The Gun Behind the Legend- The KING ELEVEN 1911 Pistol

King Eleven 'KII' - The French Star Shining Above the American Flag

1911 pistols have always been a symbol of power and tradition in the United States. However, a French star is now shining in the firearms sky.

Premium Arms Int., a French manufacturer, has dared to capture a star from the American flag by creating the King Eleven 'KII.' The first 1911 pistols designed and assembled in France under its 'LEGACY ARMAMENT' brand.

In this article, we will explore how this French star has managed to eclipse American tradition by adding a touch of French refinement to a heritage historically dominated by the United States.

History of the 1911 pistol

Before delving into the rise of the French star, let's briefly recall the history of 1911 pistols. Designed by the renowned John Browning, the 1911 pistol gets its name from the year 1911 when it became the first officially adopted semi-automatic handgun by the U.S. military, replacing the revolvers previously used, such as the Colt M1911.

The 1911 pistol was widely used by U.S. and allied forces during many wars, marking its importance in global conflicts. It is renowned for its robust design, reliability, and .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) caliber capacity. It uses a blowback system and a detachable magazine, making it one of the first semi-automatic firearms widely adopted.

Over the decades, the 1911 pistol underwent various evolutions and adaptations. Numerous civilian and military variants were produced by different manufacturers with extended magazine capacities, custom finishes, and different calibers, including .45 ACP, .38 Super Auto, .40 S&W, and 9MM Luger.

After over 80 years of loyal service to multiple armies and police forces worldwide, the 1911 is not done increasing its popularity, but this time among civilians. It is often used in precision shooting competitions and is the most sought-after handgun among sport shooters and collectors.

The 1911 embodies the perfect example of John Browning's ingenuity and how a firearm can become a symbol in military and civilian history. It is a legacy that endures due to its timeless design, precision, and reliability, making it the most iconic pistol of all time.

Precision: 

Sport shooters primarily seek precision. They want a firearm capable of achieving the tightest groupings possible.

Reliability: 

Reliability is essential as firearms must function flawlessly during competitions. Malfunctions can be costly in terms of lost scores.

Recoil Management: 

A firearm that produces excessive recoil can hinder a shooter's performance.

Ergonomics: 

A comfortable firearm to hold, with a grip that fits well in the shooter's hand, is essential for precision and control.

Trigger Control: 

A quality trigger pull is crucial. Sport shooters prefer a light, crisp, and predictable trigger for surgical accuracy on target.

Aesthetics: 

Collectors and the most discerning sport shooters, beyond the firearm's performance, appreciate its beauty and rare finishes.

It's important to note that sport shooters can also be collectors, and vice versa. However, their priorities typically differ based on their primary goal. Handguns can be appreciated both for their functionality and history, making them versatile items for a variety of enthusiasts.

The French Star Shining

LEGACY ARMAMENT is the brand of the first French manufacturer to dare to capture a star from the American flag by infusing French refinement into the realm of 1911 pistols. This French star, represented by the King Eleven 'KII,' is a first, a bold fusion of French refinement and American heritage.

Rising to the Challenge

Taking on such a challenge was not an easy task for Legacy Armament. After designing the AR15 and AR9, which quickly became popular in Europe, Premium Arms Int. is now taking on an American icon, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and excellence in competitive areas of the firearms industry.

Innovation and Refinement

Notable features of the King Eleven 'KII' include meticulous slide-to-frame fitting, a crowned and beveled 45° 'Match' barrel, HRT slide stop cut, a "gold dot" front sight dovetailed into the slide, and exceptional finish levels.

Each of these details adds to the firearm's beauty and functionality while embodying French elegance.

Exceptional Finishes and Durability

To make these first French 1911 pistols accessible to a wide range of sport shooters, the King Eleven 'KII' comes in three models with different finish levels, ranging from €1490 to €3990, available in .45 ACP Government (5 inches) and 9MM Commander (4.25 inches):

• The SPORT model starting at €1490: Only available in matte black QPQ and hard chrome.

• The TROPHY MASTER model starting at €1990: Also available in matte black QPQ and hard chrome, but with hand-polished satin flats. The Trophy Master model, in addition to its sibling, features a selected match barrel with a guaranteed 2.5 cm grouping at 50 meters and an integrated Magwell for easy reloading.

• The SIGNATURE model, which will crown the KII range starting at €3490, features a full mirror hand-polishing with exceptional Plasma finishes, never seen before on a 1911.

These luxurious finishes, in addition to their exceptional aesthetics, ensure unrivaled durability.

We emphasize that all three models are equipped with ambidextrous safety levers and adjustable Novak-type rear sights.

This diversity allows each shooter to find the model that suits their preferences while preserving unmatched quality and precision.

Quality and Precision

Legacy Armament is committed to unwavering standards of quality and precision across all KII models. It is a powerful example of French gunsmithing craftsmanship that has taken on the challenge of combining the use of state-of-the-art CNC machines known for their unmatched regularity and precision with traditionally Carbon Steel forges even for the barrels, creating the perfect harmony between tradition and advanced technology.

Conclusion

The King Eleven 'KII' pistols are more than just another model. Legacy Armament has managed to redefine the 1911 pistol while challenging American heritage. They embody a revolution in the world of firearms, a French star shining above the American flag.