The Illinois Watch Company originally manufactured the Springfield 487’s pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1911, which was the same year the United States military began using the M1911, also called the Colt 1911 and Colt Government. What makes this semi-automatic pistol special is that it’s highly practical and reliable with its short recoil system and ergonomic grip. John Browning invented this landmark fireman after the U.S. military began searching for a new sidearm standard. Before incorporating the M1911, U.S. troops used the Colt M1892. During the Philippine-American War, the military fought against Tausūg guerrillas in the jungles of the Philippines. They quickly learned that the .38-caliber Colt M1892 was insufficient against the guerrilla forces, and with many complaints about the firearm, the military began testing for a new standard. The .45 ACP M1911 trounced competing weapons and became the official U.S. military sidearm until it was replaced by 9mm Beretta M9 in 1985.