[CZ223]

instead of my Glock 23, 40 S&W or my 32 in 357 Sig. I really like my Glocks, so much in fact that I have owned five of them at the same time. I currently only own two but will be getting more in the near future. Anyway, as I said, I like my Glocks but, I now own and love a Taurus PT 1911. I shoot both guns pretty well. The 1911 is more accurate but probably not enough to matter in a self defence gun. The Duo-tone 1911 is far and away the prettier of the two guns and, to be honest, feels better in the hand. I have complete confidence in either of my Glocks but, with only two FTFs out of a thousand rounds fired, both handloads, I am getting there with the 1911 rapidly. I really don't see a big advantage of one cartridge over the other. So, here is my hangup, my 1911 weighs 47.3 ounces loaded with 9 rounds. My Glock 23 weighs 31.3 loaded with 14 rounds of 40, a full pound less with 5 more rounds of 40. So, tell me why.

[outerlimit]

It's slimmer? I don't know what to tell you. If weight is a very big issue then I'd opt for the lighter gun.

[Dobe]

Sounds like your mind is made up.

Those that do carry 1911's tend to do so because the 1911 is sliimmer, has better ergonomics, and is easier to shoot for many people. IMHO, this is important while under stress.

[Max]

I'm the same way. I got a G22 .40cal and a G31 .357sig. I have once owned a Springfield 1911A1 milspec for several years. Once I got my first glock I forgot the milspec's existence altogether. I traded the 1911 for a USMC Interceptor vest and, the holster for a AT4 and a USM40 gas mask. People tried like hell to get me to trade off my glocks for awhile but, no deal. The glock is the ONLY totally reliable, trouble free pistol I ever encountered or, owned. Plus I was tapping pretty bad at the end with that 1911 so, the move to the glock with the DAO trigger was a calculated move to resolve that issue.

[CZ223]

I really want a good reason to carry the 1911. I really do like it but, honestly, the reasons that I like it are mostly aesthetic. Although .45 caliber semi-wadcutters do make a really impressive hole.:D

[Zerodefect]

My 1911 has been collecting dust ever since I got my Glock 23.

Took more than a half century, but someone built a better mousetrap.

[BullfrogKen]

Its up to you.

First of all, I'd encourage you to carry what you practice the most with and are most proficient with. The grip angles of Glocks and the 1911 are not the same. Most well-practiced shooters have learned to feel where the natural point of aim is with a given pistol, and those two systems are not at all the same.

So, which do you practice with more? Which one are you the most proficient on? Very few shooters have the ability to become equally proficient with two systems that are so radically different in where they point, their triggers, the manual safety - or lack thereof, and overall manual of operation.


All things being equal, carry what feels most comfortable hanging off of you as you move about your daily business.

[hube1236]

Why- because steel framed guns are awesome.

There is no right or wrong answer other than agreeing to what a glock guy says because burying stuff in buckets of sand, etc, etc. I shot both and personally I like the 1911 better. I like the New Orleans Saints over the other teams. I just do. I hate college football and I would rather have my feet amputated then watch basketball.

We all have our personal preferences and if you're leaving an important decision like carry gun up to a bulletin board populated by mall ninjas and bitter old men, you're in trouble.

;)

[rondog]

Carry whatever you want, it's your decision.

[DasFriek]

I also have a PT1911,and love it for what it is.but when it comes to concealed carry i bought a PT745 compact. I to have personal preferances and that is the .45acp caliber.
If i put my stock grips back on the 1911 is just as thin as a 6+1 compact.
Im not trying to convince you,i feel you know the answer already.
Again a personal opinion,but i wont carry a SD weapon i cant manually lock for carry "cocked and locked".I know most people disagree with how i feel,but thats my opinion.
When cooler weather gets here in ohio and i can again wear light jackets my 1911 may very well become my choice of carry.

[jigglyjames29]

Try carrying the 1911 and see how you like it.
You'll probably end up going back to the glock though. Lighter, capacity, simplicity, cheaper... The 1911 just doesn't seem practical for carry (to me).

[wditto]

I carry 1911 so that it can save my life again.....

[easyg]

So, here is my hangup, my 1911 weighs 47.3 ounces loaded with 9 rounds. My Glock 23 weighs 31.3 loaded with 14 rounds of 40, a full pound less with 5 more rounds of 40. So, tell me why.
You have already answered your own question...

Stick with the Glock.
The 1911 is just too heavy to lug around all day long.

[yeti]

Tell me why I should carry my 1911


Cause if you try to carry mine I'll have to slug you in your snot locker.:mad:

:evil::D

[Frank Ettin]

It's completely your call. When I can legally carry I almost always carry a 1911 (if I'm not, I'm carrying an H&K P7). I have the most training with one, and its a slim and comfortable gun to carry (I favor a Commander or CCO size).

But you have to make your own decision.

[sarduy]

carry BOTH!

i own a 1911 & a G17, to be honest with you...i carry whatever is closer to my hand in the morning, when i go out with elegant clothes i try to use the 1911 but to go out with sport clothes i go with the g17...

[johnnylaw53]

well really no one can really tell you what to carry or why the same way one can not tell another man what woman to love. It best to go with what feel right to you on both accounts since you are the one that will live or die with what you choose.

be safe

[Floppy_D]

Before you let the weight turn you off, see if you can't find a buddy with a Crossbreed or Milt Sparks type holster, and then try the 1911 in that for a day. I nearly gave up on carryin' a 1911 until I got a decent belt and a Crossbreed SuperTuck. The weight is a non-issue, I shoot the 1911 fairly well, and it's fairly slim. What's not to like?

[Billy Shears]

Stick with the Glock.
The 1911 is just too heavy to lug around all day long.
If I live to be a hundred, I will NEVER understand this complaint. What on EARTH is "too heavy" about a mere three pounds? With a good holster, one won't even notice this paltry amount of weight. I carry a steel framed pistol everywhere I go off duty, and it's simply not a problem.

If you simply prefer the Glock, carry it. It's a great pistol -- reliable, ergonomic, virtually corrosion proof, easy to use under stress; you'll be well armed if that's what you carry. But if you have a reliable 1911 that goes bang every time you pull the trigger (I have 3 such examples, and I love them, especially the Les Baer), and you prefer the ergonomics and the single action trigger of the government model .45, carry that; you'll also be very well armed. Ammo capacity and weight are really non issues. As I said, with a good holster, like the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 I use (IWB), or the Kramer belt scabbard I also use (same angle draw, but outside the waistband), you won't even notice the weight. And the overwhelming majority of gunfights are finished with less than 8 rounds expended, so while the Glock's extra capacity is nice insurance to have, realistically, the likelihood that you will ever need it is so vanishingly small that it's not reason enough to give up the advantages of the 1911 if the 1911 is what you prefer.

Pick what you like best and what you shoot best. You'll have a great pistol either way.

[KenWP]

You should carry your 1911 because it's useless at home and your not. Also with a 1911 your pretty well assured to find some kind of ammo for it anyplace you go.

[easyg]

If I live to be a hundred, I will NEVER understand this complaint. What on EARTH is "too heavy" about a mere three pounds? With a good holster, one won't even notice this paltry amount of weight. I carry a steel framed pistol everywhere I go off duty, and it's simply not a problem.
I guess it depends upon your lifestyle and the activities that you enjoy.

If one is the type who sits in an office all day, or rides in a car most of the time, or leads a rather sedimentary lifestyle, then the extra weight will not matter much.

But if one is an active type that likes to jog, hike, climb, dance, play sports, etc... then the extra weight will quickly become a real pain in the butt.

I can run for miles with my 17 ounce (loaded) S&W 637 Airweight .38 snub-nose in my pocket.
But there's no way I would do that with a 47oz 1911 on my side.

Heck, even the Glock is too heavy (31oz once loaded) for me to carry everyday, everywhere.



Easy.

[GodGuns&Guitars]

It's not up to us to decide for you. It's up to you to decide. Carry the pistol that you are most confident with. Sure the 1911 is cool, but that doesn't mean you should carry it. If you have more confidence with a Glock or other pistol, carry that one. WHY in the world would you ask us? If the feces hits the rotary ocilator are you going to call time out and come ask us if you should shoot or not?

[FullEffect1911]

I gave up carrying a 1911 for a M&P45C, I have no regrets. Sure it isn't as pretty, but I shoot it just as well, it's still a .45, it holds 8, it's smaller, lighter and reliable as it gets.

I still want to get another 1911, but just for target shooting.

[Butter]

I'd have to go with Billy on this and the others who have posted about personal choice and what you like and feel comfortable with shooting.

I know a few buddies who go with lighter framed pistols when they are at work since less weight is significant with them. On the other hand, a 1911 balances so well that for me personally it is much easier to get second shots on target beacuase of that weight. I guess it's all in how it feels to you personally and if you shoot it well.

[jackstinson]

Because people on the internet told you to carry a 1911......you must obey.

[LancerMW]

carry whatever you want brother, i carry everything from a Glock 27 to a Kahr PM9, keltek pf9 and keltec .380, all depends on what i am wearing.

[Billy Shears]

I guess it depends upon your lifestyle and the activities that you enjoy.

If one is the type who sits in an office all day, or rides in a car most of the time, or leads a rather sedimentary lifestyle, then the extra weight will not matter much.

But if one is an active type that likes to jog, hike, climb, dance, play sports, etc... then the extra weight will quickly become a real pain in the butt.

I can run for miles with my 17 ounce (loaded) S&W 637 Airweight .38 snub-nose in my pocket.
But there's no way I would do that with a 47oz 1911 on my side.

Heck, even the Glock is too heavy (31oz once loaded) for me to carry everyday, everywhere.
I do most of those things myself, and the weight of a loaded, all steel pistol still isn't something I notice. In my case at least, after marching 8-25 miles with a 60+ lb ruck in the army, and after walking a beat all day, or chasing after a suspect on foot with 25 lbs of gear on my belt in the police department, 3 lbs just doesn't seem like anything to me. Really, I think if you did it on a regular basis, you'd soon get used to it, and before long, you wouldn't notice the weight of a full size 1911 on your waistband either.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Carry whatever you can use the best, man.

Other than that, I couldn't imagine carrying such a chunky gun, myself.

[mljdeckard]

You answered your own question: because it feels better.

I dropped my Glock 22 for a 1911 a few years ago, I haven't looked back. Remember a couple of things. Comfort is relative. It's a matter of what you are conditioned to thinking is more comfortable. If you are a petite female who really isn't into the idea at all, if you strap on a sub-compact ....anything, you will think it's a tumor that doesn't go away. If you are a kid 21 years and 60 days old who just got his permit in the mail, you can hang a Desert Eagle under your left arm and swear you can't feel it. I have been carrying full-size autos for years, including 100+ degree summers. Match your wardrobe and lifestyle to the right gun, don't compromise carrying the right gun for your wardrobe and lifestyle.

I am often in here yelling at people to carry what they shoot best, regardless of size and weight. Bigger guns have more weight to soak up recoil, and a longer sight radius to aim easier. I SAY, smaller guns are something more experienced shooters can move to later if they choose to.

[Quack]

i used to carry Glocks, but now carry 1911's. (Officer & Commander sizes).
a good belt & holster will make the weight less noticable.

in regards to capacity, carry an extra mag (with the 1911). if you can't stop the threat with a few rounds, you've got bigger problems.

BUT, the OP's choice between a Taurus PT1911 and the Glocks, i would choose the Glocks.

the bottom line is it's your choice. try them both and decide which YOU like best.

[m2steven]

I just got a 1911 and I'm not sure I'll carry it. It's big. Thin but big. But I can now fully see the rabid affection for these pistols. They pack a whopping punch with minimal recoil and very light triggers. They feel good in the hand and have safety features I find handy. I have 2 Glocks myself, and only feel comfortable carrying my 26 - and it's a bit fat sometimes. Now - when winter comes - i might try carrying the 1911. It's just one of those guns that I know my second shot will be going exactly where my first one went.

[CZ223]

was a "tounge in cheek" question.:p The fact is that I shoot both pretty darned well. While I have had my carry permit for almost 20 years now, I only started carrying daily about 18 months ago. I won't say that I don't notice my Glock on my hip yet, I do, but since I got a decent IWB holster and a sturdy belt, I notice it a whole lot less.

I know that some of you feel that the difference in grip angle from the Glock to the 1911 would prohibit you from owning both. I really don't notice that much of a difference. I do 95% of my shooting, with my handguns, drawing from cover and shooting at multiple targets. I also practice jamb clearing and reloading with any gun that I carry. I sometimes shoot as few as 50 rounds but I often shoot as many as 300-400, depending on weather I am shooting any of my rifles or shotguns. I would be willing to guess, in the summer at least, that I shoot more than probably 75% of the people here.

I know that the 1911 is capable of handling any situation that I will hopefully never encounter. I wouldn't even consider it if I didn't believe that. My problem is that I WANT TO CARRY THE 1911, mostly because it looks nice. It is point of pride, you know? But the left side of my brain asks why would I consider carrying an extra pound of weight while losing 5 rounds of capacity. The Glock is, after all, just as capable. It is kind of like the situation that I have with the vehicles I drive. I own an F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab, a mans truck, and a Toyota Matrix. Now I love the truck, plenty of room and I can haul a lot of tools or guns, or both. But, the fact of the matter is I don't always need all that room and, the Toyota gets almost three times as many MPG. Aside from the good gas mileage the Matrix has lots of other virtues and I really like driving it too. The comparison that I am making is that while the Toyota makes a lot more sense to drive, I still really enjoy the Truck and sometimes find myself making up reasons to drive it.

SO HELP ME OUT HERE, TELL ME WHY I NEED TO CARRY THE 1911 INSTEAD OF THE GLOCK (at least occassionaly):evil:

[Billy Shears]

SO HELP ME OUT HERE, TELL ME WHY I NEED TO CARRY THE 1911 INSTEAD OF THE GLOCK
Nobody can tell you that because you DON'T NEED to carry the 1911. You can carry the Glock exclusively from this day forth, and be very well armed indeed. Virtually anything you can do with the 1911, you'll be able to do with the Glock. It's not a matter of need, because all the needs of a combat pistol -- acceptable combat accuracy, reliability, ergonomics and ease of use under stress, adequate power, adequate concealability, etc. -- are met very well by both the Glock and the 1911. Nobody can tell you why you need to carry the 1911 because you don't need to. It's not a matter of need. It's a matter of preference.

[Quack]

you need to do it because they make great BBQ guns :)

[m2steven]

Okay. As you said, the 1911 is a very nice looking pistol. It's a pleasure to touch and see, and when you're not defending yourself from whatever awaits you, you can enjoy it's beauty. You can also practice changing magazines in the privacy of your car, or if bold, the theater or restaurant.

Getting good at swapping mags will alay any fears you may have about not having enough firepower.

Plus - if you're driving by a range or some lonely spot in the country, you can just shoot a few and enjoy the beauty and function of your firearm.

You must carry the 1911. Your status in the world demands that you do so.

[Frank Ettin]

Okay, now you need to carry a 1911 to put Billy Shears in his place.:D:D

[jigglyjames29]

You can also practice changing magazines in the privacy of your car, or if bold, the theater or restaurant.

Ummm.....
:scrutiny:

[Isher]

Ummm.........

None of the above.

9mm CZ P-01 for concealed carry.

Petite, sweet and freakin' accurate.

CZ 97b for house gun.

45 acp, 10 rounds in the mag

Plus 1 in the tube.

Best of both worlds.


isher

[ScareyH22A]

For duty or OWB carry, I'd definitely consider a 1911. For concealed or IWB, that's probably one of the last weapons I'd want to carry.

[Guillermo]

1911's are wonderful guns. Simple, easy to work on and customize, slim profile. In addition they are tough as nails, have a great heritage and often shoot a very good round...the 45ACP.

I love to shoot them, shoot them well and damn it, do not own one. The only 45 I have is an XD45.

[Oldtrader3]

The few times that I have had to point a gun at another person for self defense has convinced me that pointing a .45 auto at an intended assailant is many times a show stopper all by itself without having to fire a shot. Most people, including criminals, when faced with the certainty of being shot at close range with a .45 auto hollowpoint, do not want to persue further aggressive behavior.

[Billy Shears]

For duty or OWB carry, I'd definitely consider a 1911. For concealed or IWB, that's probably one of the last weapons I'd want to carry.
WHY? It's probably the single best full size auto for this purpose, bar none. I can conceal even a full size 1911 with IWB holster under a t-shirt. The extra barrel length of the full size government model makes almost no difference at all. And what helps is that the 1911 not only is flatter through the slide than any other large auto (it's even thinner than almost all 9mm pistols), the rounded upper and lower slide contours are also an advantage, especially for IWB carry. The 1911, with its flat slide and rounded contours is vastly more comfortable in an IWB handgun than any modern auto with it's thicker, blocky, flat-topped slide. The single column magazine is also an aid to concealability.

Really, I can't imagine why you'd turn your nose up at a 1911 for concealability. You could actually hardly make a better choice.

[jhco]

If you have to ask then the 1911 is not for you.

[loadedround]

It boils down to chocolate or vanilla or Ford or Chevy. Different tastes for different people. You use what your prefer and no one can make that choice for you. :)

[Deanimator]

The M1911 is definitely slimmer.

I find my M1911s easier to control than my Glock 22, which has very pronounced muzzle whip.

[fedlaw]

Tell me why I should carry my 1911

The look on a BG's face: Priceless
For everything else there's MasterCard

[Southern6er]

Carry it because you want to carry it. Period. No other reason means squat.

If you shoot well with it, trust it, and feel confident in it and you, go for it! As you have noticed with the Glock IWB, properly carrying a 1911 will be a non issue too.

[MisterMike]

You know, you can have it all:

http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/attachment.php?id=1975

I'm a Glock guy, but I want one of these so bad that it makes my teeth hurt. I suppose a 1911 purist might not approve, but it's a beautiful little pistol with the 1911's classic design, reasonable weight and size for concealed carry, and respectable capacity. If anyone out there has a spare one that they want to get rid of, just send it to me. I promise I'll take good care of it.

[surjimmy]

Thousands and Thousands of dead Comies can't be wrong.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

The facepalm is strong with you, surjimmy.




Honestly, OP, you're not going to find a more comfortable big gun to carry.

[Quack]

my EMP is oh so nice to carry...

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/Quackzilla/Guns/DSC_91032.jpg

and so is my Ed Brown Kobra Carry :D

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/Quackzilla/Guns/DSC_9410.jpg

[Ben86]

Maybe because you like to walk and feel like your are doing squats at the same time. Perhaps you just want to carry the gun grandpa used to win the war. I know, you want to lug around a full sized handgun all day and have to significantly change your wardrobe around it.

I'm being sarcastic, obviously. I cannot think of a reason why I, or you, would want to CC a full size 1911. It's only saving grace is its thiness, but there are also polymer framed guns out their just as slim and much lighter. I like 1911s, but they are just not the most ideal CCWs.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Honestly, I can carry my 1911 all day long and feel fine.

I know it's there, but it doesn't bother me unless it gets ridiculously hot (like over 100.)
You will never, ever catch me carrying some tiny 9mm just because it was convenient.

I have carried a sub compact .45 before, just to see what all the "comfort" craze was about, and honestly, pocket carrying the little guy wasn't anywhere near as comforting as that big honking piece of steel.

[Billy Shears]

Maybe because you like to walk and feel like your are doing squats at the same time. Perhaps you just want to carry the gun grandpa used to win the war. I know, you want to lug around a full sized handgun all day and have to significantly change your wardrobe around it.

I repeat, I can conceal the 1911 in an IWB holster under a t-shirt. Obviously, it can't be a snug-fitting one, but it's not a baggy one either. There are few occasion when I need to make any significant changes to my wardrobe, even in hot weather.

I'm being sarcastic, obviously. I cannot think of a reason why I, or you, would want to CC a full size 1911. It's only saving grace is its thiness, but there are also polymer framed guns out their just as slim and much lighter. I like 1911s, but they are just not the most ideal CCWs.
As I've said before, weight is a non-issue. If you honestly think three pounds is heavy... :rolleyes: Pick a good holster, and you won't even notice it most of the time.

The only polymer guns as thin as a 1911 are much smaller guns, firing smaller calibers. And I CAN think of a good reason why one would want to carry a full size gun -- several in fact: they're much easier to shoot accurately, especially under stress, they have larger ammo capacities, in case you do need it, and they generally chamber more potent cartridges, or at the very least, get more power of the cartridges they fire, by virtue of having longer barrels that impart more velocity. It's a good idea to carry the biggest gun you can manage to conceal without difficulty, because that's the one that gives you the best chance if you ever have to use it.

I cannot think of a reason why I, or you, would want to CC a small gun when a full size one can be carried instead (at least most of the time).

[HexHead]

I'm a huge supporter of the 1911, but given those choices I'd carry the Glock 23. Leaving that I don't care for the Taurus 1911 aside and not make it about that I'd carry a Glock over a Taurus.... ;)

The Taurus is a government size 1911. While the slimness of the 1911 makes for a great carry choice, the 5" length does not. I've tried carrying a full size 1911 and always went right back to my Commander size one. It's just a lot more comfortable when seated, especially in a car. Unless you unholster in your car.

The Glock 23 is basically a Commander size and would get the nod from me on that basis alone.

[MacTech]

If one is the type who sits in an office all day, or rides in a car most of the time, or leads a rather sedimentary lifestyle, then the extra weight will not matter much.
Hey, don't knock it, a Sedimentary lifestyle *ROCKS!* ;)

[BlindJustice]

Because your 1911 is the one you find to be the most accurate
and easy to deploy and judge the cartridge it is chambered for as
adequate for HD/SD seems the logical answer.

S'dup to you - not others telling yu what it should be

Randall

[KegCommando]

The answer is so obvious I can't believe nobody has posted it.

Strap the 1911 to your strong side. If the BG is not stopped in his tracks by the sheer beauty of the design, then you have several rounds of .45 ACP to finish him off for poor tastes.

*THEN* to compensate for the extra weight having you lean and walking around in circles, on your weak side, carry both your Glocks to balance you out. You'll need all those extra rounds to neutralize your threat gansta style.

[David E]

In a proper holster worn on a proper gunbelt, the weight won't be an issue.

However, the "cocked and locked" carry would be.

Since you're already intimately familiar with your Glocks, stick with them.

[Goofycat]

EasyG makes a good point. It seems reasonable that a light, small pistol would make sense for carrying by a jogger, hiker, bicyclist or in a situation where weight and/or size might be major factors. Once you get past those requirements, the next choice depends on what fits best in your hand, accuracy, ease of cleaning, price, frequency of use, and a host of other factors.

For instance, I plan to keep a pistol in the truck and use it for home defense when I am not in the truck. I doubt I will ever have to use it and don't plan to carry the pistol when I am not in the truck, so weight is not a factor. I want a large, mean-looking pistol to hopefully make a point if a compromising situation arises, so my need for a small-sized pistol is not really a factor.

I used a 1911 ACP when I was in the service in the late fifties and liked the way it handled and also liked the ergonomics. Therefore, I will probably look at the Para-Ordnance and Springfields.

[Babalouie]

Yeah, here's why to carry a 1911. This is my S&W 1911PD commander sized scandium frame that I had bobtailed. Super lightweight, thin (I made the thin grips which make a huge difference) and the length is just perfect for the 1911. The bobtail makes this a carry dream...surprising how much better it conceals. I just love this gun and its my main carry. I've gone through smaller guns, both caliber and size, but this has been my only carry gun for the last year and a half. Its carried in an Andrews MacDaniel II which is a fantastic holster is so many ways.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c255/Sven126/PDLeft.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c255/Sven126/PDBobtailholstered.jpg

[No Quarter]

I have to dress professionally most days of the week. I have owned and carried lots of guns. I have moved towards carrying a Colt Defender with slim rosewood grips cocked and locked in a belly band under my dress shirt. I wear it where the gun is under my offside arm, like a shoulder holster.

No one can tell I have it. It is comfortable and comforting to know I have it there. I am very comfortable with the manual of arms and like the safety situation. It is not a heavy handgun, weighing in the mid-twenty oz range fully loaded I believe. It is slim and compact. I carry a small pocket pistol in case I need to get off a round or two to enable me to get to my larger gun under my shirt since it does indeed slow down the draw a bit to have to deal with ripping buttons or lifting up the shirt - all carry methods have compromises.

If I could carry IWB or OWB, I would carry my Colt Commander. I like Glocks very much. I really like the G19 and G26. Awesome guns. I think vanity has a bit to do with it - same reason I carry a Mont Blanc instead of an el cheapo, wear a nice watch, carry a nice knife. I personally assign a better pride of ownership to metal and wood handguns. I also enjoy the design and componenets of a 1911 and the maintenance and care thereof.

In the end, it is all a subjective choice. I think it has to do with location, experience and personal tastes.

I am just glad some areas of the country are still free enough to allow us to anguish over these choices :)