First gun question(1911)

[Ali Baba]

Hello, I am ready to purchase my first handgun and have pretty much decided on a mil spec 1911, most likely a Rock Island Armory model. I love how the 1911 looks, feels, shoots, and the history behind it. The gun will be for range use, my car, and ccw(as soon as I get my permit). Just a few questions:


1. What concerns me is the things I have been reading about 1911's on the internet, basically things about how they are unreliable and dangerous to entrust with your life. Looking at cut away animations of the operations of the gun, it seems remarkably simple compared to a DA/SA gun or Glock. All the trigger does is release the hammer and the slide recocks it, very simple. I have rented a few different Kimbers at my local range and put about 200 rounds total through them, with no problems whatsoever. And these guns were filthy. So my own experiences have been positive, but I would like to hear from people who have shot these much more than I have. Could somebody clear this up for me?

1911 animation: http://www.m1911.org/loader.swf

Glock animation: http://www.sniperworld.com/glock/


2. What happens if the sear breaks with the gun in condition 1? Will it discharge?

Thank you for your time, any responses will be much appreciated.

 

[GunNut]

Properly setup 1911's will run just as reliably as a Glock. The biggest problem is a lot of 1911 owners like to tinker with their guns.

Plus most guns ship with cheap magazines, making it necessary to replace them with quality mags.

A 1911 will be a fine first gun, and should serve you well for range, home defense and CCW.

 

[RNB65]

The biggest problem is a lot of 1911 owners like to tinker with their guns.

I bought a Springfield loaded model a couple of years ago and immediately started tinkering with different recoil spring weights and had a significant jamming problem. I switched back to the stock spring and I've never had a single malfunction since. The only non-stock parts I run in that gun now are a short GI guide rod and plug.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

2. What happens if the sear breaks with the gun in condition 1? Will it discharge?

If the rest of the gun is in proper working order, the half cock notch should catch the hammer and not allow it to fall all the way, assuming the "Rock" follows the original design.

 

[jpwilly]

Rocks are good 1911's and the 1911 is a great design! I have a PT1911 and LOVE it!

 

[polekitty]

Two of my friends think Glocks are the best. I prefer my 1911 Para P-14. I put over 7000 runds through it totally reliable befoe I decided to install new springs. You really should clean and oil it once in awhile!! The 1911 took us through four major wars. "cocked & locked" is the only way to go!! I think 1911 is good for either a first or last handgun!

 

[sholling]

Everyone should have at least one 1911. Cocked and locked is perfectly safe and nothing has a trigger like a professionally smoothed 1911 breaking around 4lbs.