AR15 vs 1911

[orionengnr]

"Get the one that you will actually shoot."

I go with this. If it is going to sit in the safe, it's nice to have, but essentially a decoration (unless you believe that anther AWB is imminent. In which case a stripped lower might provide some insurance).

 

[BullfrogKen]

Wacki, The S&W Sport comes in at the same price point before shipping.

Once you add in shipping all those parts, it's less.


Plus you get a warranty, which you don't have when you assemble it yourself.


For a guy like the OP . . . look real hard at the Smith & Wesson Sport. It's a nice deal for a casual shooter.

even better,the full sized glock 45(can't hit squat with the 1911)
glock is lighter,cheaper,built in comp,and better factory service. less chance of accidental d/c <discharge> .higher capacity mags.

Whatever.



That full sized Glock doesn't properly fit anyone who doesn't have hands the size of Lurch from the Adams Family. And a negligent discharge is just as easy with a Glock.

Since he said either a 1911 or an AR . . . .


Get the A/R dude.

 

[Paincakesx]

I'm actually leaning towards the S&W M&P Sport at the moment. Does the absence of a dust cover and forward assist make a big difference? I've heard varying opinions on this, some saying it doesn't and some saying they wouldn't buy a rifle without it. While I don't plan on rolling around in the mud, I may find myself in a situation where the gun is subjected to the elements (perhaps mildly), such as if I were to hunt with it.

Hypothetically, if in the future I were to swap out the upper receiver, is it a difficult and expensive task?

I appreciate all the insightful responses!

And on the Glock discussion, I love my Glocks. I used to carry the HK P2000 (actually bought it to replace my old P229), but I find that I shoot the Glock better (probably has to do with the shorter trigger reset, the LEM trigger just didn't jive to me). The HK was a great gun though, loved the ergonomics. My big hands allow me to grip the relatively large Glock grips easily though. Of all the guns I own, I'll probably sell the HK P2000 if any of them. The P228 was a gift from a family member and my first handgun so I don't see myself selling that one.

 

[Justin]

So I've been saving up some cash to buy a new firearm, but I'm caught between which to buy. I've always wanted a 1911, but the AR15 bug has bitten me.

Do some reflection on what your needs are for a new gun. Once you find that answer, let it guide your purchase choice.

Far too many people buy X or Y model of gun just because they can, with no actual thought put into the why of the whole thing.

 

[WinThePennant]

The S&W Sport is, by all accounts, a great rifle.

I don't understand the cost-cutting on the forward assist and the dust cover. Those are two of the least expensive parts on an AR upper. Yeah, you really don't need them. But, damn, they do have their place.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

If it were me I'd buy the AR and then sell the two Glocks to fund a decent 1911.

JMO

 

[MachIVshooter]

Does the absence of a dust cover and forward assist make a big difference?

No. Most people will never use the FA, and the dust covers are left open 99.9% of the time.

Hypothetically, if in the future I were to swap out the upper receiver, is it a difficult and expensive task?

Difficult? No. Two pins and your done.

Expensive? That depends. Complete uppers range from ~$400 to however much you want to spend.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I'm actually leaning towards the S&W M&P Sport at the moment. Does the absence of a dust cover and forward assist make a big difference?

For the casual shooter? Not at all.

 

[ceetee]

Any tiem I get the urge to buy a new gun, I look at what I have and ask myself, "What niche is this gun going to fill that I don't already have covered?" In my opinion, any proper household needs:

-- .22 pistol
-- .22 rifle
-- small game / varmint centerfire rifle
-- large game centerfire rifle
-- CCW handgun
-- Home Defense handgun
-- sport-shooting shotgun
-- Home Defense shotgun

Many of these categories overlap. For instance, my "birding" shotgun, with the addition of a shorter, cylinder-bore barrel, is also my home defense shotgun. A CCW pistol can also be a HD pistol - I just prefer to have no flashlight on my CCW pistol and I like to have a light on my HD pistol - that's all.

In my opinion, you have a lot of holes to fill. You're pretty set for 9mm pistols, but you need to work on the rest. If you choose to start with the AR in .223/5.56, that's not a bad thing. If you choose to start with the .22's and work your way up, you can do that, too. I'm a huge fan of the 1911 pistols (I just got my 2nd one), but if I were you, I'd work on filling up the holes in your lineup before you pick up another version of what you already have several times over.

 

[WNTFW]

My dust cover never gets closed. I am either shooting it or the chamber flag is in. I used to always close the dust cover. Now the chamber flag goes in as a matter of habit.

 

[Warp]

My dust cover never gets closed. I am either shooting it or the chamber flag is in. I used to always close the dust cover. Now the chamber flag goes in as a matter of habit.

At the range I am usually in the same boat.

Much of the rest of the time, though (it's an HD gun), it's loaded with the dust cover shut.

 

[Black Butte]

An AR-15 without a 1911 is like corn flakes without the milk. You know what you have to do. Get it done.