Advantages of the L frame 686 .357 revolver
1 Will shoot many styles or bullet weights from snake shot to 110 125 158 and 180 JSP and JHP as well as cast bullets from wadcutters to SWC's
2 Flat trajectory with more muzzle and downrange energy with the .357 over a .45ACP
3 Simple to use and operate
4 Double action for fast firing up close with the single action trigger pull for longer range precision shooting
5 The last of the combat wheelguns the frame size was built specifically around the .357 cartridge not a .38(K) or .44/.45(N) or .32(J) frame
6 Can remain loaded for years springs will not take a set unlike magazine springs which can weaken if stored loaded for long periods of time
7 Heavy barrel lug decreases felt recoil and aids in faster shot to shot recovery time.
Disadvantages include
1 Capacity of 6 rounds, for hunting its more than enough but for multiple threats 6 rounds may not be enough
2 Slower and more awkward to reload fast especially under stress or on the move.
3 Bright flash and muzzle blast, not a good thing in low or limited light especially indoors
4 Does not lend itself well to CCW it is a bit bulky and heavy as the cylinder is pretty thick
5 Double action trigger pull is not always mastered by everyone, a smooth consistent DA trigger pull takes practice and without it you are all over the target.
1911A1 .45ACP advantages
1 7 or 8 or more rounds with aftermarket extended magazines if one likes them
2 The .45ACP is a bigger diameter bullet that does not depend on velocity to expand or do its work kinda like a quarter horse vs a Clydesdale
3 Very fast shot to shot times
4 Near perfect ergonomics ideal hand fit for small or large hands.
5 Short light crisp consistent trigger pull the same each and every shot.
6 Fast trigger reset
7 The action absorbs some of the recoil impulse
8 Very easy to customize and work on as parts easily interchange.
9 Lots of parts available from many sources has been in production since 1911
10 Flat easily concealed smooth lines its even thickness hides well with the right holster
11 Allot of history both in military and civilian use THE pistol of choice for many who have gone in harms way.
12 Less muzzle blast and flash especially with certain types of ammo
13 Field strips without tools for basic cleaning or parts replacement.
Disadvantages of the 1911A1
1 Can be expensive or difficult to find a good one and not a cheaply made clone
2 Ammunition is more or less limited to certain power levels
3 It is a thinking persons weapon and requires more training and awareness to get the most out of it
4 Magazines should have ammunition rotated so springs do not take a set
5 Depends on proper ammunition to cycle action
6 Not a long range hunting caliber its better suited to 50 yards or less IMO
These are just a few of my observations and opinions others will add or subtract their own.
Either way you can't lose, pick the one that you enjoy shooting the best try before you buy rent beg or borrow first and then get which one works for you and in the end if you can't decide get BOTH!
Sorry for the long post.
Allot of guys did not cut their teeth on wheel guns I hope this helps.
