In 1911, the history of firearms changed forever with the adoption of the greatest pistol ever designed, the Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911--known today simply as the 1911. Now, in one fascinating, illustrated volume, authority Patrick Sweeney celebrates the 100th anniversary of the greatest fighting handgun ever designed, John M. Brownings legendary 1911 .45. From the predecessors of the 1911 and its contemporaries to the best of today's semi- and full-custom models, you'll find it in 1911: The First 100 Years. Lavishly illustrated with photographs collected from around the world, 1911: The First 100 Years is a fitting centennial tribute to a pistol that is today more popular than ever. For the collector, for the shooter, for the historian--for anyone interested in big-bore handguns or the evolution of this truly American classic, this is a must-have volume.