1911 vs glock (or xd)

[GLOOB]

Any thing out there showing what any of these can handle?

Not many people are willing to put their Colt and Wilson 1911's through truly abusive torture testing. Go figure. I think the average 1911 abuse video would be showing off an idiot scratch.

Personally, I'd be skeptical of any 1911 torture test, anyhow. Each 1911 is a gun of its own. Some are built tight, some loose. People favor different brands, different parts, and how many different brands and models of magazines, even?

The only 1911 I have extensive shooting time with jams all by itself, all the time. That doesn't mean anything to you. Same way a video showing a 1911 going thru hellnback and still working would mean squat to me.

Glocks are mass produced in the same factories, and the 4 different generations and other various pseudo-recall/upgrades are well documented in the popular press of the interwebs. The icing on the cake is many of the internal trigger and sear parts don't even need to be well-fitted to begin with. A video of one specific Glock being abused makes a bit more of a statement as to the expected performance of the Glock on your hip.

 

[Kiln]

I'm very biased in this issue because:

1. I used to own a Glock that I didn't like so I got rid of. I've only sold a couple of guns in my life and that was one of them.

2. I own two XDM 4.5" models in .40S&W and 9mm Luger and love both of them.

I find the XDM to shoot better than any of the others and the ergonomics are more comfortable. The 1911 just feels outdated as a defensive gun, it is more of a range pistol in my opinion. I like the higher capacities offered by more modern guns, even if I've got to sacrifice a little bit of power to achieve it.

 

[CTGunner]

I have 2 Wilson Combat 1911s. One is a full size and the other is a 4" Bill Wilson Carry. Both are expensive guns but like with many things in life you do get what you pay for - they are reliable and very very accurate. If I had to take one into a dangerous situation it would be the full-size gun but the 4" is serious business too. I also had good luck with Springfields. I have had very bad luck with Kimber and Les Baer. Take that as just one additional data point.

If your issue is with concealment I do not personally recommend a full-size 1911. I would go with something smaller, like a 4" with a bob tail. However, when you get into smaller 1911s consistent reliability DOES become an issue. The exception to this rule is with guns that are hand fitted like Wilson's.

My recommendation: Try a Springfield XDs in .45acp. It's a single stack gun. Very accurate and very reliable and less than $600. You can get extended mags for it too which is a nice feature.

 

[Hammerdown77]

If you want to stick with 45 and want something similar to a Commander, I'd highly recommend the Smith&Wesson M&P 45 compact. HIGHLY recommend.

A Glock 19 is about the same size though, and you carry 16 rounds of 9mm as opposed to 9 rounds of 45.

I have carried 1911s before, but I'm pretty much down to either a Glock 19 or a J frame 38 +p at this point.

Take your pick.

 

[slamfirev10]

You can use the "handles" to your advantage by going behind them @ 4-5 o clock...

lol, thanks

 

[otasan56]

Try the Glock 36, if you insist on the .45ACP. Or the Glock 30.

 

[WinThePennant]

The 1911 is a beautiful prom queen, and the Glock is a working man that gets the job done.

Internet message boards are filled with 1911 owners who say, man I love my 1911. It's beautiful. It feels great in my hand. But... (fill in the blank). I have to buy different magazines because the manufacturer's mags don't work. I have to get it smithed because it doesn't feed right. Blah...Blah...Blah. It never ends. If it wasn't for the 1911's history, no one would want one. It's a design that can work, but it takes a lot tuning.

If you want a smokin' hot steel .45 ACP, then buy a Sig P220.

If you want a .45 ACP that works for concealed carry, then get a Glock 30 (now in Gen 4).

 

[Steve H]

My main two ccw's are a Kimber Ultra CDP II with slim grips and a XDs. No if, and or but's about either of them. They are almost identical to each other in size. Kimber does hold more rounds. IMHO best of both worlds.

 

[HKGuns]

I'd suggest not limiting yourself to those three choices and instead go to a range and handle / fire some other options.

I don't trust 1911's that are less 5" but I carry a 5" 1911 just fine, although it is large. I won't own a gLoCk and have never shot or handled an XD.

If you're willing to spend the coin required to obtain an Wilson then almost anything is possible and limiting yourself to these three choices makes little sense. You mention safety, it appears more and more people have issue keeping their fingers off the booger switch.......gLoCk's aren't exactly idiot proof, although an idiot could ND anything, it just takes less practice with one of Gaston's abominations. Also consider the Gen4 gLoCk's have a less than honorable record for reliability. (Regardless of what their fanboys will tell you.)

I'd open my list up to reliable brands like HK - Walther - FN - Colt - S&W & others. I own examples from each and more and they are all better than gLoCk. I would also throw a packable revolver into the mix just to be sure that one of them isn't what you shoot and carry more comfortably. Also, try to figure out if you like DAO, SA, DA/SA or striker fired operation best.

 

[TheReiver]

I've only been carrying for a couple of years but I've found that holster selection and a good belt are the biggest factors. Until very recently I carried a Glock 17 daily with no problems at all under a polo shirt most of the time.

Unless you're in one of those places where printing (or carrying for that matter) is illegal them don't worry too much as most people are so oblivious they wouldn't notice an RPG strapped to your back.

 

[TheReiver]

I'd suggest not limiting yourself to those three choices and instead go to a range and handle / fire some other options.

I don't trust 1911's that are less 5" but I carry a 5" 1911 just fine, although it is large. I won't own a gLoCk and have never shot or handled an XD.

If you're willing to spend the coin required to obtain an Wilson then almost anything is possible and limiting yourself to these three choices makes little sense. You mention safety, it appears more and more people have issue keeping their fingers off the booger switch.......gLoCk's aren't exactly idiot proof, although an idiot could ND anything, it just takes less practice with one of Gaston's abominations. Also consider the Gen4 gLoCk's have a less than honorable record for reliability. (Regardless of what their fanboys will tell you.)

I'd open my list up to reliable brands like HK - Walther - FN - Colt - S&W & others. I own examples from each and more and they are all better than gLoCk. I would also throw a packable revolver into the mix just to be sure that one of them isn't what you shoot and carry more comfortably. Also, try to figure out if you like DAO, SA, DA/SA or striker fired operation best.

What's "better" is purely objective my friend. Personally I like Glocks but would feel no less confident with any of your mentions. New shooters should find a sidearm that fits their hands, has an MoA with which they're comfortable, and is chambered in a caliber that they can control well and afford to practice with.
Giving personal opinion is fine but please don't berate anyone else's educated choices.

 

[pittspilot]

VBOB is the house gun, and I carry a G19. I have a good belt and holster set up for the VBOB, but weight matters and the G19 is just lighter.

I find that I shoot them about equally well.

So I guess my answer is both.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Sorry but caliber isnt up for debate. I switched from 9mm to 45 acp a few years ago and dont care to go back. There great to have at home for the range. Maybe even shtf. But i personally prefer the 45for for edc. And home defense. (As far as handguns go)

Also, i stated that the commander is gone... so no trading in.

How's about a Glock 30?