why do so many people love 1911's

[aaronrkelly]

357....

I respect your point of view....


but I have a 100 percent reliable Kimber Pro Carry (internal extractor) that I bought new for $575. It isnt fancy.....doesnt have all the gadgets.....but its a 1911 from a fairly reputable company. So you dont have to spend $1K to get a good one. In fact alot of people have good luck with the Springer GI models and they run $450ish.

......and I also have seen a few broken Glocks. We have atleast one or two go down each year at work. Nothing to terribly difficult to fix but they were broken and taken out of action. Two recoil rods come to mind.....and the last time it was a broken extractor. They will break, anything will break.

 

[treebeard]

You don't have to spend bucket loads of money to get a good 1911. I just posted a range report of the Taurus PT-1911 and it I only paid $525 for it NIB. You can get good deals on Springfield Armory and Para Ordnance as well. Sure, I saw a custom Kimber today for $1,300, but I don't need that. It all depends on what you want to spend and what you want.

 

[.45&TKD]

357,

Most full size 1911 problems can be attributed to a poor or untuned extractor, a bad magazine, or bad ammo.

My first 1911 was a Springfield Loaded. It drove me nuts with FTE problems. After months of frustrated shooting I learned how to tune the extractor, replaced the extractor with a Wilson Bullet Proof extractor, and have not had a problem with it since.

It wasn't the gun, it was my lack of knowlege, that was the problem.

I would not trade anything for that learning experience. And, I would probably have never solved that problem if not for websites such as this.

My next 1911 purchase was a Kimber TLE with internal extaractor. I fully disassembled the gun and tuned the extractor before I shot it and it has been flawless. I paid $800 for the TLE, new.

So my point is, that knowlege is the key to a happy 1911 experience, and I would suspect that knowlege, is why most of us come to this site.

 

[357wheelgunner]

"Most full size 1911 problems can be attributed to a poor or untuned extractor, a bad magazine, or bad ammo.

My first 1911 was a Springfield Loaded. It drove me nuts with FTE problems. After months of frustrated shooting I learned how to tune the extractor, replaced the extractor with a Wilson Bullet Proof extractor, and have not had a problem with it since.

It wasn't the gun, it was my lack of knowlege, that was the problem.

I would not trade anything for that learning experience. And, I would probably have never solved that problem if not for websites such as this.

My next 1911 purchase was a Kimber TLE with internal extaractor. I fully disassembled the gun and tuned the extractor before I shot it and it has been flawless. I paid $800 for the TLE, new."

That's great if you want to go through it all, but I'd rather pay a fraction of the price for a weapon that actually works. Same thing with a car. I could by a 1970 muscle car and have a car that goes fast in a straight line when it is not broken down and handles like crap, but think its cool because of the looks, nastalgia, and other people tell me it is.....Or I could go pick up a Subaru WRX and have a car that is just as fast, handles like a racecar, and I'll never have to worry about it breaking down.

I'll let the gunsmiths fix other people's 1911s, I'll take the gun that works out of the box.

 

[.45&TKD]

I'll let the gunsmiths fix other people's 1911s, I'll take the gun that works out of the box.

357, you missed my point. It doesn't take a gunsmith. It just takes a basic understanding of how the weapon works and how to maintain it. Once you know what you are doing, and barring some actual defect, the full size 1911s do work "out of the box".

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

why do so many people love 1911's

It's superior to anything made before or since. The reason? It was designed at the exact moment the defensive handgun became a fully matured technology, and BEFORE the industry was infected with an over arching concern about making guns idiot and/or lawyer proof. The ONLY consideration that went into designing the 1911 was effectiveness in time of need against an enemy that's trying to kill you, period.

 

[ugaarguy]

Is it actually a 1911?

Folks, take a look at posts on the 1911 by Old Fuff, and 1911 Tuner. Many pistols being sold today as 1911s are not true 1911s. The frames are often out of spec, and the internals are often not up to spec. These are 1911 style pistols. The majority are still quite reliable. My personal SA GI has been totally reliable. Take a bit of time and do a search for the "Springer Through the Wringer" threads by 1911 Tuner. Take a look also at "Magazine Observations" by 1911 Tuner over in the gunsmithing subforum to learn more about how the weapon operates.

If you want a true spec 1911 Colt does offer the WWII replica 1911-A1 at about $1000. Handfitting and all machined internals come with a price, but for many it's worth it.

 

[BrennanKG]

I love 1911s because they are easy to shoot, they fit my hand(s) well, and the SA plunger trigger feels better than any hinge trigger IMHO.

B.

 

[Black Majik]

1911s

It's definitely a "you either get it, or you don't" sorta thing. It's no secret that I'm a huge advocate or the 1911 platform. For me, everything is perfect. Let me start by what I like about the 1911 platform. And this has been said by many in the 6+ pages before my post. So that must say something about 1911s.

First and foremost, no other semi-auto handgun can touch the 1911s single action trigger. Most production 1911s come with decent triggers. But to feel a finely tuned 1911 trigger is simply a work of art. To get it to really feel like glass breaking for each shot can just send me straight to heaven. Very short take-up, and then a crisp break followed by the push of recoil by a fat freakin' slug. I can dryfire in happiness and be content just from fiddling with my 1911s. Maybe I'm just weird.

But then, theres more going for the 1911 platform. Fit and feel to the person. The single stack .45 almost makes the gun form in your hand. The gun doesn't feel like a 2x4 to me. All the fingers just naturally go to their respective places. The gun perfectly aligns to the target every time. All the controls click with positive response.

It's mainly shot in .45 ACP, one of the best rounds in the world. Next...

The modularity of this platform. Many think of Colt SAA, they think of Cowboys or SASS. Or you have Glock or HK and you think of Law Enforcement. Beretta you think of the US Army. How about the 1911 platform, what do you categorize them in? Heck, you can think of numerous categories for them, such as in competition, tactical coolness, all the wars that the 1911 participated in, plain jane beauty, modified customs by Heine, Yost, Williams etc... I mean here you have a platform that you can form to your set niche. That brings me to my next point.

Holy accessories and parts Batman! Everyone wants to break into the 1911 market. There are tons and tons of aftermarket manufaturers for the 1911. With how popular 1911s are (for a good reason too), the aftermarket 1911 industry can be very profitable. Think of all the parts that can be replaced, or all the different parts for each part. A grip safety? How do you want that shaped, do you want a memory groove on it? Or a magwell, how big of a magwell do you want and for what application?

The 1911 market is so popular, that other companies are following suite like SIGarms and Taurus. And they're still being profitable (Taurus unknown yet since it's still brand new, but its getting positive reviews.)

Accuracy. For me at least, I can shoot the 1911s well. One hole groups at 7 yards is childs play. Too easy to accomplish. That's not the case with many other platforms. For me, I shoot 1911s the best, partly because the gun fits me, other is because the trigger system is so easy to use. Or maybe it's just easier because the fat .45 bullet holes make it easier to touch.

I've taken 1911s to matches, and classes with great success. Hell I even carry one with confidence. I've trained with 1911s, so I'm most comfortable with it. I read a post today regarding the manual safety, which seems to rub some people the wrong way. If you train on 1911s, that manual safety will not pose to be a problem.

I can only say so much, if you still don't understand after everyone's point they tried to make... stick with other platforms. But really, give the 1911 platform a chance. It's really that good. And you don't need to drink kool-aid to be convinced likewise.

Happy (1911) shootin'!

 

[earplug]

1911's and Harley's

Its strange I have owned 15 or so 1911's over the years. I'm without this year and want one again.
It's like a Harley, overweight, and not cutting edge. But it sure feels good.
My next one will be a full size 9mm with a spare 9x23 barrel.

 

[joneb]

If you stick to the basics its a great gun, but if you want a 3-3 1/2 barrel and want to send ashtray shaped projectiles down the tube you may have some trouble , if not now maybe soon. If you want a tack-driver 1911 type pistol you may have some trouble when that speck of flee dander gets stuck in the action If you stay with the plan the 1911 is a great gun.

 

[Autolycus]

Great ergos and trigger. Customizable. Sexy all around.

Just my opinion.

 

[Jerry Morris]

First 1911 was an Ithica. Ran well, shot better than me. 1970. Traded it for a S&W model 39-2, it ran ok, but never did equal the ithica in accuracy.

Next was a Colt's Combat Commander, it ran well, I was improving. Got hard up for cash and made a bad trade. early 80's there were numerous other trials where my foolishness got me less pocket money, as well. Now, I hang onto my 1911s. I keep two Government Models in stock and have a 3 inch variation. All are reliable, all will do what should be expected of a good defensive handgun.

I liked and still do like the revolver idea, but alas, I cannot shoot them as well as I do a 1911 type. I learned the 1911 well. I can strip them down to the last part and put them together. I can tune an extractor. I can do a fair trigger job. And the tools needed are minor. Try that with a revolver!

I opened up several revolvers, looked, said "OH MY!' and closed them back up.

1911's are simplicity. They are reliable, when You know what you are about. If the job it too much for a .45 ACP 1911, it is time for a rifle!

When my 1911 breaks, I can fix it. When my S&W model 19 breaks, it is time to call Andy Horvath, or someone his equal. Which am I going to count on if the SHTF? It is a no-brainer for me.

Jerry

 

[.45&TKD]

I learned the 1911 well. I can strip them down to the last part and put them together. I can tune an extractor. I can do a fair trigger job. And the tools needed are minor. Try that with a revolver!........When my 1911 breaks, I can fix it. When my S&W model 19 breaks, it is time to call Andy Horvath, or someone his equal. Which am I going to count on if the SHTF? It is a no-brainer for me.

Amen!

 

[MrDig]

Historical aspects,
Easily customized,
Ergonomic Design, (it balances and fits well in the hand)
Simplicity of Design, (meaning function as opposed to fit)
the list goes on but those are the top 4 for me.
I would have asked the same thing about Browning Hi-Powers until I owned and shot one.
other guns that inspire similar devotion to a lesser degree for me:
9mm Luger/Parabellum only fired never owned one, but the design is inspiring to me I don't know why
Makarov Design 9mm variants, once again the design in form, fit and function, truly are amazing to me, I really miss my Russian .380 acp
I still haven't had the Kool-Aid regarding polymer frame guns, and can ask the same question about them what the heck is the deal?

 

[Baphomet]

why do so many people love 1911's

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but for me the first time I shot a 1911 is a day I'll never forget. I was simply "bitten" by something I can't explain. Not too sound overly dramatic but it was like falling in love. It happens without warning, you can't explain it and it feels really, really good.

 

[never_summer]

fondled my first 1911 today, alot different than anything ive held before. But once i get back from christmas break im trading in the shotgun and getting a 9mm 1911 they had a colt mk IV 38 super there that i almost took home

 

[bobaloo]

I take a lot of younger folks out shooting handguns fairly regularly, and folks who aren't regular shooters. I give them a variety of guns to shoot of different styles, and I normally save the 1911 until last. On a regular basis, they try a few mags through the 1911 and their groups shrink dramatically compared to what they'd been shooting with the other handguns. They're just amazed at how easy it is to shoot. The other gun that has this effect is my FN Hipower, but with the C&S SFS system in there the trigger is actually better than my 1911, and of course they both owe their origin to the same guy...

 

[steelhead]

why do so many people love 1911's

It is a firearm relic* and like owning a piece of the true cross.



*Relic: Something cherished for its age or historic interest(However, the 1911 is just as pertinent today, if not more so, than when it was first introduced).

 

[strat81]

Before I say this, I want you to know I do not own a 1911 but would like to one day.

Anyway, the majority of comments here center around the 1911's accuracy, looks, ability to be customized, trigger feel, and hand comfort. Not many people mentioned reliability. Being new to guns, some of the threads I see about 1911 problems have me concerned about getting one. No machine is perfect, but I see far less posts about Glock problems than I do with 1911s.

I suppose this has to do with your outlook on guns. Some people see them purely as tools: for defense, offense, or sport. These are probably the same people who drive Civics and Accords. There is nothing wrong with any of this.

I'm sure if the thread was retitled "Why do so many people love Glocks" the responses would center around reliability, Rugers would be about durability, and Tauruses about value.

Oh well, a polished stainless 1911 is one sweet looking pistol. A Glock is a bit homely.

 

[.45&TKD]

Not many people mentioned reliability. Being new to guns, some of the threads I see about 1911 problems have me concerned about getting one.

I would not keep, much less carry a weapon that was not reliable.
As necessary as reliability is, it is boring to talk about.
If the only good thing you can say about a handgun, is that it is reliable, well that's not good enough for me.

I have 100% confidence with my 1911's reliability, but more importantly, I have confidence in my performance in a self defense situation with my 1911, that I would not have with a glock or revolver. Go compete on multiple steel targets at your outdoor range and see which platform you shoot best. That is the platform I would trust.

Bad ergonomics can get you killed, too.

 

[razorburn]

It's like a Harley, overweight, and not cutting edge. But it sure feels good.
My next one will be a full size 9mm with a spare 9x23 barrel.

I've been trying to buy a pt-1911 but was never able to find one in stock. But oh man... like a Harley? Coming from a sportbike rider, that's about the last thing I wanted to hear. Like a Harley in the sense of being pathetically weak and underpowered, unreliable, uncomfortable and generally completely iinferior in every measureable way, while being assembled from a hodgepodge of foreign parts and calling itself "American" to throw up a false appeal to dupe traditionalists and lure fashion lemmings and giving wannabe dentists an excuse to dress up like one of the village people at exhorbant prices twice that of other bikes with 5 times the power and build quality and then selling out it's namesake to cigarette lighters, crappy pocketknives, sweatshirts, jackets, keychains, dinner plates, bumper stickers, shampoo cat litter hemmroid cream blah blah blah in the name of profit? Please don't make that comparison again!

 

[Chuck R.]

strat81:

Not many people mentioned reliability. Being new to guns, some of the threads I see about 1911 problems have me concerned about getting one. No machine is perfect, but I see far less posts about Glock problems than I do with 1911s.

The problem with 1911's is that everybody that's anybody is making them. In a way it's like rolling Glock, S & W, and Ruger into one pile, and tracking their collective complaints. 1911's as a whole get a bad rap, but it's an assortment of makers.

I've got two Baer's and a Colt Gold Cup that are very reliable, I've also had 6 other Colts over the years that were also reliable.

I also read the various boards and wonder what some of these manufacturers are doing. I think the problem with the 1911 design is that it's not made to be "thrown" together by non-skilled labor like some more modern designs.

Folks want reasonably priced 1911's, I just don't know if it's feasible without sacrificing some performance. So you get the customer as the final QC.

I've pretty much decided that I'd rather pay my money up front, than assume the risk and headache of getting one of the one's that slipped by. So I'll stick to the semi customs.

IMHO, once you get the chance to shoot a good 1911, no other pistol will "do it" for you.

Chuck

 

[mljdeckard]

Without reading all three pages of the thread,

I have carried a variety of handguns, as part of duty and as a civilian, including Beretta 92, Glock 22, S&W Sigma .40 (Ugh, stay away from that one,) and a few different 1911 variants.

I have settled on a Kimber, and I think I am done. It is the last handgun I will buy, unless I am rich and decide to get into Thompson Centers or I find a great deal on a 6" Python. I might build another 1911 from scratch. All you need to do to get sold on a good 1911 trigger is use a bunch of other guns for a while, they you can't remember why you left.

And yes, there is also something to be said for tradition and history. I am proud to be a member of the Utah National Guard, and drill at the armory that bears the name of John M. Browning. I also remember this: The 1911 has probably saved more soldiers' lives than any othewr combat handgun. If there is someone who wants to dispute that, also remember that these are spread from 1911 to 1986. The military didn't buy any new 1911s after WWII, they just reconditioned the ones they had. The soldiers that REALLY lean on their sidearms for inevitable close-quarters battle never really stopped using them. Various components of SOCOM are now in the process of testing and buying new 1911s. When I prepared the 87 1911s in my arms room for trade-in in 1992, I remembered thinking, "There is no way the replacement is going to be this good."

If C&L carry gives you the willies, try a Para-Ordnance LDA.

 

[Dr.Who]

A Century of history and still on top... Hard to argue with a winner......