Why do people choose 1911 style pistols? And not only that by prefer them over everything else? In an SD situation id want to have as least to prepare my gun for draw as possible (im talking about the safety). Im not hating or anything, im actually hoping someone can persuade me cause i love the look of 1911s, i just see it inconvenient to have a safety when there are so many reliable DAO semi autos these days. Do some of you carry it with the safety off? Im new to CC and just wondering, may be stupid or not
Why choose a 1911?
- Thread starter Jabr0ney
- Start date
- Status
colt1911fan
Member
I have a sub compact Springfield and that I carry and I carry it half cocked with the safety off. I prefer the slim profile and just the feel of a 1911 fits my hands. For CC IMHO its all about what your comfortable with carrying and if you can get round on target without missing the target. BTW no question is stupid, stupidity is in the eye of the one who claims it 
In a defensive situation, the safety can be swept off after the draw, as you come on target. It doesn't take extra time that way, and if you train with it, it becomes reflexive.
Other reasons to carry a 1911 concealed are that it's a thin pistol in a large caliber, and they have great triggers. For many people they are extremely easy to shoot very accurately.
Mine is always carried with a round chambered, cocked hammer, and thumb safety engaged. I would not carry hammer down, hammer half notch, or unchambered.
Other reasons to carry a 1911 concealed are that it's a thin pistol in a large caliber, and they have great triggers. For many people they are extremely easy to shoot very accurately.
Mine is always carried with a round chambered, cocked hammer, and thumb safety engaged. I would not carry hammer down, hammer half notch, or unchambered.
colt1911fan
Member
"In a defensive situation, the safety can be swept off after the draw, as you come on target. It doesn't take extra time that way, and if you train with it, it becomes reflexive"
agreed
agreed
My regular grip on a 1911 has my right thumb riding the safety, so its really not unnatural at all.
I've still yet to find any DAO auto that has a trigger pull anywhere near a 1911. Its accurate, its weighted well, and the feel is extremely natural for a lot of people (myself included).
I've still yet to find any DAO auto that has a trigger pull anywhere near a 1911. Its accurate, its weighted well, and the feel is extremely natural for a lot of people (myself included).
Axel Larson
Member
1911s are great for concealed carry as some juts said because they are slim and as G27RR stated if train taking the safety off as you draw it does not take extra time. They also feel good and are very safe due to the a1 grip safety on the back.
Nushif
Member
The safety on a 1911 as with most guns that have manual safeties (excepting of course the really oddball ones) is something you train for.
any gun you carry you *ought* to practice with. And in a few draws you'll have the hang of the safety with no problems. At this point it's only a matter of cementing the movement down. Especially flip-down safeties don't add any time in my draws.
The real reason to choose a 1911 is arguably in my opinion the trigger. There's more modern gun designs out there that can do anything equally well or even better than a 1911 ... but very few have a comparable trigger.
any gun you carry you *ought* to practice with. And in a few draws you'll have the hang of the safety with no problems. At this point it's only a matter of cementing the movement down. Especially flip-down safeties don't add any time in my draws.
The real reason to choose a 1911 is arguably in my opinion the trigger. There's more modern gun designs out there that can do anything equally well or even better than a 1911 ... but very few have a comparable trigger.
OldCavSoldier
Member
Yes. When I carry my 1911A1 or my Combat Commander, I always have one in the spout, full mag (with two spare mags), hammer back with thumb safety engaged. Some call it "condition one" carry.
Zundfolge
Member
Most DAO semi autos have horrible triggers (especially when compared to a nice 1911).
The main reason people choose 1911s is for the nice SAO trigger. Followed a close second by the ergonomics of the gun.
I guess its the same as wondering why so many people choose sports cars with manual gearboxes when there are so many reliable automatics out there.
ForumSurfer
Member
I love my 1911s but I carry a Glock. (Commence throwing stones now).
There really are few triggers out there that feel as sweet as a finely tuned 1911 trigger and it is easy to fall in love with, then you expect nothing less.
Honestly I feel comfortable carrying either. I've been focused more on glocks as of late, and I'm sure 5 years from now I'll prefer 1911s again...or cz's...or berettas...
When I did carry a 1911, it was with a round chambered, safety on and hammer back. The trigger is just too light to carry with the safety off IMO.
Buy a 1911, train with it, attend some competitions or classes and you'll see that internet forums make a bigger deal out of that safety than it actually is. It eventually becomes second nature. My thumb instinctively swiped the frame on my glock for quite some time since it had became muscle memory on the draw. If I videotaped myself, I may find that my thumb still does it when drawing under pressure.
There really are few triggers out there that feel as sweet as a finely tuned 1911 trigger and it is easy to fall in love with, then you expect nothing less.
Honestly I feel comfortable carrying either. I've been focused more on glocks as of late, and I'm sure 5 years from now I'll prefer 1911s again...or cz's...or berettas...
When I did carry a 1911, it was with a round chambered, safety on and hammer back. The trigger is just too light to carry with the safety off IMO.
Buy a 1911, train with it, attend some competitions or classes and you'll see that internet forums make a bigger deal out of that safety than it actually is. It eventually becomes second nature. My thumb instinctively swiped the frame on my glock for quite some time since it had became muscle memory on the draw. If I videotaped myself, I may find that my thumb still does it when drawing under pressure.
buckhorn_cortez
Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2010
- Messages
- 532
The 1911 is a platform that comes in a number of sizes and calibers from the .380 Colt Mustang, to the .460 Rowland. By design, the gun points naturally, and is extremely slim and easy to conceal. But, for many, the main feature is the trigger which is better than anything else you can find in a semi-automatic pistol.
As for the safety, you train to take the safety off. My wife understands this...she shoots action pistol every two weeks. Using a 1911, she starts with the gun in the holster with the safety "on." It doesn't take long to learn the draw / safety "off" gun presentation.
She also has an FNX-9 because the controls are the same as a 1911. When she uses that gun, she starts with the gun in the holster, cocked with the safety "on." The draw / safety off presentation is the same as with a 1911.
People seem to make the "safety off" presentation to be some sort of complicated, difficult coordination problem. If you can shift a manual transmission automobile and remember to push in the clutch, you shouldn't have a problem training yourself to take the safety "off" on a 1911 when you present the gun. Just like pushing in the clutch, the thumb down movement to take the safety off becomes an automatic movement - you don't think about it - you just do it.
As for the safety, you train to take the safety off. My wife understands this...she shoots action pistol every two weeks. Using a 1911, she starts with the gun in the holster with the safety "on." It doesn't take long to learn the draw / safety "off" gun presentation.
She also has an FNX-9 because the controls are the same as a 1911. When she uses that gun, she starts with the gun in the holster, cocked with the safety "on." The draw / safety off presentation is the same as with a 1911.
People seem to make the "safety off" presentation to be some sort of complicated, difficult coordination problem. If you can shift a manual transmission automobile and remember to push in the clutch, you shouldn't have a problem training yourself to take the safety "off" on a 1911 when you present the gun. Just like pushing in the clutch, the thumb down movement to take the safety off becomes an automatic movement - you don't think about it - you just do it.
I am a new "convert" to 1911's - I bought one as my own observance of the 100-year anniversary so I could learn how a "traditional" handgun operates. I had no intention to carry it as I felt I would not be safe with one due to my inexperience. I even carried it un-loaded for a couple days just to see if the safety could somehow "click off" and cause a ND in my pants.
After getting to know my mini-Kimber it is now my EDC gun. why? It has multiple layers of mechanical safeties, shoots .45 ACP and disappears under a polo shirt. And... it just feels better in my hand than a hunk of plastic with no soul.
After getting to know my mini-Kimber it is now my EDC gun. why? It has multiple layers of mechanical safeties, shoots .45 ACP and disappears under a polo shirt. And... it just feels better in my hand than a hunk of plastic with no soul.
Goochman270
Member
IMO the best way to carry the 1911 is condition one, one in the chamber hammer back safety on. The position on the safety makes it very easy and very quick to disengage it during my draw. It's very important to practice your draw and knocking off the safety so it becomes muscle memory.
AethelstanAegen
Member
IMHO, the safety on a 1911 is a non-issue. It is very easy to disengage and really adds no time to my unholstering/acquiring a target. I used to carry an XD45 Compact (which has no manual safety) but the 1911 has quickly become my EDC (despite being a full size pistol, it conceals very well and comfortably in an IWB holster). As others have said, the crisp SA trigger and ergonomics really win you over...plus the 1911 is just a really great looking pistol.
ErikO
Member
I like the lack of recoil for even heavy .45 loads. A trigger that makes a video game pistol feel heavy is nice, too.
Zerodefect
member
-Drawing takes 5 times the amount of time and effort hitting the safety deos, so just hit the safety when you draw. I hit mine off as soon as I'm out of the holster.
-The safety is where my thumb goes. I can't get on target with a good grip and have the safety on. so the safety comes off naturally as I bring the gun up anyways.
I hate safeties and will not have one on my pistol...............except for 1911's, thier safeties are that much better.
-1911's still have the best trigger. 100+ years and noone has offered anything better
-At carbine classes or 3 gun type events, where I transition between rifle and pistol alot, I feel safer haveing a safety when reholstering.
-A good 1911 is very reliable and very accurate.
-A 1911 is just about the right weight for shooting. A bit heavy for carry maybe.
-It's the only .45ACP slim enough for CCW.
-The safety is where my thumb goes. I can't get on target with a good grip and have the safety on. so the safety comes off naturally as I bring the gun up anyways.
I hate safeties and will not have one on my pistol...............except for 1911's, thier safeties are that much better.
-1911's still have the best trigger. 100+ years and noone has offered anything better
-At carbine classes or 3 gun type events, where I transition between rifle and pistol alot, I feel safer haveing a safety when reholstering.
-A good 1911 is very reliable and very accurate.
-A 1911 is just about the right weight for shooting. A bit heavy for carry maybe.
-It's the only .45ACP slim enough for CCW.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Although it's not recommended, the 1911 can be carried with the safety off. The first prototypes that Browning submitted to the army for evaluation didn't even have manual safeties.
After a bit of practice, the safety becomes an autoresponse. With me...whenever I pick up a 1911, my thumb automatically goes to the safety, and I can only stop it by a conscious effort of will. When I work from the holster, the safety is wiped off before the gun even clears leather. It's really not an inconvenience. It's part of the 1911's manual of arms.
There are many examples of "obsolete" designs that are still doing yeoman service all over the country in literally hundreds of thousands of hands.
The Mauser rendered the lever-action rifle obsolete. Yet, the Model 94 Winchester and the Model 336 Marlin continue to fill deer tags every season. With the possible exception of the .44 WCF/.44-40 the .30-30 has killed more deer than any other single cartridge.
The double-action revolver rendered the single-action obsolete. Yet, the single-action continues to hang on.
The autopistol rendered the revolver obsolete...but it's still here, and it'll still walk the walk.
The DA/SA Walther P38 rendered the 1911 and the Browning High Power obsolete...but they're still with us.
Some designs are never obsolete.
After a bit of practice, the safety becomes an autoresponse. With me...whenever I pick up a 1911, my thumb automatically goes to the safety, and I can only stop it by a conscious effort of will. When I work from the holster, the safety is wiped off before the gun even clears leather. It's really not an inconvenience. It's part of the 1911's manual of arms.
There are many examples of "obsolete" designs that are still doing yeoman service all over the country in literally hundreds of thousands of hands.
The Mauser rendered the lever-action rifle obsolete. Yet, the Model 94 Winchester and the Model 336 Marlin continue to fill deer tags every season. With the possible exception of the .44 WCF/.44-40 the .30-30 has killed more deer than any other single cartridge.
The double-action revolver rendered the single-action obsolete. Yet, the single-action continues to hang on.
The autopistol rendered the revolver obsolete...but it's still here, and it'll still walk the walk.
The DA/SA Walther P38 rendered the 1911 and the Browning High Power obsolete...but they're still with us.
Some designs are never obsolete.
I've taken a lot of classes with a 1911, and competed a bunch with a 1911, and practiced a lot with a 1911. The safety is a non-issue, because I know how to manage it and have trained and practiced sufficiently to be confident of my ability to manage it.
So a 1911 is what I carry, when I legally can carry. (At least most of the time, and when I'm not carrying a 1911, I'm carrying an H&K P7M8. I've also taken classes and practiced with the P7.)
But I'm not going to try to convince you to use a 1911. Use whatever you like and can manage. What matters is training and practicing with whatever you choose.
It's not about hardware; it's about software. Any reliable gun of decent quality in a meaningful caliber will do, if you can use it effectively. And you learn to use it effectively by taking classes, training and practicing.
So a 1911 is what I carry, when I legally can carry. (At least most of the time, and when I'm not carrying a 1911, I'm carrying an H&K P7M8. I've also taken classes and practiced with the P7.)
But I'm not going to try to convince you to use a 1911. Use whatever you like and can manage. What matters is training and practicing with whatever you choose.
It's not about hardware; it's about software. Any reliable gun of decent quality in a meaningful caliber will do, if you can use it effectively. And you learn to use it effectively by taking classes, training and practicing.
BudMan5
Member
I pretty much agree with all of the above. I am a retired LEO and a retired soldier and have carried a 1911 (in one form or another) for more than 40 years.
Here's another reason to carry a 1911 and nobody has mentioned it.
Based on my experience, the very worse thing that could happen to you in a self defense situation is to have to actually fire and knock somebody down. Even when you're right, it will be a disaster.
A 1911, pointed with obvious training, at a perp, just may convince him to flee and that is a win-win for you.
Here's another reason to carry a 1911 and nobody has mentioned it.
Based on my experience, the very worse thing that could happen to you in a self defense situation is to have to actually fire and knock somebody down. Even when you're right, it will be a disaster.
A 1911, pointed with obvious training, at a perp, just may convince him to flee and that is a win-win for you.
Last edited:
The Lone Haranguer
Member
SAO trigger easier to shoot.
Slender and flat despite weight and caliber.
Ergonomic controls.
Can be tailored to fit almost any hand size. In fact, while not the designer's original intent, it predates the current trend of interchangeable, adjustable grips by many years.
Ability to select modes of readiness. However, to be instantly ready for action, it really needs to be in Condition One (aka "cocked and locked," i.e., full magazine, round chambered, hammer cocked and safety engaged). You must train yourself to operate the safety instinctively, without conscious thought, or you might well forget. And if you think you might, it could become a self fulfilling prophecy.
Slender and flat despite weight and caliber.
Ergonomic controls.
Can be tailored to fit almost any hand size. In fact, while not the designer's original intent, it predates the current trend of interchangeable, adjustable grips by many years.
Ability to select modes of readiness. However, to be instantly ready for action, it really needs to be in Condition One (aka "cocked and locked," i.e., full magazine, round chambered, hammer cocked and safety engaged). You must train yourself to operate the safety instinctively, without conscious thought, or you might well forget. And if you think you might, it could become a self fulfilling prophecy.
The single action trigger is nice, but not really that important in a self-defense situation. It's more of an advantage for target shooting than anything. Even a heavy DAO trigger is going to feel like nothing when you're pumped on adrenaline trying to fight for survival. You can also get DA/SA guns that eliminate the need for a manual safety, but will have a light SA trigger for each shot after the first. It still requires some training to learn the two trigger pulls, but the gun won't fail to fire for someone that doesn't train with it (compared to forgetting to sweep the safety).
I think the best argument for a 1911 for CCW is the thin profile for caliber. It's hard to find a .45 with similar capabilities that's as thin as a 1911. On the other hand, 1911s tend to be on the heavier side for CCW guns. The aluminum frame models aren't too bad though.
I think the best argument for a 1911 for CCW is the thin profile for caliber. It's hard to find a .45 with similar capabilities that's as thin as a 1911. On the other hand, 1911s tend to be on the heavier side for CCW guns. The aluminum frame models aren't too bad though.
Get R Done Guns
Member
Just about everything about a 1911 is a reason to buy it over any other gun!! J/K They are really great though. You can customize the hell out of them for one. Easy safety for two, so many different kinds to choose from with so many price points, barrel lengths, colors, calibers, finishes, and more options can be put on them that any car!! - Status