9mm 1911s seem to be getting popular

[BAM-BAM]

Recently I've seen a number of blogs/articles (Wilson Combat) and posts talking about the virtues of 9mm 1911s. I moved away from 1911s in the late 80s ..... all were .45s and while I don't carry/shoot .45s much anymore I still have some Sigs (220/245) and a Smith 4566

Seems like a lot of $$$$s and trouble to reinvent the wheel...................I know you can get a nice trigger with a 1911.......

But, why not just get a Browning HP and remove the magazine disconnect maybe send it out to Novacks?

What am I missing?????

 

[FifthWheel]

Maybe the 10rd limit in some states is making the single stacks popular. Me, I'd get another BHP or a CZ. Got my eyes on another BHP right now.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Maybe the 10rd limit in some states is making the single stacks popular.

That's a thought..............

I've never been big on carrying cocked and locked.... which is what moved me to the Sigs.; and later 3rd Gen Smiths. Don't feel the need for hi-cap on a daily basis.... which moved me from a 6906 to a 3913 for my EDC.

I have always been fond of the Browning and still have 2.... both with Mec-gar 15 rd. mags if the "need"/Zombies ever arise. Back in the 80s Auston Behulert (sp) built/ chopped HP down to about the size of a 6906 IIRC with a 10 rd magazine/gripframe...... your gun and 'big Bucks" at the time!!!!

 

[jwk]

Several reasons for a 1911 in 9mm.

Cheaper ammo.

As we age our hands may suffer. A 1911 in 9mm is easier on the hands and wrists to shoot. Years ago I suffered a neck injury that seriously affected my hands both as to strength and dexterity. Couldn't run a wheel gun and shooting a 45 hurt. Also had trouble maintaining a solid grip. Since I could run a 1911 in my sleep I bought a 1911 in 9mm. 100% familiar and I could hit with it. After neck surgery I sold it but it was my orthopedic gun. BTW I had a HP but couldn't shoot it as well as a 1911. Same situation for older shooters and other people w limited hand strength. FYI older now and my hands and wrists aren't 20 anymore. I have 3 1911s in 9mm in addition to several in 45 ACP.

BHP is a great pistol but not everyone likes them. While I would love a Novak BHP the trigger is never going to be a 1911 trigger. While it will be a sad day before I sell my BHP it will go before my last 1911 goes.

Why do we have more than 1 type semi auto pistol? Because people want them. Same is true for cartridge choice.

Because my Robar modified Glock 19 doesn't work as well FOR ME as a 1911. That's for me. Your situation may differ. Glocks are good handguns but not MY 1st choice.

Practice w a 1911 in 9mm transfers to a 1911 in 45ACP. Cheaper ammo can equal more practice. Easier on the hands can equal more practice. More practice done right = better shooting.

What if I work at a PD that allows my choice of firearms as long as chambered in 9mm?

Comparable to a 38 Super although not identical ballistics. Very limited ammo choice in Super. Tons of choices in 9mm.

I'm sure there are more reasons but folks buying them is a big reason.

You could just buy a BHP but I have multiple 1911s, multiple revolvers and multiple 9mm handguns of various makes and models including a BHP and a Glock 19. In reality all I need is a 22 for cheap practice and fun, a J frame for concealed carry and a big bore revolver for a field / hunting handgun. If I really had to I could do it all w a single 4 inch barrel 629 revolver. I could use lite 44 Spec for plinking, heavy Spec for carry and full house mag for field use. And yes I have carried a 629 concealed under normal clothes wo getting made even in a room full of gun toaters who were saying it couldnt be done. I could get by w a 22 rifle and either a 308 or a 30-06 If I had to do so. Where is the fun in that?

 

[BAM-BAM]

JWK.... good thoughts and I agree...... my question was more along the lines of "Why the surge of interest that seems to have sprung up in just the last year".

Maybe like Bill Wilson and ken Hackathorn posted it's that a lot of us are getting older and arthritis is taking it's toll.

 

[Grayfox]

A lot of competitors are going to 9mm 1911s. I see them a lot at IDPA matches. Lighter recoil = faster times. And then there are those who want the great trigger and classic style of the 1911, but don't want the recoil of the .45. (Wimps)
I have always believed that if you want a middle bore 1911, then do it right with the .38 Super. I have four. 9mm in this old classic just felt like blasphemy to me.
OTOH, I recently sold off several guns to finance repairs on my truck. I now find myself a bit short in the 9mm department and am looking to get another. I do love the 1911. I don't know.... maybe.

 

[joeintexas]

I picked up a Rock Island Armory 1911 in 9mm not long ago. Shoots great and is much easier on the wrists in extended range time. Not putting my 45s to bed just yet but the 9mm 1911 is a very easy shooter. Seeing a lot more of them at the range lately also.

 

[dougb1946]

Practice makes perfect, and practice costs money. 9mm is about 30% cheaper than .45 at my local big box.
There is a reason there is more than one gun manufacturer and why each makes many models in many calibers. I have no problem with you shooting what you like. I will shoot what I like.

 

[hoc9sw]

JWK hit all my reasons.

I suffer severe bone loss, arthritis, and cancer. One of my docs is also a range buddy. He saw what I was going through with my 1911 .45acps, and decided I was done with them. Between him and the ortho surgeon, they convinced me. I moved to 9mm 1911 as my primary, and have added some / sold some since. I got my first 1911 in 1968, so that was it.

But I grew up with the idea that a 1911 had to be a .45. Took some doing to convince me that 9mm was valid, but that's where I am today.

 

[326MOD10]

I just ordered a Sig TACOPS 9mm 1911.

Not real crazy about the name but if it performs like they say I can get past that.

I have two SR1911 .45's and enjoy shooting them. Just figured with the cost of 9mm being so much less and all the good things I have heard about this Sig I would give it a shot.

Didn't hurt that Sig apparently discontinued this model and I was able to get into one out the door for less than $800.00.

Haven't had it in my hand yet but I am really looking forward to it!

I also look forward to the lighter recoil and improved accuracy. Call me a wimp if you must. It can't be any worse than the name of my new 1911.

 

[petepeterson]

I have a 9mm Colt Competition that I just had out last night. It's a joy to shoot. I wouldn't hesitate to carry it, but I would probably carry my .45 1911 or Browning, all the same.

Price of ammo was the key factor in me buying it.

 

[dusty3030]

IDPA.
I got a 9mm Colt competition 1911 just to bang steel on my little home range. It's a ton of fun to shoot.

 

[federali]

Size Matters

My main complaint regarding 9mm Model 1911s is that they're built on the same frame as the .45 ACP chambering. This means unnecessary bulk. If anything, the .45 ACP is lighter than its counterpart 9mm as more metal must be hogged out to accommodate the larger caliber.

I think Springfield Armory (?) has scaled the grip to the 9mm but didn't touch the width. The Browning HP has a slim slide and carries more easily in an IWB holster compared to the .45. I sure wish the Hi-Power was offered in a single stack version but that will never happen.

 

[bigggbbruce]

The original Colt Commander was designed as a 9mm first.

Here's my second year Commander 9mm..1951..

 

[BAM-BAM]

I think Springfield Armory (?) has scaled the grip to the 9mm but didn't touch the width. The Browning HP has a slim slide and carries more easily in an IWB holster compared to the .45. I sure wish the Hi-Power was offered in a single stack version but that will never happen.

One of my favorite 9mm is a Beretta 92 Compact Type M 8+1 single stack..... another gun no one wanted in the 90s.... I've got a couple and a stash of magazines.

Question are the 9mm 1911 magazines proprietary to one make/model ?????

 

[Sevens]

I understand the premise of the question and discussion, but going directly to the Browning Hi-Power from the 1911 is... for lack of a better term... silly.

There are many guns more like a 9mm 1911 than a Hi-Power and the Hi-Power and 1911 have almost nothing in common beyond the name John Browning. And when you consider the amount of a Hi-Power that Browning was responsible for... you may just as well have said a Colt Woodsman instead.

People love 1911's for many reasons... if ya love one in .45 then you might love one in any other caliber too.

If you love a Browning Hi-Power, that's great also but if you were drawn to a Hi-Power because you think it's like a 1911, you've got me absolutely confused.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Question are the 9mm 1911 magazines proprietary to one make/model ?????

1911/ 9mm all the same.

 

[dr. mordo]

I'd say first of all the 9mm is easily the most popular handgun caliber these days, so a lot of folks I'm sure like having multiple guns in the same caliber so they don't have to collect different calibers. AS has been pointed out, it's also the cheapest to shoot.

As for the BHP vs 1911, I have a FNHP that I love, but it's still no 1911. The trigger is not as good, and the safety lever is not is well designed as on the 1911. My thumb finds the 1911 safety without trying, but the HP I have to hunt for it a bit.

 

[lrrifleman]

I just purchased a 1911 Commander in 9mm, still waiting for the purchase permit. I was born and bred with the 1911 being a 45. My fascination with the 38 Super motivated my recent purchase. From my research, a barrel and magazine swap, with an adjustment to the ejector, and then I have a dual cartridge 1911. Plus, I have been shooting a 1911 45 for over 40 years and I trust it. The 9mm will give me a bit more trigger time and allows me to have an affordable 38 Super!

A few other factors have been behind this purchase. My other 9mm is a 439. While it is a great pistol, I am not fond of the first shot being double action. I am looking at using this Commander for IDPA and possibly CCW.

I didn't purchase a "boutique" 1911, but an ATI for about $400. I like the concept behind the 1911 and my ability to do most of my own repairs and barrel swaps. A brass broom allows this mangled body to retrieve my brass.

 

[Wee Hooker]

JWK.... good thoughts and I agree...... my question was more along the lines of "Why the surge of interest that seems to have sprung up in just the last year".

Maybe like Bill Wilson and ken Hackathorn posted it's that a lot of us are getting older and arthritis is taking it's toll.

My 2 cents:
I've been around long enough to remember when a 9mm 1911 was a novelty and was sure to give it's owner feeding problems. Things have changed in recent years . Due to good engineering and more precise machining practices, 9mm 1911's generally run as good as their 45acp counterparts. In response, most 1911 manufacturers have heard the call of flocks of newbie shooters who have grown comfy with the 9mm in their plastic carry pieces but would like to step up to a legendary 1911 platform for the range. Sig,RIA,Colt,Springfield and others all now have 3,4 and 5 models now with varying barrel lengths,finishes and features. ( Read: There is now a big selection to choose from.) I can tell you from my time in the shop, that they do sell well. Maybe 1/3 of our 1911 sales are now in 9mm. ( BTW, Interesting that S&W still only has the one Pro series in 9mm)
All that said, there are benefits for us old school 1911 shooters as well. Less recoil and cheap shooting being the big ones. ( OK, and an excuse to buy a new 1911 or two
I myself have purchased "a few" 9mm 1911's to run with my 45ACPs. I can tell you that they are a joy to shoot!