Bamacountryboy
Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2009
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 0
Thinking of trading the M&P for a 1911 . Have always wanted one just not sure how much I will like it .I have always shoot revolvers or striker fired . Tell me what you think .
Thinking of trading
- Thread starter Bamacountryboy
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
xopher88x
Member
First off, keep your M&P. Just my opinion. Here is the route I took. I wasn't sure I would like the 1911 either because I tend to like revolvers myself. Cocked and locked was a little intimidating to me at first, even knowing how it all works. Nonetheless, I still wanted to try because you never know unless you try. So I did a little research and ended up with a Rock Island Armory (tactical version). That particular one has some of the upgrades from the GI spec model that a lot of the higher end 1911s have. I was worried about the money too. Most of the higher end models are $1000 on up. My Rock Island was $425 out the door. I had it for 6 months or so, shot the dickens out of it, and through that gun learned that yes, I am in fact a 1911 fan and now own a "high end" model in a Smith and Wesson Pro Series 3" which I carry from time to time. I've come a long way.
Last edited:
Definitely keep your M&P. I have seen so many people fall pray to the allure of the 1911 only to end up with a safe queen or something to trade off on their next desire. If you just have to have a 1911, something I can't imagine, then save your pennies and get one.
Not sure what model M&P you have, or what shape it is in, but you probably won't get all that much for it in trade at a gun shop. Keep your M&P for carry/home defense.
What you might do is find a range/dealer who rents 1911s, and shoot them for a while first. See if you like the way they handle, fire, etc. Then, if you do like them, save your money and buy a good one. You can get a new S&W, Colt, or Springfield with the usually desired upgrades for around $1K.
What you might do is find a range/dealer who rents 1911s, and shoot them for a while first. See if you like the way they handle, fire, etc. Then, if you do like them, save your money and buy a good one. You can get a new S&W, Colt, or Springfield with the usually desired upgrades for around $1K.
knightimac
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2010
- Messages
- 11
- Reaction score
- 0
I agree with the other fellas. Keep the m&p because they are the most practical firearm for self defense/home defense and just plain fun shootin. I have owned over 50 handguns over the years including half a dozen 1911's. I shot bullseye competitively for 5 years with a customized Kimber.
My observations about 1911's including those weapons made in last few years:
I shoot 1911s more accurately then any striker fired pistol. I NEVER saw a striker fired gun in bullseye competition where accuracy is everything.
1911's triggers are usually better or can be made better since it's single action. little uptake, crisp letoff if done right. Trigger control=best accuracy
The 1911 seems to less reliable given my experience.
1911's generally require more breakin-200-400 rounds of full power ammo before declaring them "reliable". I had a Charles Daily fullsize that never ran right. I had Kimbers, Colts and even a Taurus that were fine after breaking them in properly. Clean, lube, fire, clean, lube, fire, clean, lube, fire......
I've found Glocks, M&P much more reliable than 1911's. I would not be overly concerned about reliability carrying my glocks or m&p without lubing or cleaning after my last range session.
If I had to hit the "10" ring on a target at 25 & 50 yards consistently-----1911 all the way.
Plain reliable, fun to shoot fast & accurate at 10-20 yards, combat ready God forbid it would ever happen.------polymer puppies like the M&P
My observations about 1911's including those weapons made in last few years:
I shoot 1911s more accurately then any striker fired pistol. I NEVER saw a striker fired gun in bullseye competition where accuracy is everything.
1911's triggers are usually better or can be made better since it's single action. little uptake, crisp letoff if done right. Trigger control=best accuracy
The 1911 seems to less reliable given my experience.
1911's generally require more breakin-200-400 rounds of full power ammo before declaring them "reliable". I had a Charles Daily fullsize that never ran right. I had Kimbers, Colts and even a Taurus that were fine after breaking them in properly. Clean, lube, fire, clean, lube, fire, clean, lube, fire......
I've found Glocks, M&P much more reliable than 1911's. I would not be overly concerned about reliability carrying my glocks or m&p without lubing or cleaning after my last range session.
If I had to hit the "10" ring on a target at 25 & 50 yards consistently-----1911 all the way.
Plain reliable, fun to shoot fast & accurate at 10-20 yards, combat ready God forbid it would ever happen.------polymer puppies like the M&P
knightimac
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2010
- Messages
- 11
- Reaction score
- 0
One other thing--you started off as revolver guy and shooting polymer double action striker fired guns.
No safeties on either? Yes I'm guessing.
Well get used to flickering off the the 1911 safety. Under stress this can be a problem for some folks. Are you going to dry fire and practice alot is a question to ask yourself.
Just an after thought.
No safeties on either? Yes I'm guessing.
Well get used to flickering off the the 1911 safety. Under stress this can be a problem for some folks. Are you going to dry fire and practice alot is a question to ask yourself.
Just an after thought.
gkitch
Member
I believe the 1911 design requires extensive dry-fire and live-fire practice in order to be carried competently. Shooting at paper is easy, but to train one's brain to disengage the manual safety AFTER clearing the leather but BEFORE geting it on target EVERY TIME is a commitment. One must simultaneously train to re-engage the same safety when reholstering.
Once so mastered, the 1911 is hard to beat. Buy a 1911 when one can afford to do so, but do not trade your current "social" gun for one.
Once so mastered, the 1911 is hard to beat. Buy a 1911 when one can afford to do so, but do not trade your current "social" gun for one.
knightimac
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2010
- Messages
- 11
- Reaction score
- 0
Well written gkitch, spot on, I agree 100%.
Bamacountryboy, I suggest waiting to get your 1911. Take it friom a guy who wished he kept more of those 50 guns I traded away especially the Colts!
Bamacountryboy, I suggest waiting to get your 1911. Take it friom a guy who wished he kept more of those 50 guns I traded away especially the Colts!
7strider77
Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2010
- Messages
- 41
- Reaction score
- 3
Keep the M&P (again)
I can tell you my experience, for what it's worth. I've got decades of revolver time behind me, when I was all but forced to carry an M&P.40. Can't say it was love at first sight, but pretty close. I'd learned to hate Glocks, and thought this was a fancy Glock.
That M&P opened my eyes a bit, and I started exploring, and soon became interested in 1911's. In the mean-time, I got a compact M&P to go with the fs, and I carry it just about all the time.
Now, to the 1911. I "love" them. And can't believe I didn't discover them before. But, its a different weapon, and I'd bet you money that it cannot replace your M&P, at least not immediately. If I take time and place my shots, I can shoot considerably better with a government or commander than I can with my M&P (not so with an officer or smaller). But that's only if I take my time. In competition, time to first shot, and speed-shooting groups, I am simply faster "and" a better shot with the M&P compact: which is way lighter, way smaller (generally), and has way more capacity, and is probably way more reliable.
That last might need negotiating. I have two 1911's (Kimber fsss & lwc) that are reliable. They both have thousands of rounds through them without issues. But it took me some head-scratching and parts-changing (not to mention dollars!) to get them there. Both of my M&P's have thousands of rounds through them without so much as a hiccup, just boringly reliable (at a fraction of the cost).
I could sell the M&P's now that I have two "proven" 1911's, but I wouldn't. I'm still faster with my compact, and it still holds more. But you're certainly correct: if you want a 1911, you should have one! It's a privelege! Just don't trade for it, wait to sell your M&P until you're convinced that you don't need it any more.
I can tell you my experience, for what it's worth. I've got decades of revolver time behind me, when I was all but forced to carry an M&P.40. Can't say it was love at first sight, but pretty close. I'd learned to hate Glocks, and thought this was a fancy Glock.
That M&P opened my eyes a bit, and I started exploring, and soon became interested in 1911's. In the mean-time, I got a compact M&P to go with the fs, and I carry it just about all the time.
Now, to the 1911. I "love" them. And can't believe I didn't discover them before. But, its a different weapon, and I'd bet you money that it cannot replace your M&P, at least not immediately. If I take time and place my shots, I can shoot considerably better with a government or commander than I can with my M&P (not so with an officer or smaller). But that's only if I take my time. In competition, time to first shot, and speed-shooting groups, I am simply faster "and" a better shot with the M&P compact: which is way lighter, way smaller (generally), and has way more capacity, and is probably way more reliable.
That last might need negotiating. I have two 1911's (Kimber fsss & lwc) that are reliable. They both have thousands of rounds through them without issues. But it took me some head-scratching and parts-changing (not to mention dollars!) to get them there. Both of my M&P's have thousands of rounds through them without so much as a hiccup, just boringly reliable (at a fraction of the cost).
I could sell the M&P's now that I have two "proven" 1911's, but I wouldn't. I'm still faster with my compact, and it still holds more. But you're certainly correct: if you want a 1911, you should have one! It's a privelege! Just don't trade for it, wait to sell your M&P until you're convinced that you don't need it any more.
OP
Bamacountryboy
Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2009
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 0
Thank you everyone for your responses I have decided to take your advice and save my pennies to get the 1911.The M&P is going to stay as my dedicated carry weapon. Thank you everyone
wantmoresmiths
Member
I'm a 1911 fan, who went the other way, and tried a M&P after years of shooting a 1911. I probably didn't give the M&P a fair shake, before I decided it was too different for me. I do agree with everyone who suggested keeping the M&P, and save for the 1911. While I have never owned or even shot an STI Spartan, (I have shot an STI Trojan, and was quite impressed) but I have heard nothing but great reviews regarding the Spartan. The best part is the price tag, of about $600 bucks.
I prefer to buy a gun and try it out rather than rent one. Around here it will cost about $50 for the rental, range time, and ammo. Of course the range makes you buy their overpriced ammunition. That only allows you about an hour or 50 to 100 rounds to make your decision. If you buy the gun, you get to try your favorite reloads, or factory ammunition that you purchased at a reasonable price, over several range sessions. If you really don't like the gun you can usually sell it for $100 less than you paid for it. The same cost as 2 rentals.
I prefer to buy a gun and try it out rather than rent one. Around here it will cost about $50 for the rental, range time, and ammo. Of course the range makes you buy their overpriced ammunition. That only allows you about an hour or 50 to 100 rounds to make your decision. If you buy the gun, you get to try your favorite reloads, or factory ammunition that you purchased at a reasonable price, over several range sessions. If you really don't like the gun you can usually sell it for $100 less than you paid for it. The same cost as 2 rentals.
MR. IHC
US Veteran
i agree, you do need a 1911. i own 8 revolvers, and of course 1 1911 colt.
Similar threads
