As I've mentioned elsewhere I've developed a renewed interest in 1911s, and have been reading and watching videos about them. I came across this recent video that I thought might be of interest to the 1911 fans here. Larry Vickers is a well-known and well-respected firearms instructor and 1911 pistolsmith who served with Delta Force for 15 years. In this 40ish-minute video, Vickers talks about the use of 1911s in Delta Force, their development during his tenure with the unit, as well as more general information about the use of the 1911 as a combat/defensive pistol. I found it interesting.

Hope you guys like it.

That is a great video.

I could never be a tough guy, I can't go around scowling and glaring all the time.

Ummm... neither did Audie Murphy or John S. Mosby. Probably not Alvin York. I even saw Col. Askins smile, and Rex Applegate.

I lasted about 9 minutes

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Forum consigliere

You're tougher than me.

I watched and enjoyed every minute.

Well this was the most I've ever watched of Larry Vickers. Have to say that his comments were consistent with my own experience with 1911 type pistols. I enjoyed learning how the Delta 1911s were configured, and the video overall.

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

informative but dry... made it thru but nodded off once...

ContinentalOp: Thank you for posting Mr. Vickers' Podcast #14. Mr. Vickers clearly explained the practical side of the 1911 .45 ACP pistol in a Special Operations context, based on careful synthesis of varied experiences with combat .45 ACP pistols in military combat service during his own active service. Not many folks have had both Special Operations service and long experience as a 1911 gunsmith. Anybody who wants to use a 1911 pistol for any purpose needs to see this video.

I don't know if Vickers still makes 1911s anymore. Back in the day, he would limit the number of custom 1911s to 10 per year. His price was $10,000 per gun!
I have examined some of his early work, a 1911 .45 that was made for an individual who I worked with, who was in Delta with Vickers. It was a well built. solid custom 1911, but IMO no better or worse that Dave Williams or Bill Wilson puts out.

I'm pretty sure he doesn't build 1911s anymore, but I believe he still teaches a one-week 1911 builder's course where students learn how to assemble and properly fit a custom 1911.

As did I!
Lots of good information.

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

For those that don't like Vickers but appreciate 1911's that go for over $10,000 and you can wait a couple of years.

Jason Burton and Vickers.

After watching this I have a better understanding of my custom 1911 gifted to me in 2012, it was built in 2004. The builder is a retired Army SF Sgt Major. It's spec'd (outside of the cerakote colors) virtually exactly as Larry Vickers describes the early 1st SFOD-D 1911s. It's the most accurate 1911, or at least I shoot it more accurately, I've ever owned in the past 40+ years (including custom builds by Novak, Wilson and factory Les Baer pistols).

Btw I've been shooting/carrying 1911s for over 40 years and while I love my revolvers a 1911 of some kind is usually found on my hip.