The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols (For Collectors Only)

Up until now, I only had 2 Joe Poyer books in my collection...I tended to pass them over, based on a preference for hardbound books. My impression was that other, more expensive hardbound books contained the same or better content. Well, I have to say that I was wrong. I recently purchased the 2nd Edition, Revised & Expanded of "The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols," by Joe Poyer, and I'm very glad that I did. This is an excellent book for the collector. The book is full of black and white photos showing very specific characteristics that collectors may use to determine the make and originality of what appears to be every 1911 part, and many accessories. The use of arrows to point to examples of exact physical characteristics is profuse. I was impressed with the coverage of holsters and web gear. The book seems to cover every mark that can possibly be found on an M1911/M1911A1, and later Colt versions. I was also interested to read more about the later production, General model 1911's that are covered in the book. The first edition had a blue cover, and the 2nd edition has a red cover. It just came out last month. I'm giving this book 4.5 stars, which rounds up to 5. The main reason I don't call out a full 5 stars for the book is probably getting to be a broken record for some who read my reviews, but my reason is that the book does not contain any listing of manuals. The book does an excellent job of documenting almost every collector accessory associated with M1911 pistols, but does not include a section on manuals, which are intriguing collector accessories for these pistols. There are many manuals that could have been included, as well as a couple of posters. If Mr. Poyer happens to read this, and would like to include a manual section in the next edition of this book, I am more than happy to contribute to that effort with my writing and/or manual examples. That would make the book much more complete, in my opinion. I can be contacted at dalbert at biggerhammer dot net. The only other callouts I will make are that there are more styles of military .45 ammunition boxes that could have been included, although a good job was done on ammunition coverage. Since the book also covers commercial M1911's, commercial ammunition could be an expansion opportunity, although the space required might be prohibitive. The book does pretty well without an index, although I always prefer to see one. So, great job on this book, and I know I will reference it frequently. It's a handy volume of 536 pages that I'm sure will remain in print, and continue to be updated for many years to come. David Albert

Lots of data in here for collectors to verify their property. As well as for restorers to make sure they get the right parts to put their collectables. There are two books I go to for cross referencing this is one of them.

So comprehensive and authoritative. Already sorted me out in several 1911 transactions re: condition and specifics of manufacturing and nuances of identification. Came to me by recommendation from Dr. Nelson Ford, the Gunsmith, Phx., AZ. Passing it on.

Very detailed. Very thorough. If you're going to purchase or sell an older 1911 or 1911Aa please read this book. The world of military surplus is now, more than ever, fraught with peril. An unscrupulous dealer can quote artificial statistics to devalue what you're selling, or worse, buy fake tooling to fake stamps on an older gun. Poyer does a great job detailing the 1911s. I bought it specifically because I did have an original 1911 made in 1918 with the original "Army Black" finish. I had an interested buyer, but the buyer's buddy was an "expert" on old guns. Unfortunately for all of us, the buddy was wrong about some of the acceptance marks used. He was "positive" that my 1918 Colt should have had a specific stamp carrying the initials of a US inspector. Since my Colt didn't have them (none in 1918 did, the inspector in question didn't start his job till the 20's), my gun "must be fake". The buyer walked away and I bought Poyer to take with me on sales from then on. I was able to sell the gun later (for more, so I should be happy). No one can know everything about these wonderful old pistols. And there are exceptions to most rules, as occurs during war time. Have a reference before you buy or sell. You'll make or save more than the price of the book.

If you want to know about the 1911 pistol designed by Browning then you need this.

Good basic book for 1911 collectors. Not perfect, but can be used in a general sense, and photos and charts are adequate.

The 1911 "Bible". If you have a 1911 or a 1911A1, this book will tell you everything about your pistol you ever wanted to know, and then some! It covers all the different makers, variations, inspectors markings, number of guns produced, serial number ranges, when the gun was manufactured, rare variants, etc., etc. It even covers the various grip scales, magazine variations, and government-issued accouterments like magazine pouches and holsters. A must-have if you have a military or commercial 1911/1911A1 and want to know about the gun. Highly recommended - especially if you are considering purchasing (or selling) one of these iconic American pistols - they are getting evermore pricey and it is easy to get "burned" if you don't know what you're doing - this book will educate you in all you need to know to make an informed decision, either in buying or selling "America's gun."

Super DEEP dive into the legendary M1911. In use by US Military for 80 plus years all over the world. One of the most recognizable and respected firearms of all time. If you collect or just love 1911s this is the book you need.

Sehr ausführliches Werk zur Colt 1911!

図説や画像が多く、整然と説明されていて英語が苦手な自分でも分かりやすく読むことが出来る。 M1911好きならば持っていて損は無い良書。

I must say i was a little sceptical about buying this book, as i was sure it would be full of stuff i probably already know, or it would be a mixture put together of the vast array of books on the 1911 that are already out there, but i couldnt be more wrong, this book is crammed full of information for collectors and alike, it goes in depth about the different variations, parts, grips, magazines, serial numbers etc, to numerous to mention here, and an excellent reference book. Im sure you wont be dissapointed, an excellent book, well worth buying.

Good

Es ist nicht sehr hochwertig gedruckt, aber sehr umfangreich. Würde sagen: Ein preiswertes Lexikon für alle 1911er Freunde.