The “Colt 1909 Automatic” – A Transitional Prototype

🔍 Not an official model, but part of experimental development prototypes made by John Browning and Colt between the Colt 1905 and the M1911.

📜 Historical Context

After military trials of the Colt Model 1905, the U.S. Army requested a more durable, safer, and effective semi-automatic sidearm in .45 ACP. In response, Colt and Browning developed a series of prototypes, starting around 1907 and continuing into 1909–1910.

🔧 Technical Features of the “1909” Prototypes

These pistols were essentially evolutionary improvements to the Colt Model 1905, and direct precursors to the Model 1910 and eventually the Model 1911. Common improvements included:

1. Improved Barrel Bushing and Recoil Spring Guide

• Enhanced reliability and accuracy.
• Disassembly simplified.

2. Internal Extractor Adjustments

• Smoother feeding and ejection compared to earlier models.

3. Modified Grip Safety

• Grip safety improved and redesigned.

4. Magazine release redesigned and repositioned

• The magazine release was moved to the side of the frame and positioned to be operated by the shooting hand’s thumb.

5. Load Indicator Eliminated
6. Slide Release/Lock Modified

• The slide release/lock was modified so that it was an integral part of the link pin.

 

✅ Summary

While the “Colt 1909 Automatic” was never an official production model, it refers to a critical series of prototype pistols developed by Colt and John Browning as they refined the .45 ACP semi-auto pistol design that would become the Colt M1911.

These pistols are obscure, extremely rare, and represent the bridge between experimental design and one of the most iconic handguns in history.