I know, the title is somewhat redundant, but this beats them all (sent by Reader Tony M., thankee — I think):
After 123 years, the immortal Colt-Browning 1911 pistol has finally left U.S. military service.
The immortal 1911 really has no historical equal. It has been the longest-serving sidearm in U.S. military history. Almost every company in the business of manufacturing handguns today makes some variation of the 1911.
And yet, it’s no longer good enough for our troops? To continue:
While nothing lasts forever, and while it’s easy to see the logistical advantage in a sidearm that uses the NATO-standard 9x19mm cartridge, it’s a sad day for gun aficionados, especially those of us with a fondness for John Browning’s 1911.
For those of little historical learning, I should point out that the reason that the U.S. Army adopted the Colt 1911 .45 ACP in the first place was that their .38 cartridges (similar to the 9x19mm) just weren’t killing savages efficiently. But of course, people who make “logistical” choices are seldom the same ones who actually have to shoot people dead.
Never mind: let our troops use three rounds of 9mm Europellet fired from their German-designed peashooters to do the same job as the .45 Automatic Colt Pistol bullet can do with one.
I’ll just continue to carry my 1911 and be glad of it.
Bah.
