Which SHTF Pistol: Glock or 1911?

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

The Decision is VERY Simple

In my Humble Opinion --- Go with "BOTH" if the SHTF.
P.S. Take extra ammo.
P.S.S Don't forget your AR-15 and Home Defense Shotgun.

 

[Black Majik]

Thanks for your post, but if you don't even OWN a Glock, how can you comment on this?

Further, have you even tested your 1911 to see how it will perform when dirty?

Like even firing several hundred rounds through it without cleaning and seeing how it does?

Hi Beethoven.

I currently dont own any Glocks

I used to be a Glock owner, but I learned the hard way that a pistol doesn't fit me. But, of all the guns I've owned, that Glock was the most reliable of all my pistols I own. I just couldn't shoot it for beans.

My shooting experience is obviously limited. I haven't tortured tested any of the Glocks I used to own, or the 1911s I now do own, but I do have experience with both. And I still do stand by my opinion that, when reliability and durability matters, the Glock is the weapon. But hey, I got my gripes about that weapon also. I can list so many reasons why I dont like shooting Glocks. But still, in the end, they WORK.

 

[el44vaquero]

I would choose a springfield mil-spec or GI. The guns can be taken down and cleaned with it's own parts, thus getting rid of the need of extra tools. The 1911 is also battle ground proven many times over. I just like the look and feel of the pistol. Good caliber. Easy concepts. Fine weapon all the way around.

 

[duncan]

If SHTF, Glock is carried by so many miltary and LEAs, combined with all of the parts floating around in the US, you gotta be crazy not to grab a Glock in 9mm, 40SW, or 45 ACP.

Darn things are hard to break and with only 34 parts, many plastic, you can fix yourself too.

Love my Kimbers and my Springfields but when these guys come:

My Glock 34 or Glock 21 would be the only "pistol".

 

[RON in PA]

New 1911s are tight while earlier production 1911s were built loose: I say that's bull. If earlier 1911s are loose it's because they are decades old and /or have been rebuilt after firing thousands of rounds.

Steel guns in a fire: What about becoming unsafe due to the original heat treatment becoming screwed-up.

I prefer BHPs and Ruger 95s, but best of all a stainless S&W revolver.

 

[dsk]

New 1911s are tight while earlier production 1911s were built loose: I say that's bull. If earlier 1911s are loose it's because they are decades old and /or have been rebuilt after firing thousands of rounds.

I have owned quite a number of early (1913 through 1970) 1911's that are in nearly-new condition, and yes they are all loose compared to the ones of today. There is some "give" in the barrel lockup, the slides have some play on the frame (but not loosey-goosey either), and the barrel bushings can easily be turned with your fingers. More importantly, the chambers are cut to generous military specifications, not tight like most current pistols. Why do you think Glocks are so reliable? It has much to do with the fact that Glock cuts their chambers on the large side, giving even dirty or mis-shapen rounds room to make it all the way into the chamber. Early 1911's were the same way. In fact, back when I used to reload I didn't know many of my handloads were slightly off-spec until they failed to fit the chamber in a new Kimber I had. They always ran through my sloppy old Colts just fine.

 

[dsk]

By the way, on the subject of SHTF we had a near one up here in the NW today. It seems a 20 year-old kid with, umm, "family problems" walked right into Tacoma Mall shopping center with an AK-47 and hosed the place down, hitting several people as terrified shoppers all ran for the exits. I can only imagine what I would've done if I was there. First I would've tried to evacuate any loved ones out of there, then high-tail it out myself, but had I encountered the friendly local "disaffected youth" I can't imagine wanting any handgun on my person other than my custom Colt 1911. Up against a nut with an AK one or two well-placed shots would probably be all the chance I'd get to take him out.

 

[Zach S]

Both, but I'd pick up my 1911 first.

The glock wold be my loaner pistol.

 

[Borachon]

Fellow's cell phone alledgedly caught fire in his glove compartment. The holster caught and the Glock's ammo exploded. Which blew out the fire!

But...if it DID blow out the fire, then it shows the Glock was already melting...which you can see in some of these pictures...and stopped melting when the ammo blew out the fire. The ammo explosion doesn't seem to have caused the melting on the Glock though.

Now...hypothetically....if the Glock had been unloaded and an unloaded 1911 had been next to it, which do you think would have suffered the most damage? Or do you think each would have suffered equal damage to the point of being unusable? And...finally....does anyone have any pictures of a 1911 that was burned in a fire? I'd like to see a comparison.

Okay...it won't let me post a picture. But the picture is here. http://www.thegunzone.com/glock/alex2.html

 

[rchernandez]

... Glock's ammo exploded. Which blew out the fire!

But...if it DID blow out the fire, ...[END QUOTE=Borachon]


And to think all this time, I'VE been carrying a fire extinguisher!!!


I shoot Bullseye, my 1911's are Kart barreled wad guns...very precise, however, I'm allowed a refire in the event of an alibi...for all else I have the Glock 19.

 

[Borachon]

Hey. Do what you want. If you are happy with a Glock and feel like this gun will serve you without fail, then you should stick with it. I'm not here to try to convince anybody that they should change. I'm just pointing out what *I* would do, and what my standards for a SHTF pistol would be.

Basically these criteria are:
1. Exceptionally durable: I wanna be able to throw it under a tank, in a fire, in a river, under concrete...whatever and still have it work when it comes out the other side.
2. Accurate: I wanna hit what I aim at. Caliber doesn't matter that much to me. Accuracy is all important. I'm not planning on shopping for ammo when "The Day" comes...so I should have enough. If not...well, that's info not to be shared.
3. Reasonably inexpensive (in case I have to abandon that puppy or loan it or toss it in a river): SHTF means you are relying on yourself or a close knit group of people....alone in other words. Inexpensive means you can afford more than one gun. And it is cost effective...allowing you to spend money on other necessities...like ammo and food.

Neither the Glock nor the 1911 match my personal criteria. After looking at several reports on the Glock, I don't think it's durable enough for my criteria. The 1911?..probably not accurate enough. To get it accurate enough would cost a lot, and MIGHT effect the reliability of loading. And both are too expensive for what you want them to do. My main choice weapon in a SHTF situation is NOT going to be a pistol. A pistol is what I carry when I can't carry something else. Sell your pistols and spend your money on a top of the line rifle.

 

[grumpygrady]

shtf

i think i would take my TC contender with the ten barrels i have put away for the end of the world lol

ok then maybe my ruger speed six no
ok my glock 17 no wait that is my wifes maybe she will let me use it

no no wait my shotgun yup my shotgun

by the way i wouldn't shoot a glock or a 1911 that has been in a fire

metal has a way of getting soft and losing it's temper in high heat

did i mention the russian rifle box that i use to put things in that i will need for teotwaini
lol

 

[Borachon]

by the way i wouldn't shoot a glock or a 1911 that has been in a fire

The point I was trying to make was that a Glock would very likely melt and become unusable at temperatures that wouldn't necessarily effect the usability of a metal framed 1911.

I wouldn't use a gun that had been in a fire either. But not because of soft metal. I've owned some "soft steel" guns before from Argentina, and some aluminum framed handguns. I don't think a fire would soften steel to the point that it became less powerful than aluminum.

The reason I wouldn't shoot it is because all the tiny springs inside a handgun would, in all likelihood, be damaged to the point where they would be ready to fail. Reliability again.

 

[one45auto]

I agree that there is problem with SHTF scenario, some of us are talking an hour of shooting, some are talking doomsday. I am taking what I can carry and my choice is rifle ammo and my 1911 to fight a little bit before I take that last one for myself (little John Waynish).

Regardless of what you take, know it. And be real with the engagement, most of us would be cowering in the shadows until it was clear to move. Or at least wait until the crown is not 1000 heineken drinkers, but a little more realistic in survivability.

Good luck with your glock / 1911. Stay alive until tomorrow.

I'm very realistic about SHTF scenarios, believe me. I'm no armchair expert or mall ninja, nor do I have any delusions that I could take on overwhelming odds with the confidence and expertise of a trained SEAL team. Heck, no. My goal in such a situation, should it occur, is simply to survive - period.

Bearing that in mind, my plan is to arm myself with a (proven) reliable weapon which I shoot well and then arrange circumstances so that any potential threats are walking into my kill zone - not the other way around. Once secured I'll hunker down and ride the situation out, formulating another plan if necessary as the situation dictates. Might not be macho, but it works.

 

[foghornl]

I'll be grabbing up my 1911-A1's.

I have shot various Glock models a few times, but I cannot seem to get a 'grip' on them...The Glock is a great weapon; however, it doesn't 'fit' my hands very well.

Same reason that if I pick up a shotgun in a SHTF thingy, I'll be picking up my Maverick 88. 'Fits' me better than the others.

 

[rborensr]

Fellow's cell phone alledgedly caught fire in his glove compartment. The holster caught and the Glock's ammo exploded. Which blew out the fire!

But...if it DID blow out the fire, then it shows the Glock was already melting...which you can see in some of these pictures...and stopped melting when the ammo blew out the fire. The ammo explosion doesn't seem to have caused the melting on the Glock though.

Now...hypothetically....if the Glock had been unloaded and an unloaded 1911 had been next to it, which do you think would have suffered the most damage? Or do you think each would have suffered equal damage to the point of being unusable? And...finally....does anyone have any pictures of a 1911 that was burned in a fire? I'd like to see a comparison.

Okay...it won't let me post a picture. But the picture is here. http://www.thegunzone.com/glock/alex2.html

The whole assumption that melting points really matter is retarded. With either pistol in the glove box, it isn't doing the owner any good. The whole point of having a pistol in a SHTF scenerio is because it is light and compact enough that you have it on you when you need it. If the pistol is on you, then metling points aren't really a concern because if you have it on your hip and your Glock starts melting, you got bigger problems. Please spare me the BS "what if you lock your pistol in the car or put it in the stove or your house burns down or you get the irresistable urge to throw your carry peice on the BBQ grill" scenerios. If the pistol is with you, frame melting temperature isn't likely to matter because it is still going to be higher than your body can tolerate for any amount of time. If the pistol isn't on you, then frame material doesn't matter at all because it isn't going to do you any good. A 1911 in the glove box or locked in a safe is only as good as a pile of goop when you're elsewhere and need to put a hole in something.

 

[f4t9r]

Between the two I would go 1911 It has worked when SHTF in the wars and I personally just do not like Glock (relax Clock fans its my right)
My choice would be Sig

 

[woody]

1911

 

[Old Dog]

You know, I was gonna ignore the remainder of this thread ... but then newcomers come along who apparently can't even be bothered to actually read through all the previous posts ...
rborensr notes:

If the pistol is on you, then metling points aren't really a concern because if you have it on your hip and your Glock starts melting, you got bigger problems. Please spare me the BS "what if you lock your pistol in the car or put it in the stove or your house burns down or you get the irresistable urge to throw your carry peice on the BBQ grill" scenerios. If the pistol is with you, frame melting temperature isn't likely to matter because it is still going to be higher than your body can tolerate for any amount of time. If the pistol isn't on you, then frame material doesn't matter at all because it isn't going to do you any good.

Now, try and follow along with me this time: my main point originally (I was the first one to bring up the whole melting deal) was, that in an extreme SHTF scenario, say, an apocolyptic event where NO MORE GUNS would EVER be manufactured (or at least for the foreseeable years to come) and I needed ONE of the two choices -- Glock or a 1911 to keep with me, I'm gonna keep the one that could conceivably be repaired even after exposure to extreme heat or fire. Got it?

I also noted that I have personal experience with firearms that were recovered from fires -- and two 1911s were actually salvaged, whereas three Glocks were not -- because the entire frames were too disfigured. Sheesh ...

 

[jlh26oo]

The whole assumption that melting points really matter is retarded. With either pistol in the glove box, it isn't doing the owner any good. The whole point of having a pistol in a SHTF scenerio is because it is light and compact enough that you have it on you when you need it. If the pistol is on you, then metling points aren't really a concern because if you have it on your hip and your Glock starts melting, you got bigger problems. Please spare me the BS "what if you lock your pistol in the car or put it in the stove or your house burns down or you get the irresistable urge to throw your carry peice on the BBQ grill" scenerios. If the pistol is with you, frame melting temperature isn't likely to matter because it is still going to be higher than your body can tolerate for any amount of time. If the pistol isn't on you, then frame material doesn't matter at all because it isn't going to do you any good. A 1911 in the glove box or locked in a safe is only as good as a pile of goop when you're elsewhere and need to put a hole in something.

Good point. The handgun I would use in such a situation is the one I am carrying. Obviously the least of your worries if IT is melting.

I would also say you have bigger problems if you are pilfering the rubble of your burned down house for guns. If you haven't already removed them from the house, there is probably alot more of your life in there that was toast as well.

 

[torpid]

Well, ya know, TimboKhan, throw your Glock on the grill and I'll throw my 1911 up there next to it ...

Old Dog, I think you might misunderstand the concept of "BBQ gun".

 

[boots]

The whole assumption that melting points really matter is retarded. With either pistol in the glove box, it isn't doing the owner any good. The whole point of having a pistol in a SHTF scenerio is because it is light and compact enough that you have it on you when you need it. If the pistol is on you, then metling points aren't really a concern because if you have it on your hip and your Glock starts melting, you got bigger problems. Please spare me the BS "what if you lock your pistol in the car or put it in the stove or your house burns down or you get the irresistable urge to throw your carry peice on the BBQ grill" scenerios. If the pistol is with you, frame melting temperature isn't likely to matter because it is still going to be higher than your body can tolerate for any amount of time. If the pistol isn't on you, then frame material doesn't matter at all because it isn't going to do you any good. A 1911 in the glove box or locked in a safe is only as good as a pile of goop when you're elsewhere and need to put a hole in something.

a lot of people cannot carry their firearms 24 hours a day. have you considered that? it would be "retarded" not to consider that fact. i live in california, and they do not give out ccw's very often,. if i go to the local supermarket, i usually don't take my gun with me. i can't pack my piece into albertsons, cause if for any reason i was searched, i would be in big trouble. so if a shtf scenario occured while i was away from home, and something involving fire happened to my home, then i would want a gun that would not melt.

 

[farscott]

While I chose the 1911 for myself, I know the Glock is a good, reliable pistol. I have fired enough rounds through several (two G17's, one G22, one G29, one G30, and one G36) to know that for a fact. I also learned, however, that my hands, especially my fingers, are too small to shoot the Glocks accurately. If any Glock better fit my hand, I would be very happy. Glock makes an awesome gun, especially at the price point it occupies.

But they do not fit my hands, and the 1911 does. So I choose the 1911. After all, the shooter has to hit the target when the SHTF.

One last comment: tight 1911 does not mean it will not be reliable even when dirty. Two of my custom 1911's built on modern Colt guns have gotten very dirty and still been reliable. Both have had new barrel bushings fit to them, and require the barrel to be out of battery to turn the bushing without a wrench. I also shot the snot out of them at classes without having failures. A third 1911, an SA, did just fine after being fished out of the stream when I took a spill (thank the heavens for the lanyard). It shot just fine and cleaned up just fine; of course, the parkerized finish looks like a bad stretch of road. But it went bang just fine. Of course, I detailed stripped and cleaned it when I got back home.

That being said I have experienced some less than reliable 1911-variants, especially the shorter-barreled guns and some newer Colts. I have also seen some fail at classes, including a few tied up so badly that they needed to see the range smith to get running again. One huge 1911 reliability issue is that there are a lot of variants, a lot of customizing, and a lot of crappy parts. Glocks seem to suffer less of that, probably because all of the pistols are built by one company. With the wave of Glock customization that seems to be occurring, I expect we will see more complaints about Glock reliability. But the 1911 gets the bad rap, some of it deservedly so.

But this is just my opinion based on my experience. Make your own choice.

 

[45R]

My first choice between a Glock and a 1911, I would take the Glock hands down. Higher capacity, light weight and you only need to punch out 2-3 pins to maintain the Glock.

Besides you can freeeze them. run the over with trucks, drop them out of airplanes and they still work

 

[TexAg]

So if your house burns down and the 1911 is loaded and that ammo cooks off, what shape is your gun in now? just curious