Fisherman12
Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2012
- Messages
- 59
I've owned 5 1911s. I love shooting them, I love the looks, the history, and everything about them. I really would love to carry one as my primary CCW.
The only thing that makes me hesitant is the reliability factor. I've owned 3 Colts, a Springfield Loaded, and a Dan Wesson Valor. All of these were 5" Government Models chambered in .45 Auto. I still have the Colt, it's a 1991 series blued.
Before I ever shot my current Colt, I took it to a renowned 1911 gunsmith. I asked him to check the extractor, feed ramp, and all internals, saying that I wanted to make this 1911 as reliable as it can be. I also ordered Wilson Combat magazines and exclusively use those.
To his credit, the Colt has performed reliably almost all the time. After shooting 4000 rounds through it, though, it has not managed to go at least 1000 rounds without some kind of malfunction. My personal reliability requirement for a defensive handgun is at least 2000 rounds without a malfunction, and many of my pistols easily surpass that. No 1911 I've owned has.
I'm close to giving up on having a 1911 I consider reliable enough for self defense, as much as I love it. Does anyone have a 1911 that has gone at least 2000 rounds (assuming normal cleaning/maintenance) without a stoppage of any kind? Would I have to get something like a $3000 Wilson Combat to obtain a 1911 that reliable?
The only thing that makes me hesitant is the reliability factor. I've owned 3 Colts, a Springfield Loaded, and a Dan Wesson Valor. All of these were 5" Government Models chambered in .45 Auto. I still have the Colt, it's a 1991 series blued.
Before I ever shot my current Colt, I took it to a renowned 1911 gunsmith. I asked him to check the extractor, feed ramp, and all internals, saying that I wanted to make this 1911 as reliable as it can be. I also ordered Wilson Combat magazines and exclusively use those.
To his credit, the Colt has performed reliably almost all the time. After shooting 4000 rounds through it, though, it has not managed to go at least 1000 rounds without some kind of malfunction. My personal reliability requirement for a defensive handgun is at least 2000 rounds without a malfunction, and many of my pistols easily surpass that. No 1911 I've owned has.
I'm close to giving up on having a 1911 I consider reliable enough for self defense, as much as I love it. Does anyone have a 1911 that has gone at least 2000 rounds (assuming normal cleaning/maintenance) without a stoppage of any kind? Would I have to get something like a $3000 Wilson Combat to obtain a 1911 that reliable?