What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What is the Kongsberg Colt M1914?

The Kongsberg Colt M1914 is a strong handgun that Norway built starting in 1914. It is a licensed copy of the famous American M1911 pistol. The Kongsberg factory in Norway produced these weapons to give their soldiers a reliable and powerful sidearm.

Who used this pistol and why?

The Norwegian military gave these pistols to their army officers and the teams who operated machine guns. Because these soldiers were often in charge of heavy equipment or leading men, they needed a gun that was easy to carry. This pistol provided them with the protection they needed to defend their country.

How was the pistol used in war?

Norway used these guns to guard their borders during World War I. When Axis troops invaded Norway during World War II, the pistols were used by the soldiers fighting back. Members of the Norwegian resistance also loved these guns because they were very powerful in a fight.

What makes this pistol different from the American version?

Norway made one very important change to the design. They made the slide stop lever longer so it stuck out further from the gun. This helped soldiers easily use the pistol even when they were wearing thick, heavy winter gloves in the deep Norwegian snow.

What is the historical legacy of the M1914?

This pistol is remembered as a very tough and dependable weapon. It stayed in service with the Norwegian military for a long time, including throughout the entire Cold War era. Today, it is respected as a symbol of Norway’s history of defending its own freedom.

Home Library NorwayKongsberg Colt M1914

Semi-Automatic Pistol

Kongsberg Colt M1914

This rugged handgun was a licensed Norwegian copy of the famous American Colt M1911 pistol.

Norway Introduced 1914 Kongsberg VapenfabrikkRole: Military sidearm

Specifications

Caliber

.45 ACP

Weight

2.4 pounds

Magazine Capacity

7 rounds

Effective Range

55 yards

History

In 1914, Norway adopted the American Colt M1911 design to give its military officers and machine gun crews a dependable sidearm. Norway modified the design slightly by extending the slide stop lever so a soldier could easily work it while wearing thick winter gloves.

The pistol saw long-term service guarding Norwegian neutrality during World War I and fighting invading Axis troops in World War II. Norwegian resistance members prized the pistol for its stopping power, and it stayed in military use well into the Cold War.