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

A lot of information about the 1911. Very informative

This is a great reference manual.

This is an awesome book!!

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

Superb reference

For the knowledge & info in this book I definitely rate it a 5 star. It may be small in size but it is a huge wealth of info & history on the Colt 1911 / 1911A1 as well as the off-shoots built under license. I am very happy with this book although time will tell if it will structurally hold together ? In terms of price this book can't be beat ! I look at my collection of books on the 1911's & I really believe if you're just into Colts along with the off-shoots of the time (Springfield Armory,Remington Rand,Ithaca,Singer,etc,etc.)this book should definitely be on your shelf,in fact along with Walt Kuleck's book "The M1911 Complete Owner's Guide" really that's all a person would need to have for reference to enjoy these fine pistols.These two books cover it all at a decent price! THANKS Joe,Craig & all the team players involved in this book,a definite asset for the Colt 1911 / 1911A1 owner & lover, 5 Stars !

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.