Colt Model 1971

In 1971 Colt unveiled a new modern service pistol, one which they believed was the natural successor to the venerable Colt M1911/A1. At first glance the Model 1971 looks very similar to the 1911, however, the new pistol incorporated some major changes. 

Developed by the Research and Development Department of Colt Industries’ Military Arms Division the M1971 was a double action, single action semi-automatic pistol. It was offered in 9x19mm (the primary chambering Colt planned to offered), .38 Super and .45 ACP with the two former calibres allowing the use of a double stack magazine for increased capacity while the .45 ACP pistol’s capacity was increased to 9 rounds. The pistol was designed by Robert E. Roy and a team at Colt between 1968 and 1970. The technical report Colt released with the pistol claimed that the increased magazine capacity (in 9mm) removes the need for troops to carry additional ammunition. The technical report on the pistol also had an interesting section about Colt’s Salvo Squeeze Bore concept;  a multiple projectile cartridge system which would in theory increase the pistol’s firepower.

Photograph of an early  M1971 from Colt’s March 1971 Technical Report

The new pistol was shorter than the 1911 and the M1971 was also 5 ounces lighter. The M1971 also boasted a slide-mounted decocker/hammer block safety similar to that seen on the Walther P38, this replaced the 1911′s manual and grip safeties. Colt used blued stainless steel alloys in both the frame and slide, this added expense was justified by Colt noting that the majority of M1911A1′s deemed unfit for service after time in storage was predominantly caused by corrosion. Colt’s aim was to introduce a new modern sidearm which could compete internationally and would compete with Smith & Wesson’s semi-automatic pistols like the Model 39 and Model 59. The M1971 was also prepared should the US military launch a trial programme for the replacement of the M1911A1.  The M1971 had the advantage of sharing the 1911′s ergonomics and battery of arms.

Colt SSP 9mm (source)

Approximately 30 to 50 M1971 pistols were produced; with no major sales interest Colt shelved the pistol until the US Department of Defense launched its Joint Service Small Arms Program in 1979. This saw the launch of pistol trials to replace the M1911A1. Colt resurrected the M1971 with some minor changes including an ambidextrous safety and a contained removable fire-control mechanism (see image #5). This new pistol which unlike the M1971 was not blued was rechristened the Colt Stainless Steel Pistol (SSP) with approximately 50 new pistols made. 

The Colt SSP was offered in 9mm, as requested by the trials’ specification, while the Salvo Squeeze Bore concept was not offered, .45 ACP examples do exist. The SSP competed against a number of contemporary pistols including the Walther P88, Smith & Wesson 459, Beretta 92, Sig Sauer P226 and Steyr GB and the HK P7. The first set of trials found Beretta’s 92 to be the winner, however, this was contested by the US Army and a new specification and trial (the XM9 trial) was launched in 1983, the SSP again competed but the Beretta won out with the Model 92 becoming the M9 in 1985.

Sources:

Image One & Two Source

Image Five Source

Colt Model 1971 Double Action Pistol, Technical Report 850-2112, March 1971, (courtesy of Chuck Kramer at Gunlab)

Colt Stainless Steel Pistol (SSP) Prototype (source)

Patents: 1 2 3 4 5

If you enjoy the content please consider supporting Historical Firearms through Patreon!