I have a WWII vintage Remington Rand 1911 from my Dad and it is no fun to fire. Are there 45's that are easier to use or is that the nature of 45's. I was thinking of getting into the 3 gun shooting but having to use the 45 is not my idea of fun. Any information would be helpful.
Are there 45 ACP that are fun to fire
- Thread starter ddsmac
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Can you be more specific about what was no fun? What load did you fire?
Do you think it was the caliber or the pistol that was disagreeable?
Model 1911s are not everyone's cup of tea and those with a flat grip safety/beaver tail can hurt some people's hands. The grips and the safety and virtually everything else on the model 1911 can be changed with aftermarket parts and a bit of know-how.
I like shooting .45 caliber ACP a little more than than I do .40 S&W. The recoil seems more like a big push back than a sharper snap. The muzzle rise is probably more with .45 ACP, at least with the pistols and loads I shoot, but as long as I keep a firm, two-handed grip and accept that the muzzle is going to flip up some and then come back down I find the recoil very manageable.
If it was the recoil that you think made it uncomfortable you could try different loadings and/or projectile weights.
I have one Springfield Armory model 1911. The only other .45 caliber ACP semi-auto pistol I currently have is a Stoeger Cougar 8045 which I like quite a bit. As for whether it is easier to use than the 1911 I can't really say but I consider it a pretty soft-shooting .45 ACP as have most of the people who have tried it.
The Stoeger 8045 can be found new for around $400 or so. I bought mine in December for just over $400 NIB delivered. It is an all-metal gun so it is not particularly light, and like many Beretta's it has a fairly thick grip so it might not be the best for folks with small hands. Still, many find the Cougar grip to be more ergonomic than the Beretta M9/92 FS, or the model 1911 for that matter.
The 1911 is, of course, a single-action only pistol with a frame-mounted (usually single-sided) external safety, and a grip safety. The Cougar is a traditional double action (DA/SA) pistol with an ambidextrous slide-mounted external safety/decocker and no grip safety.
Do you think it was the caliber or the pistol that was disagreeable?
Model 1911s are not everyone's cup of tea and those with a flat grip safety/beaver tail can hurt some people's hands. The grips and the safety and virtually everything else on the model 1911 can be changed with aftermarket parts and a bit of know-how.
I like shooting .45 caliber ACP a little more than than I do .40 S&W. The recoil seems more like a big push back than a sharper snap. The muzzle rise is probably more with .45 ACP, at least with the pistols and loads I shoot, but as long as I keep a firm, two-handed grip and accept that the muzzle is going to flip up some and then come back down I find the recoil very manageable.
If it was the recoil that you think made it uncomfortable you could try different loadings and/or projectile weights.
I have one Springfield Armory model 1911. The only other .45 caliber ACP semi-auto pistol I currently have is a Stoeger Cougar 8045 which I like quite a bit. As for whether it is easier to use than the 1911 I can't really say but I consider it a pretty soft-shooting .45 ACP as have most of the people who have tried it.
The Stoeger 8045 can be found new for around $400 or so. I bought mine in December for just over $400 NIB delivered. It is an all-metal gun so it is not particularly light, and like many Beretta's it has a fairly thick grip so it might not be the best for folks with small hands. Still, many find the Cougar grip to be more ergonomic than the Beretta M9/92 FS, or the model 1911 for that matter.
The 1911 is, of course, a single-action only pistol with a frame-mounted (usually single-sided) external safety, and a grip safety. The Cougar is a traditional double action (DA/SA) pistol with an ambidextrous slide-mounted external safety/decocker and no grip safety.
g.willikers
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Yeah, what is your specific complaint?
Beware of all the 1911 fans here, though.
Beware of all the 1911 fans here, though.
ApacheCoTodd
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I'd address ammo choice/options first...
... before dumping the platform altogether or - heaven forbid - modifying a WWII RR .45.
Todd.
... before dumping the platform altogether or - heaven forbid - modifying a WWII RR .45.
Todd.
judgedelta
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Maybe consider one of the Glock .45's if you aren't getting along with the 1911...
Potatohead
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I suppose he's talking about the recoil and the flip. This sounds sarcastic though Im not intending it that way but, what else besides recoil could it be that would make 45s not as much fun as the other calibers?
Well, buying the ammo could qualify I guess..
Well, buying the ammo could qualify I guess..
wow6599
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The softest shooting .45 ACP I have ever owned, or shot, was a FNH FNP-45.
Soaked it up well......
Soaked it up well......
RustyShackelford
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Recoil? Style? Grip? ....
I read the post but I'm not clear on what you mean by "fun".
Do you want a pistol that has less recoil? Less blast or muzzle flash? Easy to hold? Good for match or target/3-gun use?
You might want to go by a gun club or rental range then try a few popular brands. Depending on your budget or skill level you have a few good choices.
Brands/models Id check include;
SIG Sauer P220R SAO(single action only), P320 series, P227R
S&W Military and Police(M&P) .45acp
S-A XDm 3.8" or 5.25"
Beretta PX4 Storm .45acp
FN America FNH .45acp
HK45 DA/SA or LEM(law enforcement modification/DA only-spurless)
Glock gen 04 21/21SF/30S
Ruger SR45
I read the post but I'm not clear on what you mean by "fun".
Do you want a pistol that has less recoil? Less blast or muzzle flash? Easy to hold? Good for match or target/3-gun use?
You might want to go by a gun club or rental range then try a few popular brands. Depending on your budget or skill level you have a few good choices.
Brands/models Id check include;
SIG Sauer P220R SAO(single action only), P320 series, P227R
S&W Military and Police(M&P) .45acp
S-A XDm 3.8" or 5.25"
Beretta PX4 Storm .45acp
FN America FNH .45acp
HK45 DA/SA or LEM(law enforcement modification/DA only-spurless)
Glock gen 04 21/21SF/30S
Ruger SR45
Has the pistol been modified in any way? Have you replaced the recoil spring? It should be a 16 pound spring and not a bad idea to get a spring kit for the old girl. Too light of a spring or a seriously worn out spring could damage the pistol with full power loads.
Welding Rod
Member
Are you an experienced shooter? Can you normally hit what you aim at with other handguns at the same distances?
I can't think of a service handgun in any service cartridge that is easier to shoot accurately than a 1911. Some may be as easy, like a good specimen of a Berretta 92/M9 or SIG P series once they are in single action mode. The FN Five Seven is easy to shoot due to its minimal recoil, but the trigger isn't on par with a good single action pull.
I can't think of a service handgun in any service cartridge that is easier to shoot accurately than a 1911. Some may be as easy, like a good specimen of a Berretta 92/M9 or SIG P series once they are in single action mode. The FN Five Seven is easy to shoot due to its minimal recoil, but the trigger isn't on par with a good single action pull.
anothernewb
Member
Is it the firearm itself that you fund uncomforatable - or the recoil?
If recoil - you can load your own, you could easily tailor a load to meet requirements, while at the same time be reduced from a full factory load.
If the gun itself - then there are several alternatives which may fit your hand better.
If recoil - you can load your own, you could easily tailor a load to meet requirements, while at the same time be reduced from a full factory load.
If the gun itself - then there are several alternatives which may fit your hand better.
rswartsell
Member
Well,
Experience of recoil impulse is subjective. However if .45 ACP 230 gr. standard pressure is uncomfortable through a 1911, I would stay away for .40 S&W in almost anything and go with 9mm.
For most the 1911 .45 is one of the most shooter friendly big bores available. YMMV
Experience of recoil impulse is subjective. However if .45 ACP 230 gr. standard pressure is uncomfortable through a 1911, I would stay away for .40 S&W in almost anything and go with 9mm.
For most the 1911 .45 is one of the most shooter friendly big bores available. YMMV
Potatohead
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45 does take a little getting used to, especially if you've moved up from 9mm or 380. Maybe you should revisit, give it another shot?
Zaydok Allen
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I can't really answer this. I haven't really met a 45 yet that I haven't enjoyed shooting. As mentioned, the FNP/X is s good shooter. 1911's are pleasant. My HK45 is great. Springfield Armory makes some fun shooting 45's. Honestly if the recoil was unpleasant to you, you may want to get a full size 9mm.
russianbear
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Like ohter forum members have posted,if you don't care for the 1911s there are many other good .45acp handguns. HK make many.
I have a older HK USP Compact that shoots really well,also I just bought the new Sig Sauer P227 Carry it's a high cap P220 and it is a joy to shoot.
I would not give up on the 1911s, I have two Colts both 5" .45 and I find them both to be great shooters.
I have a older HK USP Compact that shoots really well,also I just bought the new Sig Sauer P227 Carry it's a high cap P220 and it is a joy to shoot.
I would not give up on the 1911s, I have two Colts both 5" .45 and I find them both to be great shooters.
james layman
Member
1911 fun
Something you may want to try. .45 shotshells as shown on you tube. I have shot skeet between the high & low house. Lots of fun.
Something you may want to try. .45 shotshells as shown on you tube. I have shot skeet between the high & low house. Lots of fun.
Interesting. I like the way my 1911's recoil. It is like a heavy push but I don't feel they are snappy like a pocket 9 or 380.
Grab yourself a Hi Point .45, if you can hold it steady. It weighs about 130 pounds and really absorbs the felt recoil.
Grab yourself a Hi Point .45, if you can hold it steady. It weighs about 130 pounds and really absorbs the felt recoil.
You don't have to shoot full power ammo. If you search around you might find some light factory target ammo.
Or with a reloading press you could make some light target loads that reduces recoil and allows the shooter to concentrate on trigger control and sight alignment.
It doesn't take a big investment. I shoot a light polymer .45 (HK45C) and it's a lot more fun to shoot with my light hand loads.
Or with a reloading press you could make some light target loads that reduces recoil and allows the shooter to concentrate on trigger control and sight alignment.
It doesn't take a big investment. I shoot a light polymer .45 (HK45C) and it's a lot more fun to shoot with my light hand loads.
I am with you there. The single stack model 1911 with its rather slab-sided magazine receiver and grip does not fill everyone's hand very well. Putting on thicker grips, or some grip spacers can help there. The better the grip fills your hand, and the more area of your hand you can spread the force of the recoil over, the less pressure you will experience.
This applies to pistols of all calibers but is especially important for larger calibers: maintain a high grip with your shooting hand. The web space of your shooting hand should be pressed right up against the tang, or beavertail enough to create a wrinkle of flesh (make sure there is clearance for the slide to cycle). A thumbs forward grip with the support hand wrist cocked forward and downward somewhat also tends to help control muzzle flip, and helps the pistol come back on target without overshooting downward, at least for me.
mgmorden
Member
Just on a hunch - how old are you? If you're really young you may not have the strength to control .45ACP. Even if you're older though .45ACP - while certainly not bad at all - WILL recoil a good deal more than a 9mm. It's just something you adjust to.
That said - my knowledge of 3-gun rules is limited (and "3 gun" is sort of nebulous right now), but an 8-round capacity GI 1911 isn't exactly a gamer's gun. Without power factory to worry about every 3-gun shooter I know of shoots 9mm for lower recoil and higher capacity.
While a full fledged 2011 may be out of your budget, a simple Glock or M&P with a magwell and mag extensions would probably work out a LOT better for you.
That said - my knowledge of 3-gun rules is limited (and "3 gun" is sort of nebulous right now), but an 8-round capacity GI 1911 isn't exactly a gamer's gun. Without power factory to worry about every 3-gun shooter I know of shoots 9mm for lower recoil and higher capacity.
While a full fledged 2011 may be out of your budget, a simple Glock or M&P with a magwell and mag extensions would probably work out a LOT better for you.
It sounds like you need to get some good instruction on basic pistol shooting. No offense intended but the fact that you "think it was the recoil" but you don't really know, tells me you're not very familiar with the subject. There are softer recoiling loads out there of course, and that may help you, but that can't take the place of good instruction.
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bannockburn
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One of the softest shooting .45 pistols I have ever owned was a Browning BDA (aka SIG P220).
47CubPilot
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The first time that I got to shoot a 1911, it was after I had experience firing ~500 rounds thru a Beretta 96 and ~1500 thru a Glock 27. I HATED the muzzle flip of the 1911.
In the last few months I've put ~200 rounds thru a Ruger LC9s and ~250 thru a Ruger 3" SP101, over half of those 357.
I just purchased a new Colt 1991A1 Commander in 45. I LOVE it! Very soft shooting and easy to control. Especially compared to those last two!
I guess what I'm saying is, how much fun it is depends on what you have experienced before. Or, on what you are expecting.
In the last few months I've put ~200 rounds thru a Ruger LC9s and ~250 thru a Ruger 3" SP101, over half of those 357.
I just purchased a new Colt 1991A1 Commander in 45. I LOVE it!
Very soft shooting and easy to control. Especially compared to those last two!I guess what I'm saying is, how much fun it is depends on what you have experienced before. Or, on what you are expecting.
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