45 vs 9MM 1911

I have 4 1911s in 9mm S&W,Ruger lightweight comander,RIA and a Springfield RO all function very well and are as accurate as I can shoot. The Ruger needed a slightly heavier recoil spring to improve feeding.

JR24 said:

In 9mm I've had good luck with metalform and, of course, Wilson Combat.

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Isn't the RIA TAC 9 a double stack? At least I think that is what the OP is talking about. https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/tac-series/tac-ultra-fs-hc-9mm/

I don't think either Metalform or Wilson Combat offer mags for that gun.

That's pretty much my point in post #25 above. You can probably count double stack 1911/2011 makers on one hand and not all double stack mags work in all of them. STI/Staccato is probably the best of breed, and I don't believe their mags work in the RIA guns.

There is a certain undeniable and satisfying feel to shooting a 45-caliber 1911.

Nevertheless, I have had two basic Government Model Colts in 9mm and they have been as reliable, accurate, and fun as any of my 45s.

In any gun other than a 1911 I prefer 9mm over 45. But to me a 1911 in 9mm just isn't right. Or any other cartridge except possibly 38 Super.

I freely admit this is purely personal preference, but you did ask for opinions. That is mine. But do what makes YOU happy.

I have 10 1911's currently in 45, 9mm, 38 Super and 22lr.
From 3.5" to 5," Rock Island to Wilson Combat.

Love to shoot them all.

JTQ said:

Isn't the RIA TAC 9 a double stack? At least I think that is what the OP is talking about. https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/tac-series/tac-ultra-fs-hc-9mm/

I don't think either Metalform or Wilson Combat offer mags for that gun.

That's pretty much my point in post #25 above. You can probably count double stack 1911/2011 makers on one hand and not all double stack mags work in all of them. STI/Staccato is probably the best of breed, and I don't believe their mags work in the RIA guns.

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My TAC 10mm is single stack.

https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/tac-series/tac-ultra-fs-10mm/

I do see the only TAC single stack they have 9mm is a compact, sure.

One should not poo-poo the 9mm in a 1911. Since they are now coming out of a 5" barrel, they equal (or exceed) the muzzle energy of a 45. With much less recoil.

A 230 grain bullet at 860 fps produces 378 ft. lbs muzzle energy.

115 grain bullets run at 1185 fps from a 4" barrel = 359 ft. lbs muzzle energy. Add an inch to that and you gain around 50 fps. Now at 1235 fps from a 5" barrel = 389 ft. lbs muzzle energy.

JTQ said:

Isn't the RIA TAC 9 a double stack? At least I think that is what the OP is talking about. https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/tac-series/tac-ultra-fs-hc-9mm/

I don't think either Metalform or Wilson Combat offer mags for that gun.

That's pretty much my point in post #25 above. You can probably count double stack 1911/2011 makers on one hand and not all double stack mags work in all of them. STI/Staccato is probably the best of breed, and I don't believe their mags work in the RIA guns.

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I think the RIAs use Para double stack mags.

Axis II said:

I thought about getting something like super or 45 because I do load but I am trying to keep cost down.

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It all depends on how you value your reloading time. I enjoy reloading as a hobby unto itself.

Under normal times, my reloads, 38 Super and 9mm, are better than the junkie surplus 9mm ammunition available and are cheaper than any quality 9mm ammunition.

As I said in my first post, a 9x19 M1911 will serve you well. I'd just prefer 38 Super.

I'm a M1911 junkie. I have M1911's chambered in 7 different cartridges, 45 ACP, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, 38/45 Clerke, 38 Super, 9x19, and 22LR.

I've had Colts in 9mm Commander and .45 in Mil spec, now recently bought a Springfield 9mm Ronin 4.25 model. The .45 is a great shooter but if all you want is paper punching...I'd say 9mm. A full size 5" 9 would be a great all-day shooter I think, I went with a Commander size again because it was available and a good price. Two friends have RIA's in .45 and these are quality pistols as well.

I have Ruger lightweight CMDs in 45 acp and 9mm - recoil with the 9mm is noticeably less.

fxvr5 said:

I think the RIAs use Para double stack mags.

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They probably do, and Para is out of business.

Axis II said:

Why?

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If it is a double stack 1911 you are asking about it is because they are not common.

Axis II said:

Either that or the rock series which looks like the GI but black.

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https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/rock-series/

A single stack 9mm will give you a lot more options as far as magazines go, at least compared to a double stack.

A single stack .45 Auto will give you the most magazine options.

I have a RIA 1911 GI Standard .45ACP, it's accurate and it goes bang every time. No complaints and great value for the money.

I have RIA 1911's in 9mm and 45acp.

They are accurate and reliable.

9mm 1911's are fun and I've never had any trouble with them.

It amuses me how much some folks seem to equate manliness with the .45 ACP.

CDW4ME said:

I have Ruger lightweight CMDs in 45 acp and 9mm - recoil with the 9mm is noticeably less.

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Lightweight 1911s, especially in a CCO or Officer is really where the 9mm shines. Nice compact carry package with 8 or 10 +1 that shoots smooth and easy with that fine, fine 1911 trigger.

Whereas lightweight .45s, while nice, are a good bit slower with the recoil and not nearly as pleasant to shoot at the range.

If I want a lightweight 1911 for carry, I want 9mm or .38 Super.

If I'm going lightweight in a .45, I'm going for a polymer over a lightweight 1911, after years of owning, carrying and shooting both.

Never had a Colt Government in 9mm. though I have had a number of Colt Combat Commanders and Commanders in .38 Super. The gun is easily converted to 9mm. with just a simple barrel swap and 9mm. magazines with a spacer inside of them. Works just fine and I get to use less expensive 9mm. ammo for range time.

The .38 Super is a great 1911 caliber to shoot, almost bought one when I had my Commander in 9mm, but being unfamiliar with it at the time I shied away. The mistakes we make, Huh?

JR24

Lightweight 1911s, especially in a CCO or Officer is really where the 9mm shines. Nice compact carry package with 8 or 10 +1 that shoots smooth and easy with that fine, fine 1911 trigger.

Whereas lightweight .45s, while nice, are a good bit slower with the recoil and not nearly as pleasant to shoot at the range.

If I want a lightweight 1911 for carry, I want 9mm or .38 Super.

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I definitely will go along with that but I would also have to say that my Colt Lightweight Government .45 is easy to carry, handles and balances nicely, and is pretty decent at handling recoil (though I like to run 185 and 200 gr. handloads through it instead of the usual 230 gr. FMJ ammo).