The M1911 is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning and adopted by the United States Army in 1911. It is chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge, known for its stopping power. The M1911 features a single-action mechanism, meaning the hammer must be cocked manually for the first shot, and it has a magazine capacity of seven to eight rounds, depending on the model. This firearm has a long history of use, serving in both World Wars and various conflicts since its introduction. The M1911 has influenced many modern handguns and remains popular among military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters today, often praised for its reliability and accuracy.