Well, you guessed correctly, another new M-1911 manufacturer is here, and this is indeed an interesting model they offer. The pistol, although based on the standard 1911 design, and looking unquestionably like one, is chambered for a new cartridge (at least it's new to me), the .50GI, as it is called.

The pistol is named "Model No 1" and here is what the manufacturer's site has to say:

The Model No.1 is pure 1911 all the way through. The external dimensions are the same as a standard 1911 and the Model No. 1 will fit holsters for standard 1911's. It will also accept a majority of 1911 accessories and components with little or no modifications. The inside of the Model No. 1 has been re-engineered to accommodate the larger 50 GI cartridge and sports a beefy .50 cal. barrel and a very sturdy magazine of heat treated stainless steel. Each pistol is personally built by Master Pistolsmiths Victor Tibbets and Alex Zimmermann, with great attention to fit, finish and reliability, it is in every sense a custom quality handgun. It is also a very accurate pistol and compares favorably to accurized 1911's in this aspect.

An often asked question is whether a customer can convert his own 1911 into a .50 cal. pistol by purchasing a barrel, slide etc, from Guncrafter Industries.

Unfortunately the answer is no. Serious re-engineering has taken place on both the frame, slide, magazine and barrel to create the 50 GI cal. Model No.1 pistol, and these main components of the pistol will no longer work in conjunction with std. 1911 frames, slides and barrels.

On the upside, Guncrafter Industries manufactures a conversion unit for the Model No. 1 that enables the user to shoot .45 ACP ammunition in the Model No. 1.

As for the cartridge itself, here are what they say:

The 50 GI is a proprietary Guncrafter Industries cartridge and was developed from the ground up specifically for our Model No. 1 pistol. It is a very strong, thick-walled cartridge, which when loaded is approximately the same OAL as a 45 ACP round. Due to the large caliber, the cartridge operates at relatively low pressures and has a long reloading life.

The concept was to create a practical .50 caliber 1911 without unnecessary bulk or weight, but with increased knock-down power. Factory loads for the 50 GI typically drives a 300 grain bullet at 700 -725 fps, which translates into a 210 power factor. This is achieved without loss of controllability. Firing this load feels comparable to shooting a standard. 230 hard ball factory round. However, the 50 GI is a very versatile cartridge and can be loaded to higher or lower levels, as desired.

Another factory load drives the same 300 grain bullet at 875 – 900 fps and puts some serious stopping power downrange, while still being quite controllable for the seasoned .45 ACP shooter.

Factory loaded ammunition, brass and reloading dies are available through Guncrafter Industries.

I guess there is always a room for a new 1911 model, but please, keep your .50GI and give me a traditional .45 ACP one, I live too far away from you to buy cartridges directly!!!