With that kind of intensive coverage of just this one single pistol type, the ubiquitous 1911 of John Browning design, we inside the gun industry are sometimes tempted to say “Enough already!”
But the truth is there is an undeniable craving by America’s gun consumers for this wildly popular semi-automatic pistol and the seemingly unending variants its many makers can come up with.
And you know what? You’re all gonna need a book or two on the subject to go along with this most famous piece of firearms hardware. Here are my top three picks that every 1911 owner should have in their library.
• 1911: The First 100 Years by Patrick Sweeney—No one knows this gun and its history like Pat Sweeney. Part tribute, part historical evaluation, part current-day state-of-the-1911, this all encompassing look at everyone’s favorite .45 ACP is a thoroughly satisfying read.
• Gun Digest Big Fat Book of the .45, by Patrick Sweeney—Pat wouldn’t know the gun as well as he does and not know the ammo it was designed for. In this volume, you’ll learn about this round’s origins, get tips on handloading, and see the many places in history where this round has left its mark.
• Make Ready with Dean Caputo: 1911 Armorer’s Bench—There are more ways to customize a 1911 than you can shake a holster at, and expert law enforcement armorer Dean Caputo helps you sort through what works and doesn’t on this fabulous DVD. You’ll want to hook a TV and player up on your workbench for this one, because Dean walks you through everything from basic disassembly and trigger pulls to maintenance, getting through mechanical difficulties, parts fittings, and more. An invaluable tool for the avid 1911 shooter and home gunsmith.
