Full Metal Jacket
member
1911 was my first.
How many people START with a 1911?
- Thread starter MrIzhevsk
- Start date
- Status
My first was a Glock G22 since I wanted something dirt simple and easy for the (ex)wifey to use. Point and squeeze. My Kimber 1911 was my second handgun and I love it. A 45 is an intimidating round and the 1911 frame just screams "I know what I'm doing, and I'm really good at it" 
nullcontext
Member
I used/owned quite a few handguns before getting a 1911, and I would say if had not been for that experience I would not be in love with my first 1911 now... you gotta know what crap is before you get something that isn't crap, otherwise you won't appreciate it, you'll take it for granted.
It's like owning a swiss watch when all you've ever owned was plastic digital watches and cheap reproductions. I mean sure the cheap plastic watch will tell time just fine, but... I had the same feeling when I first got a pocket watch, it's metal, it's well crafted, and it does a damn good job of keeping time in style.
My 1911 is well crafted, metal, and does a damn good job of keeping time in style.
Maybe I'm gushing a bit, or talking too much smack, but I'm in love with my 1911. I wouldn't say it will fit everyone's style, but it fit mine, and is in jeopardy of becoming a dangerous addiction.
Just, get what sounds like it would be fun, or cool, or whatever. Get a gun that fits your style, otherwise you may get a 1911 based on reviews from guys like me and it doesn't fit your style and you'll be wondering why the hell did I listen to that guy.
Just do what feels right. Like my buddy on the police force swears by glocks, loves his glock, it fits his style... that's cool, he likes plastic watches, I like plastic too, it's just not a crafted metal pocket watch. I'll never convince him otherwise, and he'll never convince me otherwise, we just have different taste.
It's like owning a swiss watch when all you've ever owned was plastic digital watches and cheap reproductions. I mean sure the cheap plastic watch will tell time just fine, but... I had the same feeling when I first got a pocket watch, it's metal, it's well crafted, and it does a damn good job of keeping time in style.
My 1911 is well crafted, metal, and does a damn good job of keeping time in style.
Maybe I'm gushing a bit, or talking too much smack, but I'm in love with my 1911. I wouldn't say it will fit everyone's style, but it fit mine, and is in jeopardy of becoming a dangerous addiction.
Just, get what sounds like it would be fun, or cool, or whatever. Get a gun that fits your style, otherwise you may get a 1911 based on reviews from guys like me and it doesn't fit your style and you'll be wondering why the hell did I listen to that guy.
Just do what feels right. Like my buddy on the police force swears by glocks, loves his glock, it fits his style... that's cool, he likes plastic watches, I like plastic too, it's just not a crafted metal pocket watch. I'll never convince him otherwise, and he'll never convince me otherwise, we just have different taste.
Rhodesian
My first gun, it was a price driven and total lack of gun knowledge decision, was a Harrington & Richards .32 automatic. It has to be one of the ugliest guns made, but it shot quite well, there were no barn doors that were safe from it.
Since had a couple of 1911's, which I believe to be the epitome of simple, efficient and reliable guns, whith great character too.
My first gun, it was a price driven and total lack of gun knowledge decision, was a Harrington & Richards .32 automatic. It has to be one of the ugliest guns made, but it shot quite well, there were no barn doors that were safe from it.
Since had a couple of 1911's, which I believe to be the epitome of simple, efficient and reliable guns, whith great character too.
HOWARD J
Member
My first was a copy of an early cowboy pistol in .22 cal
Second: P-35 high power 9MM---many .45 users gave me a hard time " what are you doing with that stupid little cartridge " Ain't laffin now...............
Second: P-35 high power 9MM---many .45 users gave me a hard time " what are you doing with that stupid little cartridge " Ain't laffin now...............
cobblestone
Member
I wish my 1911 would have been my first, i went through a glock, witness, bersa, taurus, xd. Would have saved me a TON of bad experiences
Zach S
Member
I did. It was a $200 AMT Hardballer.
Next was a Kimber, and three more eventually. A Para LDA (I know, NOT not a 1911), a Colt and a Springer.
Still have all but the Colt and the Springer, I miss the springer more. I used the AMT for a parts gun for a while but ended up rebuilding it into a rimfire plinker - I'm looking forward to teaching my little girl to shoot on the same pistol I learned on.
Next was a Kimber, and three more eventually. A Para LDA (I know, NOT not a 1911), a Colt and a Springer.
Still have all but the Colt and the Springer, I miss the springer more. I used the AMT for a parts gun for a while but ended up rebuilding it into a rimfire plinker - I'm looking forward to teaching my little girl to shoot on the same pistol I learned on.
dmazur
Member
I had a very limited introduction to the 1911 as part of Navy boot camp.
I got my own Combat Commander before I got out, probably because it was familiar. Some of us shot in informal competition, and 1911's were popular at these meets, so there was some peer pressure as well.
The only other experience I had at that time was shooting DA revolvers, and I didn't do well with the long, heavy trigger pull. The short, light 1911 pull seemed ideal, and the manual of arms wasn't that complicated.
This was long, long before I started carrying one for protection.
Fortunately, the 1911 is versatile enough that some of us started with one and simply stayed with it.
I got my own Combat Commander before I got out, probably because it was familiar. Some of us shot in informal competition, and 1911's were popular at these meets, so there was some peer pressure as well.
The only other experience I had at that time was shooting DA revolvers, and I didn't do well with the long, heavy trigger pull. The short, light 1911 pull seemed ideal, and the manual of arms wasn't that complicated.
This was long, long before I started carrying one for protection.
Fortunately, the 1911 is versatile enough that some of us started with one and simply stayed with it.
cowboy_711
Member
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2010
- Messages
- 2
I have a .22 revolver i got from my grandpa several years ago, but I will be buying my first handgun next month. I will be getting a Springfield Mil-Spec 1911. I can't wait.
non2os13
Member
the first gun that i bought myself was a colt commander in 38 super. i had alot of trouble finding ammo for it though. i ended up trading it for a new xd45 and a new p22.
next i bought a springfield champion. it was literally the worst gun that i have ever owned. it went back to the factory several times before i gave up and sold it.
i ended up with a pt1911ar and a RIA tactical. i love them both and both run perfect.
next i bought a springfield champion. it was literally the worst gun that i have ever owned. it went back to the factory several times before i gave up and sold it.
i ended up with a pt1911ar and a RIA tactical. i love them both and both run perfect.
Bullnettles
Member
I started out with a compact Para 1911 and was scared of it. Went to 40 on a sigma and worked on not expecting the boom. Made my accuracy increase greatly, but I hated that gun. I'll get another 1911 someday, but poly's are too easy to disassemble, so it will be a while.
jigglyjames29
Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2006
- Messages
- 167
If you start with a 1911, most modern pistols will seem much easier to disassemble.
Oh, and you're spoiling yourself with the trigger and might have sloppy trigger manipulation that only shows when shooting other handguns.
Oh, and you're spoiling yourself with the trigger and might have sloppy trigger manipulation that only shows when shooting other handguns.
Madcap_Magician
Member
I did.
I got a beater 1911 and a 2nd-Gen Glock 19 in trade for an AR-15. I definitely got the worst end of that deal.
I do miss that .45, though. It may have been a beater, but it was a fun gun. Made before they knew HOW to do MIM parts.
I got a beater 1911 and a 2nd-Gen Glock 19 in trade for an AR-15. I definitely got the worst end of that deal.
I do miss that .45, though. It may have been a beater, but it was a fun gun. Made before they knew HOW to do MIM parts.
My first gun wasn't a 1911, it was a .22lr that I bought so that I could learn to shoot cheaply and without picking up a flinch. I always knew that the 1911 was going to be the handgun I ended up with, so that .22 was a Ruger 22/45. I figured that I might as well get something with similar controls to the 1911.
The first hangun I ever bought was the week I turned 21. A Colt Gold Cup, early Series 70 gun. Paid about $350 for it at a pawn shop in southern California back in 1986. I am up to five 1911 pistols now, all Colt's, three of them series 70 or earlier. Been using the same Colt Commander as my competition and concealed carry gun for 15 years now.
verdun59
Member
After carrying a 1911 everyday in the Army, and realizing how bad that weapon was, it was many many moons before I even considered buying one. In fact it was only last year that I finally under duress from several friends that I bought my first (and only) 1911. I must say that today's model (STI Spartan) is a huge improvement over the old Army issue. It's a very nice gun a good shooter but truth be told I like my CZ 75B better.
Hangingrock
Member
In 1964 at Parris Island we fired the 1911A1 for familiarization. It was the first handgun that I’d fired. I’d estimate that was the first handgun that the average recruit of that period fired also.
In 1965 after an encounter with a Main Force VC Regiment I acquired an Ithaca manufactured 1911A1 as a battlefield pick up taken from a VC that no longer needed it. I filled out a tag for it and was given authorization to keep it.
In 1965 after an encounter with a Main Force VC Regiment I acquired an Ithaca manufactured 1911A1 as a battlefield pick up taken from a VC that no longer needed it. I filled out a tag for it and was given authorization to keep it.
LawofThirds
Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2008
- Messages
- 474
My first firearm I owned was a Kimber TLE II. Second was a super slick 4" S&W 19-3.
After both were stolen, I replaced them with a 19-4 2 1/2" barrel and a springfield 1911a1 GI in under 6 months.
Once you find the right gun, you just know.
After both were stolen, I replaced them with a 19-4 2 1/2" barrel and a springfield 1911a1 GI in under 6 months.
Once you find the right gun, you just know.
cesarv
Member
My first gun is 1911. It's a Kimber Custom Target II.
The first handgun I fired was a 1911. $317 for a used 1946 commercial Colt. I taught myself with no help and quite naturally the first 100 rounds went into the dirt; I was flinching so hard, even though I was accustomed to shooting a 12ga.
The funny thing is, there is no way I would have considered any other pistol at the time. I was pathologically obsessed with the 1911. I actually knew the process to detail strip it before I even laid hands on a real live one.
^^^Yes. In retrospect either start with a .22, or pay good money for a good shooting coach.
The funny thing is, there is no way I would have considered any other pistol at the time. I was pathologically obsessed with the 1911. I actually knew the process to detail strip it before I even laid hands on a real live one.
^^^Yes. In retrospect either start with a .22, or pay good money for a good shooting coach.
Last edited:
- Status
