Timeless Design

Does patent number #US984519A mean anything to you? It should. It was issued to John M. Browning on February 14, 1911. It is, of course, the patent number for an American icon—the 1911 semi-auto pistol. As Richard Mann explains in his richly detailed account, “Time-Tested Appeal,” this design, though conceived more than a century ago, is no mere museum piece fondly remembered by the old guard. Instead, it remains relevant to shooters of all ages, and for a very good reason: it works.

“It’s a very rugged and durable design that fits the hands of most shooters, points naturally, and is accurate and reliable,” Mann says. “It can be, and has been, used effectively for duty, service, personal protection, competition, and hunting and has even morphed into compact, subcompact, and high-capacity configurations. The design is compatible with the most popular pistol cartridges and (this is important) it’s ideally engineered to facilitate simple and complex customization by virtue of today’s CNC and EDM manufacturing.”

One of the reasons the 1911 remains popular is the design lends itself to seemingly endless customization. Some of these custom models approach works of art and cost thousands of dollars; others, more modestly priced, focus more on function and reliability.

Retailers should take note of these developments, especially since Mann says “today consumers can have anything they want when it comes to the 1911. They can go direct to Wilson Combat, Novak, or a host of other custom 1911 builders and have a one-of-a-kind pistol created. Alternatively, they can purchase a custom ‘package’ gun with the most desirable custom features direct from one of these makers or even from dealers. Because Wilson Combat and other custom builders now have lucrative dealer programs to put high-quality custom 1911s under the glass in gun shops, the high-end custom 1911 is more accessible than ever. Prices generally start at around $2,500 and can exceed three times that much.”

There is also a less expensive and more available alternative-- go with a modern factory 1911 that’s been tricked out with a host of popular custom features like Novak sights, beavertail grip safeties, ambidextrous thumb safeties, unusual checkering and slide engraving, checkered grip frames, and a wide array of finish types and colors. Prices usually range from around $1,000 to $2,500. And the market also supports more affordable options that even a budget-conscious customer can afford.

“Through customization and modern manufacturing techniques, the 1911 has evolved from a very workmanlike service handgun to a highly refined pistol of seemingly infinite variations, in varying levels of quality, and at price points every American can afford. Its appeal is so extraordinary, owning only one never seems to be enough.”

And that, is truly good news for retailers.