45 cal. Revolver or 1911?

[zogger]

I've always been a S&W revolver fan. My first and still favorite gun is a SS 686 6" barrel .357. Got it right after the Brady bill was passed for $325 new.

Bought my first 1911 a little over a year ago and instantly understood why they have such a following.

Life is short. Get both.

I am with you blueridgeman. I own the same 686 and just bought a Magnum Research 1911. Love them both!

They each give you a different shooting experience. Plus shooting a few .357 magnums always brightens my day!

 

[adams484]

Since you say open to advice...

I need to fill a caliber hole in my meager collection, 45 cal.

The question is revolver or 1911? The fact I am posting this in the revolver subforum does give a hint to which way I am leaning, BUT, I am open to advice.

Both... Hands down in 45 you need both... But if you have to conserve start with the 1911 and get the design that lasted a century with some refinements along the way. But with the revolver you won't have to bend over to pick up the brass and the moon clips blow the doors off of speed loaders.

Now that was a lot of help wasn't it? I vote both! But what it really boils down to is YOU. Are you primarily a wheel gun guy or a semi auto guy? The triggers on both will typically be outstanding. This might help... The grip and handling of a revolver are quite different from a semi-auto design which do you prefer? If you say both then sorry, spend the money. I am willing to bet after the buyer's remorse wears off, and it will, you will not regret it. You only get one shot at this life, do you want "He died being frugal and responsible" or "He lived it his way" on your grave stone? Your call friend and as some will tell you "Life is good!"

 

[Frizzman]

I have a Colt Government Model and a 625-3. I like them both but at the range, I REALLY like the revolver. I reload and the revolver saves my old back from constant bending to pick up brass and I don't lose or damage my brass...My wife much prefers the simplicity of revolvers but the N Frame is too big for her to shoot DA well. She does not carry a concealed handgun and her "house gun" Is my four inch M19.

 

[HidenView]

Sight Picture

I have a couple of each and my advice would be to choose the model that provides the best sight picture if you're going to use it for home defense. There have been a couple of weapons that I really wanted to purchase but they just didn't provide a quick, reliable sight picture due to the grip angle. I carry either a DA revolver or a SA semi auto depending on what clothing I'm wearing. I will shoot anything at the range because it's fun but it's important to have a gun that allows quick and accurate sight acquisition if you're using it for home defense or carry.

I like both guns but have a preference for the 1911 (own three, Stainless Gold Cup, Kimber 3" and blue Colt Govt. Model) and I must say the Ruger .45 ACP has been as dependable of a gun as any I own.

 

[BigBill]

The s&w revolver in a N Frame can shoot both 45acp and 45 long colt?
I've seen the m25 listed as either in 45acp or in 45LC it's confusing.

 

[F4ENUT]

I have both 1911A1 and revolvers in my single action revolver in 45 colt I shoot what is called a Cowboy 45 special which is the 45 colt cut down in lenght to 45 ACP length and uses any 45 ACP load. I shoot these in both my revolvers and my 1873 for cowboy action shooting.
The 1911A1 is shot in Wild Bunch Shoots So I vote for get both.

 

[Watchdog]

I need to fill a caliber hole in my meager collection, 45 cal...The primary purpose will be a range gun, plinker, paper or steel shooter...it may do duty as HD...might be used in competition...May carry either on the trail.

Sounds as if you're looking for the all around gun, and if you ask a hundred people, you'll get a hundred different answers.

A lot of people apparently don't do it, but I see nothing wrong with carrying a 1911 as a trail/hiking gun. It works for me in all your other categories as well. You aren't required to carry it cocked and locked on the trail. And it really has less openings to fill with trail debris than a revolver.

But...if you're looking for a longer range plinker or steel shooter, just skip the .45 acp completely (in either revolver or pistol) and go with a .45 Colt. It's a lot of fun at longer distances, and I've found that if you shoot at longer distances with the .45 acp, you tend to get a bit discouraged if you can't consistently hit the target. And your buddies will laugh at you.

Don't like the manual of arms for the better half on the 1911.

Any particular facet of it, or the whole thing? Just curious. And being honest, I wouldn't recommend a full size 1911 for the average lady, mostly due to size and weight.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

The order is ALWAYS 1911 then revolver.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

If the decision is a revolver, forget .45acp and get a .44mag. As good as my 10mm 1911's trigger is, my S&W69 4-1/4" 5-shot has a MUCH better trigger (if you like them light). There's a limit to how light you can make a trigger on a 1911, because everything has an effect on everything else. Too light, and you can get hammer-follow when chambering the first round.

 

[Gripgrabber]

Hello, I'm with getting both,I love 1911s I have several, and I love revolvers also. I have the Ruger blackhawk convertible, and recently a 625 4" PC acp is veery accurate. But nobody has brought up the the Governor I love that gun!!! It shoots 45LC, 45acp and those bad boy 410s. It doesn't get any better!! It's not to heavy, shoots great it is extremely accurate with acps, front night sights, great house gun!

 

[steelslaver]

I h ave several S&W 45s a couple done to fire both colts and acps. I even made one into a carbine. But, I was at a gun shop the other day and this Ruger light weight commander said hello big boy and I couldn't say no. 1911s in 45 ACP are great guns. Great for a big bore carry.

 

[DR505]

Any particular facet of it, or the whole thing? Just curious. And being honest, I wouldn't recommend a full size 1911 for the average lady, mostly due to size and weight.

Some anecdotal experience on my part: my wife (she is LE so familiar with firearms and carries a G17 daily) can shoot my full size 1911's far better than she can a Glock 22 in .40 S&W. She shoots her G17 9mm better than either the these other two, but just a tad better than the 1911. The 1911 is a great firearm, and women can shoot it fine. But it is a big honking piece of steel to tote around all day for CC.

 

[at_liberty]

Sounds as if you're looking for the all around gun, and if you ask a hundred people, you'll get a hundred different answers.

A lot of people apparently don't do it, but I see nothing wrong with carrying a 1911 as a trail/hiking gun. It works for me in all your other categories as well. You aren't required to carry it cocked and locked on the trail. And it really has less openings to fill with trail debris than a revolver.

<snip>.

Anyone troubled by that might look at a flap holster, but a lot has to happen for a ready 1911 to fire.

 

[Old Griz]

OK, 1911 fans may hate me for saying this, but I have never been that impressed with the 1911. I have a 1911 and it shoots OK, but I have always shot better with a good S&W revolver. My carry gun, however, is a Glock 21 in .45 ACP. It is far superior than the 1911, and so are the other polymer .45s such as the M&P, Springfield, and even the Ruger. People get caught up in the history and romance of the 1911, but I think you'll really enjoy the revolver.

 

[DR505]

My carry gun, however, is a Glock 21 in .45 ACP. It is far superior than the 1911, and so are the other polymer .45s such as the M&P, Springfield, and even the Ruger.

Well, that is certainly an opinion. Some folks may disagree with you. I carry a duty Glock 21 daily, but would gladly carry one of my 1911's in its place. That is my opinion. Be careful throwing around absolutes if you wish to be taken seriously around here.

 

[Old Griz]

See! I said 1911 fans would hate me! Gee, I'm just wondering what make my opinion any less valid than anybody else's? Lighten up and have fun.

 

[Redhawk500]

The simplicity of the revolver give you a better HD option. A revolver can shoot all levels and configuration of bullets. The 1911 is somewhat limited in ammunition due to perfect feeding requirements. Get the 1911 second and get training to use both for all the users in the household.

 

[DR505]

See! I said 1911 fans would hate me! Gee, I'm just wondering what make my opinion any less valid than anybody else's? Lighten up and have fun.

Your opinion is just as valid as anyone's, but you presented it as a carved-in-stone fact. No one "hates" you...but stating absolutes is a great way to be dismissed as a troll. Here is my own absolute: EVERYONE hates trolls.

 

[dbooth]

I purchased the S&W Governor about a year ago and have no regrets. I can use 45 ACP's 45 colt and 410. I consider it a all around weapon. Best of luck on your choice. dbooth

 

[qrachel]

I went the other way. Got a Sig p220 and an EB Kobra Carry. Now I want a. 45ACP in revolver format. It's all good. You can't do this wrong and if 45ACPs really float your boat then you'll get Semi-auto too - it's the natural order of things.

And I luv my P220 & EB KC. it's Just the allure of the wheel gun gets to me.

Go forth and do good, or bad (lol); just be safe.

Rachel