Spanish American War and experiences with the Moros in Philippine campaign, taught a lesson about stopping power or lack of it. United States Army was convinced they needed a more powerful handgun cartridge. This led Colt to the development of a .45-caliber cartridge suitable for the semi-automatic pistol. Model 1905 and .45 rimless round were the result. In actuality, this cartridge was not nearly powerful enough to satisfy the need, but it led to the development of .45 ACP. Colt believed this pistol/cartridge combination would be a success and was geared up for mass production. Army actually bought only 200 of them and total production was approximately 6,300 from 1905 to 1911. Has a 5" barrel and detachable 7-shot magazine. Blued, with case colored hammer. Grips are checkered walnut. Hammer was rounded on first 3,600 pistols and changed to a spur hammer on later models. Right side of slide stamped "Automatic Colt / Caliber 45 Rimless Smokeless". Not a commercial success for Colt—possibly because it has no safety, whatsoever, except for the floating inertia firing pin. The 200 military models have grip safeties only. A small number (believed to be less than 500) were grooved to accept a shoulder stock. Stocks were made of leather and steel, and double as a holster. These pistols have been classified "Curios and Relics" under the provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968.