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Sidearms & Scatterguns Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

Mn_Shooter

Mn_Shooter

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 23, 2008
140
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Minnesota
#1
I've become interested in a full sized 1911 in 9mm for a range tool and possible carry. I carry a 3", 1911 .45ACP currently and now with winter upon us here in the north, a full size can be concealed without worry of printing...

What do you think? Is a 9mm full size 1911 a viable option for my intended uses?
 
#2
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

If you wanted to build a 9mm for accurate target or steel shooting I'd say it be worth the cash, I have a Clark!! But if Im carrying a 1911 it's gonna be a 45!!
 
#3
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

Hi Shooter,

I have contemplated the same, and I just come to these conclusions regarding the 9 for CCW(not saying they're right, just my ideas!) 1) A 9mm only holds one more round than the .45 version. 2) The couple 5" 9mm I've fired did not have much less perceived recoil than .45 to me. 3) Depends on configuration/maker, parts are a tad more tricky to find. Not prohibitive, but a pain in my opinion.

Now, I am going to contradict myself within my same message.
crazy.gif
As I said, the above are <span style="font-weight: bold">*MY*</span> opinion. My wife, after trying and holding any compact 9mm in the market, by far and large loved the EMP 9mm.
shocked.gif
Which is her CCW sidearm of choice. She likes all metal guns, loves the 1911 platform, shoots them well, enjoys and practices with a 9mm. Who am I to deny her the tool that fits and works for her?

She didn't care for .45, and hey, that's ok. As the saying goes, "better the small gun on your person than the large gun left at home." or something to that effect.

So, to answer your question, is the 5" 1911 a viable option? Sure it is! Are you going to be comfortable carrying the sidearm? Is it reliable? Does it fit you well? There are plenty of makers of a 1911 in 9mm that are reputable. And if it's left as a range fun toy, then by all means get one!

IF you get one, you have to post photos though!
smile.gif


-G45
 
#4
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

I've always been of the mind:

- If you want to use a platform, use the caliber and configuration for which it was intended. For the 1911, that would mean 5" in .45 ACP.

- If you want a certain chambering, find a platform that is well suited for it. For the 9mm, that is easy. Sig, Glock, HK and many others have the 9mm mastered. Perhaps a Browning hi-power?

To me, a full-size 1911 is just silly. All the bulk of a traditional 1911 with reduced reliability an only 1 more round of a much smaller projectile. I fail to see the payoff.
 
#5
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pointblank4445</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've always been of the mind:

- If you want to use a platform, use the caliber and configuration for which it was intended. For the 1911, that would mean 5" in .45 ACP.

- If you want a certain chambering, find a platform that is well suited for it. For the 9mm, that is easy. Sig, Glock, HK and many others have the 9mm mastered. Perhaps a Browning hi-power?

To me, a full-size 1911 is just silly. All the bulk of a traditional 1911 with reduced reliability an only 1 more round of a much smaller projectile. I fail to see the payoff. </div></div>

John Browning actually originally designed the 1911 to be used with what was, in effect, a .38 Super. The .45 ACP was a change requested by the Army.

I keep hearing of this "reduced reliability" with 1911's but have yet to see it in person over 25 years of shooting and many, many thousands of rounds through them.

A 9mm 1911 is a joy to shoot. I've become fond of Commander-length 9mm 1911's and carry a Dan Wesson Guardian more and more often. It's like a laser with a great trigger and negligible recoil. A 5" 9mm 1911 would be fine and would give you a little more velocity, especially if using +P or +P+ ammo.
 
#6
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

If you want a target 9mm, get the Sig 210 legend target. I know its not a 1911 but damn them pistols will shoot lights out. Just a thought.
 
#9
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

All the purist garbage aside, I have a SA 1911 in 9mm and it's an absolute joy to shoot. 5" and use it in competition, plinking and carry. With Wilson ETM mags, the feeding is a non-issue with factory ammo.

Buy with confidence and as a heads up...might be selling mine to fund other projects.

Rich
 
#12
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: layinclose2hell</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^ Agree.

My STI Spartan simply runs. My only issues ever with the gun have been magazine related.</div></div>

I have full size 9mm NHC. It is one of my favorites to shoot. Mag avialability is very limited compared to 45, and I've had issues with some mags. I'd recommend Wilson Combat's from experience in terms of quality and reliable feeding.
 
#13
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

I have 2 1911s in 9mm, the kimber tach pro II and a sti Trojan. I've never had any problems whatsoever with the sti. Pick up some cobra 10 round mags and you won't look back.
 
#15
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

Echoing the pleasure of shooting 9mm in a 1911 platform. Awesome guns and a silly ass hoot to shoot.

With respect to the inevitable caliber debate, I say BULLSHIT. With premium defensive ammo you are not giving up anything to the heaven sent beam of certain death .45
wink.gif
 
#16
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

With any pistol its shot placement, not so much the caliber that counts. Approx 80% of people who are shot with a pistol live, only approx 20% die.

While doing patrol rife research I called Dallas PD and after talking about rifles I asked how they liked their 9mm's and if they had had any issues with failure to stop (after being shot) and the Sgt. stated that all their shootings at that time had been fatal.

I carry a .40 at work and a 9mm off duty.
 
#17
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I want a full size 1911 cuz 9mm is cheaper then 45 to practice with </div></div>

Why not just get a conversion .22lr kit for it! real cheap to shoot and it will pay for itself. you use the same trigger pull! now thats practice!!!!
 
#18
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

I have and have carried 1911 in .45ACP for Commander length (4") and Government (5") length in Houston, TX year round.

I also have a 1911 in 38Super. Feeds like a champ, I would go that route rather than 9mm. More thump than the 9mm. I don't know which came first, but the 1911 has been chambered in this cartridge for very long time.

Reloading .45ACP is far less costly then shooting box ammo (Last time I did the math, I recall my reloads were costing me less than $6.00 - 7.00 per 50 round box (valuing my time at zero). Another option for practicing for less than box .45ACP ammo, the .22LR option is one that lots of folks (my brother included) use.

Jeffvn
 
#20
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

Thanks to all for the great info!!

However, I feel it's for naught. I've been looking high and low for a Springfield PI9134LP... It's a step above your basic models, but do ya think I could find one??!! YA RIGHT!!

G/B and Bud's are a no-go. So if any of y'all just happen to know where I can locate one... PLEASE let me know!

Thanks again!!!
 
#22
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

I hope to get a full rail STI Tactical in 9mm soon, it's going to be my comp pistol, from a pure competition stand point(not IDPA and what not) a 9 makes perfect sense, all the power you need, and more then enough capacity, easy recoil, and cheaper to shoot compared to 45 and 40.
 
#23
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

Dan Wesson also makes a full size 9mm, the PM(pointman) 9. I am going to buy one this year. I hear they are doing a run of 200 in 2012 instead of the 50 they did in 2011.

The STIs are very nice as well. If you have the budget, Les Baer does the Premier II in 9mm.
 
#24
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

I would definitely take a look at the STI double stack mags, with the STI double stack you get high round count and the pure 1911 style. You will pay for the guns and get a couple of the tuned magazines. Take a look it only costs you if you buy it.
 
#25
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hope to get a full rail STI Tactical in 9mm soon, it's going to be my comp pistol, from a pure competition stand point(not IDPA and what not) a 9 makes perfect sense, all the power you need, and more then enough capacity, easy recoil, and cheaper to shoot compared to 45 and 40. </div></div>

You will be nothing but happy...I love mine.
 
#29
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

I don't think my Spartan had a plastic MSH either. It definitely had wood grips, not plastic.

I personally would not carry any 9mm 1911 except the Springfield EMP, which is purpose-built as a 9mm. I love my full size 9mm 1911, but it is not an appropriate carry gun because the action is too long for the cartridge, and I wouldn't bet my life on such an ill-fitting combo, even if it is fun to shoot.
 
#30
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

I shot the Taurus full size 9mm and it shot pretty well. I think its called the PT-1911. Mild recoil and getting back on target was really easy. The guy who owned it had strait 8 sights on it which I hate but I was will able to shoot it fast and accurate with no trouble. The recoil feels like a "plunk" rather than a heavy .45 recoil.
 
#31
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

Everyone has their favorite. I carry a Springfield TRP. Yes, a full size pistol and yes again in .45ACP. But thats me. My wife carries an EMP in 9mm or a Champion in .45ACP. If I had the cash, I'ld buy Guncrafters .50 GI. That being said, buy what YOU like. But 9mm is the MINIMUM calibre for most people.
 
#32
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

For YOUR intended use, which was your question, then why the hell not?

-You obviously like 1911s
-9mm is cheaper for the range than 45
-as stated, premium 9mm ammo for carry gives up nothing
-9mm 1911s do not "give up" any reliability
-did I mention you like 1911s? so why stray
 
#33
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pdogsbeware</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
-9mm 1911s do not "give up" any reliability
</div></div>

Bullshit.

But don't take word for it. Hilton Yam has the issue covered extensively here.

I love my 9mm 1911. But without proper magazines and carefully loaded round nose ammunition, it's not very reliable at all. With those things, it runs just fine. But it's NOT a carry gun.
 
#35
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mute</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm gonna have to disagree with Hilton on this one. I've got a couple of 9mm ones and I can run JHPs just fine with them. Granted, they're not stock, but they are as reliable as my .45 1911s. </div></div>

I find it very hard to believe that an action designed for a 1.245" cartridge is "as reliable" with a 1.169" one. That certainly hasn't been my experience at all.
 
#36
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

Well folks...

I went for it and dropped the cash today on a Springfield SS Target in 9mm. This is a pic of what she'll look like...

PI9134LP.jpg


No where near the cost of some of my others so I think I did okay. First off... She'll have to prove herself to me on the range before I even think of bringing her out and about. A "trust but verify" thing I guess... If she runs like my other 9mm (EMP) I'll be lovin' life!! If not... S/A has a wonderful customer service department.

Thanks again to all!!!
 
#38
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<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: Mute</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm gonna have to disagree with Hilton on this one. I've got a couple of 9mm ones and I can run JHPs just fine with them. Granted, they're not stock, but they are as reliable as my .45 1911s. </div></div>

I find it very hard to believe that an action designed for a 1.245" cartridge is "as reliable" with a 1.169" one. That certainly hasn't been my experience at all. </div></div>

The 9mm versions need to go with a ramped barrel. The ramped barrel is enough to make a huge difference. I've found the ramped ones to be reliable even with hollowpoints if tuned properly to be able to run HPs. The unramped ones on the other hand tended to be ammo finicky even when made to run well with ball rounds. I don't know which ones you've had experience with, but this has been my experience a couple dozen of 9mm 1911s.
 
#40
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You will really like that pistol. </div></div>

Thanks. I do believe I will. The only issue I've heard of is the rear sight may (or may not) loosen it's roll pin after a few hundred rounds. I'll just keep an eye on it and it it happens, either S/A will take care of me or It'll be time for an upgrade.
grin.gif


(As if we EVER upgrade our guns...
wink.gif
)
 
#42
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

Give mags a nice hard slap when you seat them. You will never hurt a gun by slamming the magazine in so make sure its seated the first time around. This really helps when shooting IDPA. Trust me on that. I've lost quite a few seconds on faultily seated mags.
 
#43
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mute</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><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: Mute</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm gonna have to disagree with Hilton on this one. I've got a couple of 9mm ones and I can run JHPs just fine with them. Granted, they're not stock, but they are as reliable as my .45 1911s. </div></div>

I find it very hard to believe that an action designed for a 1.245" cartridge is "as reliable" with a 1.169" one. That certainly hasn't been my experience at all. </div></div>

The 9mm versions need to go with a ramped barrel. The ramped barrel is enough to make a huge difference. I've found the ramped ones to be reliable even with hollowpoints if tuned properly to be able to run HPs. The unramped ones on the other hand tended to be ammo finicky even when made to run well with ball rounds. I don't know which ones you've had experience with, but this has been my experience a couple dozen of 9mm 1911s. </div></div>

Having personally shot about 4,000 rounds through 9mm 1911s this year, and owning both ramped and unramped 9mm 1911s, I'm perfectly aware of this.

That said, there's a difference between "reliable" and "as reliable as the original caliber." And that's a statement that I just can't get on board with. It proves too much and is thus lacking.
 
#45
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<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: Mute</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><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: Mute</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm gonna have to disagree with Hilton on this one. I've got a couple of 9mm ones and I can run JHPs just fine with them. Granted, they're not stock, but they are as reliable as my .45 1911s. </div></div>

I find it very hard to believe that an action designed for a 1.245" cartridge is "as reliable" with a 1.169" one. That certainly hasn't been my experience at all. </div></div>

The 9mm versions need to go with a ramped barrel. The ramped barrel is enough to make a huge difference. I've found the ramped ones to be reliable even with hollowpoints if tuned properly to be able to run HPs. The unramped ones on the other hand tended to be ammo finicky even when made to run well with ball rounds. I don't know which ones you've had experience with, but this has been my experience a couple dozen of 9mm 1911s. </div></div>

Having personally shot about 4,000 rounds through 9mm 1911s this year, and owning both ramped and unramped 9mm 1911s, I'm perfectly aware of this.

That said, there's a difference between "reliable" and "as reliable as the original caliber." And that's a statement that I just can't get on board with. It proves too much and is thus lacking. </div></div>

I agree that the 9mm in general is not as reliable as the .45 across the board. It doesn't mean it can't be made to be as reliable.
 
#48
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

On the question of realbility, go bo Brianenos.com and ask the folks who shoot alot of 1911 in 9mm and 9major. Personally have a Clark 9major made in the 80's with over 100,000 rounds thru it that is as good as any 45 (nonramped). Also the answers will differ when bringing reloading to the picture. The 1911's 9s that I've had (4) and shot alot were sensitive to the tip over angle and coalbut once this is found its good. have/use/carry the springer the op has, and currently has 6000 rounds of 125 gold dots, with 10 grs of longshot seated out to max mag length. at 1400 fps. (38 super). Usually smaller dia. lighter bullets shot at major levels will have faster slide velocities and seem like they "flip" less. All mags are wilson 38 super 10 rd. no sight pin failure yet, but when these go I usually replace with drill rod. Use the sti high cap for matches. ,but like the "thinner" for carry.
 
#50
Re: Full size 1911.... In 9mm? Your thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dagsta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you wanted to build a 9mm for accurate target or steel shooting I'd say it be worth the cash, I have a Clark!! But if Im carrying a 1911 it's gonna be a 45!! </div></div>

+1! Why else have a 1911? Or throw a .38 Super barrel in if penetration is your concern. That outta give you a few hundred more FPS.....
 
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