There are plenty to add to that list. My polymer striker gun has a delicious trigger.
Why choose 1911 over a revolver?
- Thread starter el Godfather
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Cocked & Locked
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Sorry, not a valid excuse!
mgmorden
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All well and good, but for defensive purposes you have to measure the DA trigger pull, which on revolvers is typically long and heavy (at least compared to a single action semi-auto).
I'm not anti-revolver. I own 4 of them including a S&W 64-3 with a very, very nice trigger for a revolver, but I'll admit that I prefer the trigger on just about any semi-auto I own (including polymer guns), with about the sole exception being my LCP. It has a trigger just as long and heavy as a revolver but it's a much thinner and concealable gun so I live with it.
Most of the important points have been covered, for CCW the 1911 is slimmer, many prefer the SAO trigger, and the slight capacity advantage+speed and ease of reloading.
Here's an interesting take on the subject from WW1, though the revolvers in question weren't .357 Mags. I think it's a fun read that somewhat relates to the discussion.
http://vuurwapenblog.com/2011/04/10/pistols-vs-revolvers-world-war-one/
One of the big advantages he mentions is the ease of reloading the automatic vs. the revolver, not sure if they had speedloaders back then though. Also, the fact that the automatic can be easily reloaded before it is empty.
As a side note, I found it amusing how he mentions that the 1911 not "pointing" correctly was a common complaint among longtime revolver users... Funny how we now regard the 1911 as having the best grip angle out there!
Here's an interesting take on the subject from WW1, though the revolvers in question weren't .357 Mags. I think it's a fun read that somewhat relates to the discussion.
http://vuurwapenblog.com/2011/04/10/pistols-vs-revolvers-world-war-one/
One of the big advantages he mentions is the ease of reloading the automatic vs. the revolver, not sure if they had speedloaders back then though. Also, the fact that the automatic can be easily reloaded before it is empty.
As a side note, I found it amusing how he mentions that the 1911 not "pointing" correctly was a common complaint among longtime revolver users... Funny how we now regard the 1911 as having the best grip angle out there!
snooperman
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Someone, I believe Masad Ayoob, did a study with police shootings to find out if the semi auto made a difference with their higher capacity and quick reloads than the old revolvers carried for decades. He found that the officers who carried the revolvers got as many shots on the bad guy, ending the fight, as the new officers with their new high capacity semi auto guns. Also, we know that soldiers today expend far more ammo in combat to take out one enemy soldier than they did with the old M1 Garand. I think there is some merit in "keeping it simple".
snooperman
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That said, if I were in combat I would feel better armed with higher capacity semi autos than a revolver. But, for a CCW a revolver will do the job just fine.
peacemaker45
Member
1911 has the best trigger in the business, holds two rounds more than the .357, doesn't have a giant bulbous cylinder in the middle, is easier to reload, and easier to clear malfunctions, and less noise, flash, and recoil.
What does the revolver offer in exchange? It's a little less likely to jam. That's it.
Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2
What does the revolver offer in exchange? It's a little less likely to jam. That's it.
Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2
While most of the pros and cons have been discussed I believe that the most important one is the recovery time between the two, giving that a defensive round like the 125 gr 357 magnum is use, you will be able to get off five accurate shots of 45 acp to two of the 357 magnum (key word being accurate) beside being blinded by the magnum's flash if fired in a low light environment.
shoot safe, shoot straight, and have fun
shoot safe, shoot straight, and have fun
Combat or being a Law Enforcement officer ....(and probably needing high capacity is one thing ) ...but civilian defense is an entirely different thing...
I have a relatively large collection of S&W revolvers - especially in .357 mag...and carrying a K frame S&W ( model 19 or 66 - especially in a 4" ) with 6 shots is plenty of defensively capability....
...same thing on a 1911 ...whether its in a 9mm ( with 10 + 1 ) or .45 acp with 8+ 1 rounds...its plenty of firepower.
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I train every week with some of my handguns ( 6 - 10 boxes a week or so ) primarily as a hobby ...because I like to shoot ( draw from a holster, double tap a target, reloads, etc...) ...some weeks I'll just shoot one of my 1911's - because that is what I carry ....or some weeks "its a revolver week" ... / my training standard is to draw from holster and double tap a target in under 3 sec...and it makes no difference if its a 1911, a S&W K or N frame in .357 mag...or a double stack Sig 226 ....( now 3 sec isn't lightning quick - by competition standards...it should be closer to 1.25 sec / but its my standard - and at 62 yrs old ...its good enough / if I'm 90+% on target out to 30 Feet/ some days I'm 100% , some days, not so much....) - but in my opinion, its a competent standard.
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In general, I think everyone should carry the gun they shoot the best...and while budgets certainly enter into selecting a gun ...for those of us, older guys, that can basically afford to buy and shoot whatever we want...there are a number of us that turn to 1911's...despite their low round capacity. Its about the Fit, the excellent triggers(how they break and reset), slim profile, etc...
my primary carry gun, is and will continue to be a Wilson CQB model, 1911 obviously - 5", in .45 acp....but yesterday, out shopping... I dropped a S&W model 19 4" Nickel . 357 mag into an IWB holster.....and it was just fine as well..
There is no right or wrong answer to this ....but I'll never carry a poly frame gun of any kind...(not even a Wilson Spec ops - poly frame )...but I'm old school.../ and the thickness of a big double stack gun is not very appealing to me either...while I have big all stainless models of Sig 226's in 9mm and .40 S&W, I never carry them ..even though I have good horsehide holsters for them...I do train with them some weeks...but I just don't like to carry them....
For me, I have nothing against a 9mm....I'll carry a 1911 in 9mm once in a while....but a 1911 in .45 acp or a S&W K frame in .357 mag ...just make me feel warm and fuzzy....
I have a relatively large collection of S&W revolvers - especially in .357 mag...and carrying a K frame S&W ( model 19 or 66 - especially in a 4" ) with 6 shots is plenty of defensively capability....
...same thing on a 1911 ...whether its in a 9mm ( with 10 + 1 ) or .45 acp with 8+ 1 rounds...its plenty of firepower.
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I train every week with some of my handguns ( 6 - 10 boxes a week or so ) primarily as a hobby ...because I like to shoot ( draw from a holster, double tap a target, reloads, etc...) ...some weeks I'll just shoot one of my 1911's - because that is what I carry ....or some weeks "its a revolver week" ... / my training standard is to draw from holster and double tap a target in under 3 sec...and it makes no difference if its a 1911, a S&W K or N frame in .357 mag...or a double stack Sig 226 ....( now 3 sec isn't lightning quick - by competition standards...it should be closer to 1.25 sec / but its my standard - and at 62 yrs old ...its good enough / if I'm 90+% on target out to 30 Feet/ some days I'm 100% , some days, not so much....) - but in my opinion, its a competent standard.
-------------
In general, I think everyone should carry the gun they shoot the best...and while budgets certainly enter into selecting a gun ...for those of us, older guys, that can basically afford to buy and shoot whatever we want...there are a number of us that turn to 1911's...despite their low round capacity. Its about the Fit, the excellent triggers(how they break and reset), slim profile, etc...
my primary carry gun, is and will continue to be a Wilson CQB model, 1911 obviously - 5", in .45 acp....but yesterday, out shopping... I dropped a S&W model 19 4" Nickel . 357 mag into an IWB holster.....and it was just fine as well..
There is no right or wrong answer to this ....but I'll never carry a poly frame gun of any kind...(not even a Wilson Spec ops - poly frame )...but I'm old school.../ and the thickness of a big double stack gun is not very appealing to me either...while I have big all stainless models of Sig 226's in 9mm and .40 S&W, I never carry them ..even though I have good horsehide holsters for them...I do train with them some weeks...but I just don't like to carry them....
For me, I have nothing against a 9mm....I'll carry a 1911 in 9mm once in a while....but a 1911 in .45 acp or a S&W K frame in .357 mag ...just make me feel warm and fuzzy....
Just One Shot
Member
I own both, 1911 & revolver. If I had to choose between them my personal preference would be the 1911 due to the higher capacity of ammo, faster reloading, better sights and IMO a better and easier to manipulate trigger.
As I said, this is just my personal preference, your opinion may vary.
As I said, this is just my personal preference, your opinion may vary.
CommanderCrusty
Member
Why choose either when you can have BOTH?
^^ winner...
I have both in a variety of sizes.
I feel comfortable carrying down to a Jframe, and do so quite a bit. Im not LEO or in the Military so I have a better shot at winning the lotto then being in a shootout, and I dont play the lotto.
I have both in a variety of sizes.
I feel comfortable carrying down to a Jframe, and do so quite a bit. Im not LEO or in the Military so I have a better shot at winning the lotto then being in a shootout, and I dont play the lotto.
Bikewer
Member
I carried a S&W M19 for the first 15 years or so of my police career... Nice weapon on the duty belt.... Wouldn't have wanted to stick it under a shirt.
Likewise the M1911.. Had one, carried it briefly off-duty... Too much to lug around IMO.
We transitioned to the Glock M23 and that's been my duty gun ever since... A superb combat weapon. I wouldn't pick it for a general-purpose weapon or a target gun... but for it's purpose unsurpassed.
My off-duty gun for years is a little J-frame .38. I'm not overly happy with it, but I seldom carry it. (I'm not exactly on the "mean streets" anymore)
I am considering a small autopistol. The current small-frame 9mms look pretty good... A few more rounds and quicker reloads than the J-frame... And likely superior performance.
Still, I do like the .40 and something like the baby Glock or the S&W Shield are appealing.
Likewise the M1911.. Had one, carried it briefly off-duty... Too much to lug around IMO.
We transitioned to the Glock M23 and that's been my duty gun ever since... A superb combat weapon. I wouldn't pick it for a general-purpose weapon or a target gun... but for it's purpose unsurpassed.
My off-duty gun for years is a little J-frame .38. I'm not overly happy with it, but I seldom carry it. (I'm not exactly on the "mean streets" anymore)
I am considering a small autopistol. The current small-frame 9mms look pretty good... A few more rounds and quicker reloads than the J-frame... And likely superior performance.
Still, I do like the .40 and something like the baby Glock or the S&W Shield are appealing.
I honestly lean VERY strongly towards double-stack pistols. Given the choice between a 1911 and a revolver, though, I'd take the revolver in a heartbeat.
1) I don't like manual safeties.
2) In the .357, I can load .38s for normal use and .357s for going into the woods. The .45 won't have the same penetration against large predators.
3) You are right, the revolver can have the power in a smaller package than the 1911, unless you're talking a compact frame.
4) I can get a Ruger that works fantastic for less than a "cheap" (in price) and cheap (in quality) 1911.
The advantages of the 1911 are faster reload and the trigger, but I'd personally rather have a revolver.
But, like I said, compact double-stack 9 >>>>>>> revolver > 1911 for most carry use, IMHO.
1) I don't like manual safeties.
2) In the .357, I can load .38s for normal use and .357s for going into the woods. The .45 won't have the same penetration against large predators.
3) You are right, the revolver can have the power in a smaller package than the 1911, unless you're talking a compact frame.
4) I can get a Ruger that works fantastic for less than a "cheap" (in price) and cheap (in quality) 1911.
The advantages of the 1911 are faster reload and the trigger, but I'd personally rather have a revolver.
But, like I said, compact double-stack 9 >>>>>>> revolver > 1911 for most carry use, IMHO.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
i have been shooting revolvers and 1911's since 64. I am proficient and comfortable with either in my role as a civilian, retired old man.
I practice, train, and use situational awareness so I don't have to use it.
I practice, train, and use situational awareness so I don't have to use it.
To each his own... Revolver vs Single Stack Auto vs Double Stack Auto debate / threads never grow old. A good Revolver just has a nice feel, as does a 1911... The plastic gunz with high capacity double stacks are nice to 'grab' as well. Reliability for the revolver can not be debated; although the plastic-fantastic crowd has the capacity won hands down... a nice sloppy 1911 series 70 is iconic over any modern multi manufactured trend 1911. With all that said, it's great to have options... so go on down to the LGS and drop a MasterCard, buy several of them, self defense is priceless and the world ends in 9 days.
Just like anything with options and opinions...
Stub or 4" revolver for everyday carry, I'd like to get a 3" lately
1911 5" or 4" for BBQ's, Wal-Mart, general shopping adventures and open carry
Glock 19 + 5 full magazines for vacations / traveling unknown places
Just like anything with options and opinions...
Stub or 4" revolver for everyday carry, I'd like to get a 3" lately
1911 5" or 4" for BBQ's, Wal-Mart, general shopping adventures and open carry
Glock 19 + 5 full magazines for vacations / traveling unknown places
KC, I would argue that revolvers don't have the legendary reliability that most revolver advocates would suggest. I've seen a revolver fail to function to the point where the cylinder won't even turn.
Plastic-Fantastics aren't the only high-cap autos.
Plastic-Fantastics aren't the only high-cap autos.
45_auto
Member
You'll find that the vast majority of semi-auto problems are caused by moving the ammo/brass around. Revolvers don't have failures to feed, failures to extract, stovepipes, or double feeds while trying to fire. You've eliminated a whole class of possible failures.
You still have the possibility of mechanical failures or bad ammo (squibs) on either platform, but the chances of those are about equal (very low).
You still have the possibility of mechanical failures or bad ammo (squibs) on either platform, but the chances of those are about equal (very low).
KC, I will take issue with your characterization ....that the older model 70 series 1911's are somehow iconic ...over today's 1911's....
While the 1911 was still the sidearm for the US Military when I was in the service....the old loose and rattle on a 1911 in those days, did not add to its reliability or accuracy in my opinion....
the modern day 1911's ...whether they be series 70's or 80's ( companies like Wilson Combat still make series 70's today )...and well made and well tuned 1911's today - especially from companies like Wilson Combat, Ed Brown and Nighhawk...are some of the best and most accurate and most reliable guns made today.
I take care of my guns ...but my 1911 ( a 5" Wilson combat gun in 9mm) ...in a 3 day tactical defense class I took in the early Fall ...where we fired about 6,000 rds in 3 days...was one of the few guns that did not have a failure during the class. There were a number of poly frame semi-autos...that broke sights off, broke triggers, broke springs or had mag issues...over the 3 day period / out of about 15 shooters in the class - and there were 2 of us shooting 1911's - the other guy had a Springfield that also ran 100%.
While the 1911 was still the sidearm for the US Military when I was in the service....the old loose and rattle on a 1911 in those days, did not add to its reliability or accuracy in my opinion....
the modern day 1911's ...whether they be series 70's or 80's ( companies like Wilson Combat still make series 70's today )...and well made and well tuned 1911's today - especially from companies like Wilson Combat, Ed Brown and Nighhawk...are some of the best and most accurate and most reliable guns made today.
I take care of my guns ...but my 1911 ( a 5" Wilson combat gun in 9mm) ...in a 3 day tactical defense class I took in the early Fall ...where we fired about 6,000 rds in 3 days...was one of the few guns that did not have a failure during the class. There were a number of poly frame semi-autos...that broke sights off, broke triggers, broke springs or had mag issues...over the 3 day period / out of about 15 shooters in the class - and there were 2 of us shooting 1911's - the other guy had a Springfield that also ran 100%.
orionengnr
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Because I shoot a 1911 better than anything else...bar none.
You can have both...(and I do) but very few carry both (at the same time).
So in the end, you still have to choose.
Why would I ever run out of ammo with a 1911....I have 8+1 rds in a 5" gun in .45 acp....in one mag....
I have 9 rds ...so it means there would be at least 5 or 6 of the bad guys dead or severly injured and down ...( and I might still have a round or two left )....
I have 9 rds ...so it means there would be at least 5 or 6 of the bad guys dead or severly injured and down ...( and I might still have a round or two left )....
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627PCFan
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Tell that to the guy with the 44oz nframe
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