Forty-fives is a colloquial term primarily used to refer to two distinct categories: firearms chambered in .45 caliber, and vinyl records designed to be played at 45 revolutions per minute (RPM).
Forty-fives (Firearms)
In the context of firearms, "forty-fives" colloquially refers to pistols or revolvers that fire cartridges with a .45-inch (11.43 mm) diameter projectile. The most common and historically significant cartridge associated with this term is the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol).
- Definition: Firearms firing a .45 caliber projectile. This typically denotes the internal diameter of the barrel and the projectile itself.
- Examples: The most iconic "forty-five" firearm is the Colt M1911 pistol, a semi-automatic handgun designed by John Browning. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911, it served as its standard-issue sidearm for over 70 years and saw widespread use in both World War I and World War II, as well as subsequent conflicts. Other firearms, such as various revolvers (e.g., Colt Single Action Army in .45 Colt) and other semi-automatic pistols chambered in .45 ACP, may also be referred to as forty-fives.
- Characteristics of .45 ACP: The .45 ACP cartridge is known for its relatively large, heavy projectile and moderate velocity, resulting in significant "stopping power," a characteristic often prized in self-defense and combat scenarios.
- Cultural Significance: The .45 caliber pistol, particularly the M1911, holds a prominent place in American firearms history and popular culture, frequently appearing in films, television, and literature as a symbol of rugged individualism or military might.
Forty-fives (Music)
In the context of music, "forty-fives" refers to a type of phonograph record, typically 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter, designed to be played at a rotational speed of 45 revolutions per minute (RPM). These records almost exclusively contained one song per side, functioning as singles.
- Definition: A phonograph record, usually 7 inches in diameter, designed to be played at 45 RPM.
- History and Development: The 45 RPM record was introduced by RCA Victor in 1949 as a smaller, more durable, and cheaper alternative to the then-standard 78 RPM records, and as a direct competitor to Columbia Records' 33⅓ RPM long-playing (LP) album format. RCA marketed its 45s with a distinctive large center hole, requiring a special adapter (often called a "spider") for turntables designed for LPs.
- Purpose: 45 RPM singles became the dominant format for commercial single releases, particularly during the rise of rock and roll. They allowed consumers to purchase individual hit songs without committing to an entire album. Their compact size and lower cost also made them ideal for jukeboxes.
- Physical Characteristics:
- Diameter: 7 inches (18 cm)
- Speed: 45 RPM
- Content: Typically one main song (the "A-side") and one secondary track (the "B-side").
- Center Hole: Often came with a large 1.5-inch (38.1 mm) center hole, requiring an adapter for standard record players.
- Cultural Significance: Forty-fives played a crucial role in the dissemination of popular music, especially during the rise of rock and roll, soul, and pop genres from the 1950s through the 1980s. They are iconic symbols of that era's music culture, with their colorful paper sleeves and their integral role in record charts and popular youth culture.