The US, the Philliphines, and the birth of an American legend

Reading Schoonover this weekend reminded me of a connection to a caliber and firearm that was and is the quietensetialy American pistol. While the .45 has evolved with companies such as Heckler and Koch, Glock (my personal favorite), Kimber, and most recently the Brazilian manufacturer Taurus; the gun is ingrained with the remembrance of its original name, the Colt 1911 Government Issue .45 semi-automatic sidearm.

You are most likely thinking right now that the crazy southerner has gone of his rocker again, but unfortunately for you I have not.

The Colt .45 was developed when the .38 was insufficient to stop Philiphine rebels who were often under the influence of strength altering drugs. Furthermore, US troops found that insurgent warfare required the ability to stop a motivated opponent with the first shot. The Army’s answer was to have Colt firearms develop a new pistol. It was initially issued as a revolver but the soon infamous semi-auto was issued. It served US troops in World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and with decreasing use in the First Gulf War. In an effort to deal with things such as the Geneva Convention and the international use of the 9x19mm shell; the US switched to the 9mm in 1990.

The .45 is an interesting firearm for our class for two reasons. I am assuming that despite its reliability, effectiveness for self-defense, and enjoyment it provides on the range, you are most likely interested in its historical importance and relevance to class.

First, the weapon can be understood as the evolution of American arms supremacy. Despite the fact that at times the Germans and Japanese may have had better tools for a time, the .45 illustrates the continual growth of American armaments into being the best in the world. The .45 grew with each war to accommodate the needs of a modernizing army.

Second, at the turn of a new century the US has found itself again fighting a highly motivated, rebel force in an occupied country. US troops (especially the special operations) have found the newer, less powerful 9mm insufficient for one-shot effectiveness. They have returned to the .45 to regain a capability lost in attempt for uniformity. Interestingly, the .45’s used the most are the Heckler and Koch (German), Glock (Austrian), Colt (US), and the Kimber (US). Two out of the four are internationally made (however they do come from one of the century’s other great arm manufacturers).
I hope you found this tangent somewhat interesting. Good night.

http://www.m1911.org/history.htm