1911 and 1911A1

[andrewdl007]

Can anyone tell me the exact difference between 1911s and 1911A1s? I know the 1911A1s were updated versions of the 1911 following the first world war but what were the exact changes? Also, what model do you prefer.
Thanks

 

[MrDig]

This Quote is from Wikipedia fwiw,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_1911

"Changes to the original design were minor and consisted of a shorter trigger, cutouts in the frame behind the trigger, a curved mainspring housing, a longer grip safety spur (to prevent hammer bite), a wider front sight, a longer spur on the thumb safety, and simplified grip checkering. Those unfamiliar with the design are often unable to tell the difference between the two versions at a glance. No internal changes were made."

 

[DMK]

Changes to the original design were minor and consisted of a shorter trigger, cutouts in the frame behind the trigger, a curved mainspring housing, a longer grip safety spur (to prevent hammer bite), a wider front sight, a longer spur on the thumb safety, and simplified grip checkering. Those unfamiliar with the design are often unable to tell the difference between the two versions at a glance. No internal changes were made.

I like the 1911A1 better actually. I can't think of how any of those changes would be undesirable and I prefer the shorter trigger pull and the curved mainspring housing.

I'd love to have an original 1st gen. 1911 (or even a decent repro or faithful copy) just because it would be cool to have in the collection, but I probably wouldn't shoot it much at all.