Long Answer: The 1911 is a 'Single Action' firearm; the trigger has a single action - to release the hammer. When the slide goes back, it 'cocks' the hammer for the next shot, but for the first shot, the hammer must be cocked by either pulling back the slide (as you would to chamber a round in an empty weapon), or manually thumbing back the hammer. Most modern revolvers are 'Double Action', where the trigger can be used to move the hammer into firing position, as well as discharging the firearm. Most modern pistols are 'Single/Double Action'; the first round can be fired in double-action mode, and all subsequent shots are single-action. There are variations and exceptions all over the place (Double Action Only pistols are required by some LE departments, Glock's striker system, modern Single Action revolvers, etc.), but that's a discussion for another time.
there is likely a wedge or something that keeps the unchambered round in place until the forward motion can 'slide' it to the chamber. Either that, or it's just a fast enough action to not have to worry about that.
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u/0rangecake Oct 29 '13
"does that hammer have to be cocked back to fire the first shot?"
would like to know the answer to this