45 vs 9MM 1911

bannockburn said:

JR24


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).
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Sure, it's doable, and I do think the 185s help a bit, but I just don't like how much it slows me down over a polymer (Glock or HK) or a steel commander 1911, especially on followup shots.

Double especially with how nice 9mm lightweights shoot, and .38 Super as well.

Just my preference, though I've considered going back to a lightweight .45 now that my VBob is just too much for my back all day but, frankly, I shoot my HK45C every bit as accurately and a good deal faster and it's quite a bit lighter, smaller, feels good and still holds 8 .45 ACP.

Debated a Sig 210A and a 1911, both in 9mm. No interest in 45acp since I sold off a 1911 three decades ago. Ended up getting a RIA 1911A1 Ultra in 9mm. No problem finding 9rnd and 10rnd mags for a 9mm 1911A1. This thread needs Dr Rick, "It's OK not to like 45acp."

For punching paper? If you don't care if you score an 8 instead of a 9 ring, then a 9mm. If you DO care, a .45 scores better, period, done... not even close to a debate. That's why competitive target shooters invariably use .45's.

PS, I'm not talking action sports, they're scoring / time events, accuracy is secondary, NRA precision pistol is an ACCURACY game dominated by .45.

JTQ said:

They probably do, and Para is out of business.

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That's okay. RIA makes magazines for their own guns.
https://www.armscor.com/parts-accessories/magazines/

gnappi said:

For punching paper? If you don't care if you score an 8 instead of a 9 ring, then a 9mm. If you DO care, a .45 scores better, period, done... not even close to a debate. That's why competitive target shooters invariably use .45's.

PS, I'm not talking action sports, they're scoring / time events, accuracy is secondary, NRA precision pistol is an ACCURACY game dominated by .45.

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45 is the most common caliber used in Bullseye, but that doesn't mean it's the most accurate.

A professional gunsmith who builds Bullseye guns get better accuracy at 50 yards from 9mm and 38 Super (10 shots just under 1") than the 45 (10 shots just over 1").
https://chamberscustom.com/about-us/

And for fun, a video;

gnappi said:

I don't get it.

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Yes, I'd imagine.

Quote to me what the OP said that made you think that he was interested in high levels of competitive shooting.

fxvr5 said:

That's okay. RIA makes magazines for their own guns.
https://www.armscor.com/parts-accessories/magazines/

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They are listed on their website. However, when you click on the 22TCM/9mm 17 round mags "Buy US Now" what do you get?

They are probably made by Mec-Gar, so there may be another source.

I'm not telling the OP not to get a double stack 1911 in 9mm, I'm just pointing out some things may not be as easy to source as G17 parts and accessories, or for that matter, single stack 1911 .45 Auto parts and accessories.

JTQ said:

They are listed on their website. However, when you click on the 22TCM/9mm 17 round mags "Buy US Now" what do you get?

They are probably made by Mec-Gar, so there may be another source.

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You get that error with a couple of other magazines at that link as well. I bet it is safe to say that if RIA is selling guns, there are magazines for them, whatever their source.

JTQ said:

They are listed on their website. However, when you click on the 22TCM/9mm 17 round mags "Buy US Now" what do you get?

They are probably made by Mec-Gar, so there may be another source.

I'm not telling the OP not to get a double stack 1911 in 9mm, I'm just pointing out some things may not be as easy to source as G17 parts and accessories, or for that matter, single stack 1911 .45 Auto parts and accessories.

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Here's the correct link. Not all double stack mags are available:
https://advancedtactical.com/magazines/1911-magazines.html

Axis II said:

My buddy has a RIA GI in 45ACP he did a trigger job too and put night sights on the front.

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Another thing I find I'm always pointing out to folks new to 1911's is 1911 sight dovetails are not all the same.

If you know you're going to replace the sights, make sure your intended sights fit the dovetail on the gun you choose.

P89DCSS said:

Not all double stack mags are available:

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The only double stack 9mm I see that is not out of stock, is the 29 round capacity ACT-Mag version for $90. It's good to see there are options from ACT-Mag and Mic-Gar though.

My point is it is just something for the OP to consider if he heads down that path.

Axis II said:

Just looking for something to target shoot with and maybe an occasional steel match. I have always been drawn to the 1911 because its not plastic, its history and I like the way they handle and shoot. The clown at the gun store told me he doesnt care about Kimber, Colt, etc. in a 1911 and the only 1911 he cares about is this one and hands me a $4k 1911. I laughed and said you can keep it. Anything over $700 I am out....

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I'm the same, I couldn't enjoy a $4000 pistol/revolver. I landed the RIA FS 1911Ultra for $725 in-hand (including tax, shipping, background check) and it fits my needs. I have lots of 9mm so no ammo cost beyond what I already own. My friends and family all own plastic 9mm and they'll enjoy shooting my 1911 in 9mm (with their ammo!). They enjoy my Ruger SA/DA revolvers and Rossi levers already.

Love the 9mm 1911 and cheaper to feed than 45acp. I reload and still prefer the 9mm in a 1911 and have several in 45acp.

Axis II said:

How do I know this? I would probably keep the sights normal. He CCW his so put night sight on the front.

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First would be choose the 1911 with the sights you like so you don't have to change them.

Second, if you've determined you need night sights, or adjustable sights, or some other special configuration, see if they are available for the sight dovetails on the 1911 you are thinking of getting.

Here is a Kensight article on common 1911 dovetails

https://stores.kensight.com/common-1911-sight-dovetails/

If you like night sights, the Novak dovetail would offer more night sight options. If you like adjustable sights, there aren't many with night sight options, the LPA or Bomar (now out of business) dovetail would have more options.

Then there are the front sights. Also dovetail differences, but some are not in a dovetail, but staked on.

Novak lists those manufacturers that use their dovetails on their "Sights 101" page

https://www.novaksights.com/Content.aspx?PAGE="Sights 101"

Ultra has adjustable LPA rear sight, that's why I choose it over the GI model.

About a month ago I picked up a RIA M1911A1 GI FS in 9mm for about $450. On my first range trip with the crappy GI standard iron sights, I shot it nearly as well as my Sig P320 M17. The one thing I added was a set of Hogue overmolded rubber Laser-Enhanced grips. This thing shoots the center out of a red B3 bullseye target easily at 12 yards, and I’m not the world’s greatest shot. If you’re looking for paper-punching range fun in a 1911 9mm, Rock Island definitely punches above it’s cost class. Highly recommend.

BoBo522 said:

About a month ago I picked up a RIA M1911A1 GI FS in 9mm for about $450.

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This is an often recommended gun, and it is a solid option.

For the OP, along with the sight dovetails the other point I try to make with those new to 1911's is not all grip safeties are beavertail grip safeties, and not all grip safeties fit on all 1911's (at least not without some grinding, filing, or welding).

BoBo522's RIA has GI dovetail sights (I have no idea what fits their front dovetail), and a GI grip safety. Lot's of folks like GI grip safeties, but most 1911 shooters prefer a beavertail grip safety. It's possible, but not likely, you can simply change the part to the grip safety you prefer, but it's more likely there will be some filing or welding involved.

JTQ said:

.... most 1911 shooters prefer a beavertail grip safety. It's possible, but not likely, you can simply change the part to the grip safety you prefer, but it's more likely there will be some filing or welding involved.

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Or get the next level up RIA 1911, the full size Ultra. LPA adjustable rear sight, fiber optic front sight, beaver tail grip safety, G10 grips, 4lb trigger with adjustable stop, skeletonized hammer, fancy ambi safety. Set up for target. $600 from Gunbroker.com, right around OPs target price of $700 delivered.

https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/rock-series/rock-ultra-fs-9mm/

P89DCSS said:

Or get the ...

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Just giving the OP a heads up that it's easier to get what you want up front than to try and piece it together later.

The OP may or may not want a ... beavertail/GI grip safety, an adjustable/target/fixed/night sight/etc. sights, and so on and so on ...

The 1911 is a great gun, and it has a lot of aftermarket support, but not all people have the ability to make the changes on their own. Finding a competent gunsmith to make the changes you want could be expensive and time consuming.

JTQ said:

heads up that it's easier to get what you want up front than to try and piece it together later.

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Oh so very true and we'll said.

My first Commander size was 45 acp. Wanted it for carry. Unfortunately the brand I bought was/is horribly unreliable. I liked carrying the 1911 Commander size so much that I found another one, different brand, in 9mm for a good price and snatched it.

It was a good choice for me. I will probably buy another Commander in 45acp. 45 acp is more accurate and powerful than 9mm in my experience. But my 9mm Commander is no slouch and worth every penny I spent for it. Being able to have the choices is very nice.

I do enjoy the .45 cal holes in the paper targets.

Axis II said:

Why?

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9 or 45, 1911 has to have a high quality mag, or you need to know how to tweed them...whats this double stack stuff, not a 1911in my book..