45 cal. Revolver or 1911?

[Green Frog]

The main thing this thread shows is that there is NO "right answer" to your question, and that what you choose is a very personal thing. IMHO, the 45 acp was developed for the 1911 and has shown itself for 104 years to be a pretty good match. Also, depending on what other guns you already have, the gun fondly called "old slabsides" will probably fill a different niche in your "meager collection" better than getting another revolver. OTOH, from the very start, the 45 revolvers may seem more familiar and comfortable, and they certainly have proven to be reliable and simple to operate.

The disadvantage of the 1911 pattern is difficult for smaller folk to cock and perhaps even for some to shoot due to its size, but I find the N-frame revolver a little less "user friendly" for smaller shooters as well. As brother Dale53 stated, chasing brass from the semi isn't all that much fun either, but maintaining moon clips or finding and loading 45 Auto Rim cases takes some of the advantage from the revolver.

Bottom line? IMHO, I'd go with the 1911, but it's your gun, so in the end, it's your decision.

Froggie

 

[petemacmahon]

I'd say:

1) you posted this on a revolver centric forum
2) you already said you don't like the "manual of arms" for the 1911
3) based on the above two, I'd say you spend more time behind the trigger of a DA revolver

Go with the revolver!

I actually just traded my very last 1911 for a 29-3 a month ago. Dare I say I don't own a 1911 any more. First time since ~1992.

After 10 years of migrating over to shoot & carrying my DA revolvers, I too decided I didn't want to have to remember about the safety on my 1911 anymore. I'm shoot strictly DAO now on all my guns that might see any time on the belt. The only auto I have that might see carry now is a G19, again, no external safety.

The lone straggler in my safe, an East German Makarov is going on the block soon. I never shoot it anymore and I don't own safe queens.

 

[M2MikeGolf]

I'm with Rick. Go with both.

 

[Glocktimus]

Easy !

As much as I love shooting my 625, I always reach for my 1911 first !

I suppose that budget is always a consideration, unless you're fortunate to be one of those people that it isn't !!!

An STI Trojan, for example is a really decent 1911, but the sky is literally the limit, and there is nothing quite like shooting a real quality 1911 !

I have upwards of 15K round through one of my 1911's, and it is an utter joy to shoot, it puts a smile on my dial EVERY time !

That said, it's your $$'s and I really don't think you can go too far wrong with either and you should just 'bite the bullet' and buy both !

Good luck with your decision !

 

[bananaman]

I have 3 1911's. My 45 is a Sig. Also have a 625 JM. I shoot it more than any other gun I own! I added a Hi-Viz front sight. Changed the grips more than a few times. Works for me. I love 200gr. Berry's plated bullets for it. Bob

 

[Elliot45]

I love my revolvers but the gun with the best trigger I own is my Colt Gold Cup 1911. I would feel comfortable in using it for any of the needs you mentioned. Regards, Jim

 

[Glocktimus]

Decisions, decisions!



It's a nice problem to be faced with !

 

[Tanners Owner]

I too have both. Bought the 1911 first, a SA range officer- great gun for the money that I did shoot in USPSA. Also have a 625 JM I shoot in IDPA. I prefer the 625, but I like both.
Since I prefer the 625, I also got a 627 for USPSA and retire for now my 1911.
Yes I like wheelguns.......

 

[Rick_A]

A 1911 will spoil you forever with a light trigger and the short reset.

A good revolver will make a better shooter of anyone when practicing double action.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I have six 1911s in .45 ACP and four revolvers in .45 Colt. My recommendation is a government model 1911 .45 ACP and a Colt .45 revolver.

 

[Shooter6br]

Both Smith 25-2 6in and Kimber Target II.

 

[scruffy]

This will keep you busy for a while. 1911Forum
If it's your first 1911 get a standard Government size with 5" barrel from a good mid-level manufacturer, (Ruger and Remington both make quality affordable models). The gun and magazines demand understanding how they work and regular maintenance (field strip & clean) to get the most our of it in terms of reliability and enjoyment. I love 'em and revolvers also, but prefer my revolvers in .38 & .357. Good luck.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Okay, it didn't take as long as I thought. Only had time to put through a few factory rounds. So far I've enjoyed it.
625 JM

 

[Lt JL]

Some things are just iconic. If you don't have a .45acp, you have to get one. If you don''t have a .45acp in a Colt 1911, get one.
Then, and only then, may you desecrate the spirit of John Moses Browning with other offerrings in .45acp.

 

[Tom_R]

My favorite gun out of my collection to shoot is my Kimber 1911. I have Four 1911s, and a good 1911 is a must have.

I also have Six, Smith and Wesson revolvers, two 44 Magnums, and four 357 Magnums. They are great guns.

My suggestion would be to find a good Smith and Wesson 45acp revolver first. Look far and look wide, as they don't come up that often.

1911s are everywhere.

When you do get a 1911, try, if you can, to make your first one a Nice Colt. There are now other big name, and legitimately excellent 1911s out there, but there is only one Colt.

This is an original that I had refinished, but they make a reproduction of this 1911, which is an original variant, not a 1911A1.

Anyway, give Colt a chance if you can. Dan Wessons are also Excellent guns, especially for the money. They are not cheap, but they are essentially the same guns as the big time expensive customizes make.

But try to find a .45acp Revolver first, if you can.




This is. Kimber Stainless II, that I have had some work done on, and had night sights put on. These are everywhere, and you can find a good used one, for not a lot of dollars.

 

[rz625-8]

I have a 625-8 with the ils lock and it has a 4 inch barrel and night sights that I had Bill Laugridge do. I shhot ar loads because of my disabilty.

 

[M2MikeGolf]

My favorite gun out of my collection to shoot is my Kimber 1911. I have Four 1911s, and a good 1911 is a must have.

I also have Six, Smith and Wesson revolvers, two 44 Magnums, and four 357 Magnums. They are great guns.

My suggestion would be to find a good Smith and Wesson 45acp revolver first. Look far and look wide, as they don't come up that often.

1911s are everywhere.

When you do get a 1911, try, if you can, to make your first one a Nice Colt. There are now other big name, and legitimately excellent 1911s out there, but there is only one Colt.

This is an original that I had refinished, but they make a reproduction of this 1911, which is an original variant, not a 1911A1.

Anyway, give Colt a chance if you can. Dan Wessons are also Excellent guns, especially for the money. They are not cheap, but they are essentially the same guns as the big time expensive customizes make.

But try to find a .45acp Revolver first, if you can.

Tom,

Nice 1911, really nice. I have my grandfather's 1930s made Colt Government model and a WWII era Remington Rand (that someone carelessly nickel plated) that I would like to be refurbished like yours. Can you give me a point? If it's Turnbull, I've already checked into them and they are pricey, of course. I may send my granddad's 1911 to them, but don't need that level of restoration for the Remington Rand.

 

[Peter1969]

If you are really interested in a 45 pistol, but don't favor the 1911, I suggest you consider the Sig p227 SAS -- std. 12 rd. mag with optional extended version and sweet SRT trigger. It's an excellent weapon.

 

[dean sr.]

Cost of ammo for one thing (.45 LC vs .45 acp ) and firepower as another ( 5 - 6 wheelgun vs. up to 14 + 1 in the right 1911.

 

[Win]

I have a Colt 1911 A1, Para Ord P14-45 and a Tanfoglio 45acp (copy of CZ-75). Para is the most accurate, Tanfoglio close 2nd and Colt third. My 625-4 in 45acp will outshoot all 3, though the Para is might close.

Having said that, most days I take a couple of 9mm to the range. My Dillon is set up in 9mm and cranks it out.