Colt Double Eagle

The Colt Double Eagle is the logical development of the well-known Government Model M1911A1 in so far as it uses the same basic mechanism, but allies it to a double-action trigger mechanism and a choice of modern calibers.

Design

The Colt Double Eagle pistol uses a forged stainless steel receiver and slide, and the traditional Browning method of locking the barrel by means of a link pivoting on the slide locking pin axis. As the slide and barrel recoil, so the link draws the rear end of the barrel down in an arc, withdrawing the lugs on top of the barrel from recesses in the slide top.

By the time, this withdrawal is complete, the bullet has left the muzzle and the chamber pressure is well within safe limits; the barrel stops and the slide continues to the rear to eject the spent case and then return to load a fresh cartridge.

This, of course, leaves the hammer cocked ready to fire the next shot in single-action mode. But once the pistol is loaded, pressure on a decocking lever beneath the left butt grip allows the hammer to be lowered safely on the loaded chamber. From that position, simply pulling through the trigger in double-action mode will raise the hammer to full cock and then release it to fire.

Models

The Colt Double Eagle originally appeared in .45 ACP and 10 mm Auto calibers, with a 5-inch barrel. In 1991 these were augmented by 9 mm and .38 Super calibers with the same barrel length, and then by new models:

• the Colt Double Eagle Combat Commander was a .45 ACP pistol with a 4.25-inch (108 mm) barrel and a weight of 36 ounces (1020 grams);
• the Colt Double Eagle Officer’s ACP was in .45 or .40 S&W chambering with a 3.5-inch (80 mm) barrel, weighing 35 ounces (992 grams);
• the Colt Double Eagle Officer’s Lightweight was in .45 ACP chambering with a 3.5-inch barrel and a blued finish weighing only 25 ounces (708 grams).

All models have a high-profile three-dot sighting system, and an adjustable rear sight may be fitted. The finish is matt stainless steel or, in the case of the Colt Double Eagle Officer’s Lightweight, polished blue, while the grips are of impact-resistant synthetic Xenoy material.

Technical specification: Colt Double Eagle