In 2011 I bought my first 1911, a Springfield Loaded full size model. It was mostly okay but even through a thousand rounds would occasionally jam for no apparent reason. Though I suspected the extractor needed to be tuned, this was supposed to be my main self defense handgun, and I lost confidence in it and sold it. I don't believe in break-in periods and the like. A self defense handgun should work the first time, everytime, excluding user error and bad ammo.
I do not believe in break in periods either. We are not talking about a 1969 396 needing to seat the rings. I think the 200 round recommendation is to stop the instant phone calls to customer service because within 200 rounds users will become familiar with the pistol, the recoil, where to put their thumbs, learn not to flinch, etc. I had a pistol I called the Jam-O-Matic. I was told by the manufacturer that the recoil spring needed 200 rounds to break it in, and then it should be replaced every 500 rounds. WHAT!
That meant I had to spend $80 to $100 dollars and then I only could shoot another 300 before starting the process again!
Your statement is correct, we all desire a 100% reliable firearm for self defense excluding user error and bad ammo. I think you also agree bad magazines.
In 2012, I bought a Colt 1991 Government model. Also had reliability problems, even after being sent back to Colt twice. Sold it, wouldn't trust for self defense.
You have not mentioned the ammunition. I assume you used the factory magazine.
A few weeks ago, I bought another Springfield, this time a Range Officer. Failures to lock back with several magazines (even when making sure I'm not riding the release), and has a stovepipe about every 300 rounds.
See everyone, this guy knows what he is talking about, he correctly suspected the magazines and tried several. I see no reason to dog pile this guy.
As to the stovepipe, I would also consider fatigue. I would reflect on the times and try to remember if the failures happened towards the end of a firing session.
I can assure you in none of these cases were there limp wrists. I've been shooting pistols for years, including the very similar Hi Power, and hold the gun quite firmly. Never a problem with any of them except my 1911s.
Thing is, I want to have a government model as my main defensive pistol. It's a beautiful gun that I shoot very well and accurately. If I could just get a reliable one, it would be my "go to" handgun.
The are pretty firearms indeed. Since I have a couple of BHPs and a CZ85B then you know one of the upgrades the BHP has experienced over the years is an external extractor. I am pretty sure that the S&W 1911 has an external extractor. Some people are into a specific vintage of the 1911, and that is great, they learn that model and enjoy it. But, for self defense, if there is a modern improvement then there is no blasphemy in getting a 1911 with those improvements.
I hear from some that in order to get an absolutely reliable 1911 you have to spend upwards in the $3k range from a custom maker. Is this true? Or am I just unlucky?
My cousin, a career Army Warrant Office, is totally into firearms and values accuracy and reliability above all other factors. He spends wisely but is also willing to spend whatever it takes to get what he wants. He bought a Springfield Armory, and I can't remember which one but it was easily over $1000.00. It would not run. Didn't matter the mags. He contacted them several times and it was the same story, it needs more break in. Well, I will not use the distinctive military dialect he used to describe what he thought of that, but he sold it. He bought a Wilson Combat. First shot and every shot since, no issues, no problems, it runs 100%.
I'd really like to be convinced in favor of the 1911. However, I don't want to trust a pistol that's finicky and has to be sent to the gunsmith in order to get working reliably. I also don't trust lemons, even after they're fixed. It's just me, whether I'm too picky or not is up to you.
I do not trust lemons either, be it a car, or a firearm. Once it has let me down I can't help but think of that every time I see it. Some of us are that way.
Now as to the statements that the 1911 is not for you or you are not able to shoot a 1911 as if it is some level to attain, the High Priest of the order of the 1911, well that to me is just silliness.
The gun was designed to be general purpose. The cult status just inflates the prices, IMO.
I have never owned a true 1911 in 45 ACP. I have had some 1911-like firearms, including the Browning 1911 22LR and a small .380. I did rent one at the range one day and let me tell you this one would feed anything, because I didn't notice that the range officer had given me 40 S&W and it feed it and shot it.
Another thought on break in, I too had a SIG556, and as mine broke in the bolt carrier started slapping the top of the receiver, the part known as the "dust cover" on an AK47. So, in my opinion break in will reveal weakness, not correct them.
So, in closing, I would personally buy a RIA and see if it would run well and if it didn't play with it to see if I could learn what makes one run well. Or I would be a S&W with an external extractor and a well opened ejection port, or I would buy the same model Wilson Combat as my cousin has.
Good luck and I hope you figure out some way to have the 1911 that you seem to want.
