Cee Zee
Quote: 1911s are my preference for function and just look plain sexy to me as an aside.
This is why I think this whole thread is based on a flawed premise - that there is a starting point for looking at guns. Personally I think a 1911 is a century old design who's time has come and gone everywhere except the target range. The capacity is limited. The size is too big. The weight is too much. And the operation is too complicated. All of those things are wrong for a first time shooter. These are the reasons a Glock comes to mind early. They hold a lot of rounds. They are light. They aren't too big. And when you pull the trigger it goes bang without a lot of thinking going on between seeing danger and reacting to danger.
I agree with you; the thread is based on a flawed premise. But the flawed premise is actually the belief that anyone can receive/give a recommendation for a specific CCW without any considerations. There are always basic considerations. There is also always a starting point when looking for firearms but that point is different for each individual. I stated my reasons for preferring a Glock or medium frame revolver as an introductory/comparison point. One that I didn't mention is the fact that those are among the most familiar for most non-shooters and non-owners due to societal exposure. That doesn't make them an end all/ be all starting point.
I also don't really see where this has become a brand war. I certainly haven't turned to a "brand war with the fanboys trumpeting their favorites and bashing everything they see that makes another brand look good." The person I saw doing that here was you (with Glock vs 1911), which is why I replied.
On separate note, you took exception with the 1911 as a CCW although there wasn't a recommendation in my post, which you quoted. The 1911 is my choice, and as an aside I stated that I think it's sexy. I don't buy work guns because they're sexy but if I find them to be sexy, then so be it. I also find an AH-64D with a combat load to be sexy.
You state a 1911 is now relegated to range use only, but there are more than a few modern 1911s in use in daily life and death matters apart from concealed carry. It's a tool that has it's place in my lineup.
Complicated? While the thumb safety is an additional step when compared to a Glock, I fail to see where that makes the 1911 complicated. The grip safety? That's a complete non-issue to anyone that knows how to hold a firearm properly. In your case, I can see the potential physical issue based on your other post but that's a personal fit issue. That's not a design flaw. The rest of your 1911 opinions might be applicable to the older military M1911/M1911A1s. But then again, those are different due to the technologies of the time and the conditions they were made to operate in.
CCW guns should not be full size pistols.
Guns clearly must be bought to suit the shooter. An accomplished shooter can make a 1911 work but for a beginner? No way.
Again a gun should be bought to fit the owner.
Guns should fit their owners just like clothes fit their owners.
In my opinion, a CCW gun should be the highest quality one can effectively afford, effectively conceal, effectively maintain, and effectively fire in practice and in defense, should the situation ever arise. In my experience, there aren't any limitations or pre-requisites based on model, brand, or size/weight other than those of the individual choosing the CCW.
Oh, I can also comfortably and effectively conceal carry/use an HK USPF .45 and HK USPC .45 due to their fit and 1911-style ergonomics. But that's just me. I don't assume that of anyone else.
