Preview: The .45 Caliber M1911 Automatic Pistol

by
posted on January 7, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The .45 Caliber M1911 Automatic Pistol

Longtime American Rifleman contributor Tom Laemlein has amassed an incredible array of period images illustrating the use of American military arms in war, peacetime and training.

Portrayal Press is now printing a selection of these images in a revised edition of Laemlein’s “American Firepower” series, beginning with The .45 Caliber M1911 Automatic Pistol.

“Compiling this book was by far the most difficult project I have ever taken on,” Laemlein said. “The difficulty arose from an overall lack of good quality photos of the pistol in action. In most combat situations, if you have to rely on your pistol, the time is long past for taking photographs!”

The comprehensive study, which contains more than 200 pictures across 167 pages, illustrates the remarkable longevity of the M1911 from its early combat use in 1914 until the end of its military service in the 1980s.

Other titles in the “American Firepower” series are also being revised, including The M1 Carbine, U.S. Bolt Action Rifles, The Browning Automatic Rifle and The M1 Garand.

MSRP is $30. For more information, visit portrayalpress.com.

Latest

260909NRA
260909NRA

NRA Launches "ARC Across America" National Challenge

The National Rifle Association is inviting Americans, coast-to-coast, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States—and the freedom for which it stands—by exercising their rights by participating in the "ARC Across America" National Challenge.

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics

Sightmark now offers two different prismatic optics for carbines and shotguns.

Q&A: Getting the Lead Out of Revolver Cylinders & Barrels

One American Rifleman reader wrote in, asking how to clean lead build-up out of his Colt revolver and also prevent lead from building up with his cast bullets.

Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun

Over the past two decades, the world of BB guns has gotten way more sophisticated than the simple muscle-powered models of our youth. A case in point is Crosman’s new-for-2026 Raiden.

New Dragons: Managing Muzzle Flash From Today's Suppressors

Muzzle flash has always been an issue for those who employ firearms seriously, and with today's crop of suppressors, there are design elements to be aware of.

Gun of the Week: Mossberg 590R Chisel

For those who are seeking a shotgun that's a bit more heavy-duty, Mossberg's 590 line offers plenty of options, and one of the latest is the striking 590R Chisel.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.