Action Short recoil operation [1] Muzzle velocity 830 ft/s (253 m/s) Feed system 7-round standard detachable box magazine [1] The M1911 is a single-action , semi-automatic , magazine-fed, and recoil-operated handgun chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge . [1] John M. Browning designed the firearm which was the standard-issue side arm