Why Own A 1911?

[Jaymo]

You forgot to mention Zippo lighters, another American classic. All metal, and they work in all weather/temps. And they don't go BOOM like butane lighters can.

I'll take a 1911 over any other auto pistol for combat or self defense. No other pistol in the world has been as combat proven as the 1911.
And because steel is stronger and more durable than nylon.
And because I like guns with good triggers, not triggers like those suction cup dart guns I had as a child.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

. Why would anyone ever need to lower the hammer on a 1911 with one in the pipe?

Why? To field strip it.

Field strip it with one in the pipe? Seriously?

 

[loneviking]

No, Stevie, you aren't reading right. If I want to empty the gun I either have to drop the hammer and then rack the slide or take the safety off and rack the slide. I've seen it done both ways.

 

[jungle]

Forget classic, forget any arguments for cheap polymer mass produced pistols.
There are many great pistols out there, find the one that fits your needs and buy it.

That said, the 1911 is one of the best designs ever created for a wide variety of reasons and uses. Get ahold of a quality example with a good trigger and barrel fitment and you will no longer have to ask why.

 

[JRH6856]

If I want to empty the gun I either have to drop the hammer and then rack the slide or take the safety off and rack the slide.

And the question remains, "Why drop the hammer?" Just rack the slide--you have to do it either way and it is easier to rack with the hammer cocked.

 

[batex]

Because of the history. This was the fighting handgun that served us in World War I, World War II, Korea Vietnam, etc. Glock?.. in 100 years it won't have that much history.

 

[mesinge2]

If I want to empty the gun I either have to drop the hammer and then rack the slide or take the safety off and rack the slide.

I am sorry sir but the first clause in the above sentence is incorrect. If you drop the hammer the act of racking the slide will simply cock it again. Its a self-defeating act. To properly unload a 1911 simply disengage the safety and pull the slide back and the chambered round will be ejected.

 

[loneviking]

Mesinge2...
Sorry..thought you had a Wilson Combat Elite. You must have the Colt Combat Elite.

NGIB-it doesn't matter to me what you pay, but if you're going to try to convince me that a 1911 is the gun to have, then price is one of the issues.

 

[gregj]

Shoot one, then see if you still need to ask why.

 

[mesinge2]

If you lived closer loneviking, I'd let ya shoot some of my Colts, Kimbers, Springers, and then you'd be as hooked as the rest of us. I have been shooting a .45 ACP 5" 1911 since 8 years of age and the gun 'feels' like an extension of my hand. I even had a 1991A1 at one point that had no sights on it, just so I could practice point shooting. Even with no sights I could keep everything in the 9 ring. They are just awesome guns. I am actually looking at getting another tomorrow.

And don't take me for a gun snob or hater. I own XDms, Beretta, Taurus, Glock, S&W, Rugers, and many more. I just prefer and shoot 1911s better than anything else.

 

[loneviking]

Thank you Mesinge2. That's a nice offer that I wish I could take you up on as it just might change my mind. All the guys I know carry Glocks, Sigs or XD's.

 

[Sky]

Because, like manual transmissions, you probably aught to know how, just in case, and they can provide a rewarding experience.

Sam's not just another pretty face! Also helps if I agree with him......

 

[tarosean]

You can probably find something made of plastic that goes faster or looks better but I still like the real thing.

blasphemy!!!

No other pistol in the world has been as combat proven as the 1911.

Thinking the Beretta is close now-a-days...

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Why own a 1911? Because you want to. It's not the gun for everyone just like any other gun. Buy what you want and you'll be happy.

Thinking the Beretta is close now-a-days...

The Beretta M9 hasn't been in service for over 100 years.

 

[tarosean]

The Beretta M9 hasn't been in service for over 100 years.

I was thinking wars fought, not length of service. Combat proven as the post referred too.

I was incorrect anyhow. I was thinking they adopted it sooner than the mid 80's..

 

[Inebriated]

I don't own one, nor do I care to at the moment (a few things ahead of it on my short list), but I want one because of it's history, and they just look beautiful.

 

[CountryUgly]

Because I've put on a few pounds since getting married and that fat double stack 19 round mag and that way to wide slide doesn't leave any room in my waistband for my morning biscuits anymore. The 1911 even with it's big bullets leaves room for a little extra gravy if I so choose I'm no longer built for speed, these days it's all about comfort

 

[xXxplosive]

Colt 1911 Government Model.........."The Fist Of God".

 

[RedAlert]

Because it makes a nice low-profile paper weight.

 

[MAJ Mike]

Why own a M1911A1?

There's no reason not to own one.

To be the "pistol-parent" of a M1911A1 is to be blessed by God. You own a M1911A1 for the same reason you should own a Katana. Because if you never owned one, you would never have the pure pleasure of handling one and knowing it belongs to you.

 

[tarosean]

polishing plastic/polymer doesn't quite have the same effect...

 

[Rob G]

- Because the first time I shot one I put 50 rounds through a 2 inch hole at 30 feet. I can do better now.
- Because it's always just felt right in my hand.
- Because I like hitting the torso sized gong on my range at 130 yards. (furthest distance I've tried so far)
- Because when I pull out my other handguns people say: "that's a nice collection." But when I pull out my 1911 they say: "Can I put a few rounds through that?"

Also I've read a bit in this thread about how you have to have a high dollar 1911 for it to be reliable. I know my experience is limited since I only own three but my Kimber TLE II, bought for $750 NIB, and my Rock Island Armory, $400 NIB, have been absolutely flawless and accurate. So by all means buy a high dollar one if you want, I'd love to myself, but don't knock the cheaper ones because there are a lot of them out there that work just fine.

 

[tomrkba]

Because:

...1911's are Legos for adults.

...I need one to practice clearing stovepipe and double feed jams.

...I really like the trigger and no other design beats it.

...it looks cool.

...manufacturers make it in every possible configuration and I can get exactly what I want.

 

[Patch Delta]

My father carried one in WWII. I carried one in Vietnam. What other pistol has defended America for 100 years and counting.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

 

[MAJ Mike]

Heh! I paid $75 for my GI M1911A1 back in 1971.

They're good investments and mine didn't require a butt-load of enhancements.