which armourers course

[lobo9er]

leaning towards a 1911 course. I have never owned a 1911 don't know much about them other than the basics but a Glock Course maybe more useful as I know more people that own Glocks. either way I would buy either a Glock or a 1911 as I don't own either if I purchase a course. Destroy this sentiment if you disagree because I really don't know but it seems to me a 1911 course would be more interesting, am I wrong to think a 1911 would have more customizations that could be done? Or would both be basically dropping in new parts with slight fitting?

 

[JTQ]

... it seems to me a 1911 course would be more interesting, am I wrong to think a 1911 would have more customizations that could be done? Or would both be basically dropping in new parts with slight fitting?

The 1911 typically isn't an "armorer" gun. It's more like a gunsmith gun. Most parts need to be fitted. There are probably 20+ makers of "1911's", and a similar number of aftermarket parts makers. There really isn't much of a "standard" for parts.

The Glock is an armorer gun. Parts generally snap into place. Only one company makes Glocks, and they are all the same. You may need a specialized tool or two, but then you're probably good to go.

1911 gunsmith's have multiple thousands of dollars invested in tools.

As an example, look at the sight cuts on a Glock, look through the entire inventory, they're all the same. Next take a look at the sight cuts on just Colt's guns. Colt has at least three different rear sight dovetails. That doesn't count all the other makers.

 

[entropy]

If you want an Armorer's course for the 1911, I'm afraid it's too late. That ship sailed in 1986, when the services switched over to the M9. I was among the last trained to work on the 1911, at least at the Unit level. The 45B20 Course (my SMOS) went on longer. The best training now, beside apprenticing at one of the famous 1911 shops is to read Jerry Kuhnhausen's books on the 1911, after having some practical experience doing basic work on them.

Glocks are like Legos. Simple to work on, there are three tools special to Glocks, and they are all cheap. A good sight pusher is the only other tool needed.

 

[L-2]

I'll suggest, not necessarily recommend, getting a Glock &/or a 1911 first. I suggest this only as it seems to have worked for everyone I've come across. Although, not having either a Glock or a 1911 could mean you having a more open-mind if attending an armorer's class, I suppose. You wouldn't have any preconceived thoughts on how to work on either platform which might make a better student (no unlearning to do).

(For Glock's own Armorer's course, a GSSF membership will usually be required, unless exempted by Glock, by the way.) The good thing about the Glock Armorer's class, is that no personal firearms are allowed in the classroom. Glock will supply the Glocks for all students to disassemble & reassemble many times during the 8-hour class.

Ref. https://glocktraining.com

In my 1911-Armorer class, which was taught by a 1911 gunsmith, we supplied our own 1911 firearms. I suppose this will vary by each school/trainer and will need to be researched further. There is still much I don't know how to do, and probably never will regarding the 1911. The 1911 class I attended was similar to Glock's class in that it had enough time to cover dis-assembling and re-assembling. Not offered and it would easily have taken another day (along with probably doubling the cost) would have been fitting a thumb-safety and an extractor. Not having any training in these areas, I'd surely struggle and likely ruin some expensive parts trying to learn if I ever try. I have done some work on my own 1911 extractors with mixed results.

FYI, my main choice for use/carry is a Glock.

Choosing and buying a 1911 is an entire topic in itself. I'm sure many owners haven't even gone to a formal Armorer's class, but do just fine at least for their personal use/needs.

 

[straightshooterjake]

I'll may write more tomorrow when I have more time, but here are some quick thoughts.

If you are not already obsessed with 1911's, then you will never be at all competitive at working on them. 1911's are pretty tricky to get running really well, and there is an enormous variety of aftermarket components. If you don't love them, your work will never compare with people who do.

If you do not have a lot of experience working on guns, then Glocks are a reasonable place to start. They are not difficult to work on, and there is a substantial aftermarket to work with. However, with that being said, some of what I said about 1911's still holds true. Lots of people really like Glocks, and if you don't love them, it will not be easy to keep up.

What guns do you own that you really like? Are there projects, modifications, or repairs that you would like to do? These tasks might be the best place to start, even if they are things where there is not a wider market. Also, if you tell us more about your interests and experience, it can help us make useful recommendations.

Lastly, keep in mind that there are serious safety responsibilities any time you work on guns. Even things that seem small or cosmetic can sometimes have safety consequences. So you really need to put a lot of time into making certain that you are doing things correctly.

 

[Rock185]

I've been to both multiple times. I can't speak for other 1911 courses, but did enjoy the Colt O-Frame course much more than the Glock class. Of course, the O-Frame course doesn't make you a gunsmith, but I still believe it is of considerable value to anyone interested in the mechanical aspects of the 1911 pistol. You will have the opportunity to learn how the factory recommends the pistol be maintained, trouble shoot problems, disassemble, assemble, repair, fit critical items like thumb safety, grip safety, sear, sear spring, adjust extractors, how to adjust the trigger bow and magazine catch if necessary, polish barrel throat, feed ramp, breech face,etc. The Glock class is much more like the AR class, in that one learns how to check for issues and and replace drop in replacement parts as necessary. Still worthwhile, but not near as interesting as the Colt course to me.........ymmv

 

[lobo9er]

I think I am going to try one of those POLY 80 Glock kits. Any thoughts on them? honestly just looking for a hobby activity to fill some time.