1911 transition question

[tackleberry45]

Here is a good one. THe subject is someone who has shot the 1911 platform only. They want to get a 9MM mostly for budget and ammo cost and want it to be a new poly. I suggested the usual supects, Glock, SmIth M&P, Springer XD. I am then asked what would be the easiest transition for someone who has been a 1911'er all along. My gut would be the Glock because of the shorter trigger reset, then I switch to thinking about ergos and the Smith and Springer pop into mind. Aside from practice, practice, practice, practice witht the new poly pistol....What do THR folks think??

 

[19-3Ben]

I might actually suggest the SR9. Nice and thin grip similar to a 1911, and similar grip angle. Also ability to have a faux arched MSH, or flat MSH.

 

[Jim Watson]

I find the grip angle of the Glock a big hangup coming from a 1911. I am doing much better with a Plastic M&P. I have not tried an XD, probably won't,now that I have the S&W.

 

[HM2PAC]

I would recommend the H&K USP and the SIG line-up. Both pistols are based on the 1911 and have similar ergo's. Grip angle is also the same as the 1911.

 

[Ala Dan]

With suggesting that one making the jump from a 1911 platform to a new
polymer platform consider the Glocks, S&W M&P's and Springer XD's leads
me too believe that you you surely must have forgotten the new H&K's
and SIG's~? In particular, the new SIG P250 that feels really good in
ones hand. I have only examined a new SIG P250 in 9m/m caliber; but
the looks and feel of this firearm makes me also believe that this new
weapon will soon be among the top selling polymer framed weapons~!

I haven't had the opportunity too shoot one yet, but it has all the
craftsmanship to be yet another workhorse in the stable of SIG's
fine firearms. Its compact desgin would make an excellent choice
for concealed carry; not too mention the fact that you can change
its configuration too suit just 'bout any need.

However, I won't be in the market for a new polymer frame weapon
anytime soon; as I'm still in love with my original (full size) Springfield
XD-.45ACP, as it feels more like a true 1911 than all the rest of 'em.

 

[Eric F]

Again I must suggest eaa

 

[tackleberry45]

Thanks for the replies. My line above about the polys should have read etc.... to include all of the other polys out there. We did talk on HK, Sig, Ruger....

 

[Jason_G]

I would recommend the H&K USP and the SIG line-up.

+1

USP would be ideal, having a manual safety/decock lever in nearly the same place as the 1911, except for the mag release being in a different location. On the SiG, you have a similar mag release, but the decocker is forward of where the safety would be on a 1911. I do think that these would be the best options for a quality pistol that fits your bill though.

Jason

 

[AK103K]

Be careful now, your treading on dangerous ground here.

I was a die hard 1911 shooter and carrier up until I shot my first SIG. Havent carried a 1911 since, barely shoot them anymore, and only have three left.

 

[KyJim]

The Glock grip frame is so different than a 1911, that they would have to make a big adjustment. To me, the SW M&P grip frame is closer. I've also handled the Sig 250 and like the way it feels. I haven't shot it yet. It could be a purchase somewhere down the road.

 

[M47 Dragon]

I mostly shoot 1911 - I also have the M&P and an XD. As much as I love the ergos of the M&P, I feel like the XD is an easier transition from the 1911 platform.

To me, it's proven to be true in competition. When I shoot IDPA, I do best in CDP with a 1911, about the same or a close second with the XD in ESP, and in SSP I tend to stink with the M&P.

 

[akulahawk]

The M&P, XD, and probably a Sig P250 all should have a similar grip angle to a 1911 platform. They're all decent guns (we can't get a P250 normally here in Ca) but with the XD series, if you have to depress the grip safety, depress it fully. Otherwise, it can lock up irreparably outside of the factory... and you'd have to send it in to Springfield for the repair.

JMHO.

 

[SuperNaut]

Easiest transition would probably be this guy here, and here I was calling the KZ an oddball gun just the other day.

Cooler but not exactly what you asked for would be a TT33 in 9mm.

 

[Sunray]

"...the easiest transition..." Buy whatever polymer framed 9mm pistol that fits the hand best and go shoot it. It's just like going from a girly automatic transmission to a proper standard transmission vehicle. Same thing, but you have to learn how to use it.

 

[loop]

I have more than a little difficulty seeing how the Glock, the SIG or the XD translate to a 1911.

Maybe the SIG to an HP or a Glock to and XD, but to a 1911?

Why not suggest a S&W Mod. 10?

How about a CZ or even EAA Witness? At least the mechanics are the same.

Of course there are STIs and Kimbers available.

It is really hard to believe someone asks for 1911 format and gets "Buy a Glock."

It is the equivalent of "I want a single action revolver," "Get an XD."

Ever consider Para?

Lots of polys out there that are 1911 format, but the answer is get a completely different format and adapt.

My recommendation is get a Ruger Security Six. It's just like a 1911.

Get real people. Recommend a 1911 format gun.

 

[Jim Watson]

Read the O.P. man.

THe subject is someone who has shot the 1911 platform only. They want to get a 9MM mostly for budget and ammo cost and want it to be a new poly.

He wants a plastic gun to play with after shooting a 1911.

 

[steveracer]

I'd say CZ all the way. The 75B has very similar controls, and is a very, very good pistol.

 

[Quiet]

When it comes to polymer framed handguns, most 1911 shooters gravitate towards the Springfield XD and the H&K USP.

 

[Walkalong]

XD for me, after 1911's, of course.

 

[dogma]

Transitioning from a 1911 to any other format takes a lot of practice for me. While the difference in grip is minimized in some designs (sig p220, xd, hipower), differences in trigger pull/take up/RESET are harder for me to accommodate to.
The sigs, while wonderful (especially p220), were a no-go due to da/sa transition and especially the loooooong reset, hipower's long reset makes it a different animal as well. Glocks I've owned had triggers that were acceptable though "spongy", but their grip angle/feel were too far off, as well as they annoyingly rub against the inner knuckle of my thumb. The xd could use a trigger job and had a little more muzzle flip than I thought a nine should, but was otherwise acceptable. I've not owned a HK USP, but the one I shot (USP .45) was nice but for the need of a trigger job and an odd recoil feel. Not a hard recoil, but slow with the heavy slide felt moving back and forth without a heavy frame to balance/mitigate its inertia.

If I was to pick one plastic framed 9mm pistol to most closely match a 1911, I would lean toward the xd with a trigger job, followed by a USP (cocked and locked variant) with a trigger job, and lastly a 2nd generation Glock (the finger grooves of the 3rd gen suck).

Off topic:
Someday I'd like to try a CZ 75 as a 9mm 1911 stand in.

 

[Babalouie]

dogma differences in trigger pull/take up/RESET are harder for me to accommodate to.

Glocks I've owned had triggers that were acceptable though "spongy", but their grip angle/feel were too far off,

If I was to pick one plastic framed 9mm pistol to most closely match a 1911, I would lean toward the xd with a trigger job,

Yep, what Dogma said.

I shoot in uspsa and the XD with a trigger job is as close to single action as I've ever experienced on a non-1911 platform. Its quite amazing. My son shoots an M&P with a trigger job and its great too...not as amazing as the XD but close. He prefers the M&P and shoots quite well (ranked 10th Production Junior nationally) Both the XD and M&P have the same grip angle as a 1911 and both have very nice ergonomics that take about a second and a half to transition to! Both point very naturally and you won't go wrong with either one.

Taking Gold in the Sunshine State Games with his M&P