
2012
|
Arctic Combat |
|
|
2012
|
Aliens: Colonial Marines |
Armat M4A3 Service Pistol |
w/ various attachments |
2013
|
Project Reality: Normandy |
|
|
2013
|
Colt Government Model
Colt Government Model M1911A1 - .45 ACP
Stainless Colt Government Model M1911A1 - .45 ACP
Two tone Colt Government Model M1911A1 - .45 ACP
Aside from Colt selling the M1911A1 to the US military, the gun was also sold under the name "Colt Government Model" to the civilian market, and called the "Pre-Series 70" guns today.
Film
Television
Video Games
Anime
Title
|
Character
|
Note
|
Date
|
Aria the Scarlet Ammo |
Aria H. Kanzaki |
One with a blued finish, the other stainless steel |
2011
|
Colt MK IV Series 70
The Colt MK IV Series 70 was an improvement over the M1911A1/Government Model by redesigning the barrel bushing to grip the barrel and give the production gun much improved accuracy. These "collet" bushings worked well but were prone to breaking due to being smaller than the slide diameter, hence the original bushing was made standard once again in in 1988.
Colt MK IV Series 70 - .45 ACP
Colt MK IV Series 70, Nickel finish - .45 ACP
Film
Television
Anime
Colt MK IV Series 80
Blued Colt MK IV Series 80 - .45 ACP
Colt MK IV Series 80 with extended magazine - .45 ACP
Colt MK IV Series 80 Stainless - .45 ACP
Colt M1991A1 Series 80 - .45 ACP
Colt MK IV Series 80 Blued with Pearl Grips - .45 ACP
Colt MK IV Series 80 Enhanced - .38 Super. Enhanced models feature a skeleton hammer and a slide with slanted serrations and a sight rib.
The Colt MK IV Series 80 was first produced in 1983 to replace the Series 70 and is notoriously known as the first 1911 to make major improvements to the design. The first major improvement was incorporating a new firing pin block safety system, where a series of internal levers and a plunger positively blocked the firing pin from moving until the trigger was pressed, thus eliminating the possibility of the gun discharging if dropped onto a hard surface or struck hard. The second improvement to the design was adding a re-designed half-cock notch. Instead of the old hook style, the flat-top style was made to eliminate the problem of the hook breaking when the hammer slipped and fell to half cock. You can tell the gun has this feature by pulling the trigger on half cock. If the hammer falls, the gun has this type of half-cock system. Since the hammer doesn't have a sufficient distance to fall on half-cock, the weapon will not discharge. Also the series 80's had three dot sights, unlike the old fashioned iron sights. Much like the Series 70, this gun was also sold with the "collet" type barrel bushing until 1988.
Film
Television
Video Game
Game Title
|
Referred as
|
Mods
|
Notation
|
Release date
|
Tomb Raider: Anniversary |
dual pistols |
with Commander ring-hammers |
always dual-wielded |
2007
|
Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite
Colt MK IV Series 80 Combat Elite - .45 ACP
Colt Combat Elite - .45 ACP
Film
Television
Anime
Video Game
Colt Gold Cup National Match
The Gold Cup National Match was a factory produced "custom" version of the Series 70 and Series 80 M1911A1 pistols that was purpose-built for improved accuracy, reliability, and handling in competitive shooting. Easily recognized by its raised adjustable sights and a sight rib on the top of the slide. Note the light hollowed trigger and slanted cocking serrations as well.
Colt Gold Cup National Match (Mark IV, Series 70) - .45 ACP
Colt Gold Cup National Match (Mark IV, Series 70) with Pachmayr grips - .45 ACP
Colt Gold Cup National Match (Mark IV, Series 80) - .45 ACP
Colt Gold Cup National Match (Mark IV, Series 80) with stainless steel finish - .45 ACP
Film
Television
Colt XSE
Colt XSE 1911 w/ picatinny rail and magazine removed - .45 ACP
A modern Colt 1911 with added front cocking serrations and a few cosmetic changes.
Film
Video Games
Title
|
Appears as
|
Mods
|
Note
|
Date
|
2 Spicy |
"Handgun" |
w/ picatinny rail |
holds 10 rounds |
2010
|
Colt Commander
Colt Combat Commander - .45 ACP
Colt Commander M1991A1 - .45 ACP
Colt Combat Commander with Satin Stainless Finish and wood grips - 9mm
Colt Combat Commander - 9mm
The Commander model 1911 is basically an M1911A1 with a 4.25" barrel (instead of 5") produced in various styles since 1951, and was chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum, .45 ACP, and .38 Super. There are several versions of the Commander. The original aluminum framed "Commander" was renamed the "Lightweight Commander" in 1970, when other versions of this type appeared. The "Combat Commander" is an all steel version introduced in 1970. Later versions include the Colt Commander Gold Cup National Match, the Combat Elite, and the Concealed Carry Officer's model, which mated the Commander slide & barrel with the smaller frame of the Colt Officer's Model.
Film
Television
Anime
Title
|
Character
|
Note
|
Date
|
Appleseed |
Athena |
|
1988
|
Colt Officer's ACP
Colt Officers ACP - .45 ACP
Colt Officers ACP M1991A1 Series 80 with ivory grips, used by
Al Pacino in
Heat
File:Pix1807193937-1-.jpg Colt Compact M1991A1 - .45 ACP - the Colt Compact is the Parkerized version of the Colt Officer's ACP
A 1911 with a 3.5" barrel and shorter grip frame, this weapon is commonly mixed up with the Colt Commander, which has a longer barrel, slide, and frame than the Officer.
Film
Television
Video Games
Title
|
Appears as
|
Mods
|
Notes
|
Release Date
|
Fallout: New Vegas |
A Light Shining In Darkness |
ASP 9-style Guttersnipe sights |
DLC |
2011
|
Colt Defender
Colt Defender (compact M1911) - .45 ACP
Specifications
(???? - Present)
- Barrel length: 3 in (7.6 cm)
- Capacity: 7 (.45 ACP), 9 (9x19mm)
Film
Video Games
Other Variants
AMT Hardballer
AMT Hardballer Longslide - .45 ACP
AMT Hardballer II - .45 ACP
AMT Hardballer with 5" barrel - .45 ACP
Film
Television
Video Games
Anime
Auto-Ordnance M1911A1
Auto-Ordnance M1911A1 - .45 ACP. This is a well worn blank adapted movie gun used in multiple World War 2 movies as a substitute for the Colt M1911A1
An Auto-Ordnance M1911A1 with Nickel plated finish and custom pearl grips. This is the screen used gun that was carried and fired by
John Travolta in the movie
Pulp Fiction
Although it sometimes has a longer trigger, it is impossible to differentiate from a genuine M1911A1 at a distance or in the hands of an actor. The easiest way to identify it is the slanted grooves on the slide. The Auto-Ordnance company is best known for its "Tommy guns", they also manufactured 1911 pattern pistols, at times to varying degree of quality depending on the ownership at time of production.
Film
Detonics ScoreMaster
Detonics ScoreMaster - .45 ACP
Detonics ScoreMaster (2nd Generation) with unfired rounds .45 ACP
Film
Television
Detonics CombatMaster
Detonics Combat Master with stainless steel finish - .45 ACP
Detonics Combat Master with stainless steel finish and Pachmayr grips - .45 ACP
Detonics Combat Master - .45 ACP
Film
Television
Anime
Title
|
Character
|
Note
|
Air Date
|
Karas |
Yakuza Boss |
|
2005-2007
|
Detonics ServiceMaster
Detonics ServiceMaster - .45 ACP
Film
Imbel M1911A1
"Industria de Material Bélico do Brasil" (IMBEL) makes several copies of the basic 1911 pattern, in several calibers.
Film
Infinity Tiki-T
Film
Television
Show Title
|
Actor
|
Character
|
Note / Episode
|
Air Date
|
CSI: Miami |
Emily Proctor |
Calliegh Duquesne |
Stainless Steel Finish |
2002 -
|
Heroes |
Brea Grant |
Daphne Millbrook |
"Eris Quod Sum", Stainless Steel Finish |
2006 -
|
M45 / MEU(SOC)
Original MEU(SOC) Pistol - .45 ACP
MEU(SOC) Pistol, early version - .45 ACP
MEU(SOC) Pistol - .45 ACP
The M45 Pistol (previously called the MEU(SOC) Pistol) is based on the M1911A1 Pistol and has been the standard issue sidearm for the Force Recon Element of the United States Marine Corps' Marine Expeditionary Units since the mid-1980s. However, it has recently begun to be supplemented by the Kimber ICQB Pistol.
Television
Show Title
|
Actor
|
Character
|
Note / Episode
|
Air Date
|
Black and White |
|
Harbor City SWAT officer |
|
2009
|
Video Games
Norinco M1911A1
Norinco M1911A1 - .45 ACP
Norinco M1911A1 with nickel finish - .45 ACP
Chinese copy of the M1911A1.
Film
Remington Model 1911
Television
Title
|
Actor
|
Character
|
Note
|
Date
|
Top Shot - Season 4 |
Various |
Various |
"Trick Shot Shoot Off" (S04E07) "The Ultimate Prize" (S04E12) |
2012
|
Video Games
Title
|
As
|
Mods
|
Note
|
Date
|
Tomb Raider |
Tactical Pistol |
w/ various upgrades |
Model 1911 R1 Enhanced |
2013
|
Safari Arms .45
Safari Arms Matchmaster with Wood Grips - .45 ACP
Safari Arms with custom grips - .45 ACP
Film
Television
Amime
SIG-Sauer GSR
SIG-Sauer GSR with stainless steel finish and accessory rails - .45 ACP
Stainless SIG-Sauer GSR - 45 ACP
This is the M1911 version made by SIG-Sauer, GSR stands for Granite Series Revolution, The SIG Granite Series was awarded the 2004 Handgun of the Year Award by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.
Film
Television
Video Games
Strayer Voigt Infinity
Strayer Voigt Infinity 1911 - .45 ACP
Strayer Voigt Infinity 1911 with spare magazine and unfired rounds - .45 ACP
Film
Television
Anime
Video Games
STI Edge
Film
Television
Title
|
Actor
|
Character
|
Note
|
Date
|
Continuum - Season 2 |
|
Raul Wolford's guard |
"Second Thoughts" (S02E03) |
2013
|
Anime
Title
|
Character
|
Note
|
Date
|
Sky Blue |
Shua |
|
2002
|
STI Perfect 10
Television
STI Eagle 6.0
Video Games
Smith & Wesson SW1911
Smith & Wesson SW1911 Blued version - .45 ACP
Smith & Wesson SW1911 Stainless version with front slide serrations and integral rail on the frame - .45 ACP
Smith & Wesson SW1911SC (Scandium Commander) Ultra Light Weight - Blued version - .45 ACP The SW1911SC is no longer in production.
Smith & Wesson SW1911 Compact ES - .45 ACP
Film
Television
Video Games
Wilson Combat "Protector"
Wilson Combat "Protector" - .45 ACP
Wilson Combat makes the "Protector" in .45 ACP, 9x19mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, and 10mm.
Film
Blank Firing Replicas
Bruni 1911
The Bruni 1911 is an 8mm blank firing firearm. It was intended to imitate the M1911 and was also avaliable in chrome.
Bruni 8mm M1911 Blank gun (First Pattern).
File:C72 Kimar911 0.png Bruni 8mm M1911 Blank gun second pattern (The image is a Kimar 911 to represent the near identical firer).
Film
Television
Kimar 911
Italian manufacturer "Armi Chiappa" makes a blank firing 1911 replicas called "Kimar 911". Weapons come in 9mm PAK caliber (7+1 rounds) and 8mm blank caliber (10+1 rounds) and either black or 'nickel' finish. It is easily identified by its thick wooden grips with large screw holes. Minor drawback of the gun is completely unrealistic safety mechanism which visibly differs from the original 1911 one.
Film
Umarex Colt Government 1911 A1
Umarex Colt Government 1911 A1 - 9mm P.A.K. blanks
Umarex Colt Government 1911 A1 with nickel finish - 9mm P.A.K. blanks
A blank firing replica of the Colt M1911A1 (although with its higher profile sight sand straight mainspring housing it more closely resembles the Colt MK IV Series 80) manufactured by the German company "Umarex" which can be identified by its external extractor (as seen here).
Film
Television
KWC M1911A1
KWC M1911A1 inspired airsoft gun (sample)
KWC (‘Kien Well Corporation’) is a Taiwanese manufacturer of airsoft guns and markets a wide line of gas and spring powered airsoft guns. Part of their portfolio is a number of airsoft guns inspired by match-versions of the M1911A1, these guns can be identified by the manufacturer initials and ‘Made in Taiwan’ on the right side of the slide just above the forward section of the trigger guard.
Film
Non Firing Replicas
MGC M1911A1
MGC Replica M1911A1. Model Gun Corp of Japan made these excellent all metal replica handguns between the late 1960s and the early 1980s. A batch of original MGC M1911s were discovered and hit the market once again in the early 2000s for a limited time. Despite intentional dimensional differences between it and the real M1911A1, all the parts assemble and disassemble just like the real firearm.
MGC replica M1911A1 with silver finish
Film
See Also