Why a 1911?

[b4aftr]

For me, nothing compares to the feel of a 1911 in the hand. I have all the other polymer guns and love them, but carry a 10mm Wesson and Baer TRS. Guess they are like fine wine, an acquired taste.

If anyone is around Texas Motor Speedway and wants a closer look into 1911s let me know.

[C-dub]

I do not have one yet. For me it will be more for the historical aspects of the gun than anything else. Secondly will be the beauty of one. If it were only because of the power, dependability, accuracy, or simplicity then I think my Glock .45 beats it easily. Some folks think the A-10 Warthog is ugly, but it's very effective at what it does and the Russians were terrified of it. My biggest problem is I really want two 1911's. An older one from the 1930's or 1940's and a new one from Ed Brown or one of the STI's or something of that quality.

[flechero]

I have never shot a 1911 before but have admired as they are nice looking. But why should I buy one? What is so magical that I should joint the cult of the 1911? Don't get me wrong I love any gun but can you explain the draw? Thanks all!

Lots of good responses so far, but I'll add that ergonomics are superb.

Personally, I like the combination of trigger, ergonomics, natural pointing and well mannered recoil. Add to that- the single stack design is nice and slim and easy to carry comfortably. And there is an aftermarket part or accessory to address almost any conceivable cosmetic or functional concern.

Hard to put it all into words... but for some, there is just no substitute to a nice 1911. And to others- they could take it or leave it. ...lol

[jb2012]

Well I am a little biased, but 1911's are the best pistol design ever made. They are also my favorite pistol. To start of the dang thing was invented over 100 years ago and is still heavily heavily used today. That itself speaks numbers on the weapon. Standing the test of time is one of the biggest obstacles amongst new inventions, and the 1911 easily did that. My next point is feel and aesthetics. These guns absolutely feel, look, point, and shoot wonderful. These things just truly are a work of art. So my next point involves capacity which also brings me to weight. You can't fault the 1911 for being heavy but pick the Glock 21 because it holds 13+1. Because after loading a 21 the difference in weight is negligible. Personally I've always said that If the time comes for me to pull my gun and I need more than my 7 rounds plus a 10 cmc power mag I probably shouldn't have pulled my gun at that point. So capacity is what you make of it to me. So then there are the safeties on the gun. If you are concious of gun safety (as we all should be) there are 4 safeties to the gun. The actual lever safety, the hammer safety, grip safety, and your dadgum booger picker. If you know how a 1911 works it is impossible for the gun to go off without the grip safety being depressed and the safety off. Stranger things have certainly happened but these guns are typically leaps and bounds safer than their polymer counterparts. Seriously the "trigger safety" on glocks? That is not a safety. The only thing that prevents is maybe snagging the trigger on your holster. Nobody pulls a trigger from the side of the gun, it does absolutely nothing in my opinion. People often complain that there is a safety!! Seriously? You are that worried about not being able to drop the safety when you draw? How about you practice using your gun so that the safety is never even thought about, and it just becomes muscle memory! In terms of reliability, you get what you pay for 95% of the time. Typically, and I said typically, if you put your money towards a quality gun you will yoeld quality results. There are a few lemons out there but sig, springfield, mostly ruger, and up are going to yield you a quality and reliable weapon. I've said many times if our soldiers depended on them for what 50 years, (I believe?) as standard issue, they are reliable enough for me. Can you bury it for ten years in a lake and pull it out after 10 years and immediately have shooting weapon? No. But when will you REALLY need to have a weapon that does that? We are civilians not navy seals. (In which I would also say carry a 1911 but take care of it) In my mind you just can't beat these guns! Sorry this got a little long haha

[misterlarry]

I don't see the 1911 as the epitome of all handgun design, rather I see it as a prerequisite for a Man Card. Every guy should own at least one. The true test of mature willpower comes from owning only one (sorry, but I flunked this part).

[Distinguished Rick]

The 1911 is a religion. You either believe in it or you don't. There is no other pistol that compares to it as far as customization. I competed with a 1911 while on the USMC Pistol Team. I am not knocking other gun manufactures at all as I own Sigs, Springfields, Glocks, and even a Lionheart Industries 9mm. Just saying that the 1911 has a special place in my heart. BTW, you can have it in other calibers if you like.

[baseballguy2001]

I'm going to take a slightly different approach - I had a full size Colt 1911 and found, for me, it was too big to carry. When I got the Springfield EMP in .40, it was perfect. Is it a true 1911? I'll leave that to the absolute purists to decide. Like with some things, one size doesn't fit all.

[Beiruty]

1911. Old school technology that works.

Best features: single action and 5" barrel. Accurate
Cons: Heavy, single stack, 8+1 rds. Rust well, could jam with flat nose bullet.
Hyped feature: slow flying 230gr 0.45" Caliber projectile.

Just do not ask me, why I have at least 5 (or 7. [EDIT] I found 2 more hidden somewhere )of those stashed somewhere in my house.

1911 is bad for you. Stay away. Stay Clean. Stay Sober.

[jed]

Well since this topic has been wrecked with everyone telling what they have, here's what I have. Colt 80 series commander and a Colt 1991A1, early model but not the parkerized one. Neither has had any custom work, both .45 just basic 1911s. I've had the commander since the early 90s and the 1991A1 just a few months. The commander unloads everything I have ever put thru it. The 1991A1 has unloaded factory loads and some handloads, all hard ball with no issues yet. Actually, the 1991A1 is my wife's, she loves it.


ETA - I just noticed this is not the topic of the person asking which 2 1911s should he get. Now I need to read this one from the beginning.

[Iunnrais]

A good 1911 and an old S&W or Colt revolver are two handguns that everyone should have in their collection. There is something special about shooting the time tested designs. For me, my 1911 is one of the first series of Colt Rail Guns ( I was drooling at the time over a Combat Elite, but none were available and the Rail Gun was). It pretty much sets the standard for accuracy in my collection and is solidly #2 for trigger. I have a nice early 80s N Frame Smith that beats it for a SA trigger. If I were to get another now, I'd be looking for an older one that either saw wartime service or a Pre-70s in their royal blue....or maybe both....

For IWB carry, the full size Colt is a little long in the barrel. A 4" pistol just tucks in better - for me. I can and have carried it IWB, it's just not my first choice - I have polymer wonders that fit that job better. If I can carry OWB... Love it :)

[SA_Steve]

Colt 80 series commander - I had one, could not shoot it worth a darn.
Replaced some parts - still no go. Really liked it, except for my lack of accuracy.

When my friend showed me what he could do with it, I sold it to him. Some things are not meant to be.

I'm lots better with my Sig's and various revolvers.

[Pawpaw]

I won't list all of my 1911s, but I do have a few. I agree with everything that's been said above about "Why a 1911?"

There is one more potential "cool factor". If you open carry, you get to hear, "Hey mister, did you know your gun is cocked?"

[aaangel]

Yes its our national pistol!
http://bearingarms.com/why-i-like-the-1 ... -carrying/

[Sidro]

My reason is due to being married. My wife carries a 1911 and therefore so must I as to not be outdone. Seriously the 1911 is quite possibly the greatest bullet platform ever built. I own several polymer guns but edc the 1911.