jerkface11
Member
I can't stand them if they're .45acp. In other calibers they're great.
Shot two 1911's the other day, don't love it
- Thread starter hadmanysons
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Call me a 1911 man, too. Kimber, springfield, and Para. My springfield's are all three a hoot to shoot and I really like the Para's double stack feel and LDA trigger. My Kimber's are also really great as well.
That said, my favorite handgun to shoot right now is my S&W 66. Follow that up with my other revolvers (another 357 Mag and a 44 mag) I got rid of a 460 Mag but I'll be replacing that soon.
I am just getting sick and tired of chasing all that brass and with a revolver, all you have to do is dump the spent casing in a Folgers can while you shoot. Once you fired off your ammo, just pack up and leave. No chasing brass, argueing with the guy next to you on who's brass is who's. Maybe I am just getting old, or lazy, or both.
LGB
That said, my favorite handgun to shoot right now is my S&W 66. Follow that up with my other revolvers (another 357 Mag and a 44 mag) I got rid of a 460 Mag but I'll be replacing that soon.
I am just getting sick and tired of chasing all that brass and with a revolver, all you have to do is dump the spent casing in a Folgers can while you shoot. Once you fired off your ammo, just pack up and leave. No chasing brass, argueing with the guy next to you on who's brass is who's. Maybe I am just getting old, or lazy, or both.
LGB
When I was first looking to get a semi-auto HG about 7 yrs ago I did a lot of research(not comprehensive, but a lot)
First I decided on caliber, based on stopping power and availibility I came down to 9mm, 40, and 45. I like big holes which eliminatec the 9 and I have a revolver that shoots acp, so that settled me on caliber.
Then I decided on a glock 21 my logic was 1 elite ppl seemed to like the 45 recon marines, delta, LAPD SWAT. LA K9 unit, FBI HRT,etc. and glocks seemed to hold lots of bullets(which I like) so the glock seemed like the best thing going.........Right up untill I held it and had the counter lady saying, "oh your hands are way too small for that grip" (not my finest hour) She told me I could go with the 40, or look at 1911s (the XD hadn't come out yet, or at least I didn't know about it) So I bought a Springer GI instead. I've fired at least a 1000rds thru it with no problem, and except for the sights and maybe the mag well I wouldn't change it at all. My freinds with glocks all shoot better with it then with their own guns, save one but he shoots his 40 a lot.
So to me the pros are ergonomics, trigger, and in my unscientific poll the 45 seems to recoil less in the 1911(heavier?), and reliabilty.
the con is capacity
First I decided on caliber, based on stopping power and availibility I came down to 9mm, 40, and 45. I like big holes which eliminatec the 9 and I have a revolver that shoots acp, so that settled me on caliber.
Then I decided on a glock 21 my logic was 1 elite ppl seemed to like the 45 recon marines, delta, LAPD SWAT. LA K9 unit, FBI HRT,etc. and glocks seemed to hold lots of bullets(which I like) so the glock seemed like the best thing going.........Right up untill I held it and had the counter lady saying, "oh your hands are way too small for that grip" (not my finest hour) She told me I could go with the 40, or look at 1911s (the XD hadn't come out yet, or at least I didn't know about it) So I bought a Springer GI instead. I've fired at least a 1000rds thru it with no problem, and except for the sights and maybe the mag well I wouldn't change it at all. My freinds with glocks all shoot better with it then with their own guns, save one but he shoots his 40 a lot.
So to me the pros are ergonomics, trigger, and in my unscientific poll the 45 seems to recoil less in the 1911(heavier?), and reliabilty.
the con is capacity
It has some meat to it but is not akward by any means. I really like their feel since my hands are larger than the norm. I really suggest you go to your nearest trading post and check them out. I got mine for protection in mind since I could get the hi cap mags for them. You can also get them in single action or LDA (Light double action) their LDA is really smooth.
LGB
LGB
crebralfix
member
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- 1,356
I've long thought about redesigning the 1911 by changing the internal configuration while maintaining the external dimensions.
While I appreciate the 1911 design, I really don't see them as practical as currently implemented today by the majority of manufacturers. They are too finicky and (as Dave Champion puts it) require a relationship with the gun. The limited reliability of the gun is its primary problem; having to bounce a round into the chamber because the top of the magazine sits too low is just a bad design. It needs more of a horizontal shot into the chamber. The thumb and grip safeties are redundant and make it a mediocre combat arm. It's easy to flub the grip or miss the thumb safety, even under the minor stress of competition ("minor" as compared to a life or death situation).
I think where they really excel is in competition. Some of the modern day modifications available are simply incredible.
For me, the only 1911's in my future are the Colt WWI Reproduction and (maybe) a Colt Series 70. Other than that, I don't have much affection for the gun.
While I appreciate the 1911 design, I really don't see them as practical as currently implemented today by the majority of manufacturers. They are too finicky and (as Dave Champion puts it) require a relationship with the gun. The limited reliability of the gun is its primary problem; having to bounce a round into the chamber because the top of the magazine sits too low is just a bad design. It needs more of a horizontal shot into the chamber. The thumb and grip safeties are redundant and make it a mediocre combat arm. It's easy to flub the grip or miss the thumb safety, even under the minor stress of competition ("minor" as compared to a life or death situation).
I think where they really excel is in competition. Some of the modern day modifications available are simply incredible.
For me, the only 1911's in my future are the Colt WWI Reproduction and (maybe) a Colt Series 70. Other than that, I don't have much affection for the gun.
I like european high cap 9mm pistols the most. Every single one I've shot from SIG, HK, Glock, or CZ work great from the factory and are modern. I prefer the modern hi cap guns.
I think the 1911 built the way it was intended, as a military gun with loose tolerances, was the best pistol of its time.
I think the 1911 built the way it was intended, as a military gun with loose tolerances, was the best pistol of its time.
I just came from the range to try out my new fnp 45. I liked it a lot 14 rounds and the grip is a lot nicer than my glock 20. SAor DA is nice feature. I then took out my kimber 1911 and shot a few disks. My kimber is set up for super so it has a solid recoil. I was acquiring targets in half the time and hitting all of them...practice will close the gap a little but those quick follow up shots are hard to duplicate when I get away from this particular 1911. BTW my eaa witness in 10mm is closest to the kimber in accurate fire.
I love it when people refer to the greatness of 1911A1 in the past tense by saying "In its day. . ."
It is still having its day at the point of the spear, in duty holsters, and concealed upon the hips of many thousands of private citizens every day.
It is still having its day at the point of the spear, in duty holsters, and concealed upon the hips of many thousands of private citizens every day.
well... I am going to be objective here.. I have two 1911's and I love the feel and accuracy they provide... also, you can get a new pt1911 with all the bells and whistles already provided at a very reasonable price of 5-600. as with all taurus guns, this has a lifetime warranty that goes with the gun... used or new.
also.. I have never had to use a tool to take mine apart.. I dont know what that is about...
any disassembly that is necessary can be done by hand on my taurus...
as for shooting comfort, I dont know the size of your hands or other circumstances of your shooting, but I have never experienced any pain from shooting my 1911's...
also.. I have never had to use a tool to take mine apart.. I dont know what that is about...
any disassembly that is necessary can be done by hand on my taurus...
as for shooting comfort, I dont know the size of your hands or other circumstances of your shooting, but I have never experienced any pain from shooting my 1911's...
I own and have shot only Colt’s 1911s so I don’t know anything about other makes. The Colts are a joy to look at and use; the trigger is remarkable. Remember 1911 is a platform, not a make; some do 1911 well and others not so well. There’s nothing wrong with not liking 1911s and I respect the opinion. Like most things it’s subjective: 1911s are perfect for me, I understand them and am very comfortable and familiar with them. Find an auto you like and use well and enjoy.
Not that it matter but I feel the need to say a thing or two about 1911's. I am fairly new to handguns. I had shot a little in the Air Force but that was quite minimal. Different mission than other branches. I am used to computers. I have been a consultant/analyst for a quite a few years. I feel I am used to evaluating machines fairly well.
1911's seem to work quite well when they are tweaked just right, But the problem I see is that it is a design not made for the manufacturing process of today. This seems to me to be key. Manufacturing methods have evolved since John Moses Browning's time. Today it is perfectly acceptable to have certain part made in the "MIM" process. I think too many do not realize that manufacturing plays such a key role into the availability or popularity of a tool.
It just seems to me that the same regiment to design from the past can be applied with the technology of the now. Mainly I mean the manufacturing processes. It really seem that this is true with platforms such as Glock or Springfield, with the XD line: which I am partial too.
Yes I carry an XD, but mainly a Keltec PF9. I understand the past and I understand its desire for perfections but I just don't get it. Why does the trigger need to break so cleanly with little reset or whatever your concerns are. Why is it not better to train with the toolss that can be manufactured to such volumes that that everyone has a tool that will go bang and on target when needed?
I guess I just don't get it...
1911's seem to work quite well when they are tweaked just right, But the problem I see is that it is a design not made for the manufacturing process of today. This seems to me to be key. Manufacturing methods have evolved since John Moses Browning's time. Today it is perfectly acceptable to have certain part made in the "MIM" process. I think too many do not realize that manufacturing plays such a key role into the availability or popularity of a tool.
It just seems to me that the same regiment to design from the past can be applied with the technology of the now. Mainly I mean the manufacturing processes. It really seem that this is true with platforms such as Glock or Springfield, with the XD line: which I am partial too.
Yes I carry an XD, but mainly a Keltec PF9. I understand the past and I understand its desire for perfections but I just don't get it. Why does the trigger need to break so cleanly with little reset or whatever your concerns are. Why is it not better to train with the toolss that can be manufactured to such volumes that that everyone has a tool that will go bang and on target when needed?
I guess I just don't get it...
krs
Member
Anyone who doesn't care for the 1911 is a pansy.
TeamPrecisionIT
Member
Watch Gran Torino and then tell me you don't want a 1911
Lonestar.45
Member
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,077
And therein lies why I like them. You say you shot the Les Baer, and it was the best accuracy out of a handgun you'd ever seen. BUT YOU WEREN'T IMPRESSED??
To me, only accurate guns are interesting, and the more accurate, the more interesting (and impressive).
I have Glocks, Kahrs and others, which I like for their price, reliability, ruggedness. But I LOVE my 1911's because I shoot sooo much better with them. And the ones I own have been 100% reliable.
To each his own however. I'll readily admit 1911's aren't for everyone. To those that grew up shooting double stack polymers, the 1911's probably just don't "feel" right, kinda like Glocks, etc. don't "feel" right to me. Nothing wrong with that. Find what you like, make sure it's reliable, and shoot shoot shoot.
Believe me, if you weren't impressed with the Les Baer, even after it having "the best accuracy I've ever seen out of a handgun", then the 1911 is obviously not for you.
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
I always figured that the absolute best handgun was the one with which you were most accurate. (Limiting this to the more realistic self-defense cartridges. )
Now, I've messed with darned near every make of semi-auto critter--although not each and every model--except the Sig. I think I have a fair acquaintance with a whole bunch of go-bangs. I grant that I've not messed with these newer custom 1911-looking critters on the market today.
I first shot a 1911 somewhere around 1949. I first owned one about 1966. I got some combat pistol training in 1980, and into IPSC in 1981.
Been a lot of new stuff show up. All manner of varieties in various formats for different purposes.
Ol' Slabsides still fits my hands better and more comfortably than any of the others, which is wonderful for me and irrrelevant to anybody whose hands are different. Reliability has never been an issue in a whole bunch of thousands of rounds. Accuracy has been plenty good enough for my needs. (Any dropped shots in IPSC was me, not the bloomin' gun!)
So, I'm happy. And totally uninterested in raining on anybody else's parade.
There is no such thing as a "best pistol". There is only what works best for you--and that you've learned which one from your own experiences.
)Now, I've messed with darned near every make of semi-auto critter--although not each and every model--except the Sig. I think I have a fair acquaintance with a whole bunch of go-bangs. I grant that I've not messed with these newer custom 1911-looking critters on the market today.
I first shot a 1911 somewhere around 1949. I first owned one about 1966. I got some combat pistol training in 1980, and into IPSC in 1981.
Been a lot of new stuff show up. All manner of varieties in various formats for different purposes.
Ol' Slabsides still fits my hands better and more comfortably than any of the others, which is wonderful for me and irrrelevant to anybody whose hands are different.
Reliability has never been an issue in a whole bunch of thousands of rounds. Accuracy has been plenty good enough for my needs. (Any dropped shots in IPSC was me, not the bloomin' gun!)So, I'm happy. And totally uninterested in raining on anybody else's parade.
There is no such thing as a "best pistol". There is only what works best for you--and that you've learned which one from your own experiences.
Art nailed it . . . then again, that's why he makes the "big bucks" around here!
Shooting competitions should be what all budding handgunners resolve to do as often as possible, just like Art did years ago (and yours truly too).
Shooting under pressure and stress, against the clock and other shooters shows everyone REAL FAST what types of guns "win." You'll see lots of new shooters showing up with all sorts of stuff . . . and a year later, if they don't mind losing as they learn, have different equipment . . . guns that WIN!
No bottom feeder wins like a 1911-style pistol . . . and S&W revolvers rule the wheelgun matches. Glocks will a lot in service pistol classes (yes, they have a class set aside for the Polymer guys with their police-style/long heavy trigger pulls made to satisfy lawyers).
That being said, I want what I shoot best in my hand if trouble ever comes kicking in MY door! You should too, of course . . . only PLEASE FIND OUT WHAT YOUR BEST GUN IS!!! Go to some matches! Join an active shooting club! Shoot different guns and find out what makes you a "winner" . . . because in a gun fight, finishing second isn't an option!
PS: What do I shoot best? S&W revolvers! I once won a special "steel" match against about 30 handgunners, all using high capacity pistols! 18 steel plates and poppers spread out over a 90 degree arc at varying distances from 10-30 yards. Fastest time from the buzzer won the entire pot of money! Guns started UNLOADED and at least ONE manditory reload (that favored the 9mm Glock guys with their 33 round magazines and the STI/Para crowd with their P14 .45s) was required.
Yep, I won, cleaning all 18 steels with 18 rounds (loading just three times). I can reload my moon-clipped .45ACP revolver as fast as I can my 1911 race gun and the revolver naturally points for me. Heck, I really don't have to use the sights much it has become so instinctive! I shot the revolver in the match as a lark . . . and won anyway. The faster those other guys tried to go, the more they missed. You don't win by missing.
Shooting competitions should be what all budding handgunners resolve to do as often as possible, just like Art did years ago (and yours truly too).
Shooting under pressure and stress, against the clock and other shooters shows everyone REAL FAST what types of guns "win." You'll see lots of new shooters showing up with all sorts of stuff . . . and a year later, if they don't mind losing as they learn, have different equipment . . . guns that WIN!
No bottom feeder wins like a 1911-style pistol . . . and S&W revolvers rule the wheelgun matches. Glocks will a lot in service pistol classes (yes, they have a class set aside for the Polymer guys with their police-style/long heavy trigger pulls made to satisfy lawyers).
That being said, I want what I shoot best in my hand if trouble ever comes kicking in MY door! You should too, of course . . . only PLEASE FIND OUT WHAT YOUR BEST GUN IS!!! Go to some matches! Join an active shooting club! Shoot different guns and find out what makes you a "winner" . . . because in a gun fight, finishing second isn't an option!
PS: What do I shoot best? S&W revolvers! I once won a special "steel" match against about 30 handgunners, all using high capacity pistols! 18 steel plates and poppers spread out over a 90 degree arc at varying distances from 10-30 yards. Fastest time from the buzzer won the entire pot of money! Guns started UNLOADED and at least ONE manditory reload (that favored the 9mm Glock guys with their 33 round magazines and the STI/Para crowd with their P14 .45s) was required.
Yep, I won, cleaning all 18 steels with 18 rounds (loading just three times). I can reload my moon-clipped .45ACP revolver as fast as I can my 1911 race gun and the revolver naturally points for me. Heck, I really don't have to use the sights much it has become so instinctive! I shot the revolver in the match as a lark . . . and won anyway. The faster those other guys tried to go, the more they missed. You don't win by missing.
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I like 1911s, even though I'm a die-hard revolver man (S&W). In the 1911 platform I've owned two Ballester Molinas, Colt Enhanced, Kimber Pro Carry, a ParaOrdnance P-12 and the Springfield GI compact model. I've even owned two Sig P-220s in .45 Auto, but that's for another thread I guess. Of all of them, only the Springfield GI shot like a lump of junk, a real jammomatic. Of course, that's no bad on the Springfield as each gun is an individual, some good, some bad. All the others shot reliably and accurately, pure joy. Recoil in all was no problem, even gentle because I'm used to the sharp smack of the .357 in a Smith & Wesson K-Frame.
The 1911? I love 'em. All of mine were sold over the years to pay bills or put food in the 'fridge during tough times. When I'm back in the chips, I plan on getting another 1911. Heck, I even love reloading the empties. There's a lot to be said for the .45 Auto as a cartridge as well. Easy to reload, hot or mild and accurate as you want. Recoil is more of a "push." With the right .45 and enough time on the trigger to earn my trust, I wouldn't hesitate to get another.
The 1911? I love 'em. All of mine were sold over the years to pay bills or put food in the 'fridge during tough times. When I'm back in the chips, I plan on getting another 1911. Heck, I even love reloading the empties. There's a lot to be said for the .45 Auto as a cartridge as well. Easy to reload, hot or mild and accurate as you want. Recoil is more of a "push." With the right .45 and enough time on the trigger to earn my trust, I wouldn't hesitate to get another.
Let's list all the new technology:
1) night sights
2) polymer frames/aluminum frames
Double column mags? No, Mauser C96/Lee Enfield
Striker fired? 1908 Colt Vest Pocket
Double Action? Adams revolver 1850s
Hollow point bullets? Dum-Dum Arsenal 1890s
Full Auto fire? Maxim gun 1884.
Yes a lot of new technology has come along.
Prion
Member
I love my new SS satin, black gripped, SA TRP 1911 so much.............sigh............I think I'll go give her a squeeze and tell her how I feel right now come to think of it.
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