Colt Model 1909
| Colt Model 1909 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | John Browning |
| Designed | 1909 |
| Manufacturer | Colt's Manufacturing Company |
| Produced | 1909 |
| No.built | 23 |
| Specifications | |
| Cartridge | .45 ACP |
| Action | Short recoiloperation |
| Feed system | 7-round detachable boxmagazine |
| Sights | Fixedopen iron sights |
TheColt Model 1909was a prototype automatic pistol developed byJohn Browningfor testing by the United States ArmyOrdnance Corpsin 1909.
History
[edit]Only 23 examples of the Model 1909 were produced byColt's Manufacturing Companyfor testing and evaluation by the United States ArmyOrdnance Corps.Nine M1909s were shipped to Lieutenant Col.John T. Thompson,who was at that time the Senior Assistant in the Office of the Chief of Ordnance.[1]The M1909 was an improvement on theColt Model 1907,which was an earlier design by Browning chambered in.45 ACPthat was turned down by theUnited States Department of Wardue to several issues, including constant jamming. In August 1909, Browning demonstrated his new automatic to Lieutenant Colonel Thompson by firing 500 rounds through it, demonstrating its superiority over the M1907. Thompson wrote a letter toSpringfield Armorymentioning that Browning would be arriving shortly with his M1909, so a team of officers was assembled and the new automatic was subjected to a series of standard tests. A total of 722 rounds was fired through the weapon. The M1909 was reported to have performed exceedingly well in contrast with the M1907. The excellent reviews prompted Colt to produce even more, which were tested by other factions such as theUnited States Cavalry.As opposed to the glowing reports from Springfield Armory, the Cavalry felt that the M1909 was unsafe and overcomplicated for use by regular recruits, as it had no safety. Browning decided, as a result, to design theColt Model 1910,and, in turn, theColt M1911.[2]
References
[edit]- ^http://www.coltautos.comArchived2006-01-17 at theWayback Machine
- ^Archived atGhostarchiveand theWayback Machine:Colt's Model 1909.45 ACP Pistol.YouTube.