Just as with any other machinery - - -
- - -The more comlicated you make a firearm, the more apt it is that something will go wrong.
Much of the recent bad rap taken by 1911 style pistols is from people who aren't happy unless they depart significantly from the original design and intent of the arm.
It is pretty well accepted that Colt quality control suffered somewhat for a time. From all I hear, a box-stock Government Model or Commander produced in recent years is quite reliable. Take it out of the factory packaging, clean and lube it, and fire a couple of hundred rounds of ball, and it should be good to go. Not cheap, but reasonably priced. And, it LOOKS like the great old warhorse, and not like some Star Wars prop piece.
Start hanging the add-ons from it, using bargain basement magazines and trying to shoot handloads of questionable origin - - It is hardly surprising there'll be a few glitches in the operation.
If one demands a long, "full length" guide rod, reliability suffers, especially if it is not installed by a really qualified 'smith who understands the operation of the type. The design functioned quite well for 70-plus years with the standard recoil spring guide, and then it became popular to tinker with the design.
The shorter the slide is made, the more problematic reliability becomes. I feel anything shorter than the Commander should be
throughly tested
with the exact ammo and magazines before being trusted for personal defense. Don't be astounded if there are some problems to be resolved.
Above comments apply for the Kimber and Springfield 1911s as well. Those which come with FLGRs whould either be avoided, or the guides replaced with the standard design.
I realize full well that a lot of people are heavily invested in their super-custom, after market modified pistols. Some of them work quite well, I know. But it is wrong to claim a bunch of add-ons constitute a "custom pistol." You want to order a Wilson or Baer or even higher-dollar piece made to your specs, fine, but they don't come cheap. They should be broken in per makers' instructions before being trusted with your life.
The big Glocks do have a good reputation for reliability. If you can tolerate the broad slide and the very subjective "feel" of the type, you might be very well served by one. I purposely set out to learn something about the Glocks, to have a well-rounded firearms education. I can shoot one pretty well, and if forced to do so, I could live with one as my mainstay sidearm. I am NOT so forced, and prefer the 1911-type for primary use. As you may have observed, I hold some strong opinions within the type, as well.
Is the price difference between a good 1911 and a Glock worth it? It is to me. For someone who strictly wants a plinking pistol, or a range gun, or something to keep in the glove box or night stand, possibly not. Sidearms are a vastly personal choice.
DontShootMe, I cannot say what is best for YOU, personally. I think anyone who tells you, "THIS brand is what you MUST have," or, "THAT brand is totally unusable crud," is being intellectually dishonest, or exhibiting their ignorance, or both. You requested input - - The above is my own opinion, developed, altered, confirmed, modified, solidified, over the course of several decades. It may not be globally definitive, but it IS based on more than reading magazines and gun counter bullstuff sessions.
Whatever your choice, I wish you satisfaction and valuable knowledge, and I hope you enjoy your association with the forty-five as much as I have mine.
Best,
Johnny
