A darned honest question-anyone else switch from 1911s to 3rd/2nd Gens?

[heekma]

Hi folks,

Please take this in the manner it's presented-I have no axe to grid, and to be honest this is the most respectful, informative and enjoyable forum I've been fortunate enough to be a part of, so I don't think things will get too heated at all.

I've shot 1911s for 20 years-Colts, Kimbers, SA, a Norinco or two (a bit rough, but well-made of good materials) and a Wilson (one of their budget guns from @ Y2K).

Most were fairly reliable, some more than others, but for me none were as consistently reliable as a Smith 2nd or 3rd Gen. I've personally seen a 5906 go 4,000 rounds without a single malfunction of any kind. My 4506 is hot on its' heels with almost 3,000 rounds without a single issue.

I vastly prefer the relative mechanical simplicity of a 1911. I don't like DA/SA guns with a de-cocker-but the stone-cold reliability of the S&W DA/SA autos has made me a convert.

Don't get me wrong-if you like your 1911 and it's been reliable, by all means, go with what works for you. I'm not trying to change your mind or put down your choice-my reasons apply to me and me alone.

I'm just wondering if there are others who made a transition away from 1911s to S&W DA/SA autos as I have.

I deeply respect and enjoy shooting 1911s. The transition to a DA/SA decocker pistol was not an easy one for me, but in the end it was the right choice for me.

Anyone else have a similar experience? Heck, in all honesty-really- if you haven't had a similar experience I'd like to jear from you too if you're inclined to share.

Respectfully,

Heekma

 

[Warren Sear]

I didn't switch; I "augmented".

 

[ednred]

I didn't switch; I "augmented".

I also added a couple 3rd Gens to my battery of 1911 carry guns.

 

[Kavinsky]

actually this was one of the primary selling points of the second and thrid gen .45's for those who dont like to carry cocked and locked and having to switch off the safety to fire.

 

[Leiden]

I carried a Colt 1911 Combat Elite when I first started as a patrol deputy with our local sheriff's office. There are about 4000 or so of us in the office who are armed, with about 1000 of those who are sworn. I enjoyed the 1911, but when I went to SWAT school I went to a hosting agency who used S&W 4506s, 4566s and 4516s.

I must say the 4506 was the most reliable pistol I'd ever seen and I was a convert after I lost $20 to a guy who bet me he could feed empty cases through his 4506.

In any case, I changed right then and there to the 4506 for uniform and patrol, and later when I went to detectives I carried a 4563 and 4516.

Now, if I look in my holster there is a 1911 in there as my unit now carries 1911s as a whole (SIG 1911 Tac Ops TB). If I go home and put on a uniform, or for any function outside of my special duties, I use a S&W 3rd generation .45.

My agency predominatly carried Glock and 1911s, but we're beginning to see other S&W 4506s on the range. I credit films such as Training Day, Street Kings, and the series The Shield for the resurgance of S&W in my department.

I don't care really what started it, but I'm glad to see a 4506 in a good guy's holster...at least I know it'll work if he does his part.

 

[Rastoff]

An excellent discussion. I hope to hear a lot of opinions on this one.

I owned a 4506 years ago. I got it not long after they discontinued the 645. That gun was fantastic and I never should have sold it. I never had a single malfunction with it.

Then I bought a Colt Delta Elite cambered in 10mm. That gun sucked. It never went a single magazine without a jam. I bought it new and actually got my money back.

For many years I went without an auto loader. Then I bought a Glock. I was so impressed by the simplicity and reliability of the design, I bought another. I don't care what you say about the looks or if you just don't like polymer, you have to admit those guns are super reliable. They go bang every time no matter what the conditions.

Unfortunately, the Glocks have such a horrible trigger, I can't shoot them well. Oh sure, I can put a round in a man sized target at 7 yards, but my groups look like a novice even if I really take my time.

So, I recently bought a SW1911. I have shot some great groups with this gun. Out to about 50 feet, I can put 8 rounds in a 5" group. That's good for me and getting better every time I shoot it.

However, I've had some issues with this gun. Statistically, shooting 10 full magazines (80 rounds) through a gun without a failure should be enough to call it reliable. Unfortunately for me, my 1911 hasn't passed that test. In 540 rounds I've had several failures. This is unacceptable. Until I figure out why, this gun will not be my carry gun.

So, I have a conundrum. On one hand I have a super reliable gun that I don't shoot well, and on the other I have a gun I shoot really well, but isn't reliable. It's frustrating I tell you.

I want my 4506 back!

 

[Kavinsky]

An excellent discussion. I hope to hear a lot of opinions on this one.

I owned a 4506 years ago. I got it not long after they discontinued the 645. That gun was fantastic and I never should have sold it. I never had a single malfunction with it.

Then I bought a Colt Delta Elite cambered in 10mm. That gun sucked. It never went a single magazine without a jam. I bought it new and actually got my money back.

For many years I went without an auto loader. Then I bought a Glock. I was so impressed by the simplicity and reliability of the design, I bought another. I don't care what you say about the looks or if you just don't like polymer, you have to admit those guns are super reliable. They go bang every time no matter what the conditions.

Unfortunately, the Glocks have such a horrible trigger, I can't shoot them well. Oh sure, I can put a round in a man sized target at 7 yards, but my groups look like a novice even if I really take my time.

So, I recently bought a SW1911. I have shot some great groups with this gun. Out to about 50 feet, I can put 8 rounds in a 5" group. That's good for me and getting better every time I shoot it.

However, I've had some issues with this gun. Statistically, shooting 10 full magazines (80 rounds) through a gun without a failure should be enough to call it reliable. Unfortunately for me, my 1911 hasn't passed that test. In 540 rounds I've had several failures. This is unacceptable. Until I figure out why, this gun will not be my carry gun.

So, I have a conundrum. On one hand I have a super reliable gun that I don't shoot well, and on the other I have a gun I shoot really well, but isn't reliable. It's frustrating I tell you.

I want my 4506 back!

wouldnt happen to be a glock 19 would it or one of the third gens would it?

as the glock 19 never did fit my damn hand, the trigger was **** and the finger groves of the 3rd gens pretty much dont like up with the size of my hand.

the 17 however, specifically an 88' 17L had a great trigger and fits my hand well save for the slippy grip....

 

[dsk]

A 4006 recently replaced a 1911 as my home defense gun, if that counts. Those who know me are aware that I'm basically "Mr. 1911" on most forums, but I decided that a DA pistol with a safety/decocker was probably the better thing to make a panicked, half-awake grab for at 3am in the morning. But for EDC a 1911 is still my preference.

 

[Helderberg]

In truth, I have moved most of my auto's for revolvers. I still have a S&W 1911 E series, nice gun but I would take my 686 over it in a heart beat.
I have kept the 1911 because I like the gun but I would not bet my life on an auto as I carry a j-frame and have the 357 for home and range.
I just do not have the trust in a auto that I do in a revolver. Just my opinion.
Frank.

 

[logictox]

In reality the 4506 isn't that great of a departure from John Moses Brownings original work. All they did was improve a time tested proven design.

 

[Birddog2]

Carried a 1911 for 22 years and still have a Gold Cup, but it has been joined by a M 625 JM and M 325 NG.
The Night Guard gets carried.

 

[CQB27]

Nope......

 

[Dadsnugun]

I've got a SW1911 that I like a lot...for an auto loader... acquiring another semi auto pistol would require me either selling my sw1911 to get the funds to pay for it (not going to happen), or using money that's earmarked for something else to buy another semi auto (also not going to happen). Sounds like they're great guns, I'm just not a semi-auto guy at heart.

 

[Shooting Padre]

I have 3rd gen, my first S&W auto. I have been told by many of my friends I need to buy a 1911, but I really don't see the need with having the 3rd gen gun. its everything I need for home and carry. Maybe I'm missing something with the 1911s, they certainly are great weapons. I've shot several but still pick my 3rd gen over any of them.

 

[tomuchiron]

I've always been revolver, 1911. Now also have 6 SS smith 1-2-3gens.
The poor accuracy of the smith's just can't compare. The forum says to use 147gr. , but Walmart doesn't carry them. If I have to use expensive LGS ammo, I'll sell them. In the mean time they are collecting dust until I get time to work up some reloads.

 

[Texas1941]

I've been shooting 1911s for more than 50 years now. I've built two bullseye guns. It's a rare trip to the range that does not include a 1911. There is no handgun that I shoot better than a 1911.

But I haven't carried one in 35 years. For the last ten years or so, the only autos I've carried are either a 3rd gen Smith or a Berretta 96 compact. And a lot of the time I carry a 642 or a 325NG. Depends on the circumstances. I've never felt that "one size fits all", and I'm not LE or military, so I can use what I please.

From an administrative point of view, the 3rd gen guns are a little more forgiving. I know, safety is between your ears. But people get exhausted, sick, distracted, upset. People make mistakes and if you are talking about something you do every day, year in year out...well I'll take all the help I can get.l

Getting 1911s to run has been a whole industry for most of my life. They can be cranky. I have two (both Colts) that will run with just about any ammunition and most magazines. Others will only run 100% with certain ammo or magazines.

If you enjoy problem solving, the 1911 is for you. But if you are not looking for a hobby and you need a handgun that will likely run right out of the box, a 1911 might not be the best choice.

The thing about 3rd gen Smiths is they have been made in so many configurations. No matter what your needs, there is likely one that will do what you need.

The only bad part about them is that they are passing away. Smith and Wesson says they will continue to support the LE market, but how long will that last? There are still many like new 3rd gens out there, but that too will pass. Over time they will become like Colt DA revolvers: parts and service will become a little harder to find every day.

 

[waffenmac]

I didn't switch; I "augmented".

Same here i have loved Smiths autos since our LGS in the early 80s had a nickel model 59,I still like and carry sometimes a commander but more often than not Im carrying my 559 or 4566

 

[Goat Man]

I feel better now after reading all of this. I sold my Glock 30, and went to an S&W model 4566 because I found I just liked it better. I thought it was all because I was just getting older and going back to my first love (all steel guns).

 

[squidsix]

I love 1911s and shoot them often. I even carry one from time to time (rarely).
If I'm going into harm's way, I have to carry a Beretta M9. The closest thing I can find to the operation of an M9 in .45ACP is the 4506. No reason NOT to use one when I can. I now have a 4586, 4566, 4506-1 and a 6906. I can't imagine NOT having one of them available to carry for general purpose.

 

[18DAI]

Having been trained on semi automatic pistols using a 1911 and forced by sorry circumstances to carry one for a couple of years, I won't ever do so again, voluntarily. Yea, I know, blasphemy to "real gun guys".

Too expensive for what they are, too unreliable to bet your life on - without laying out ALOT of money - I will take a S&W 3rd generation 45 every time............hell.....I'll take the 2nd generation 645 over any 1911 I've ever encountered. YMMV. Void where prohibited. If it lasts more than four hours tell everybody! Regards 18DAI