I just really like 1911s. On an emotional level they are probably my favorite handgun for a variety of reasons. I really like shooting them.
That said I think I share the opinions I have heard from Larry Vickers, Travis Haley, and other trainers that have had occasion to see a lot of guns run hard by a lot of shooters. 1911s have a ton of potential and shooting a well built, reliable, dialed in 1911 is very rewarding. However, 1911s take more maintenance, as well as more skill and knowledge to maintain than a glock (or similar). Also not all 1911s are created equal and not all are built in a way that makes them suitable for defense use. If two mystery guns were on the table an unknown 1911 and an unknown glock (or S&W M&P etc) and I had to pick one up to defend myself right then I would never go for the 1911. Also, a 1911 setup to my liking tends to cost a good bit more than a striker fired polymer gun. A 5" steel framed gun is not the most comfortable gun for a lot of people to carry. Smaller framed 1911s are subject to critiques of their own. A 1911, for defensive use, is a gun for a certain type of person. Now just to have as a recreational piece I agree everyone should own at least one.
In sum, for some people a proper 1911 is hard to beat as a defensive tool. For most people there are better choices for defensive use. Ammo capacity is a ways down the list on why I would say that. 1911s are iconic and no respectable gun owner's collection is complete without at least one.
I am interested in trying an HK45 after hearing Vickers talk about it. He helped design it but in an interview he gives a warts and all review and is pretty blunt about the things he perceives as short comings. http://pistol-training.com/articles/hk45-interview-with-ken-hackathorn-and-larry-vickers
That said I think I share the opinions I have heard from Larry Vickers, Travis Haley, and other trainers that have had occasion to see a lot of guns run hard by a lot of shooters. 1911s have a ton of potential and shooting a well built, reliable, dialed in 1911 is very rewarding. However, 1911s take more maintenance, as well as more skill and knowledge to maintain than a glock (or similar). Also not all 1911s are created equal and not all are built in a way that makes them suitable for defense use. If two mystery guns were on the table an unknown 1911 and an unknown glock (or S&W M&P etc) and I had to pick one up to defend myself right then I would never go for the 1911. Also, a 1911 setup to my liking tends to cost a good bit more than a striker fired polymer gun. A 5" steel framed gun is not the most comfortable gun for a lot of people to carry. Smaller framed 1911s are subject to critiques of their own. A 1911, for defensive use, is a gun for a certain type of person. Now just to have as a recreational piece I agree everyone should own at least one.
In sum, for some people a proper 1911 is hard to beat as a defensive tool. For most people there are better choices for defensive use. Ammo capacity is a ways down the list on why I would say that. 1911s are iconic and no respectable gun owner's collection is complete without at least one.
I am interested in trying an HK45 after hearing Vickers talk about it. He helped design it but in an interview he gives a warts and all review and is pretty blunt about the things he perceives as short comings. http://pistol-training.com/articles/hk45-interview-with-ken-hackathorn-and-larry-vickers
