The history of most firearms is quite compelling. For the most part, they were born out of necessity, such as for combat purposes, for self-defense, or for hunting game for food. The history of the 1911 is no less compelling. As one of the most popular and one of the best pistols ever invented, the Springfield 1911 is reliable, durable, easy to use, and easy to carry.
RailScales offers the best 1911 grips, as well as hand stops, M-LOK and Keymod vertical grips, forend grips, and more. Our mission is to make your shooting more comfortable by improving your grip and by ensuring your hands are protected from the heat of rapid fire with our rail covers. Family-owned and operated, our small business values our customers, and we are always looking for ways to improve. Below, we'll take a look at the history of the 1911. Shop our top-rated rail covers today!
HISTORY OF THE 1911
It was during the war over the Philippines with Spain in 1898 where the military found their current pistols sorely lacking. The Americans fought Moro tribesmen in the southern islands in hand-to-hand combat. Many of their foe used knives in warfare. The US soldiers were only armed with .30 caliber Krag or Springfield bolt-action rifles and .38 caliber double-action revolvers. The rifles were effective, but the handguns lacked stopping power. It got so bad that the US resurrected old 1873 Colt revolvers in .45 caliber in order to stop their attackers. After the war, it was determined that the military needed a .45 caliber pistol or revolver in order to have the stopping power needed in confrontations. Thus, the search was on.
Browning's Design
John M. Browning has been called "The Father of Automatic Fire." His firearm designs were innovative and beyond what anyone else was creating. His pistol design was a magazine-fed, single-action semi-automatic pistol with manual and grip safeties. It was simple, durable, and reliable when tested. A lanyard ring was added specifically for horse soldiers so their horse would not get accidentally shot. The Army adopted the firearm on March 29, 1911, becoming known officially as the Model 1911. The US Navy and Marines followed suit, adopting this model in 1913.
The 1911 officially saw combat duty in 1916 when Pancho Villa attacked New Mexico. In response, we attacked back, with the Model 1911 in tow. With World War I, the 1911 stood up the trials of warfare superbly, proving reliable and effective against the enemy.
After the war, the Model 1911 saw a few modifications, such as sights, a shorter trigger, an arched mainspring housing, and longer grip safety spur. During this time, the 1911 began to be used by law enforcement officers, as well as Border Patrol, Prohibition Service, and the FBI. By World War II, the Model 1911 was the standard handgun for all the military, with over three million being produced during this time. Browning also invented the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and many machine guns. Suffice it to say that Browning played a huge role in the defense of freedom in the 20th century.
CHOOSE RAILSCALES FOR ALL YOUR AR ACCESSORIES AND HAND GUARDS TODAY
In 2014, we at RailScales saw a lack of quality rail covers and hand guards that could do the job they were meant to do. We started our company with the desire to produce the best textured G-10 scales for AR-15 Keymod and MLOK rail systems. G-10 is a fiberglass composite material that is thin and super durable. It will protect your hands and offer a better grip on your firearm. We offer our rail covers in a variety of colors so you can match your firearm or let it stand out from the crowd. The tough material of our rail grips and covers will not let you down.
Our patented Ascend™ 1911 Scales are made out of our G-10 material with the same texture as our RailScales. Our unique 1911 grip design covers more area and is almost impervious to your brain that it is there. Each set of our 1911 grips coes with our custom 416 stainless steel screws that have been heat treated and black oxidized. If you are looking for the best 1911 grips, order yours from RailScales today!
Related RailScales Products for Your AR and 1911 Builds
If you're running a 1911 or AR-platform firearm, RailScales has custom solutions that bring modern form and function to proven classics:
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Ascend™ 1911 G10 Grips – Featuring a flush profile with aggressive yet refined texture that aids draw, retention, and control without snagging.
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Karve® & Karve-P™ Handstops – Aluminum or HTP® variants that allow precise indexing while reducing snag and adding a modern touch to vintage setups.
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Anchor® & RSB® Vertical Grips – Ultra-lightweight M-LOK grips that match the minimalist approach many 1911 shooters prefer in their rifle setups.
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XOS® & XOS-H® G10 Rail Covers – Heat-blocking, low-profile panels that fit seamlessly with RailScales grips and improve control under sustained fire.
FAQ: The 1911 and RailScales
Q: Are the Ascend™ 1911 grips compatible with all 1911 models?
A: Our Ascend™ G10 grips are precision cut to fit standard Government size 1911 frames. Always check fitment notes or contact us directly for custom variants.
Q: Why use G10 grips on a 1911 instead of wood or rubber?
A: G10 offers a superior grip texture, is immune to moisture and oil, and won’t warp or degrade over time. It also handles recoil well and looks sharp on modern or vintage builds alike.
Q: How do RailScales grips compare to traditional 1911 grip materials?
A: Traditional grips like wood and rubber may offer style or some comfort, but G10 delivers a modern advantage in durability, texture retention, and control—especially in harsh conditions or tactical applications.
Q: Can I use RailScales rail covers with a rifle that matches my 1911 in finish or style?
A: Yes. Many shooters opt for matching their G10 grip color with their rail covers for a consistent aesthetic across pistol and rifle builds. Available in various colors including black, coyote, OD green, and more.
From the trenches of WWI to the modern-day range, the 1911 remains a symbol of craftsmanship and rugged performance. And whether you’re preserving that legacy with traditional form or modernizing it with cutting-edge components, RailScales ensures your grip is always rock-solid—on pistol or rifle alike.
Disclaimer:
This blog content was generated by a human and with the aid of artificial intelligence. It may contain errors or inaccuracies and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. This content is for SEO/entertainment purposes only and the views expressed in this content does not necessarily reflect the views of RailScales LLC. For more information, please refer to bullet point #13 on our FAQ.