So what's the big deal about 1911's?++ S&W Pic Added!

[Rule3]

They don't have much plastic, are heavy, only hold 7 or 8 rds. Cost a fortune to start with and then another fortune to fine tune and replace all the parts. Or just start out with a $1-2 K version. Then you need to find what specific flavor of ammo they will digest. No one gripes about MIM parts either.Do they have a lock? Lets replace the stock grips. This trigger has got to go. Better polish the feed ramp, Empties are not extracting.
These are crummy sights.

I'm gonna buy a stock Ruger 10/22

[Bullseye 2620]

1911s fit the hand better than anything else I can think of. They point naturally. The trigger reach works for even people with small hands. They were designed by a certified genius, not by lawyers and MBAs. The original gun shoots a round which is more effective than the 9mm even when shot placement is not perfect. They look like a real gun, especially to the person looking at the business end. They give the person using them confidence.

Just one man's opinion.


Bullseye

[H Richard]

I guess that since millions of people buy them, and shoot them, and they win more competitions than any other model of handgun ever built says something for them.

First they are one shot stoppers.
Second they are accurate.
Third they are comfortable to shoot.
Fourth they are easy to maintain.
Fifth they are more adaptable to all the various shooting "games" than any other handgun.

I own three 1911's, and they all eat any ammo I feed them. You don't have to have a $1000+ model to be competitive. Rock Island Armory and Taurus (and others) make introductory models that will do nearly anything a custom model will for in the $400 to $600 range.

[NFrameFred]

Methinks some legs are being pulled or there is an attempt to get some knees jerking . . . .

[Bullseye 2620]

Originally Posted by NFrameFred

Methinks some legs are being pulled or there is an attempt to get some knees jerking . . . .

Well, it sure worked then! LOL


Bullseye

[m1gunner]

1911 = The original point and click interface.

[JcMack]

One of the stipulations at the 1911 trials/contest to determine the replacement for the Army .38 was: The caliber and bullet weight combination had to be able to "founder a horse" since horse cavalry was still in use. The bullet today is still quite intimidating.
The tag 1911 seems to apply to anything of similar design. If you want a 1911 you buy a COLT 5" barrel.

[oldman45]

I own several 1911 handguns. They work. They are durable. They have a proven history of success.

I have several 11 round mags for my 1911 guns. Yet I am a good enough shot that I do not need 19 wimpy rounds. If there is going to be more thaqn five shots fired with me around, I am headed to the house.

If God needs a gun, he will reach for a 1911.

You might enjoy reading the article at the following site.

1911: The classic homeland security pistol by Massad Ayoob Issue #83

[Farmer17]

A Rock Island 1911 GI model is under 400 bucks shipped from several sources on Gunbroker and the upgrade model with target sights and other features is only about $45 more and they are typically very accurate and reliable.

You just have try a 1911 for a while to see why most everyone likes them so much. You may not like it....... but I'm betting you will!

[truckemup97]

Originally Posted by OCD1

only hold 7 or 8 rds.

That's just not true. I saw a movie the other day where a guy must have shot 15 or 20 times before reloading!!

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by truckemup97

That's just not true. I saw a movie the other day where a guy must have shot 15 or 20 times before reloading!!

Probably a Para abomination double stack. Unless it was Jerry Miculek shooting a 1911(can he shoot one of those??

[gregintenn]

So what's the big deal about 1911's?

You mean there's a company out there who still makes them?

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

I paid $200 for my used Colt Mark IV in 1978, only modifications were have high fixed sights attached to the original slide. Shoots fine as is. I think people go overboard on the modifications, think if they have an expensive gun that will make them a better shooter.
Consider this-how many other firearms have been in production for 100 years with only minor changes?

[Andy Griffith]

Eh, they're ok when you can't find something better, like a shotgun, tank or a .44 HE or Webley.

I've had a 1911 or two over the years, and have one now. They just don't have the "curb appeal" of a revolver.

[gaucho1]

OCD1

Fess up.

How many do you have and which one is your favorite?

I am guessing you have a few Colts.

I feel the same way about double stack 1911s.

[Sprefix]

NICE ONE!!!! Wow.....,My blood-pressure spiked (I'm only 42) before I realized I almost got suckered. John Moses Browning was THE MAN.----'Nuff said.

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by gaucho1

OCD1

Fess up.

How many do you have and which one is your favorite?

I am guessing you have a few Colts.

I feel the same way about double stack 1911s.

Only 2. Dan Wesson Pointman 7. Scary accurate even makes me a good shot and a Colt Commander XSE Stainless. Both are older models with real metal and parts. Colts are coming with plastic trigger shoes now. Amazing.
Actually looking to buy a Smith or a Sig if I can find one.

[deralte]

And to top it off, my 1911 goes real well with my 625 .45 ACP revolver.

[oldman45]

Originally Posted by OCD1

Only 2. Dan Wesson Pointman 7. Scary accurate even makes me a good shot and a Colt Commander XSE Stainless. Both are older models with real metal and parts. Colts are coming with plastic trigger shoes now. Amazing.
Actually looking to buy a Smith or a Sig if I can find one.

Buy a S&W 1911 in .45acp and you will not have to tune it. They come better out of the box than many custom rigs.

Not cheap but really worth the price.

[rewster]

"I'm gonna buy a stock Ruger 10/22"

Let's see now - ummmh - Ruger 10/22 or 1911 ? Ruger 10/22 or 1911 ?? Why am I bothering to reply

[Engineer1911]

Four double stack 1911s, 12 single stack 1911s, 21 S&W revolvers. 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, 357 mag, and 44 mag -- there that ought to stop something. One of them should be reliable and there ain't no plastic parts.

S&W 1911 Target is stock out of the box and is as accurate as the $1,800 match parts custom gun. Para sells a $1,000 stainless steel auto that needs $300 in additional steel parts to work.

[ChuckS1]

The perfect gun... you can agree with me or be wrong, as my wife says....

[Grayfox]

On those days I choose to carry a semi-auto pistol, it will be one of my 1911s. Nothing else even comes close.

[shooboy]

$440, no plastic, 'nuff said.....okay, and money well spent, Shoo (maybe a tiny bit of plastic)

[Bullzaye]

The 1911 was what got me interested in guns in the first place. I had no particular interest in guns, then suddenly got a wild hair for a 1911. I read lots of gun magazines and talked to lots of gun shop folk. Long story short...27 years and 100+ guns later, and I've yet to purchase my first 1911.

I really have no strong urge to buy one at this point, either. I'm not suggesting that anything is wrong with them, and the genius of J.M.B. and the timeless design is without question. But, I feel I'm well served by my Glocks, and I see no real advantage to be gained by changing horses now. I'm sure that people that have spent years using and enjoying their 1911s feel much the same way.

Someday, I may still pick one up, if for no other reason that as a stablemate for my Garand.

Tim

[Kanewpadle]

Originally Posted by Bullseye 2620

1911s fit the hand better than anything else I can think of. They point naturally. The trigger reach works for even people with small hands. They were designed by a certified genius, not by lawyers and MBAs. The original gun shoots a round which is more effective than the 9mm even when shot placement is not perfect. They look like a real gun, especially to the person looking at the business end. They give the person using them confidence.

Just one man's opinion.


Bullseye

Couldn't have said it better myself.

And with 1911's, you get what you paid for. Buy a cheap 1911 and you may have some problems. Buy a decent 1911 and expect hardly any problems at all.

Some will buy a less expensive 1911 and trick it out. It's enjoyable but doesn't make sense to me. Simply buy one that already has what you want.

Evidently you haven't spent much time with one.

[Kanewpadle]

Originally Posted by oldman45

Buy a S&W 1911 in .45acp and you will not have to tune it. They come better out of the box than many custom rigs.

Not cheap but really worth the price.

SW1911 are good guns. But You get more bang for your buck with Dan Wesson.

Oh, and it is a 45!

[Evil Dog]

Why a 1911? Because my Marvel 22LR Conversion unit won't fit on a Glock.

[goldenlight]

I only own one 1911. I still think it's the most 'fun to shoot' firearm I own, even though I can shoot some of my revolvers more accurately...well, ALL of them with a 4" or longer barrel.

I tend to shoot 9mm the most, because it's the cheapest to buy, and even to reload.

But, I do love to shoot my 1911, the most, by far.

To be fair, my 1911 is a Colt Gold Cup, and out of the box, it WAS pure ****.

Jammed every other round: stovepipes, rounds jammed against the barrel hood. You name it, my *** expensive Colt did it.

The 10 cent roll pin that held the rear sight in place didn't last 200 rounds. The Colt magazine that came with it was absolutely worthless, too. The $5 magazines I bought worked FAR better.

And this was in 1989, BEFORE Colt's quality control really hit the skids.

But, after a good 1911 smith worked it over, it became a real joy to shoot.

[oldman45]

Originally Posted by Kanewpadle

SW1911 are good guns. But You get more bang for your buck with Dan Wesson.

Being fair, I have a Dan Wesson 1911 and a couple Wesson revolvers.

While they are really good guns and I would not hesitate to carry my DW 1911, it does not come close to comparing to the S&W 1911 guns I got this year. I own over 100 handguns and have some of the best customs money can buy but not a one reaches the level of either of my S&W 1911 from the PC or the factory S&W.

But as long as a person carries a 1911 in .45acp, they shall fear no evil, for they are protected, no matter what brand.

[40cal]

Originally Posted by oldman45

But as long as a person carries a 1911 in .45acp, they shall fear no evil, for they are protected, no matter what brand.

Brand new 1911 .45 made in the USA, modest price. Cocked & Locked protection.[/IMG]

[oldman45]

Originally Posted by 40cal

Brand new 1911 .45 made in the USA, modest price. Cocked & Locked protection.

And a mighty nice looking one.

[rimfired]

I still don't like'em. I'd rather have a claymore strapped to my chest with the "this side toward enemy" side pointing
away from me. Anybody believe that?

[Cyrano]

I have a Colt and Springfield 1911; a Colt, Rem-Rand and Ithaca 1911 and a slightly tricked out Series 70, which is my go-to gun. I've shot on an Army pistol team so have put a lot of 45 rounds down range. A wonderful design, unbelievably reliable. Heavy enough to take your pants off when worn on the belt. Has ergonomic problems that probably weren't considered in 1911: The grip angle is too close to 90º, the grip itself is too big for all except a large hand and the trigger reach, even with the short trigger, is a little long. The hammer pinches against the grip safety, unless you have an extremely thin hand (Most of the finish on the back of the grip of my target 45 is gone: blood being warm, salty and wet really takes off the blueing quickly). The recoil is pretty stiff for someone who isn't an experienced pistol shooter, and it takes too long to train someone to shoot it well when a war starts.

[Kanewpadle]

Originally Posted by oldman45

Being fair, I have a Dan Wesson 1911 and a couple Wesson revolvers.

While they are really good guns and I would not hesitate to carry my DW 1911, it does not come close to comparing to the S&W 1911 guns I got this year. I own over 100 handguns and have some of the best customs money can buy but not a one reaches the level of either of my S&W 1911 from the PC or the factory S&W.

But as long as a person carries a 1911 in .45acp, they shall fear no evil, for they are protected, no matter what brand.

Yes, as long as it's a quality 1911 that works like it should.

[ditrina]

Getting ready for a 1500 mile road trip in the AM.. Slipped the SIG 9mm outta the briefcase.. and in went the CDP Ultra Carry.. .45ACP, secure in an El Paso Saddlery Rig. ..

1911.. when it absolutely.. positively has to be stopped DEAD in it's tracks

[GatorFarmer]

Colts - which tend to hold their value well, and boutique makers are probably the way to go for anyone that wants one. Most decent pistols that work cost about a grand these days for anything upper tier, so they really aren't any more than any other design.

Kimber and S&W... eh. The series II Kimbers with their schwartz style safeties of MIM parts were complained about by those in to such things.

My Series left the factory when I was 4 years old. I probably ought wrap the grips with friction tape to improve the grip, otherwise... eh.

Polymer and doublestack, and I think even polymer double stack, 1911 type guns have been available on and off for years.

The Colt SAA circa 1873 and its cap and ball forerunners are all still in production and older than the 1911s. Mauser 1898 actions have also stood the test of time.

[OIF2]

I guess I like them. The one I'm shooting (Iraq, 2004) is a WWII Rem Rand I borrowed from a Blackhawk dude. The Gold Cup Trophy is stock (not accurized). The next one is a Colt 1911 WWI repro. Beautiful pistol. Last is my Hoag-accurized bullseye service pistol. You can never have too many .45s.
Bob

[Bat Guano]

Shot my first one as a teenager in 1959--a DCM Remington Rand. Still have it (and a few others). Since I was still in my formative years I think my hand adapted to the gun.

When I actually find something better than a 1911, mark it sold.

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by rewster

"I'm gonna buy a stock Ruger 10/22"

Let's see now - ummmh - Ruger 10/22 or 1911 ? Ruger 10/22 or 1911 ?? Why am I bothering to reply

Just yanking your chain. Folks buy a 10/22 for $150 and end up putting $2000 in after markets parts into them.

[HOUSTON RICK]

"So what's the big deal about 1911's?"

1911's are almost as good as a 4506 and only cost three times as much.

[G-Mac]

Originally Posted by JcMack

If you want a 1911 you buy a COLT 5" barrel.

I have a steel-framed Colt Combat Commander (4.25" barrel) and a Springfield Stainless Mil-Spec (5" barrel).

You just ruined my day...I thought that I was a 1911 owner.

I do see your point though...

[Vadermedic]

I'm an owner of a Sig 1911, SW&W 1911 and a sig P220. Thought for a long time that my P220 was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Carried it over seas while deployed for Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. Recently over last year purchased the 2 1911's and love them. If faced in combat though, would probably take the Sig, just because of familiarity and ease of field stripping. My S&W 1911 under $800, & shoots perfect.

[Joe in SC]

1911's are not a beginners handgun unless they are dedicated to learning the manual of arms specific to this pistol. I have seen many first time owners dismiss their 1911 as defective when all it needed was to be properly broken in or simply not be limp wristed while firing.

Kimber raised the bar for all 1911 manufacturers when they introduced their line of 1911's ! They were the first to mass produce pistols using superior CNC machine tooling techniques. Colt was doing business as usual, not concentrating on civilian markets, allowing custom pistolsmiths to correct their faults for high cost to the consumers. Other makers of the time were also asleep at the wheel and like Colt were taken by surprise when Kimber slipped on the scene.

Since that time, when Kimber woke up the rest of the manufacturers, everybody that makes em' has be trying to catch up. Now you can buy several different brands of 1911's for 6 bills or less that are reliable and more accurate than the average handgunner can potentially utilize.

Out of curiousity I bought one of the first Tarus 1911's that hit our area. I bought it on SC's tax free days around Thanksgiving and paid 465 out the door. At the time I owned a Les Baer Primier II and a Kimber Stainless Gold Match, both of which are exceedingly accurate, reliable pistols. The Taurus cost a little less than half the purchase price of the Kimber and about a forth the price of the Baer. It functioned 100% reliable out of the box, was match accurate and was fairly well finished, considering the price.

Earlier this year I fired a Para Expert that is currently available on GunsAmerica for 539 + shipping and fees that will satisfy even a seasoned 1911 fan. Accurate, well finished and available. As far as I know is MADE IN THE USA.

Again, 1911's are not for everyone, but if you are SERIOUS about self defense and willing to invest the training time, the 1911 can not be beat, equalled perhaps, but not beat by a handgun of any design or brand, for the purpose for which it was designed 100 years ago. And that's a fact Jack!!! I'd bet my life on it!

[vrichard]

The Colt with the Sid Bell grips is 1967,I bought it in 1968,I`m thinking
of shooting it someday.(still new with box)
Dick

[keith44spl]

Well Boys, a 1911 just suits me right down to the ground...



Su Amigo,
Dave

[gizamo]

Ok, folks....

I'm a 1911 addict. I've got more 1911's than S&W's....

I can't help myself - doesn't matter brand, size, caliber, or finish. Flash one in front of my eyes and you'll get the Pavlov effect.

[Cocked & Locked]

My forum name kinda says it for me I reckon.

[DeadAye]

1911s are obsolete!
45 ACP is obsolete!
What you need is to get rid of those obsolete guns and get you a nice new S&W Bodyguard - Or some other piece of modern (not obsolete) junk -------- I mean modern wonderful firearms - Yep, that's what I meant.

I volunteer to help you out (it's a Tennessee thing).
Contact me off site and I'll give you my FFLs address to ship your old (or new - new's not a problem) obsolete gun(s) to. Don't forget to include $10 for the transfer fee - Cash is fine. No need to thank me - I LOVE being helpful.

My only 1911 isn't a 1911 --- It's a Colt Commander. Obsolete, like me, but I can take it.

Them's some fine pictures of some fine obsolete pistols, btw!

[Frailer]

1911s are beautiful things, both in form and function. Whenever I see one for sale--whether it's a plain Jane GI model or a fully tricked-out competition gun--I'm always tempted to buy it.

But I never do. I'm J-frame kinda guy.