I am really getting close to getting a 1911 because I need a handgun for house and camping/traveling. The more I think about my needs the more I am looking into other options. I cant seem to afford a 1911 with a rail for mounting lights to, nor would I want to do this. I do not want a rail on my 1911, and I do not want items attached to it. However, I am in need of a handgun that can sit in the nightstand and will be used in the dark. (if someone breaks into my house). I will also be in need when camping in a tent/popup in the woods. Again, its going to be dark when I will need it in most cases. Wild animals/people doing harm to the family while alone in the woods.. My 3rd use will be while traveling--Broke down (in the dark) or even during the day. Anyway, would I be better off waiting on the 1911 for a backup, fun gun and getting something like a glock or XD? I will have more rounds per clip, I can mount a light to it which will aid in my needs. I do not want to walk around in the woods with my mag light in one hand, and a 1911 in the other. Not to mention, IF I were to need to reload, I would be in trouble. I highly doubt these situations would arise, but would this be the better route to take for the purpose the handgun will be in use for?
Glock/XD or 1911?
- Thread starter jhunter
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JMHO
buy all three....
I did last week
except i went w/ a sig 226 instead of the XD (i was going to buy the XD sitting there as well but I thought 5 guns in 2 days was a bit much) i also got a walther p22 as a supressor host
get the glock or the XD first as if you buy a cheap 1911 you may/will have to tune it to get it reliable.
if you want a carry gun...
The compact/subcompact glocks & xd's are lighter, have a higher capacity and are more concealable than a fullsize 1911 and have more capacity than a compact 1911
buy all three....
I did last week
except i went w/ a sig 226 instead of the XD (i was going to buy the XD sitting there as well but I thought 5 guns in 2 days was a bit much) i also got a walther p22 as a supressor host
get the glock or the XD first as if you buy a cheap 1911 you may/will have to tune it to get it reliable.
if you want a carry gun...
The compact/subcompact glocks & xd's are lighter, have a higher capacity and are more concealable than a fullsize 1911 and have more capacity than a compact 1911
gunfighter48
Member
Take a look at the Taurus PT1911, it's a lot of gun for around $500. Forged frame and slide, Heinie Straight Eight sights, checkered front strap - rear strap - under trigger guard, good trigger out of the box, reliable and shoots more accurately than most people can. I've had two and one had a 4.25 lb trigger and the newest one has 5 lb trigger out of the box. I own a Kimber Pro Carry II and while the Taurus isn't quite up to Kimber standards it doesn't miss the mark by much. Well work the looking at.
BADUNAME13
Member
The price of a Kimber Warrior (Railed 1911) threw me for a LONG time.
I even looked into building one.
I bought one a YEAR after I wanted to.. .I'm glad I did. It's worthit, and as soon as I run it with some HP's and get the holster from milt sparks I ordered... I'll be carrying it.
I've had an XD, and I've got a couple Glocks.
I'd sell them for the Kimber...
I even looked into building one.
I bought one a YEAR after I wanted to.. .I'm glad I did. It's worthit, and as soon as I run it with some HP's and get the holster from milt sparks I ordered... I'll be carrying it.
I've had an XD, and I've got a couple Glocks.
I'd sell them for the Kimber...
ugaarguy
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For camping/woods protection I'd recommend a revolver in 357 Mag in most of the US, or 44 Mag if you're in Alaska or elsewhere that Grizzlies or other truly large predators are common. A wrist lanyard retains the light should you need to reload or otherwise use your non gun hand.
After that get the auto that fits you best and that you shoot best.
After that get the auto that fits you best and that you shoot best.
Not very clear for you guys, sorry. I cant afford all three all at once. I will have all 3 with time I am sure. I will be buying a nice 1911 soon either way. I just need something for defense first and foremost, and need it quick. I thought the Glock or XD with rail systems would better serve this need. A small light on the end would be handy in seeing what/who is out there before shooting at unknown targets with a 1911. I doubt there will bears, but could be mountain lion, bobcats, or other cats that can get mean. Could be bear in some parts, but I think a .45 will get him thinking twice about needing to eat us before we can get into the truck. I just really want a basic as possible 1911, ad the rail and added feature like lasters, lights would take that away IMO. I would rather have 13 rounds too. A group of thugs or a couple of large animals wanting to eat up, might acually need those extra shots if its dark out.
I have both a Springfield 1911A1 and a Glock 23. I like them both. But I think the Glock or XD would offer greater flexibility, especially in regards to mounting a light.
I don't know of any 1911 pattern pistol that comes with a rail that is anywhere near the price of a Glock or XD. If cost is a consideration then one of these is more practical. The XD/Glock are also much lighter and compact and better designed for a shorter barrel if you go to the 3-3.5" range.
If cost and weight are not so much of issues, then a fine 1991 is a wonderful pistol for any situation. Of course, it is always better to error on the side of purchasing 2 or 3 whenever you can, instead of just one! Nothing wrong to have an XD and 1911!
I use my G23 with night sights for almost everything (bedside, carry, car), but I have a SIG P245 and a 1911 (night sights as well) as handy alternates.
I don't know of any 1911 pattern pistol that comes with a rail that is anywhere near the price of a Glock or XD. If cost is a consideration then one of these is more practical. The XD/Glock are also much lighter and compact and better designed for a shorter barrel if you go to the 3-3.5" range.
If cost and weight are not so much of issues, then a fine 1991 is a wonderful pistol for any situation. Of course, it is always better to error on the side of purchasing 2 or 3 whenever you can, instead of just one! Nothing wrong to have an XD and 1911!
I use my G23 with night sights for almost everything (bedside, carry, car), but I have a SIG P245 and a 1911 (night sights as well) as handy alternates.
This would seem the best route, and you seem to agree. It would also work better in the wifes purse when she is at conferances for her job. Downtown Dallas, Downtown San Antonio alone in a hotel, sometimes has to walk back to the hotel at night for 3-4 nights. Would be the best option I think. I am going to get this for "her" and I will get my 1911 later on. Depending on what we need it for, we will then be able to take the correct gun. Trust me, I will be getting more.. probably a couple 1911's for sure. Now, back to the drawing board. XD or Glock.................... .45 for sure, so Glock 21 or XD
.45. I will have to go hold them both to see what I like. Man, I wish I would have thought of this sooner. However, I have held every 1911 in town, but gained a great deal of info on them too. Damn sure getting one soon.
.45. I will have to go hold them both to see what I like. Man, I wish I would have thought of this sooner. However, I have held every 1911 in town, but gained a great deal of info on them too. Damn sure getting one soon.
As you say, best for her to try them. The G21 or G30 are going to have pretty think grips. I have fairly large hands and I do not like the Glock .45 grip. Sold my G21 long ago and have switched to SIG and 1911 for .45.
You may have better luck with the XD grip that was designed much better for a slimmer grip in .45.
My daughter tried both the G19 and XD compact in 9mm and she much preferred the XD. I prefer the Glock, but the XD is a very nice pistol, too.
You may have better luck with the XD grip that was designed much better for a slimmer grip in .45.
My daughter tried both the G19 and XD compact in 9mm and she much preferred the XD. I prefer the Glock, but the XD is a very nice pistol, too.
Autolycus
Member
If your going to use this gun as a bedside gun and a camp gun I would get a Glock 20 in 10mm. A .45 would not be as good a choice as a 10mm for a bear. The .357 revolver is also a good idea as well.
I would suggest getting some training as well since you seem concerned about some situations like night shooting and all that.
I would suggest getting some training as well since you seem concerned about some situations like night shooting and all that.
Going to go with the XD, they felt a lot better in my hand than any of the Glocks. I will be getting this this week once I figure out the correct model and cal. Still searching. My next purchase is going to be a 1911. I am looking at Springfield still, but a couple have now got me looking at the Colts. I will figure that out when the time comes. I added a light to some XD's today, and I think its going to work out great for my needs.
10-Ring
Member
If the Glock will have the features you are looking for, go w/ that & start training
Bought a new XD .40 service model. Shot off around 100 rounds today. Worked great, and I really like it a lot. Depending on what my wife thinks of it, this might end up being her vehicle carry gun. I am going to get a 1911 for my carry. I will be taking the XD camping. The light rail will come in handy in the dark, and I am not about to buy a 1911 with a rail. The .40 has some snap to it, but was adjusted for when I changed up my grip a little. Very accurate right out of the case. First 50 rounds were all on target right where I wanted them.
glockman19
Member
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A Glock 22 or 30 with night sights would serve you well and not cost you alot. My suggestion would be to try them all out first and get the one that feels best in your hands.
For Camping I have a S&W 686 I would use nothing less than a .357 magnum in the wilderness.
I prefer the Glock 19 as an all around HD gun and CCW a Glock 26.
For Camping I have a S&W 686 I would use nothing less than a .357 magnum in the wilderness.
I prefer the Glock 19 as an all around HD gun and CCW a Glock 26.
Yep, would have loved for a Glock to work, but I could not feel one that was comfortable in my hand. For sure would not have worked in my wifes hand. If they ever change up their frame to fit like the XD does in most peoples grip, I would probably get one. I also liked the grip saftey for the wife. It will be her first semi-auto, and just one more device to help with saftey issues while learning. Thanks for all the input, but from reading here, the XD forums, and the glock forums, this seemed to be the best option.
glockman19
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Congratulations.
You would be well served with all models you were looking at.
Enjoy the XD.
You would be well served with all models you were looking at.
Enjoy the XD.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I agree, that all three (if affordable ?) would make excellent choices. You don't specify how much 1911 experience you have; so most persons here
(including myself) will tell you that if you choose this design; by all means
make sure its reliable, before you start carrying it for self-defense. Most
of them can be made to perform without a hitch with just a little tweaking.
Its my preferred choice, but then again I also own a 4" service model XD
.45 ACP that I think mighty highly of; and wouldn't hesitate to carry it.
(including myself) will tell you that if you choose this design; by all means
make sure its reliable, before you start carrying it for self-defense. Most
of them can be made to perform without a hitch with just a little tweaking.
Its my preferred choice, but then again I also own a 4" service model XD
.45 ACP that I think mighty highly of; and wouldn't hesitate to carry it.
Autolycus
Member
As a sidenote I would suggest your wife choosing the proper gun for her. I dont think that you should force the XD on her and let her choose what she wants to carry.
www.corneredcat.com will have a lot of good information on guns and women.
I would also suggest that you both go and get some proper training.
www.corneredcat.com will have a lot of good information on guns and women.
I would also suggest that you both go and get some proper training.
I would suggest building a Caspian 1911. You will have a life-time warranted pistol. I know you don't want a rail, but Caspian has "specials" on pistols that have been ordered and not purchased: http://www.caspianarms.com, best of all, you could have your America-made 1911 for about $550.00!
Zeke Menuar
Member
I have a XD45 Service, XD45 Tactical and Colt LW Commander. The XD's hold more rounds but are a little harder to conceal.
The XD45 Service is my main carry gun. I use a Uncle Mike's $20 paddle holster.
Friends don't let friends buy Glops.
ZM
The XD45 Service is my main carry gun. I use a Uncle Mike's $20 paddle holster.
Friends don't let friends buy Glops.
ZM
Techumseh, I have plenty of training on shooting. I acually shot on a competative level for 4 years. When it comes to a semi-auto pistol, I have shot them, but never owned one. I have a very good friend that has many, and we have went over all there is to cover. As for my wife, she has never shot a gun in her life. So, that leaves it up to me to teach her. I am not forcing the XD upon her, but other than the way it feels in her hand, there is no other way. She does not want a revolver for some reason. After much research, I feel this is a good starting point. Trigger safety, grip safety, chambered round indicator, cocked indicator. Easy to function. If it does not work out for her, I will just add it to the collection or sell it and try another. She will be going to the concealed class in a couple of months, and I want her to have her own gun for the course that she is familiar with. Had she had experience growing up, she would have made the purchase. Her next one, she probably will.
philbo
Member
One item that might make the XD a little more controllable w/full power 40 loads is to pick up a Don's Guide Rod and a 22# spring. For less than $30, it's the easiest way to tame some of the hi power loads.
Philbo, are these items that I can change out myself, or would you say to take them to a gunsmith? I have read some about the Dons guide rod, but someone said it was just for looks, and served no purpose. Have you tried these items? If I can change these out myself, that is cheap and worth a shot. I assume its a drop in part, I will search the XD forum too..
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