In Praise of Old Slabsides

[Sean Smith]

Funny how "I like X for Y reasons" topics always degenerate on these forums. *Shrug*

Compare the old 1911 with the new breed of 1911 and the terms "gutted" and "starting over" are more than appropriate.

True in alot of ways. Take away all the stuff that is new and modern in my worked-over Delta Elite, and there wouldn't be much left of it. But there are alot of cheesey material shortcuts used in production guns in 2003 that weren't around in 1911, too... and, arguably, drastic reductions in quality control compared to old commerical Colts from back when even skilled labor was dirt cheap. Without plastic and MIM slag alot of modern guns under $1,000 would hardly be there at all.

 

[dsk]

How much longer are we going to keep raking the coals over this one? People seem to either think the 1911 is the epitome of perfection, or it's an outdated relic. For all the name-calling that goes back and forth we don't seem to be any closer to agreement. I have always had a strong preference for the 1911 platform, because I shoot it best and that's what counts. The fact that it's a big-bore caliber and simply looks damn cool are merely bonuses. Yes some examples can be a bit tempermental in the reliability department, but the reason are known. It's not because of the design, but in the way some companies execute the design in the manufacture of their pistols.

Now, at the same time I saw some pretty spectacular shooting years ago by my firearms instructor with his DAO Smith & Wesson. It proved to me once and for all that guns are like underwear. What fits one person and feels comfortable may not please the next guy. The 1911 seems to suit the majority of us by virtue of its excellent trigger system and ability to be endlessly customized to fit anybody's hand like a glove. But if you already found handgunning nirvana in the form of some other type of weapon, then I see no reason to convince you otherwise. If you can shoot your SIG or HK just as fast & well as I can shoot my 1911 then you're very well-armed indeed.

Okay, I'm done. Let the flaming continue.

 

[Chris Rhines]

People seem to either think the 1911 is the epitome of perfection, or it's an outdated relic.

Except for me, I guess. I love the bottom half of the 1911. Can't see how it could be improved. The top half just sucks.

- Chris

 

[echo3mike]

I agree with DSK...I think we've killed all the rats in this alley.

FWIW, I just bought my second Govt. in 6 months. I rarely buy more than one gun a year.


Guess I'm in the "likes them" category.

S.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Look at the fact that Most law enf agencies won't allow the 1911, but approve most DA Nines.

Because the hammer's back and it looks scary :banghead:

 

[BluesBear]

Well spoken, boogalou.

 

[Rob96]

Funny that people love to say that the M16 series and the 1911 are outdated and antiquated. Yet, what weapon systems do most professional operators choose. I think it will be long time before people are done beatng this dead horse.

 

[Greg Bell]

Quartus, Sean,

"While you are learning, look up the difference between "your" and "you're".


Awesome! I was expecting Tamara to hammer me on this earlier! Especially after I got uber-condescending in my last two posts. Tamara and I have had this same debate for years!

 

[Zach S]

But as for looking cool, how come you folks all have the wrong grips on your guns?

While wood is purdy, I dont care much for the sharp checkering, smooth it down and it comprimises my grip while shooting in gloves. I prefer the rubber grips Kimber has to offer.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Old Slabsides?

1911?

Browning?

Did someone come out with a new gun and not tell me?

I've never heard of this one before...

 

[KenW.]

There is something to be said when elite outfits like the USMC (they refused to let it go), several defense department special ops units, LAPD SWAT, FBI's HRT, and others require its use. Several police departments require it (such as Tacoma Wash P.D.), and many others authorize it. Even San Diego County is evaluating the 1911 Mil-Spec model from Springfield.

A step back into the past? I don't think so.

 

[Mike Irwin]

"A step back into the past? I don't think so."

I've heard that the LAPD is looking at matchlocks...

 

[BluesBear]

I've heard that the LAPD is looking at matchlocks

From what I have heard it's not a matchlock, it's a wheel-lock. In fact they have already commissioned a batch of appropriate Clamshell holsters for field testing.

 

[dsk]

Several police departments require it (such as Tacoma Wash P.D.).....

It is not "required", it is merely authorized along with Glock pistols (the G23, I believe). After much testing it was finally determined that a cocked n' locked SA auto is no more prone to ND's than Glock's "Safe Action" system, something many of us already knew years ago! Regarding the "scary cocked hammer" issue alluded to by Skunkabilly, I believe the design of the regulation holster's thumb break covers the hammer enough that few casual observers will notice.

 

[denfoote]

Marko,
What do you know.
Here are the 1911's that pushed me over the edge, along with your old friend, the P1.

 

[Pat_Rogers]

"Refused to let it go.."

KenW,

This thread has been pretty much about opinions concerning what people do, or do not like.

You stated in your post that the Marine Corps "requires" the use of a 1911, and that the Marine Corps "refused to let it go".

Can you cite your reference on this?

I'd be really interested, especially as the standard Service Pistol is the M9.
There are less then 800 1911's in the Marine Corps at this time. Over 600 are MEU(SOC) Pistols, used only by the Force Reconnaissance Marines and Sailors, and 100 Kimber ICQB's, used by Det 1.

But if you have more verifieable information, we would sure love to hear it...