Talk me out of a 1911...

[5cary]

ok, let me try. WWJS(what would jesus shoot?)....might I submit evidence....
revelation 19:11

...

This post deserves some sort of award. I was looking to be cured...not converted!

 

[5cary]

I guess I'm the oddball... I'd rather have a m&p 45. More rounds, cheaper, similar grip angle, easier to maintain, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love shooting the 1911's but they're towards the bottom of my list to own.

Please don't kill me for saying that

Nah...I don't think you're the oddball. It's not the .45 ACP I'm hankering for...it's the 1911, which I've always avoided for the exact rational reasons you give above.

It's like I have the flu...and I'm avoiding a cure (obviously posting here was an invitation to encouragement). I'm actually more seriously considering it now than I was before.

There's plenty to be said for visceral attraction to a firearm (or any weapon). Every other decision (regarding the subject) has always been rational - to me anyway.

This one (acquiring a 1911) started out not feeling rational, but the more I read, the better I feel about it. There's alot of high quality options out there.

 

[Minuteman]

I will talk you out of buying one, and encourage you to buy 5!

1.) Long Slide - 6" slide

2.) Government - 5"

3.) Commander - 4.25"

4.) Concealed Carry Officer or CCO - 4.25"

5.) Officer - 3.5" slide

STEEL IS REAL!

Getchu some!

Glad you posted this; I was thinking of starting a thread the other day explaining the differences with pics, etc. But anyone can do a quick wiki search and find all the info I was going to waste an hour recreating (but cooler). Bottom line is simply the info you posted, question now is, which is best?!?

This post deserves some sort of award. I was looking to be cured...not converted!

Funny how that works.

Other than the lack of night sights and original (kinda slick) orange VZ grips, I'm digging this 1911, dressed up in much better VZ grips:

If you are wondering how I know these are VZ grips: http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608043219225936990&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0

 

[Gryphon]

This thread should not about IF OP should buy a 1911- it should be about WHICH ONE he is GOING to buy.

So what do you guys think? Remington R1 Enganced? Ruger SR1911? Kimber? Colt?

I sold my Kimber SS Target II because I wasn't shooting it enough. It was a fine pistol. I immediately missed not having a good quality 1911. I bought a Remington R1 Carry Commander. It has yet to malfunction in any way, is accurate, 8 + 1, purdy as can be, and it makes big holes!

 

[dist1646]

You can't judge the 1911 by the ones the military had back when. The issue 1911's had been through WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and a bazillion trainees by the '80's. When I was in back in the '70's, only a few officers had decent 1911's that didn't rattle like a coffee can full of rocks. The 1911's of today are really good in terms of reliability, accuracy and ergonomics. I have several 1911's, including old military and modern high end versions. Love them all!

 

[hairba111]

I have several 1911s. I could give you several examples of how unique each one is but the one Colt, 1918 "Black Army" astounds me every time I fire it. It has the cleanest, most perfect trigger of every single firearm I have ever fired. It has never been modified or "tuned" just quickly manufactured with very little cosmetic buffing and sent off to the Army. It doesn't even clank and clatter like some of my other older 1911s. All I can figure is that the officer that it was issued to (they got to keep them back then) must have never fired it.

 

[wrc]

Why not...

• They are an old design, with assumptions that parts will be hand-fitted. Modern machining techniques just barely make it economical today.
• QA, even from top-flight manufacturers, can be hit or miss.
• It's a design that countless manufacturers crank out. You need to research which is good at certain points in time.
• The traditional design is single stack -- 7 or 8 rounds in a standard magazine.
• Magazines are insane. There are lots of counterfeit "GI" mags for sale, there's all sorts of gimmicky mags to "fix" broken pistols...it's a train wreck.
• They are addictive. You get a GI model, then you want a Commander...
• Top-tier manufacturers will sell you a $1200 1911 with a plastic (plastic!!) mainspring housing, cutting costs by $20.

I have Colt, Kimber, and S&W 1911s. I have magazines from everywhere, including "original GI" mags from some blacksmith in China. There's a lot of heartbreak there.

I've never sold one of mine off, though.

 

[Stephen M]

Talk you out of it? If you insist...

It uses a cartridge arguably no more effective than others available for half the price, and carries half as many.

Disassembly takes minutes and a tool instead of seconds and your hands.

It has a grip safety no one, including the designer, wanted.

For the same money you could have a CMP Garand, a weapon actually relevant to the outcome of a war.

It requires a manual of arms different from any other pistol you are likely to own.

(Just doing as asked. I am the happy owner of a 1911 and don't plan on selling it. I think you should buy one. )

 

[annihilation-time]

You came to the wrong place to be talked out of a firearm purchase.

 

[protegeV]

You came to the wrong place to be talked out of a firearm purchase.

Ain't that the truth.

Now had he asked to be talked out of a hi-point or judge.

 

[Mooseman]

Ain't that the truth.

Now had he asked to be talked out of a hi-point or judge.

Hey, I love my Monkey Guns. Everybody should have one.

 

[5cary]

Why not...

• They are an old design, with assumptions that parts will be hand-fitted. Modern machining techniques just barely make it economical today.
• QA, even from top-flight manufacturers, can be hit or miss.
• It's a design that countless manufacturers crank out. You need to research which is good at certain points in time.
• The traditional design is single stack -- 7 or 8 rounds in a standard magazine.
• Magazines are insane. There are lots of counterfeit "GI" mags for sale, there's all sorts of gimmicky mags to "fix" broken pistols...it's a train wreck.
• They are addictive. You get a GI model, then you want a Commander...
• Top-tier manufacturers will sell you a $1200 1911 with a plastic (plastic!!) mainspring housing, cutting costs by $20.

I have Colt, Kimber, and S&W 1911s. I have magazines from everywhere, including "original GI" mags from some blacksmith in China. There's a lot of heartbreak there.

I've never sold one of mine off, though.

Talk you out of it? If you insist...

It uses a cartridge arguably no more effective than others available for half the price, and carries half as many.

Disassembly takes minutes and a tool instead of seconds and your hands.

It has a grip safety no one, including the designer, wanted.

For the same money you could have a CMP Garand, a weapon actually relevant to the outcome of a war.

It requires a manual of arms different from any other pistol you are likely to own.

Now we're getting somewhere...Some interesting facts in both posts.

Funny. Since this thread started I've narrowed down my top choices and started looking at compact versions as well. DaFuq?

 

[beretta_maven]

Can't talk you out of it either. I have four - two commander-sized (.45 and 9mm) and two officer-sized (.45 and 9mm), and from four different makers (Ruger, Kimber, Springfield Armory and STI). There is just something about the heft, and that super-crisp, lightweight trigger that makes 1911s special. I personally wouldn't carry one for a couple of reasons, but primarily because if I ever had to use it to defend myself, I would be devastated if my 1911 was taken by the cops.

 

[wrc]

Now we're getting somewhere...Some interesting facts in both posts.

Funny. Since this thread started I've narrowed down my top choices and started looking at compact versions as well. DaFuq?

I don't think it is possible to recommend a 1911 on purely utilitarian grounds. If you are still looking at 1911s, there's a whole lot of something else going on. And there's no stopping that.

Get a solid 1911 before you go custom. Good luck (picture me crossing myself =) ).

 

[Jack5j]

I can't stand how much I love my Ruger 1911. (I tried to be slightly negative for you.) I had the same feelings...mystic, when I finally broke down and scratched that itch.

 

[JBinDC]

Glad you posted this; I was thinking of starting a thread the other day explaining the differences with pics, etc. But anyone can do a quick wiki search and find all the info I was going to waste an hour recreating (but cooler). Bottom line is simply the info you posted, question now is, which is best?!?

Depends on the application... Hence why it's best to just buy one of each!

I'm well on my way, my collection includes a Colt Officer ACP (full Wilson Combat build!), and my first and sweetest shooter in my entire collection, a full sized railed, V10 Ported, ATI FX45 Thunderbolt Enhanced.

I love 1911's so much, even my non-1911's are based on them... I am in my 8 day waiting on an a reconditioned 1973 Star Model Super B (9 Para), and I'm hopin to also get a Springfield EMP if I can ever find one...

Oh, and Minuteman, I for one would appreciate it if you made a new -"all things 1911" thread, with pics, etc.. Please do follow through if you have the time!

 

[Minuteman]

Cool JB, I might if someone doesn't do it first. I'm really not a 1911 guy, I'm sure someone else could do a better job.

I always wanted a 1911, just that the military was getting away from them when I joined. Having to carry cocked and locked, and getting used to dropping the safety first could get someone killed if they were not sufficently trained. I'm just now feeling comfortable enough now that I could consider carrying one (obviously legally) for personal defense in some situations.

The Springfield EMP (in 9mm) may be the best compromise. I once owned a Firestar 9mm, very small single action with 1911 style safety. It was a heavy chunk of steel, I regret selling it decades ago.

 

[Magnumite]

This thread should not about IF OP should buy a 1911- it should be about WHICH ONE he is GOING to buy.

So what do you guys think? Remington R1 Enganced? Ruger SR1911? Kimber? Colt?

Find one which feels good in your hand. Many listed are of comparable quality, similar features are not necessarily identical.

There are 1911 pistols with GI A1 grip safeties, standard and high hold beavertail guns and even beavertail equipped guns which basically follow the GI grip safety profile (basically prevents hammer bite). Flat, arched and wedge mainspring housings. All will offer a different feel and natural point in the hand.

Sights are a big decision in any gun. Good, visually prominent sights are a must have for me but that doesn't mean big and gaudy, cumbersome or snagging. What kind of predictable performance you get will be related to how much you pay, given no inflated pricing.

Of the brands you listed I've owned Kimber and Colt. No complaints with either. The Kimber S1 Gold Match was a very fine pistol. I've shot 2 R1's, good gun form the money. I was waiting for the SR to hit the Gun Connection. Bought and was approved for a Sig Nitron. When I went to pick up the Nitron an SR 1911 arrived. Handled both side by side. Sig was a better gun so I stayed with it. The grip safety had to go (I don't think Sig understands 1911 grip safeties) so I fitted a high hold part. Groups were cut in half when shot from my hands. An SR will probably be my next 1911.

Off the top of my head I have bought and sold at least 18 1911 pistols just trying them out. All except one were guns I would have kept if I was so 1911 'busy'. Three were a yawn. Six I am still digging my foot out of my butt for selling them. Live and learn

Choose the one which works for you.

 

[august1410]

The 1911 filled a void in my quest for a good handgun. I liked revolvers, but found I shot them almost exclusively single action.....and I never wanted a single action, western style revolver.

I tried many semi autos and never found one that clicked with me. I had the chance to get a 1911 when a revolver trade fell through and I took the chance.

Being a single action semi auto, it gave me the best of both worlds. I got the light trigger pull of a single action revolver with the versatility of a semi auto.

Sure, it has less capacity than most other large semis....but I like the idea of having a large caliber handgun without toting an enormous revolver.

I found that once I solved an eye dominance issue, the combo of me and the 1911 was a good one. I can shoot reliably and accurately with a 1911....with ease. I have nothing against other semis, but I have never been able to use one with the accuracy I gotten from my 1911.

 

[Magnumite]

I have nothing against other semis, but I have never been able to use one with the accuracy I gotten from my 1911.

I have yet to find a centerfire semi auto delivering sleek size, power, shootability, reliability, good trigger AND accuracy performance as a 1911. I've honestly, truly tried several other types of centerfire semi autos and keep coming back to the 1911. I think they breed inside my safe.