Something else to take into consideration is that the 1911 was used by more than one service, and by more than one branch within the respective services. These organizations sometimes had different ideas of how the pistol should be handled. For example, here is what the Landing-Force Manual, United States Navy, 1927 has to say:
Care and Handling
11-42. When the slide is in its forward position and the hammer is full cocked push the safety-lock up to lock the hammer.
11-43. The grip safety at all times automatically locks the trigger unless the grip safety is pressed in by firmly grasping the handle as in the firing position.
When the slide is drawn fully back to its rear position, if the magazine is empty the slide stop automatically locks the slide in its open position; if the magazine is not empty, and there is no jam, the slide when released will spring to its forward position unless it is locked by pressing the slide stop up into the recess on the slide.
When the pistol is fired and the slide remains open, it indicates either that that magazine is empty or that there is a jam.
To relieve a jam it is often necessary to remove the magazine.
To remove the magazine, press the magazine catch.
11-44. To load, charge the magazine with any number of cartridges from one to seven (with five for a string in the Navy courses); insert the magazine into the hollow of the handle with a quick continuous movement until the click of the magazine catch is heard; then draw the slide fully back and release it, thus cocking the pistol and bringing the first cartridge into the chamber. The pistol is now ready for firing.
11-45. With the magazine empty, the pistol can be used as a single loader by drawing back the slide, inserting a cartridge in the chamber, and pressing down the slide stop to release the slide.
11-46. After the pistol is single loaded (and locked as a safety precaution), a filled magazine may be inserted; the pistol then carries eight cartridges ready for use.
It is dangerous, however, to carry the pistol thus loaded, and except in emergencies, the pistol should be carried with the chamber empty. When cartridges are in the magazine, to cock, load the chamber, and fully prepare the pistol for use it is only necessary to draw the slide fully to the rear and release it.
11-47. Pressure must be entirely relieved from the trigger after each shot in order that the trigger may reengage the sear.
11-48. To inspect a pistol to see that it is unloaded, or to unload it, draw the slide to the rear and release it as often as is necessary until it automatically remains in the open position. If loaded, each time the slide is drawn to the rear a cartridge will be ejected.