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Sidearms & Scatterguns 1911's Love/Hate

Re: 1911's Love/Hate

Why do so many people love them?
smile.gif


Do you own other handguns? A 1911 was my first, loved that thing, but don't own any now. I wouldn't recommend them as a first gun, maybe not even a second, but if you've owned a revolver and a Glock/Sig/HK somewhere along the way then go ahead and scratch that 1911 itch, it's ok.

In 3 years from now you'll either own zero 1911's or 5 of them.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why do so many people love them?
smile.gif


Do you own other handguns?</div></div>
Yeah, I've owned a few. I work in LE so I must have at least one on hand.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

A handgun is a tool, like any other firearm. I have more than 1 1911, I have more than 1 semi-automatic handgun that is not a 1911, I have more than 1 revolver and I have more than 1 single-shot handgun. 1911's work and I feel the most comfortable with them.

Nervous
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I disliked the 1911 simply for the fact that everyone in my family praised it as the best thing since sliced bread. So I was a devote HK and Glock guy until about a year ago, when I bought a Kimber. Then shortly after that I bought a Springfield TRP. Needless to say I have no more HKs or Glocks and now praise the 1911 as the best thing since sliced bread. What I like about them is they are just plain accurate, an American shooting Icon, and a ton of fun to shoot. If I was going to pick a Combat arm it would be a FNP tactical, HK, or Glock just because those systems eat anything you give them. However stateside I carry a 1911. They can be picky about ammo, and if you have a good one the extra tight tolerances can be a problem with dirt and grit. Also Diff 1911s seem to like different magazines.

Either Way I think I have 1911 fever and I am always looking for another one.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

People hate the 1911 because it's over 100 years old and once you pick one up and shoot it, you'll probably realize that not much, if any, substantial innovation in handguns has occurred in all of that time.

I wanted to NOT like the 1911 when I started shooting handguns. I bought Sigs, Glocks, an HK, and everything else I thought was "modern." In the end, I sold nearly all of them, and today, nearly all the handguns I own are single action, and most of the automatics are single stack as well.

Why do people hate the 1911? Because it's a 100 year old design. Its parts don't fit together like a lego set. Still, they're not that hard to fit.

I, like franky, own no Glocks, Sigs, or HKs. I don't miss them at all; forced to shoot a DA/SA, I'd buy a CZ.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

Personally: I both Love and Hate 1911s.

1911s are a pain in the ass. I shoot USPSA and IPSC matches frequently (at least one a week) for nearly a year now. In nearly every single stage of every single match I see at least one 1911 FTF, FTE, or stovepipe. Granted, people are handloading ammo and what not so there are always going to be errors, but the same amount of people use Glock, HK, S&W, and XDs handload and I NEVER see the problems that I do with 1911s. In fact, a few weeks ago a guy's Glock jammed and one of the waiting shooters said "holy shit, your Glock jammed?" and everyone laughed, knowing that that is the exception and not the rule.

I'm not bashing 1911s by any means, but they are definitely more finicky than other "more modern" semi autos. I guess it just depends on what you do with them.


Three things to note:

1) There are several past and present USPSA and IPSC champions at my club so it's not "amateur hour" here.

2) I own two Kimbers (plain Custom II and an Eclipse Custom II) they're both awesome and I enjoy shooting them immensely.

3) I've put at least 10,000 rounds through my Glock 35 and only had one issue, which was a 'dragging trigger reset'. That was because I failed to clean it for about 3,500 rounds.
blush.gif
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

People are scared of 1911's because they don't understand how they work and listened to so other dickwad who dose not know how a 1911 works tell them how unsafe and unreliable they are .

You can make a 1911 feed just about any round you want I know you shouldn't have to make it feed but thats the way it is they are designed to run ball , if you run ball ammo with good mag's they run fine .

Keep them lubed and they are reliable as anything else on the market .

I also don't get why a lot of people say they aren't a good first pistol .
There is nothing hard about shooting a 1911 .
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

In 3 years from now you'll either own zero 1911's or 5 of them. </div></div>


LOL....This is so true! If you own five, you'll probably have sold everything else as well.

I do keep a Sig P220 around just to say I own something else.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I have looked and listened and read for years debating my need/want of a 1911. I finally took the leap. 2011, being the 100th anniversary of the patent seemed like the perfect time. I purchased the Remington R1, in November, and WOW!!!! Love it! I plan to leave this one just as it is, but I'm already looking for another one to play with customizing.

A great big thank you to John Moses Browning!
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I've owned or shot just about any handgun at some point or another. (ok, I know I've missed a number of designs, but I hope this isn't taken too literally!)

I've yet to come across someone that does not like the feel of a 1911 in their hands. Short of a trigger being a super-match 3oz trigger, or an 80-grit sandpaper friction, people like the triggers too, especially trigger reset if they have a bit of shooting instruction/knowledge.

Those that like steel/metal frames tend to like them. A reason I think Sig Sauer is popular for people, one of few that will makes a metal frame pistol. Sig would be choice for a cookie-cutter weapon after Glock.

As for accuracy, that can be somewhat subjective. When I speak of accuracy in a pistol, my angle is combat. I don't care about a slide/frame fit that is .0003" of inch gap. Fine for your USPSA pistol, but not for one catching lint in your squad car, CCW, etc. So, from that perspective - I don't find 1911's that much more accurate. M.O.P. (minute of person)

Why the Love? It's America's "hot rod" gun. We can mess with it, tinker, explore, customize, paint and otherwise change it to be our unique lil sidekick. Just like people in our country do with bikes, cars, trucks, etc. It's an awesome thing!!!
grin.gif


I have Glocks and 1911's anymore. Glocks for work, 1911's for my fun.

-G45
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I think Larry Vickers sums it up best that in an are of cheap, simple reliable guns like Glock, HK, etc. that the 1911 has no business being issued at the department/unit level. For an end-user to want to use a 1911 beyond a hobbyist level, one has to make a full commitment to that platform. You need to learn how to PROPERLY fit your own parts if you don't want to send it off to the smith when something goes wrong. Of course this commitment is already on top of the the several thousand dollars spent on the gun itself.

It is a very versatile weapon whose accuracy and trigger pull are the standard by which others will always be judged. Reliability in a properly fit and maintained gun are more than acceptable.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

Imo (about my 1911s)

Love: fit, amont of customization and after-market parts, recoil, accuracy, intemidation of size, safety

Hate: use of ccw, weight as a duty weapon, "too pretty / safe queen" (dont want to worry about scratching my duty weapon), love/hate my single stack, cant borrow my partners magazine should I need to, some of mine lack a rail, harder feild strip.

Conclusion: if im concealing I carry a pocket pistol, duty / combat / training I carry a glock, cz , or springfield xd, range or executive protection 1911
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

love em- cause it goes in a prison purse real nice like

hate em- cause it dont come out a prison purse very well
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VAJayJayPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">love em- cause it goes in a prison purse real nice like

hate em- cause it dont come out a prison purse very well </div></div>

You sir are a sick, sick individual.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I like 1911s, but I feel undergunned with single-stack pistols, unless it's about 110 degrees in the shade and I'm reduced to my S&W 3913.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1911's, I never had one that I thought I could count on.

STI/SVI 2011's, now that's a whole different story.
</div></div>

+1000....I feel very comfortable with my STI Tactical. It's just a little big for concealed carry some times. For those times, I have a XD-sc.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I have super tight 1911s that I can't shoot to their potential. They are good range guns. I carry a 1911 that has loose tolerances as they were designed. In that form I have found them to be very reliable in all kinds of cruddy conditions. You give up some accuracy potential for a gun that runs consistently in the conditions I need out of a carry gun. The WW II 1911's were considered reliable...and they were loose. My point is shoot a commander or larger with looser fit tolerances and they are very reliable. I am no 1911 expert by any stretch but that philosophy has worked for me.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

If you're worried about it getting banged up, just get it chromed. I've never understood why putting a decent finish on a gun you use all the time is such a big deal.

I parkerized all of mine at home and now I can refinish them anytime I want. Park is surprisingly durable, too. But chrome is still tougher and better for the elements.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

pro's
-1911s feel good in the hand. Biggest reason they are fun to shoot.
-Single action trigger. Second biggest reason
-the ability to customize
-let's face it, badass look to them

Con's (In my OPINION) is that it is talked up. "It's been around for a hundred years". Gettin sick of hearing that. It was around because there simply weren't many other competing reliable designs until the 80's. For target/range shooting, they are great. For a combat or a carry gun? By anyone's criteria for both of those roles, there are a LOT of superior designs.

There's a stigma about 1911s, that they are the best for everything "just because" its a 1911. To me, they have their place/role just as every model of firearm does.

But it all comes down to personal preference. To each his own. Why do people "hate" chevys or fords?
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

One thing I have noticed at the range is that when someone is punching the center out of the target, or at least the target doesn't look like a shotgun splatter, they are usually shooting a 1911. I don't know it is as much the gun itself as who is attracted to it. It is often called an aficionado's weapon and I think that is about right.

I think the amazing thing about it is that after 100 years, it is still relevant. Whether or not it is the best design available, people are competing and winning with it. Compare that to the venerable Mauser... great actions that serve as the basis for many hunting rifles, but not many compete or win with it in modern competitions. I can't think of another weapon as old that remains as relevant today. Not that that is a reason to choose it... it is just food for thought.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I understand you thoughts. As a young man I worshiped at the altar of the 1911. Have probably had over 50 different examples. A well tuned 1911 is a thing of beauty, reliability and the pinnacle of old world craftsmanship.

I thought I was getting smarter as I experimented with Berretta's, Sigs, Browning HP, Lots of Glocks..

Today I am 50. The 1911 is a wonderful tool but I dont want to wear it 14 hours a day. I can shoot it better than any other handgun in my collection and have given both my sons a fine example to enjoy.

On duty I wear a S&W M&P .40. Not what I prefer but what my employer pays for. Off duty I have become fond of vintage S&W J frames.

Life is journey. Enjoy each stage as you pass through. Some you may even repeat. That being said..every man should be able to enjoy at least one tuned example of the 1911 in his youth. It will ruin you worse than a red head with green eyes....
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I have two. Love them both. Sexy in the hand, like my pre-b cz75, not like my m&p Very accurate past 50 yds. Tried to take one apart after 5k rds and upgrade the internals. Learned a lot. But there's something very convenient about a hammerless 2" snubby in a pocket holster...
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Simo Hayha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It will ruin you worse than a red head with green eyes.... </div></div>

THIS!
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I hate Glock. I don't mean I don't like them. I am saying I effing hate Glock. I know they make a good gun. And they are low cost. I still will probably never own one.

The angle feels like craps to me, and it is forever the gang banger gun from my childhood. My 1911 is the hero's gun. It stood for justice and big American corn Fed breasts and all that nostalgia craps with it.

My 1911 is just a Springer stock almost everything. No fact pants parts. It's never had an issue. Not once in the many many thousands of rounds its had to eat. I have fed it every shape of ammo. I didn't even know that some guns didn't like different rounds of the same caliber until I shop my buddies match grade 1911. Sexy gun to he sure but its a princess and damages brass. Needs more lube than my AR-10.

Everything is subjective though and it comes down to diminishing returns. I now have a 9mm xdm and that gun sings perfectly too.

For me the only downside to the 1911 is the lack of double stack magazines and lots of moving parts. I would love to truly one of the 2011 guns, but.... Money talks.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

Lol. Auto spell check didn't think crap was a word....

Anyway its my .02. Opinions are like assholes though...
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

Probably penis envy- they can't afford a Les Baer- <AKA properly manufactured 1911, so they hate the 1911.

I like Glocks, and I like Les Baer's; and realize the 300% price differential makes both a good bargain to someone needing their distinctly different attributes.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SheepsClothes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hate Glock. I don't mean I don't like them. I am saying I effing hate Glock. I know they make a good gun. And they are low cost. I still will probably never own one.

</div></div>

I said that once too. "Fuck Glock and anyone who shoots 'em" I used to say. As I write this, there are 4 Glocks on a shelf just behind me as I sit here typing. Never say never.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

Have a special project 1911 coming up soon. I'm not going to do much of the work, instead I've agreed to stand over a shoulder and coach up a training officer for Sheriff's Department. He's a fella in his 50's with military and decades of LEO service. While he's proficient to say the least with firearms he doesn't know jack shit about a 1911.

For all you 1911 know it alls I'm a gonna make your day. We're working with a Norinco he bought new and I'll guarandamntee you when done it will run with all your plastic fantastics and high dollar 4k 1911s.

I'm not much on made in China as I'd rather he bought an RIA made in Phillipines. Regardless.

Give me a base "piece of shit" 1911. I'll be a day with my files, stones, sand paper and magazine of choice. Provision some good sights and mill time.

Then after a day and a thousand cartridges of my handloads get back to me. We'll discuss reliability, design, 45acp cartridge and how folks became so fucking confused mixing purists ideas with modern ammunition.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911wrench</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Give me a base "piece of shit" 1911. I'll be a day with my files, stones, sand paper and magazine of choice. Provision some good sights and mill time.</div></div>

Files, stones, and sandpaper can't add metal, and if the parts don't fit right, they can't be made to fit right by removing metal.

That's why Les Baer makes a great 1911- The parts all fit properly- no excess metal was removed- just the right amount in many critical areas, every time.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

One thing I noticed from several years of carrying a Kimber 1911 OWB was that it definitely was not a light weapon.

So you could probably knock it for being 'overweight', especially for daily carry when compared to its modern counterparts.

But the trigger, reliability, and rock-solid feel definitely make it a ton of fun once you're at the range.

Parker
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I've yet to find another handgun that can replicate the break, let-off and reset of a properly honed 1911.

As far as low capacity.... They do make wide frames that carry a hefty supply of .45's. My Para P14.45 LDA-Ltd was 14+1 and served me well as a duty pistol.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Griffin Armament</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911wrench</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Give me a base "piece of shit" 1911. I'll be a day with my files, stones, sand paper and magazine of choice. Provision some good sights and mill time.</div></div>

Files, stones, and sandpaper can't add metal, and if the parts don't fit right, they can't be made to fit right by removing metal.

That's why Les Baer makes a great 1911- The parts all fit properly- no excess metal was removed- just the right amount in many critical areas, every time.
</div></div>

Who said anything about removing metal ? I went back, read my post 3 times and nowhere did I mention removing metal . Les Bauer hand fits every pistol.

Meaning parts are "tuned". There's a difference by definition between removing metal and polishing metal.

Ask any pistol smith who uses Les Bauer parts. Many require hand fitting and polishing.

Chew on this... Do you think you're paying more for Les Bauer 1911 because of superior parts or paying extra for parts hand fit ?

Wilson Combat is the only semi- custom shop machining forgings in house. 1911 parts in one aspect are like AR parts. There's a small number of companies manufacturing for shops like Bauer, Brown, etc. Quite often brand a custom buys same parts brand b custom does. Same parts, different packaging.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I've got an Ed Brown and it's hands down the finest shooting pistol I've ever owned or operated. That said, it can be temperamental with regard to magazines- slightest bit of dirt in a mag will cause feed problems. I'd like another 1911- thinking about one of the Colt Series 70 Governments. Had a Springer Loaded that I sold but that was a nice pistol as well.

For it-absolutely-has-to-work reliability, Glock gets my nod. It's a 19 or 23 for everyday carry. I'm looking at Gun Site's 250 course and I'll use a Glock for that.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

Owning a Glock could happen.... But I doubt it.

Today for giggles I tried every non 1911 .45 that was at a local well stocked shop. Anything with a more than 8 round capacity. Glock still has a blocky feel and makes me feel like my wrist is at the wrong angle.

The top 2 for me was the F&N and the xdm. I have an xdm in 9mm so maybe that is why I liked it. With the high cost of an F&N though I might just look at a double stack 1911 variant if I am ever in the market for a new pistol.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911wrench</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Griffin Armament</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911wrench</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Give me a base "piece of shit" 1911. I'll be a day with my files, stones, sand paper and magazine of choice. Provision some good sights and mill time.</div></div>

Files, stones, and sandpaper can't add metal, and if the parts don't fit right, they can't be made to fit right by removing metal.

That's why Les Baer makes a great 1911- The parts all fit properly- no excess metal was removed- just the right amount in many critical areas, every time.
</div></div>

Who said anything about removing metal ? I went back, read my post 3 times and nowhere did I mention removing metal . Les Bauer hand fits every pistol.

Meaning parts are "tuned". There's a difference by definition between removing metal and polishing metal.

Ask any pistol smith who uses Les Bauer parts. Many require hand fitting and polishing.</div></div>

If you aren't aware that "polishing" metal with abrasives actually removes material, then you probably shouldn't be working on firearms.

If your definition of "polishing" metal doesn't acknowledge that it removes material, I'm sorry to say that your definition isn't correct.

I also don't know who "Les Bauer" is, but I suggest strongly that if you do, you get his help before installing his parts.

Also, if you ever need a new safety fit to one of your guns, I hope you'll hire someone to do it, because no rational individual could possibly think that process does not require removing material.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911wrench</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have a special project 1911 coming up soon. I'm not going to do much of the work, instead I've agreed to stand over a shoulder and coach up a training officer for Sheriff's Department. He's a fella in his 50's with military and decades of LEO service. While he's proficient to say the least with firearms he doesn't know jack shit about a 1911.

For all you 1911 know it alls I'm a gonna make your day. We're working with a Norinco he bought new and I'll guarandamntee you when done it will run with all your plastic fantastics and high dollar 4k 1911s.

I'm not much on made in China as I'd rather he bought an RIA made in Phillipines. Regardless.

Give me a base "piece of shit" 1911. I'll be a day with my files, stones, sand paper and magazine of choice. Provision some good sights and mill time.

Then after a day and a thousand cartridges of my handloads get back to me. We'll discuss reliability, design, 45acp cartridge and how folks became so fucking confused mixing purists ideas with modern ammunition. </div></div>



AMEN! I have seven 1911s,all but one (a Sig) I built. I have for years and still carry a Government Model every single day and always have one at hand. Every one has been completely reliable and far more accurate than any of my friends plastic pistols.

I have one hand and with the 1911 I can completely strip and repair or maintain it. Many of the polymer pistols I would be unable to do so. I owned a Glock 35 and while it was interesting, it had no soul or character whatsoever. This void created by the very existence of the thing is enough to avoid them like a creature cast out by God himself.

Once you put down the cold abomination that is a Glock and pick up a 1911 that fits your hand like a glove you just want to say " I'll never leave you again baby,let's snuggle up and get warm".
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911wrench</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Griffin Armament</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911wrench</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Give me a base "piece of shit" 1911. I'll be a day with my files, stones, sand paper and magazine of choice. Provision some good sights and mill time.</div></div>

Files, stones, and sandpaper can't add metal, and if the parts don't fit right, they can't be made to fit right by removing metal.

That's why Les Baer makes a great 1911- The parts all fit properly- no excess metal was removed- just the right amount in many critical areas, every time.
</div></div>

Who said anything about removing metal ? I went back, read my post 3 times and nowhere did I mention removing metal . Les Bauer hand fits every pistol.

Meaning parts are "tuned". There's a difference by definition between removing metal and polishing metal.

Ask any pistol smith who uses Les Bauer parts. Many require hand fitting and polishing.</div></div>

If you aren't aware that "polishing" metal with abrasives actually removes material, then you probably shouldn't be working on firearms.

If your definition of "polishing" metal doesn't acknowledge that it removes material, I'm sorry to say that your definition isn't correct.

I also don't know who "Les Bauer" is, but I suggest strongly that if you do, you get his help before installing his parts.

Also, if you ever need a new safety fit to one of your guns, I hope you'll hire someone to do it, because no rational individual could possibly think that process does not require removing material. </div></div>

Where did fitting a thumb safety come from ? Once again nobody said anything about fitting thumb safetys. I'm talking about tuning using ruby stones and 800 grit sand paper. If necessary I can post pictures of my work that will more than give everyone an idea of my qualifications.

My point is simple. It's common for me to receive a stock out of the box 1911 and with some tuning bring performance par with semi customs like Baer.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

Like said you will like it or love it. I Love mine. Easy to tune entry of part choices and easy to make it look sharp. And a tuned 1911 will shoot damn good. My .02
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911wrench</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Where did fitting a thumb safety come from ? Once again nobody said anything about fitting thumb safetys. I'm talking about tuning using ruby stones and 800 grit sand paper. If necessary I can post pictures of my work that will more than give everyone an idea of my qualifications.

My point is simple. It's common for me to receive a stock out of the box 1911 and with some tuning bring performance par with semi customs like Baer. </div></div>

I’m not sure it’s apples to apples.
I think what Griffin was saying is that in the case of the issue being that there is too little material available for a correct fit, honing won’t fix the issue.


Which is kind of obvious but I’ve personally never heard of that being an issue.
Usually, you can, as you say, take an average 1911 and with a little work turn it in to a great 1911.
My dad was on the USMC shooting team and I grew up around S&W model 41s and 1911s.
My dad, and nearly everyone else I remember seeing at the matches while growing up shot either a Colt or SA that had been tuned up as you described. When I competed I used an accurized SA 1911-A1.
As I got older, I started seeing more custom pistols but I can’t say they shot any better.
After all, a master marksman is a master marksman… It’s hard to say one guy putting 990 out of a 1000 shots in the 10 ring with one type of pistol and someone else doing it with another has much to do with the pistols themselves.
It just seemed like the custom pistols came out of the box ready to go without the need of a good smith.
I read the other posts and didn’t see anyone arguing to the contrary.

Now,
Why do people love 1911’s?
They have stopping power would be my first choice.
I’ve seen people come in shot to hell with 9mms,.380s and .22s and for the most part they were fine. One guy had been shot 14 times, totally good to go once we stopped the bleeding.

I’ve seen 2 people shot with a .45ACP. One, the shot caved his chest in like a bowl and he didn’t make it; DOA and the other it grazed his thigh and the force of the impact shattered bone, ripped apart tissue… he lost his leg.

Accuracy and reliability might be other reasons.
I’ve never really had issues with reliability out of any of my 1911s
I had one go full-auto 20+ years ago and if you don’t get your loads right they can FTF or stove pipe.

Why people hate it?
They’ve been shot by one.
Seriously, .45ACP is no joke.

Edit: A 1911 in anything but .45 ACP is kind of a faux 1911 imho.

 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

This thread is hilarious - poeple bashing one of the greatest gun platforms ever made and that is recognized as one of the top 10 firearms EVER made! I shoot Sig, Glock Gen 4 G21, Beretta and a custom 1911 by Fusion. The Fusion is by far the most fun to shoot....it holds 9 rounds compared to the Glocks 13rds. But in the event it hits the fan, I would like to think I would be able to hit a target with 9 rounds...I don't need 13 (it's just a feel good to have 4 more rounds).

My accuracy between the Sig, Glock, Beretta and 1911 cannot be compared....I just shoot better with a 1911 for some reason. Yes, the 1911 is a full custom gun but a stock sig p226 and the Glock should at least be a bit closer in accuracy potential. I suppose it doesn't matter as long as you can get rounds on target and the gun feels good in your hand, good sight picture etc.

I like all handguns but if I am going down in a gunfight I want my 1911. Mike Seelander helped me with some CQB work with my full size 1911 and know I feel totally confident in most all situations drawing from concealment and engaging multiple threats at arms length.

To each their own.....just go shoot.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I've been on the fence for a long time. Always thought I wanted a 1911, but just didn't know. Have owned Ruger P-90, Glock, S&W, but after shooting a friends 1911 a couple months back I know I want a 1911. It fit and the trigger... And the accuracy was nice. Don't get me wrong I'm effective with my other pistols, but I just confirmed I WANT a 1911.
Eric
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SteelShot11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My accuracy between the Sig, Glock, Beretta and 1911 cannot be compared....I just shoot better with a 1911 for some reason. Yes, the 1911 is a full custom gun but a stock sig p226 and the Glock should at least be a bit closer in accuracy potential. I suppose it doesn't matter as long as you can get rounds on target and the gun feels good in your hand, good sight picture etc. </div></div>

There's no reason to believe that your 1911 is substantially more mechanically accurate than a Glock or Sig. It's the crisp, short, light trigger pull of the 1911 combined with the narrow grip that fits well in nearly any size hand that puts the rounds toward the center of the target, not some inherent mechanical principle.

Yes, custom 1911s can be more mechanically accurate than a Glock or Sig, but the overwhelming majority of users aren't good enough to tell the difference, and any pistol is capable of shooting a tight enough group at any fighting distance. In fact, I'd probably have to shoot a dozen or more 50 yard groups to be sure myself, or put the guns in a vise.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

I love 1911s.
Nothing more beautiful than a nice custom 1911.
For me it sort of became the odd man out.
Still own a few though.

I do most of my shooting with a 2011 and for competition. I don't think it gets much better....They pretty much go bang every time....Though as much as you would expect a 2,000.00 STI to run out of the box they don't...Pure bullshit INHO. Once tuned mine have been at least as reliable as a Glock.


I prefer a Glock or 870 for defensive purposes.
I have seen a dead reliable 1911 suddenly become unreliable at the most inopportune times....Usually a minor issue, but...

Speaking of Glocks is there anything uglier than a custom Glock?

Customizing a Glock is sort of like taking the ugliest chick in the bar and dressing her up....By lighting her face on fire then putting it out with a pitchfork.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do most of my shooting with a 2011 and for competition. I don't think it gets much better....They pretty much go bang every time....Though as much as you would expect a 2,000.00 STI to run out of the box they don't...Pure bullshit INHO. Once tuned mine have been at least as reliable as a Glock.
</div></div>

That's not been my experience, AT ALL. My STIs are nicer in every imaginable way compared to my other guns, and they have a lifetime warranty.

The only problem I ever had with one of them turned out to be about 20 bullets in a box of 500 that were .004" oversized and had nothing to do with the gun itself.

If your experience is different, you are definitely the exception.
 
Re: 1911's Love/Hate

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SteelShot11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This thread is hilarious - poeple bashing one of the greatest gun platforms ever made and that is recognized as one of the top 10 firearms EVER made! </div></div>
Even though John Browning himself considered the Hi-Power an improvement over the 1911...? So, since he didn't think it was the pinnacle of perfection...why does everyone else?

Let's face it, people will always defend THEIR position, because it is what they believe. Everyone has their own preferences, 1911 guys just seem to believe their way is the ONLY way. Case in point, I guarantee someone will make a poke at me personally over this post. They won't try to have a friendly discussion, they will just say I'm wrong "because the 1911 is the best!". Just wait and see haha And you guys know what I mean, we've all heard them.

Please don't get my tone wrong. I'm not bashing 1911s, I like them. Not love. What's funny to me is how people think they are so great for no other reason than they've been told they are great. So please, let's have a FRIENDLY discussion about it. Teach me. Someone MAKE A LIST for me of the reasons why its one of the top ten firearms ever made. And you can not use the reason "because it's been around for so long." After all, revolvers have been around longer, so why don't we tout them as amazing firearms because they've stuck around? LIST your criteria as to what makes an exceptional handgun and we'll see if any other designs fit. (which they will) When it comes down to it, it always ends with simply, "I like how it fits and feels in my hand." That's a perfectly alright reason! Once again, I bring up the chevy vs ford debate. Their is no winner, just preference, but most 1911 shooters can't leave it at that. Instead they have to try and tell me that the gun that happens to feel good in MY hand is inferior to theirs "just because".

Also, some food for thought...the Ford Model A is usually listed as one of the top great cars...yet how come we don't drive them anymore..? It's on the list, it must be good, right!?