Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
The “Working Paper M1911 .45 Pistol” is a paper-made mechanical replica modeled on the Colt M1911. It is not a live-fire firearm. In Sean Michael Ragan’s November 5, 2012 Make: article, “working” describes reported mechanical movement and replica functions—not the ability to fire ammunition.
What the project is
Make: contributor Sean Michael Ragan described the object as an “accurate 1:1 mechanical replica” of the M1911, while expressly stating that it “doesn’t fire live ammunition.” The 1:1 wording is the article’s descriptive claim, not an independently published measurement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
ACADEMY ACA12402 Model Kit, Various for ages 14+ | $14.51 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Revell RV03711 03711 Combat Set Me262 & P-51B Mustang Plastic Model kit 1:72 Scale, Unpainted | $35.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Academy P-40E Warhawk Model Kit | $16.88 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The feature credits videos from the YouTube channel Tacome1942 as the material showing the replica. The source does not establish the maker’s legal identity, and it presents the project as a historical maker feature rather than a current product listing or verified build guide.
What “working” means here
Ragan’s wording is deliberately qualified: “OK, it doesn’t fire live ammunition, but it is ‘working,’ in the sense that it’s an accurate 1:1 mechanical replica of the original.” The article reports replica actions such as being cocked, rendered safe, loaded, cycled, field-stripped and “fired” only with a homemade primer.
#1 Best Overall
- Detailed model kit.
- Glue and Paints not included.
- Easy to follow instructions.
- Kit suitable for ages 14 to adult.
Those descriptions should not be read as a safety endorsement or as evidence that the object is suitable for handling like a firearm. The feature does not provide a validated safety procedure, and it should never be used with live ammunition.
Materials and appearance
The replica is described as being made largely from paper. The article mentions cutting, laminating, gluing, shaping and painting, and notes that the coil springs are metal.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- Super detailed model kit
- Scope of delivery plastic model kit (not assembled) illustrated multilingual building instructions decals
- Made in germany
- Combat set messerschmitt me262 & p-51b mustang (1:72) - endefrnlesit
| Aspect | What the source establishes | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Described as 1:1 | An independent dimensional verification |
| Main body material | Paper | Paper weight, grade or brand |
| Assembly | Cutting, lamination, glue and shaping are mentioned | A complete bill of materials or adhesive specification |
| Springs | Coil springs are metal | Spring dimensions, source or performance rating |
| Finish | Painting is part of the described process | Paint type, color formula, surface-preparation method or durability testing |
| Function | Mechanical replica actions are reported | Live-fire capability; the source expressly rules that out |
Why the painting matters
For a painting-focused reader, the notable point is the contrast between the humble substrate and the finished impression. Paper construction, layered parts and shaped surfaces can be painted to communicate the visual language of a metal object, even though the underlying replica is not a metal firearm.
The source does not identify a particular paint system or prescribe a finishing recipe. Any attempt to reproduce the appearance should therefore be treated as an art or papercraft exercise, with attention to local laws and safe display practices rather than functional weapon handling.
Rank #3
- Fully engraved panel lines
- Highly detailed cockpit interior
- Highly detailed landing gear bay
- Optional position canopy and landing gear door
- Multiple painting/decal configurations
How to read the 2012 feature today
A historical maker-project account
Published November 5, 2012, the article documents a project and videos from that period. It is not a current manufacturer page, product specification sheet or recently verified construction manual.
Avoiding a misleading interpretation
- “Paper” refers to the principal construction material, not a claim that every component is paper.
- “Working” refers to reported mechanical replica behavior, not ammunition performance.
- “.45” in the title identifies the M1911 model being represented; it does not make the paper object a .45-caliber firearm.
- The article’s account is attributed to Ragan and the cited Tacome1942 videos; it is not an independent engineering test.
Source
Read the original feature by Sean Michael Ragan, published by Make: on November 5, 2012: “Working Paper M1911 .45 Pistol.”
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
