New for 2018: Auto-Ordnance 'Squadron' 1911

In the continued expansion of its M1911 handgun lineup in 2018, Auto-Ordnance, a division of Kahr Firearms Group, chose to pay homage to several branches of the U.S. military that don't often receive recognition for their service. This led the company to launch models such as its "Victory Girls" and "Fly Girls" handguns, and this continued effort to recognize the fighting men and women of WWII also gave rise to the company's "Squadron" 1911.

Unlike the company's earlier special-edition guns, the Auto-Ordnance "Squadron" 1911 offers broader recognition, honoring the service of the U.S. Army Air Forces as a whole with a unique design that incorporates many of the same features found on fighter planes in WWII. One of the elements consumers will recognize is the special themed Cerakote finish that covers the overall pistol, which is a black-and-gray color designed to mimic the appearance of metal sheets attached with rivets. This highlights the construction of many fighters and bombers that clouded the skies over the European and Pacific theaters.

On top of this faux-riveting are two other stand-out design features. The first is the classic USAAF insignia featuring two white bars surrounding the white-star roundel that adorned the wings of U.S. planes in every theater of operations. At the front of the pistol slide is the famous "shark mouth" nose art made famous by its wartime use, particularly on the P-40 Warhawk made famous during use in China as part of the "Flying Tigers" all-volunteer group led by Claire Chennault.

Other stand-out features of the Auto-Ordnance "Squadron" 1911 includes double-diamond wood grips complete with checkering and an engraved "US" logo. The pistol is built in a classic WWII-era, Government-model, 1911A1 style, complete with single-side thumb safety, checkered hammer spur, 5-inch barrel, extended beavertail grip safety and a lanyard loop. The gun is chambered in .45 ACP and features a seven-round magazine capacity. The suggested retail price on the pistol is $1,106.