ghitch75
Member
no i like metal and wood.....
Aren't all 1911 owners Romantics?
- Thread starter mattm0691
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For me the external safety is the only reason i don't carry one. The are slim and easy to carry in a IWB holster. I am a young guy (mid thirty's)as least as 1911's are concerned. I love shooting them but don't train with it enough to be confident with the safety.( not down playing the guys that do) it is still an excellent carry piece.. I personally like the HK's with LEM but they are thicker and harder to carry. The xds was a obvious choice for me because i like the 45 and with it being a single stack without external safeties to boot. But to the OP's question i think the answer is no it is not only the romantic side of the 1911 the makes it still popular it is still a viable platform. I have one of the cheaper Springfield's and have never had any problems with it eating any ammo. And the short reset single action trigger is a real plus for some people.
savanahsdad
Member
102 years later , it's running strong, say what you want there is not any other auto out there with that record , and the one that keep updating there guns to make them better seem to start looking like a 1911, soon they will be and then they will only be = 
I would have to agree , somewhat , about being a romanic. At least in my case. I do tend to go with firearm platforms that have a long history. The 1911 is by far my favorite pistol because I grew up with it. It was in all my favorite movies and my father served in 2 wars with it. It is one of the guns that I feel is truly "American ", just like the peace maker revolver types or the lever action. Also , it just looks cool.
LiveLife
Member
I like both platforms and a good correlation can be drawn and comparison made to cars.mattm0691 said:
While the car (most semi-auto pistols) has evolved over the decades and gotten "sportier" with harsher suspension and much improved fuel efficiency with wide range of styling changes (some downright ugly), the truck (1911) has remained relatively similar but gotten significantly refined with much more powerful engines, huge towing capacity and improved creature comforts and luxury inside the cab that rival many higher end sedans.
In many ways, perhaps the 1911 fans simply wanted progressive "refinements" instead of "design change" as the original design was more than sufficiently adequate.
Many will disagree. Just because something is old doesn't mean it's bad. Overhead cam engines are the basis for modern engines but the old push rod V-8s are still going strong after all these decades of engine evolution and refinements. I love the push rod V-8 engine in my Corvette Z06 and the 2014 Corvette Stingray still uses (you guessed it) push rods!
While I consider the fullsize M&P45 a refinement over the Glock21 in many aspects, when I shoot the M&P45 alongside the Sig 1911, the single-stack 1911 produces more satisfying "thud" in my hands and seemingly puts a bigger smile on my face. However, the M&P45 barrel will reliably feed and chamber rejected rounds the tighter Sig 1911 barrel won't even when dirty. The M&P45 used to be the nightstand gun but the Sig 1911 has taken over that duty.
What do I carry? Double stack polymer 40/45 that will feed/chamber even sloppy reloads while dirty (Glock 23/27 and Taurus PT145). My SA/DA trigger Mil Pro PT145 (that's just slightly larger than G27) will feed SWC and JHP rounds all day long without complaints. It's the pistol I use to "dispose" rejected reloads that are out of spec. Will I ever carry shorter than 5" 1911? No.
savanahsdad
Member
hey just check that out on there web site .... looks like Beretta and Glock had a baby ,Your right, why buy a 1911 when you could buy a Sig P227
got my wife a Sig P238 Lady last year now that's a nice looking gun and shoot great to boot
Romantic or not, I am a big fan of the M1911. It just plain works.
But, I will admit I do not any experience with the plastic wonders in 45 ACP and my onle other 45 ACP firearms are revolvers.
One of these I will try an S&W M&P45. Not because I think the plastic guns are so great but because I want to have a set of the different cartridge full size M&Ps.
But, it is whatever rings your bell. It seems every class/model firearm has supporters and detractors.
But, I will admit I do not any experience with the plastic wonders in 45 ACP and my onle other 45 ACP firearms are revolvers.
One of these I will try an S&W M&P45. Not because I think the plastic guns are so great but because I want to have a set of the different cartridge full size M&Ps.
But, it is whatever rings your bell. It seems every class/model firearm has supporters and detractors.
Romantic in the sense that ownership is based more on emotion than objective qualities? Yeah that's about it for me. My Glocks get 99% of my centerfire handgun shooting. Glocks do the job and they are so much easier to maintain. But the 1911 just feels good.
rskent
Member
Its not romanticism its shootability. I have never been able to figure out why, but no matter how much I shoot my Sigs or my Glocks I always shoot better with a 1911.
Phaedrus/69
Member
My feelings for the 1911 are...complicated! On the one hand I really love the design; timeless and classic. It feels great in the hand. The real appeal is the trigger, it has no peer among service-type automatics. Two of my HK USPs have Match Triggers and they're very nice. But a few weeks ago I was shooting with a buddy of mine and I ran a few mags through his compact Sig 1911. Made my HKs and their Match Triggers feel like a Glock by comparison!
That said, I still my HKs a little better than I can shoot his 1911. The fact is that as great as the 1911 is, designs have gotten better. We took the virtues of JMBs designs and built upon the strengths while minimizing the weaknesses. My P30S is, in my mind, a masterpiece of engineering. The ergonomics are tremendous, and it may be the only sidearm I've ever used that can match (maybe even surpass) my Browning Hi-Power in that regard. It runs flatter and faster than any other 9mm I've shot.
I've owned several 1911s including some Colts and Kimbers. I would probably take my HK USP45 Tactical over any of them. While I do miss my Commander in .38 Super I think the USP is a better gun (at least for me).
At the end of the day, I don't know if I'll ever carry a 1911 again as a CCW gun or ever rely on one for home defense. There are other guns that are as reliable or more so, that weigh less and hold more rounds. My old FNP45 Tactical held 15+1 and was as accurate as any service grade 1911 I've seen while holding twice as many rounds. Plus, the norm today is for service type sidearms to be equipped with rails, and I live to be able to mount a flashlight.
I guess this brings me back around to the complicated part. I love shooting 1911s! Every once and again I contemplate picking up an STI Trojan or Spartan and setting it up for CCW. Looking at it rationally I probably don't want a 40 oz gun with 8 rounds (maybe 9) but there's something undeniably appealing about a 1911.
That said, I still my HKs a little better than I can shoot his 1911. The fact is that as great as the 1911 is, designs have gotten better. We took the virtues of JMBs designs and built upon the strengths while minimizing the weaknesses. My P30S is, in my mind, a masterpiece of engineering. The ergonomics are tremendous, and it may be the only sidearm I've ever used that can match (maybe even surpass) my Browning Hi-Power in that regard. It runs flatter and faster than any other 9mm I've shot.
I've owned several 1911s including some Colts and Kimbers. I would probably take my HK USP45 Tactical over any of them. While I do miss my Commander in .38 Super I think the USP is a better gun (at least for me).
At the end of the day, I don't know if I'll ever carry a 1911 again as a CCW gun or ever rely on one for home defense. There are other guns that are as reliable or more so, that weigh less and hold more rounds. My old FNP45 Tactical held 15+1 and was as accurate as any service grade 1911 I've seen while holding twice as many rounds. Plus, the norm today is for service type sidearms to be equipped with rails, and I live to be able to mount a flashlight.
I guess this brings me back around to the complicated part. I love shooting 1911s! Every once and again I contemplate picking up an STI Trojan or Spartan and setting it up for CCW. Looking at it rationally I probably don't want a 40 oz gun with 8 rounds (maybe 9) but there's something undeniably appealing about a 1911.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Laying down suppressive fire is a singularly bad idea on a city street. For one thing, a lone defender rarely has enough ammo for that, and loosing a dozen rounds downrange can end badly for Granny Goode pushing her shopping cart across the parking lot at the Piggly Wiggly 2 blocks away. Every bullet has a lawyer attached to it.
Our fervent hope is to end the affair with as few rounds fired as possible...preferably one. Since accurate bullet placement is the key...especially with a pistol...the 1911's single-action trigger and the big ol' fat, heavy bullet offers the best chance of that desideratum.
If romanticism can be defined as a tie to history and honor than yeah, I'm an unabashed romantic. Same can be said for patriotism, flag waving, mom and apple pie. I stand and salute when the national anthem is played and when the flag passes by. I'm an American, old school if you will, and I'm not ashamed to display both my romanticism and love of country in all it's various flavors.
As for me and my family we serve, or have served, the United States of America.
"Old Slab Sides" is worthy.
As for me and my family we serve, or have served, the United States of America.
"Old Slab Sides" is worthy.
Officers'Wife
Member
I am a romantic, but not in regards to tools. My Commander is easily concealed, accurate and reliable. It represents a number of emotional moments starting with the day my uncle chose to give it to me but that's love for a trusted friend and mentor not directed at the tool itself.
But if that's the basis for romantic attachment I'm in trouble plenty. Starting with the pebble my hubby found his first tour of Iraq. When he brought it home he told me it looked lonely and he couldn't think of anyone better to take care of it. That stone is something I won't part with only for the reminder of a wonderful moment. The Commander? Should I find a tool that is better for the job I'll carry that instead but it will still have a place in my heart from being part of my history.
But if that's the basis for romantic attachment I'm in trouble plenty. Starting with the pebble my hubby found his first tour of Iraq. When he brought it home he told me it looked lonely and he couldn't think of anyone better to take care of it. That stone is something I won't part with only for the reminder of a wonderful moment. The Commander? Should I find a tool that is better for the job I'll carry that instead but it will still have a place in my heart from being part of my history.
OilyPablo
Member
1911. It's what's more accurate than Glock.
1911. If you have a shooting session longer than four hours, consult a physician.
1911. A diamond is forever.
1911. If you have a shooting session longer than four hours, consult a physician.
1911. A diamond is forever.
JTQ
Member
So what's on your list of single action, .45ACP pistols, that are more accurate than the 1911?
bannockburn
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Few if any guns fit in my hand as well as the M1911. Overall handling and balance, especially with a Commander length slide, are second to none. So nothing romantic about it; the M1911 just works the best for me.
I've got 1911's and it has nothing to do with romance or history.
Dan Wesson, Les Baer, and Ed Brown use cast/ tool steel small parts- no MIM.
No MIM (quality) is the reason I own them.
I replaced MIM parts in my newer Glocks.
If I could only own a Kimber, Colt, or other 1911 with MIM parts, and be stuck with the powered metal I would not own a 1911.
Dan Wesson, Les Baer, and Ed Brown use cast/ tool steel small parts- no MIM.
No MIM (quality) is the reason I own them.
I replaced MIM parts in my newer Glocks.
If I could only own a Kimber, Colt, or other 1911 with MIM parts, and be stuck with the powered metal I would not own a 1911.
All? No. There's not a single gun out there where people all buy it for one reason.
But is romance one of the major draws of the 1911? Sure. It's a gorgeous-looking gun with an incredible history. And it's incredibly fun, subjectively, to shoot. The trigger feels great, the ergonomics are fantastic for a full-size handgun (I have small hands and loved it), the recoil is comfortable, etc.
Not all 1911 owners are romantics, but I suspect a good percentage of romantic gun owners own at least one 1911.
But is romance one of the major draws of the 1911? Sure. It's a gorgeous-looking gun with an incredible history. And it's incredibly fun, subjectively, to shoot. The trigger feels great, the ergonomics are fantastic for a full-size handgun (I have small hands and loved it), the recoil is comfortable, etc.
Not all 1911 owners are romantics, but I suspect a good percentage of romantic gun owners own at least one 1911.
JTQ
Member
You're right, I forgot to include that one.
I guess the OP could convince me of the "romantics" comment if he was referring to single action revolvers, though there are still lots of hunters that would like them, but the 1911 is just too good as defensive/offensive gun to be limited to just the "romantics".
orionengnr
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Well, there's the....ummm...
And there's always the....erm...
And let's not forget the....ahhh...ummm...
Let me get back to you on that.
Romantic?
Nah.
Realistic?
Yep.
there's plenty of other SA semi autos like the BHP, some CZs, and Tangfolio pistols. Several of those can also be had in .45 Auto. There's also a great number of .45 pistols that are DA/SA that can be carried cocked and locked like a 1911 and therefore can essentially be viewed as SA, if that is what the user desires.
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