This article provides a unique perspective on the Colt 1911 for both those who love it and those who can't stand another repetitious magazine blurb.

This a much improved and expanded Second Edition of "The Colt 1911 - A Mechanical Engineer's Perspective." Based on customer comments, the original 14 page text only article has been rewritten and expanded to more than 50 pages with pictures. An added Appendix includes recommended references, diagrams, and the text of the 1904 Thompson - La Garde Report.

Original comparison photographs of a 1913 vintage Colt 1911 and a modern Kimber 1911 are used to illustrate significant changes made to the Colt design. The author offers his professional judgment and person opinion on the "improvements" made in the last 100 years.

Have you ever wondered why the Colt 1911 has certain featues such as grip and thumb safeties, a wide hammer that sometimes "bites", the plunger tube and grip bushings, etc.?

How has the design survived for so long, even thrived in the world of competition shooting and self-defense?

How would the Glock 21 or the Beretta M9 have done in the pistol trials of 1910?

This work is the author's opinion based on experience and 50 years of reading and research on Colt 1911 pistols. It assumes the reader has some knowledge and experience with the 1911 handgun.

It is the author's conjecture regarding the process used by Government, John Browning, and Colt Firearms to develop the most significant semi-automatic pistol of the 20th Century and possibly the last pistol to be designed to kill men efficiently.

It is not a detailed "how to" for new 1911 shooters but will be of interest to those who want a unique perspective.