Introduction
Designed by John Browning, the M1911 semi-automatic pistol was used in World War I and then upgraded to the M1911A1 in time for World War II. In regular army use until the 80s, ‘Old Slabsides’ is the classic American, .45 caliber handgun.
After building the Beretta M9, which was the US military’s successor to the M1911A1 in the 1980s, I decided to try building the older WWII pistol using the newest LEGO elements. This was a really fun project, and the results are below:
My original LEGO M1911A1 from 2011
Refined Shape
My top goal in this new LEGO design was to precisely match the thickness and shaping of the gun’s slide and angled grip. I needed it to be visually realistic from any angle, no matter how it is held or displayed.
Hands-On Interaction
While designed primarily for display purposes, the LEGO M1911A1 is nevertheless sturdy enough to be gripped at any angle.
Working Features
While the precise dimensions prevent the LEGO model from incorporating a moving slide and removable magazine, the replica does still feature a spring-loaded trigger, pull-back hammer, and look-down iron sights. The grip is very smooth, and the brickbuilt 1911 gun is fun to pick up and interact with.
Display Stand
The presentation of the WWII LEGO weapon is enhanced with a custom-made display stand. I used SNOT-locking techniques to make the stand’s base more durable, and the printed letter tiles can be swapped out for lower cost.
Deluxe, ‘UCS’-style Presentation
I tried to imagine what it might look like if the LEGO Company designed a WWII M1911 collectible display set in homage to the weapon’s history and role in the fight for freedom. Knowing they never would make this pistol though, I decided to do it myself!
Visit the instructions page for my M1911A1 to find links for how to build a display plaque and where to get the custom UCS-style, waterproof decal printed.
Design featured by
WWII American Collection
And finally, I wanted my 1911 redesign to be able to accompany my other LEGO WWII American weapon replicas I’ve been building. Currently, I’ve got the M1911A1, the M1A1 Thompson, the M1 Garand, and the Mk II grenade.
More LEGO guns are on the way! Click below to get the instructions and build your own WWII firearm replicas.
