Colt .45 (M1911), USA, 1940s. John Browning and Samuel Colt designed this semi-automatic pistol to replace the variety of revolvers in use in the U.S. military. It served American forces from 1911 until 1985. With its high stopping power, robust construction, and delayed blowback action to cope with the recoil of the powerful .45 ACP (‘Automatic Colt Pistol’) round, the M1911 became one of the archetypal firearms of the 20th century. Its system provided a model for all modern centre-fire pistols. Transferred to the Museum via the National Museums Consortium in 1989; 1989.31.8 [HH 01/10/2010]