What are the Top 5 Problem for a 1911

[JoeSlomo]

Shooter induced problems common to new 1911 owners / those unfamiliar with the platform:

1. Failure to grip the gun properly resulting in a failure to fire due to failing to properly engage the grip safety.

2. Failure to fire caused by shooter failing to release the thumb safety.

3. Failure to fire due to poor grip resulting in the shooter engaging the thumb safety during recoil.

4. Stoppages resulting from a failure to properly lubricate the firearm.

Potential gun problems:

1. Stoppages resulting from a poorly tuned extractor coughKIMBERcough...cough.

2. Stoppages resulting from poorly designed / manufactured magazines.

3. Stoppages resulting from poorly shaped hollow point rounds that get hung up on the feed ramp.

I own 5 1911's and have only had problems with ONE coughKIMBERcough...cough.

 

[jonboynumba1]

I've got a 21SF in my holster right now....I love 1911's...the only real answer is that if you are asking that question you must need BOTH! but yeah....keep the 21 SF damn fine gun! reliable accurate and enough rounds to invade a small country for about the same weight and a little extra width! Mine is loaded with doubletap 185gr Noslers at 1200+ FPS with 600+ pounds of energy...i've ALWAYS been a 230gr guy in .45...but this is an exceptional load in this gun and with 14 rounds on board a bit lighter. Like a .40 on CRACK and STEROIDS!!

 

[OregonJohnny]

I have only owned 1 1911 - a standard full-size S&W 1911 stainless in .45ACP. It has a couple thousand rounds through it with no major problems. The only problem at all was in the first 200 rounds, the slide would occasionally not stay back on the last round. I switched out the S&W mags for Wilson mags and have never had the problem since. So I guess, "magazines" could be a potential problem. If you're talking about problems with the design itself, I have a few issues, but they are of course based on my personal preferences:

1. Take-down is not as easy and fast as other handguns like a Beretta 92, or a Glock, XD, etc., and requires a special tool.

2. Edges of the trigger are a little sharp and can cause a blister on the trigger finger during extended range sessions.

3. Superb thin design limits capacity to 7+1, or 8+1 with modern magazines.

4. With the hammer down, racking the slide takes A LOT of muscle, when compared to other semi-auto handgun designs. Some people with small or weak hands may not be able to reliably chamber the first round or clear a malfunction.

5. Take-down can cause "idiot marks" very easily, and can quickly turn a brand-new beautiful 1911 into a permanently scarred one.

 

[jpatterson]

Based purely on my experiences with mine:

1. Magazines - Over a thousand rounds through my Kimber Custom II, only time it ever hiccuped was with the standard magazines it came with. 12 FTF/FTE out of over 1000 rounds with the base Kimber model, I can't bash Kimber in any regard. Grabbed a few Wilson Combat magazines, haven't had a single problem since the first few rounds I put down the pipe. Kimber Bashers!

2. Take down/reassembly - The first few times I broke it down to fully clean and lube it, it took me a bit to get used to the system of reassembly. I'm the kind of guy that does things like that when I'm bored, and now I can completely field strip and reassemble my 1911 in less than a minute. Just takes some getting used to.

3. Capacity - Really not that big of a deal to me, I feel that I am combat-efficient with my 1911. 8 rounds should be more than enough for any situation I'd ever be in.

I don't mean to sound like a 1911 culter, but I really don't have anything else. I like mine.

 

[sohcgt2]

1. Magazines need to be discarded earlier in their life than some other platforms.

2. Reassembly damage can be eliminated by using a razorblade to hold the spring back while installing the slide stop.

3. Ammo is ammo, if your gun won't cycle it send it back to the factory. Shoot again and repeat.

4&5. The people who own them sometimes gloss over the problems inherent in the design, most likely because they epitomise what a handgun should look like.

 

[230therapy]

Bad shooters
Jamming
Busted parts
Worn parts
Bad gunsmithing

Just like many other guns out there

 

[yeti]

2. Reassembly damage can be eliminated by using a razorblade to hold the spring back while installing the slide stop.

Or just putting it back together correctly; just the way it comes out is the way it goes back in, no razor blades required.

 

[XxWINxX94]

1. Where they are made

 

[FTSESQ]

#'s 1-3: People messing with them

#4: Magazines

#5: Ammunition

+1 to that!

 

[makarovnik]

King of feedway stoppages.