Since publication two decades ago, Mr. Clawson's work has set the highest standard of U.S. 1911/1911A1 pistol reference and remains so today. The Colt Model of 1911 variants produced by the six prime manufacturers before/during two World Wars demands vast research, statistical collation and authoritative perspective. As with any work of this scope on a topic of this magnitude, there are a modest number of discrepancies, errors, mistaken conclusions and errata. From evolutionary development history to metallurgy to individual company summaries to shipping dates and beyond, the work has become essential for the advanced collector. It is also has unique merit as an interesting history of the most important American sidearm. Other works on the topic are few; Poyer, Harrison, Goddard, Meadows and others have produced worthwhile books, a shortened Clawson version also available at lower cost. Considering what has been learned so far and what is already known about the Model 1911 pistol, it is difficult to envision any new book surpassing "Colt .45 Service Pistols", it must be given the highest recommendation.Read full review
Expensive but good book.
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