KentuckyBlue
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How would you compare a 45ACP revolver and a 45ACP 1911. For discussion, let's use a S&W 625JM vs any model 1911. How would they differ in terms of recoil, accuracy, reliability, carry capability?
45ACP revolver vs 1911
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Cohibra45
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Check out this thread for pictures of size differences...Officers model vs 3" Model 25.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=426993
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=426993
earplug
Member
What makes you feel good.
For me a 1911's slide motion and felt recoil effect my shooting more then the felt recoil of a JM 625.
When I shoot a modified DA revolver my mind does not dwell on the trigger action as much as a SA pistol trigger.
I am faster on many courses of fire with a semi auto, this might be from faster reloads, higher capacity or ?
I dislike picking up brass after shooting, I don't like dropping magazines on the ground and I don't like chasing springs when I clean my firearms.
For a carry gun a light weight single stack would work better.
For me a 1911's slide motion and felt recoil effect my shooting more then the felt recoil of a JM 625.
When I shoot a modified DA revolver my mind does not dwell on the trigger action as much as a SA pistol trigger.
I am faster on many courses of fire with a semi auto, this might be from faster reloads, higher capacity or ?
I dislike picking up brass after shooting, I don't like dropping magazines on the ground and I don't like chasing springs when I clean my firearms.
For a carry gun a light weight single stack would work better.
General Geoff
Member
Recoil: the heavier gun will have less perceived recoil.
Accuracy: Revolver likely has the edge here.
Reliability: Revolver does not depend on ammunition consistency to cycle the action, thus I give it the edge. Revolvers can and have locked up before, though; it's just rare.
Carry capability: Depends on how you carry. Open, concealed, in what type of holster, and where on the body. A single stack 1911 is slimmer and thus many people think it conceals better, however the revolver doesn't have the same distinct print pattern as a 1911, so it might be considered more concealable. All depends on the person carrying it.
Also keep in mind that for purposes of direct comparison, a revolver will have a ~1 inch longer total barrel than a 1911, if you compare specified barrel lengths. For example, a 4" revolver is roughly equivalent in actual rifled barrel length to a 5" 1911. Note that the barrel in semi autos includes the chamber, vs revolvers for which the cylinder contains the chambers.
Accuracy: Revolver likely has the edge here.
Reliability: Revolver does not depend on ammunition consistency to cycle the action, thus I give it the edge. Revolvers can and have locked up before, though; it's just rare.
Carry capability: Depends on how you carry. Open, concealed, in what type of holster, and where on the body. A single stack 1911 is slimmer and thus many people think it conceals better, however the revolver doesn't have the same distinct print pattern as a 1911, so it might be considered more concealable. All depends on the person carrying it.
Also keep in mind that for purposes of direct comparison, a revolver will have a ~1 inch longer total barrel than a 1911, if you compare specified barrel lengths. For example, a 4" revolver is roughly equivalent in actual rifled barrel length to a 5" 1911. Note that the barrel in semi autos includes the chamber, vs revolvers for which the cylinder contains the chambers.
Duke of Doubt
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You can load stuff into the revolver that the autoloader ... wouldn't.
God may carry a 1911, but the rest of us sometimes need things not found in one.
God may carry a 1911, but the rest of us sometimes need things not found in one.
NGIB
Member
I had two 625's a 3 incher and a 5 incher. The little one was a handfull to shoot say the least. In a 1911, the recoil system absorbs some of the force to operate - not so with a revolver. I found I was much more comfortable, and accurate, from 1911s so I traded both away (for 1911s)...
JImbothefiveth
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If they are the same weight, the 1911 would probably have less, because it's semi-auto
That might depend on which 1911. A bullseye 1911 will probably be more accurate but less reliable than one built to WW2 military specifications. The 1911 will have a better trigger than a revolver fired in DA mode.
I hear revolvers are usually more reliable under normal conditions, but can actually be less reliable if it's gets a lot of gunk in it.
The revolver can be carried ready to go, while the 1911 requires you to use the safety.
JImbothefiveth
Member
Also keep in mind some .45 ACP revolvers, especially those of an older design, might not be able to handle anything above standard pressure, if you want to use something like that. 1911's might be the same way, but I'm not sure. Always see waht the manufacturer says.
Deanimator
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I own both and like both.
I have several .45acp M1911s and two .45acp revolvers.
I routinely carry a 5" Norinco M1911. I don't carry my S&W 25-2 because it's too big to conceal easily, except under a winter coat. I have on occasion designated it for home defense.
They're equally accurate, but the M1911 is easier for me to shoot timed or rapid fire because of the long trigger pull of the revolver in D/A.
I have several .45acp M1911s and two .45acp revolvers.
I routinely carry a 5" Norinco M1911. I don't carry my S&W 25-2 because it's too big to conceal easily, except under a winter coat. I have on occasion designated it for home defense.
They're equally accurate, but the M1911 is easier for me to shoot timed or rapid fire because of the long trigger pull of the revolver in D/A.
Hawk
Member
Recoil: the heavier gun will have less felt recoil. If they're nearly the same weight the semi auto will have slightly less felt recoil.
Accuracy: Not much difference mechancally but the semi will have a rather large advantage if the revolver is being used double action and you haven't put a lot of time into learning the trigger. There's a universe of difference between a nice 1911 trigger and an average revolver double action. The SAO trigger of the semi is far easier to become proficient with.
Reliability: I'll be the voice of dissent: The .45ACP revolver is one of the few revolver types that can wrap itself around the axle due to a sprung clip. I believe that, back in 1917, when folks would bet their lives on .45ACP revolvers, the clips were considered disposable. There's a good reason for this. The newest S&W x25s are widely reported to be unable to handle loose rounds and there's a "325 FTF" thread in the revolver forum as this is written. Probably a toss-up between the two.
Concealability: Semi by a mile. An "N" frame revolver is friggin huge compared to a CCO sized 1911. I like both but carry a CCO semi. The 325TR seems more a nightstand sort of thing.
There's very few advantages that either package has that don't have concurrent disadvantages and vice versa - it's a yin yang thing and you pick what appeals to you based on your personal weighting of the factors.
Accuracy: Not much difference mechancally but the semi will have a rather large advantage if the revolver is being used double action and you haven't put a lot of time into learning the trigger. There's a universe of difference between a nice 1911 trigger and an average revolver double action. The SAO trigger of the semi is far easier to become proficient with.
Reliability: I'll be the voice of dissent: The .45ACP revolver is one of the few revolver types that can wrap itself around the axle due to a sprung clip. I believe that, back in 1917, when folks would bet their lives on .45ACP revolvers, the clips were considered disposable. There's a good reason for this. The newest S&W x25s are widely reported to be unable to handle loose rounds and there's a "325 FTF" thread in the revolver forum as this is written. Probably a toss-up between the two.
Concealability: Semi by a mile. An "N" frame revolver is friggin huge compared to a CCO sized 1911. I like both but carry a CCO semi. The 325TR seems more a nightstand sort of thing.
There's very few advantages that either package has that don't have concurrent disadvantages and vice versa - it's a yin yang thing and you pick what appeals to you based on your personal weighting of the factors.
jackrabbit101
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haha thats funny the 1911 is one of the most accurate handguns ever made . . . and in my opinion it is the best handgun and will never be matched in terms of reliability , and accuracy
PRM
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Depends on what you like - I have owned both. Colt 1911 Govt, Colt Officers, Colt Commander, all were great guns.
I currently own a Colt 3rd Generation SAA .45LC, that I had the Custom Shop fit a .45 ACP cylinder to. I personally like revolvers and have to admit I am a little biased. Having said that, my SAA is one of the most accurate and dependable guns I own.
The 1911 would be hands down when it comes to fire power and speed of reloading... How much do you really need??? From here on it is a personal choice. That's why they make both.
Far as carrying - I use an El Paso Saddlery "Crosshair." Keeps it high and out of the way.
I currently own a Colt 3rd Generation SAA .45LC, that I had the Custom Shop fit a .45 ACP cylinder to. I personally like revolvers and have to admit I am a little biased. Having said that, my SAA is one of the most accurate and dependable guns I own.
The 1911 would be hands down when it comes to fire power and speed of reloading... How much do you really need??? From here on it is a personal choice. That's why they make both.
Far as carrying - I use an El Paso Saddlery "Crosshair." Keeps it high and out of the way.
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Fat Boy
Member
I think in many ways it is personal preference; I have shot both and find the revolver to be easier to shoot. I don't know that the 1911 has stronger recoil, maybe it is the actual feel of a functioning slide, as opposed to the recoil of the revolver. At any rate, I am more comfortable with a wheel gun. Weight can be determined from any number of sources. As has been said in other comments on various forums, the carry system can go a long way to making whatever gun you choose to carry easy to carry. Accuracy; for me most guns will shoot better out of the box than I can shoot them. That said, the comfort level I have with the revolver allows me to shoot it more accurately.
General Geoff
Member
Dollar for dollar, I'd put a revolver up against a 1911 any day of the week in a competition of pure mechanical accuracy.
i can't decide if this is a joke, the ultimate lack of experience or the ultimate blind bias.
being that this is THR, i'll take it as a joke and allow that you forgot to add a smiley
Quote "Also keep in mind some .45 ACP revolvers, especially those of an older design, might not be able to handle anything above standard pressure, if you want to use something like that. 1911's might be the same way, but I'm not sure. Always see waht the manufacturer says."
Check out the Sierra reloading manual, it has a special section of very stout 45 ACP loads just for the 625 and similar revolvers.
Check out the Sierra reloading manual, it has a special section of very stout 45 ACP loads just for the 625 and similar revolvers.
Quote "How would you compare a 45ACP revolver and a 45ACP 1911. For discussion, let's use a S&W 625JM vs any model 1911. How would they differ in terms of recoil, accuracy, reliability, carry capability?"
I take it that you have not seen the videos of Jerry Miculek firing twelve aimed rounds in something like 3 seconds. I don't think that an automatic can cycle itself as fast as Miculek cycles a 625.
I take it that you have not seen the videos of Jerry Miculek firing twelve aimed rounds in something like 3 seconds. I don't think that an automatic can cycle itself as fast as Miculek cycles a 625.
BCRider
Member
Have you seen some of the videos of guys "bump" firing semi auto pistols? When they get the bump action just right it sounds like a full on machine pistol. Also there's the firing rate of the full auto Glocks you see on Youtube and such. Jerry is good but I'm not sure he can keep up with full auto where it's only the natural frequency of the slide mass vs the recoil spring that controls the speed.
Getting back to which is nice to shoot.... I recently shot some .45ACP from a Tanfoglio/EAA Witness. A VERY nice gun with good groupings. Having shot a few 1911's since I wouldn't say that they are significantly better than that Witness. Just different... and with more class.
I've yet to fire a .45 ACP revolver. But I'd sure like to get one. Likely will at some point. But no way on earth I'll ever even come close to putting a scare on Jerry....
Getting back to which is nice to shoot.... I recently shot some .45ACP from a Tanfoglio/EAA Witness. A VERY nice gun with good groupings. Having shot a few 1911's since I wouldn't say that they are significantly better than that Witness. Just different... and with more class.
I've yet to fire a .45 ACP revolver. But I'd sure like to get one. Likely will at some point. But no way on earth I'll ever even come close to putting a scare on Jerry....
PcolaDawg
Member
I own a 625JM and a Kimber 1911, although it may not be a fair comparison because the Kimber is the Ultra Carry II, and therefore a bit smaller than a full size 1911.
With that in mind, I like the 625JM for accuracy if I cock it first. That gun has a very nice trigger regardless, but I am very accurate with it when I shoot it after it's been cocked. I also believe it's more reliable.
The Kimber is a lot easier to conceal, but it's meant to be, as it's a smaller 1911.
As to the recoil, I don't really feel too much difference. I suppose the Kimber jumps more but, again, it's a smaller 1911 and that's somewhat expected.
I absolutely love both guns, fwiw, but I use the 625JM for serious target practice, and I use the Kimber when I am practicing 'defense' shooting.
Gunfighter123
Member
Hello,
I own and used both for years in different kinds of competition -- IPSC, IDPA, Bullseye, Bowling Pins etc.
When I shoot IPSC the 1911 type auto is faster then my S&W 625/610 even on a smaller round count stage { 6-12rds }.
When I shoot IDPA my scores for revolver and auto is a lot closer due to the stages --- usually they are a little easier as to distance , useing "cover" to reload , etc.
My times/score for Bowl Pin matches , again , are close to the same as there are only 5 targets and no reloading {if things go right}
Bullseye scores are near the same.
For me -- what the auto has going for it is the short,quick trigger action and a more sure method of reloading ---- it is easier to shove one object into a hole , then six objects into six holes.
Recoil -- the auto has less kick and that recoil seems to be more to the web of my hand and thus has less muzzle rise then the revolver.
Accuracy ---- I have shot both revolvers and 1911s out to 50yds. and they are again close to each other --- out of the box , I think the S&W revolvers , fired in single-action are a little more accurate then most factory 1911s.
Reliability -- both are the same. I have fired over 3000 rds. thru both types without cleaning -- just relubeing every 500rds or so.
You name it , it's happened to me --- a few grains of unburnt powder or lead shaving under the extractor star and the revolver cylinder will not close. Also a high seated primer will bind up the cylinder etc. etc.
I have had "death jams" in the 1911s also. Like I said , name it and its happened to me !!!!
Carry capability the auto gets the vote as it is slimmer then the revolver.
Both the S&W 625s or a good 1911 will serve all your needs. Only after shooting both for at least 500rds. will you really know which is best for you.
I own and used both for years in different kinds of competition -- IPSC, IDPA, Bullseye, Bowling Pins etc.
When I shoot IPSC the 1911 type auto is faster then my S&W 625/610 even on a smaller round count stage { 6-12rds }.
When I shoot IDPA my scores for revolver and auto is a lot closer due to the stages --- usually they are a little easier as to distance , useing "cover" to reload , etc.
My times/score for Bowl Pin matches , again , are close to the same as there are only 5 targets and no reloading {if things go right}
Bullseye scores are near the same.
For me -- what the auto has going for it is the short,quick trigger action and a more sure method of reloading ---- it is easier to shove one object into a hole , then six objects into six holes.
Recoil -- the auto has less kick and that recoil seems to be more to the web of my hand and thus has less muzzle rise then the revolver.
Accuracy ---- I have shot both revolvers and 1911s out to 50yds. and they are again close to each other --- out of the box , I think the S&W revolvers , fired in single-action are a little more accurate then most factory 1911s.
Reliability -- both are the same. I have fired over 3000 rds. thru both types without cleaning -- just relubeing every 500rds or so.
You name it , it's happened to me --- a few grains of unburnt powder or lead shaving under the extractor star and the revolver cylinder will not close. Also a high seated primer will bind up the cylinder etc. etc.
I have had "death jams" in the 1911s also. Like I said , name it and its happened to me !!!!
Carry capability the auto gets the vote as it is slimmer then the revolver.
Both the S&W 625s or a good 1911 will serve all your needs. Only after shooting both for at least 500rds. will you really know which is best for you.
yeti
Member
You have to go with the 1911, it's all about capacity!
Firepower, lead down range, that is all that really matters.
Sorry, I have heard that from the wonder nine guys for so long, I just wanted to see how it feels to finally get to use it.
It would be a hard choice, for me. I like them both. Guess I would have to just rotate them as the the days whim came over me.
Firepower, lead down range, that is all that really matters.Sorry, I have heard that from the wonder nine guys for so long, I just wanted to see how it feels to finally get to use it.
It would be a hard choice, for me. I like them both. Guess I would have to just rotate them as the the days whim came over me.
BHP FAN
Member
I have a S&W 1917,and some 1911's,.I love them all,and would not feel 'undergunned' with either.
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