I suppose this is a matter of to each his own. Some people love the 1911, some people don’t.
In the video above, Daniel Shaw, retired US Marine Infantryman and Combat Weapons Master Instructor, explains why the 1911 is not the defensive gun he chooses to carry.
Shaw gives us four fairly compelling reasons why he opts to go with something aside from John Browning’s classic handgun: 1. limited magazine capacity, 2. safety lever, 3. reliability, and 4. magazine compatibility.
The former Marine is careful to note that this is his opinion, based on his experience, and acknowledges that everyone is free to pick the platform that’s right for them. With that in mind, what are your thoughts on the 1911? Do you trust your 1911 with your life? Do you have four reasons to back up your stance?
GunsAmerica produced this video in conjunction with Funk Tactical and Thunderbird Tactical last winter. To see some of the other cool videos we made during our trip to Wichita, Kansas, click on the links below:
THE TRUTH ABOUT THUMB OVER BORE!
AR-15 MYTHS YOU NEED TO STOP PERPETUATING
IS IT OKAY TO LOOK DOWN AT YOUR HOLSTER WHEN RE-HOLSTERING?
CHEST RIG, PLATE CARRIER OPTIMIZATION: 6 ESSENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
I think this video is subjective, and a load of crap. Because someone has been in the military, or law enforcement, doesn’t make them anymore a gun expert than me. A lot of elitism and jerks in the gun culture, and this coming from a strong conservative too.
I’ve owned numerous handguns in my 62 years of life, and I now am down to just one, a Para Ordinance P3 1911 Colt .45 Auto short slide. I’d stake my life on it. I’ve never had a single issue with this weapon, and I qualified for my Kansas CCL with it back in 2007, and scored top marksmanship with it in a class of 14. John M. Browning was one of the greatest inventors in history.
I don’t need high capacity magazines either to hit my target, nor an $1,800 Kimber. I’ll give some credence to double action revolvers, but too slow to reload.
Btw, I don’t need an “insult rifle“ like an over rated AR15 to protect myself from Antifa and BLM , and that costs $1,200-$1,500, and then just sits there in a closet until “what if happens”.
I’ve personally owned several 1911’s (all relatively modern manufacture) and I can honestly say that I’ve NEVER had even a single misfire, FTF, FTE out of any one of them, ever. Consequently, I would not hesitate to carry any one of the for my ETC.
With that being said, due to the size, weight, etc., of most 1911’s, I’ve only carried one of them, (a Kimber Ultra II) and rarely at that. It’s Commander sized and aluminum framed so it’s smaller, shorter and lighter than your typical full-sized 1911. It also kicks like a mule.
Still, I have numerous other pistols that are considerably easier to conceal/carry due to their size weight, style, etc. Wherein I’ll typically choose something smaller, lighter, less powerful depending on where I plan on going.
Nevertheless, if a modern 1911 is all I had to carry, I wouldn’t hesitate to carry one for even a second.
It’s hard to argue against something that’s been so successful for so long. Yet, there is always someone who’s willing to.
Don’t see my earlier comment, but have something to add to the Marine Instructor’s comments, to which I agree 100%.
First, I wish the responses from my fellow firearms owners weren’t so emotional. I am very fond of the 1911 and have owned several. Sold the best one I ever owned, an SR1911, a few months ago because all it did was sit in the gun safe.
I carried a nickle plated Series 80 when I first got into civilian law enforcement. I’ve carried them in the military, as well as the Model 10 S&W and the Berretta before I retired. I’ve fired, and won trophies, using the 1911 in Bullseye competition. I would not choose any of those for personal defense. I have owned a dozen or more Glocks in .40 and 9mm and have settled on different models in.40 for duty and concealed carry.
I have embarrassed myself in Hogan’s Alley competitions switching from the Glock to the 1911 for reasons stated by the Marine Instructor. Have seen others fail to release the safety under stress as well. LE personnel transitioning from wheel guns to autoloaders have died in armed conflicts because they failed to release the safety.
In DA designs negligent and unintentional discharges are common in anticipation of the second and subsequent trigger pulls being as difficult as the first. The Marine Instructor, and many others, presented valid points in a mature. Way.
As for magazine capacity. Again, a legitimate concern. I know of a Marietta, Georgia officer who walked in on an armed robbery in progress at the bar he pulled security at. Had he still had the duty S&W revolver instead of the Glock and several magazines, he likely would not have prevailed against the two armed robbers. Might want to review the FBI shootout in Miami and the bank robbery in California.
Opinions are opinions and facts are facts. Ignore facts, or “reality”, quoting the author of a knife fighting book, and it will automatically begin to work against you. Separate and apart from the mechanical differences, and their potential impact on one’s survival, are the ergonomics. For me the 1911, tuned, is a superior Bullseye firearm, but for rapid draw and fire the Glock is the only one that “points” for me. I thought I wanted a Sigma series when they first came out but as soon as I picked one up I knew that it wasn’t going to point for me. Glad I didn’t buy it, especially in view of it’s teething pains. I have to “hunt” for the front sight on a 1911. It’s always right there for me on the Glock. I usually qualify in the 498 to 500 range with the Glock. Be safe out there.
Concur 100%. Used to shoot the 1911 in competition, Bullseye, and would still enjoy it. Not my “Go to” for personal defense.
Throughout my shooting career…..hunting, competitive shoots, and three separate and distinct instances where weapon drawn but no shots fired, 50 years have come and gone since I first fired a firearm. I have, in that half century, owned several 1911s of various configurations, and fired many more. While my experience with firearms is extensive, my experience with the 1911is limited compared to many fans. My conclusion after these many years is this: Not only would I not even think about staking my life on ANY 1911, but I would sooner vote for a Hillary Clinton/Maxine Waters presidential ticket than I would own one. I have NEVER encountered one that was good to go out of the box. Feeding issues with anything other than hardball, ejection problems etc. “Well, ya know, ya gotta put 500 rounds through da sumbitch ta break ‘er in”. Give me a f#@*&ng break! Now then, lest you think I’m a total heathen, I am the proud owner of 3 fantastic 45 acp handguns……a Smith & Wesson 625, and 2 Ruger Blackhawks. My carry gun is a Blackhawk. It NEVER fails and it does EXACTLY what I tell it to do every time I press the trigger. Plus the fact it looks better in court. What if I’m alone and waylaid by 7 armed marauders simultaneously? Well, gee……I’d prolly lose that one….and make no mistake…..YOU WOULD TOO! your 2000$ 1911 not withstanding. MAGA.
My current carry gun is a newly manufactured Colt Commander, it shoots wonderfully and I feel comfortable with 8 + 1 45ACP. I think the 1911s reliability track record is a bit skewed because there are so many different brands. If you purchase a modern 1911 from a quality manufacturer and use good magazines they are reliable firearms. I’ve only ever had 1 malfunction in my Colt and it was a double feed while using a light weight self defense ammo from Liberty in a brand new magazine (litterly just out of the box) other than that it’s gobbled up hundreds of rounds including various hollowpoints. I’ve had more malfunctions out of my Glock 19 than the 1911.
I carry a SA mil spec everyday, its what I’m comfortable with, I got out of the Marines about 4 years back, 1/3 Bravo Company. Anyhow I do feel wary about only having 16 rounds on tap 9 in my carry and 7 in a spare mag, but lets be honest. I live low key and don’t go looking for trouble. Ill buy a few more mag though next paycheck too be sure. The 1911 was and still is the only handgun I can point shoot with both eyes open, I tried a glock 17 years ago and just count stand the trigger.
Sig P226, 18 rd mag, Federal HST 24 gr. Nuff said.
If you need more than 7-8 rds of 230 gn. Hollowpoints,then a hi cap mag will not help you. As for the safety,slide release,there are. Aftremarket parts that will suit your needs. Im sure there are 250,000 or more ww2 vets who will disagree. When it comes down to it,its personal preference.
“If you need more than 7-8 rds of 230 gn. Hollowpoints,then a hi cap mag will not help you.”
This has become one of those oft repeated lines on the ‘net. It’s nonsense; At the most basic, What if there are 9 attackers?
I hate to be the one to break this to you, but the real world is not a 1980s John Woo action movie. There are certain non-winnable scenarios in which the best you can hope for is to try for Valhalla. Nine against one is one of them.
See also, “What if a thousand flesh-eating zombies surround me in the parking garage?”
Defensive uses of the handgun are almost always extremely sudden, violent affairs of extremely brief duration, taking place most often at powder-burn distance. There’s going to be a winning side and a losing side long before the gun runs dry, whether it holds six rounds or twenty. If nine people are that pissed off at you and you’re only carrying a handgun, this represents the culmination of a long string of unsatisfactory tactical choices, going well past not bringing something belt-fed to the fight.
The other “objections” are equally silly. If you carry a defensive sidearm and you worry constantly that you won’t remember to disengage the manual safety–if present–then your subconscious is trying to tell you that you need to train more. If you are familiar with your weapon and its manual of arms, it is a non-issue. If you are carrying a firearm you don’t know how to use, then maybe a rape whistle would be a better choice.
If a 1911 is of recent manufacture from a reputable maker, it should run absolutely 100% with factory mags with any modern defensive ammunition out there. Period. Full stop. Yeah, wartime 1911A1s that were built before hollowpoint ammunition existed had feedramp angles and magazine feed lips that were suboptimal. This hasn’t been an issue since before most of the people reading this were born.
Likewise one tests one’s equipment and carries magazines known to work in the gun.
What if there are more than 12, 15, 20, and so on? There was a much publicized shootout between a cop and a BG. Cop used over 40 rounds with his plastic fantastic, over 10 center hits and two to the head. Perp was not killed on the spot; died later at the hospital. Now, this cop claims to carry 140rds at all times. No one knows how much is enough until it is all over.
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Mr Shaw
thank you for sharing your view on the 1911, I like to be informed about anything that has to do with the 1911, the 1911 is one of my favorite weapons, however it’s not the carry weapon i choose to carry.
I mainly use it for home defense and target shooting, as a target shooting pistol it’s most likely one of the best shooting and most accurate pistol i have ever owned, and i have owned to many to try to count.
I disagree with your complaints on the 1911, depending on the situation a person shouldn’t need no more than 8 rounds to stop an intruder, the only complaint i have on the 1911 is the palm safety lever, i have never had any other issues with mine.
perhaps a inexperienced owner would i expect there are people out there that go buy a weapon for home defense and or personal protection, i have always tried to encourage new gun owners to learn everything about the weapon possible and spend as much time as possible at their local range until they are completely comfortable with the weapon they have chosen no matter what type. but again thanks for your view and opinion on the 1911 I welcome any kind of views or opinions on any of the firearms i own, knowledge is power.
I’m not the person in my family that enjoys shooting at our local range, I have taught both my children about firearms since they were old enough to understand what I’m teaching them, the dangers, safety and the enjoyment and responsibility and owning a firearm, now they are teaching their children.
Again thanks and i would like to hear more about any other opinions or experiences you may have on other firearms, I have a small collection myself it’s a great hobby, I’m disabled so there isn’t a whole lot to do and we have gotten a lot of enjoyment teaching, learning and going to the firing range as a family. And I feel very secure in my home and where ever i go.
One more time thanks and I wish you the best luck in all you do.
Sin, Bobby j Shaffer
Nice Info. now when I use my Kimber I’m leaving the safety It has one in the grip.
:o)
The Marine Corps carried the 1911 since at least from WW1 and didn’t do away with it until the 1980’s and have now gone back to it. I think a 100 plus years trumps your 4 reasons. I carried the 1911 in Nam it never failed when I pulled it. 7 in the mag not enougn? We started WW2 with the 1903 Springfield it held 5 rounds, The M-1 in WW2 held 8. When I went to Nam my M-14 held 20. we never had enough we were always out numbered. We made due. the M-16 is better but still not as good as it should be. More is better is not true I don’t care what you say the 1911 is still the best war fighting pistol out there, Semper Fi Mac!
Ken, you make a great point about the 1911’s track record, but I think the problem today is that—unlike the guns made for earlier on—the newer production of 1911s are highly automated. Sure, you can buy higher end 1911s that are hand fitted to eliminate any problems that arise when the tolerances aren’t tight enough, but most of the sub 1,000 offerings in particular are well documented as having reliability issues. Personally, I am not a reliability Nazi; if if I have a few bobbles in a thousand rounds I don’t really care too much. When you stack the odds, I think reliability is over blown. If you can’t go a couple hundred rounds without a failure, that’s a different story. The interesting thing to me is that I was doing unrelated research at the Library of Congress’ archives, and I came across a new $2.50 19th century revolver in an old newspaper. Adjusting for inflation, it was less than $50 (I think it was about $35 if I remember correctly). Everything back then was hand fitted with little automation but was produced at a fraction of the cost. I understand the complexities of economics, but it’s just to illustrate that the market has adjusted so that the personal care that used to go into 1911s is no longer affordable for most people, and the ones which lack hand-fitted have proven highly unreliable. You can go talk to 20 of the best gun instructors and they will tell you how unreliable these guns are. That wasn’t the case for the majority of its service life, but it is now. Moreover, the ballistics of a .45 are not needed—that’s a fact anyone who has researched this thoroughly understands. You said you had to make due with people all around you, and that’s commendable, it truly is; but in this day and age, when 9mm ballistics can rival that of the .45 ACP, there is no need to make due when you have multiple assailants. The odds don’t favor expending more than a few rounds, but those are merely averages. I may not need a car that can go well in excess of 100 mph, but all things being equal, I’d pay a little more money for more power I likely won’t need. That’s how I look at it anyway. Just as we’ve moved on from many firearms that have come and gone (like muskets that were in use far longer than even the 1911), we have to keep up with technology because our adversaries do.
I am a FFL and gunsmith. I have performance tuned many 1911 pistols and modern polymer striker fired pistols. Bottom line, the 1911 can be made to be very reliable but the 1911 magazines not so. The magazines must be carefully selected to work with Ammo carefully selected. Hence the 1911 requires more care to insure consistent reliability in the platform. End of story. Hard stop.
Our Father was a Marine and a Korean War Vet, we have a Photograph of Dad from when he was in Korea, but what we never knew there was a letter from him on the back of the photograph, it was for our great Uncle Joe, because dad referred to himself, using Uncle Joe’s nick name that he had for Dad. Dated 11-14-52, We’re in Reserve til the end of the month, we came off the line 2 days ago. One of the boy’s took this picture. You should have seen us before we got cleaned, We had not washed or shaved for 45 days. whata (mess) part of letter clipped off, Just lapping up the rest. Got a new jacket & all, we even got beds here thats to (cannot make out } in. We’re at a place called Yong/nam in Korea about 100 miles from the line. Don’t worry about me. I’ll write soon. signed Petels , Dad if I remember correctly was a sgt. at this time his name was Stephen F. Tercsak ps. I got your package when I got it here it was in pretty good shape. Thanks. I remeber Uncle Joe and Dad telling me years ago that Joe would send dad packages, Dad had a cousin and uncle joe had a cousin who was a baker, and also a ww2 vet like joe, Uncle Joe would get the scotch, and their cousin the baker would bake a loaf of bread Hollow it out and place the scotch bottle in the loaf of bread and they would ship it to dad, dad said he never missed a shipment, Any ways Pops was also a Cop/Detective/supervisor from 1957 to 1985 and he was also on unsloved mystries. His Perferred side arm was the Revolver, he did like the Colt 1911’s though but he cited issues, for example in combat if you have to field strip the piece or at night you had better have some spare parts, such as replacement recoil spring and plunger , Now Dad also came to favor the Browning Hi-Power and he carried one for a number of years, but went back and fourth to the Colt Cobra he carried, in fact in certain situations he carried both, But he had a Colt 1911-A1 we used to shot it, but as he said with that piece you have to have specific Militray Hard Ball Ammo for it to function perfectly, when you had that ammunition it did, I have newer 1911’s and have fired hundreds of rounds through them a Magnum Research and a remington R1 , I have mixed loads using FMJ, hollow point etc, have not had a single issue with them and mixed different bullet weights as well no issue. But I still agree with Dad the revolver is best and if you need more than six your in trouble ! The Cz as one fellow stated is one of my fav’s it is one of the best pistols I have ever shot and have had no issues with it.
My mother and her sisters sent whiskey to the boys overseas during WWII by sending it in loaves of bread. They would top off the bottle so it wouldn’t gurgle and seal the top with melted wax. I heard this story from one of the recipients at her wake (83 yrs old).
He said he got his in Burma 1944 and thought ,”What the heck is Helen doing sending me a loaf of moldy bread?”, and then he realized it had a pint of scotch in it.
50 years of carrying 24/7, I carry a glock, either a 30 S, Or a 19, sometimes a 26. I also carry a PM9 in my pocket. I have had every conceivable gun there is in 50 years of shooting, and tried guns with safety’s’ dozens of times, they will screw up sooner or later,, and are high maintenance, as the op mentioned getting the gun out and on target is enough to get done in a second, without having more moving parts to worry about fouling up. I have never had a Glock screw up under any conditions, and if it did it’s easy enough to clear, where with a 1911, it may be one of a half dozen things that you need to check besides a tap and rack, did the extractor work, how about the ejector, the timing, Mag, is the recoils spring too strong, not strong enough, forget it.
The respect I once had for Mr. Shaw has been slightly distressed now. Mainly because I think he used this headline to get attention. As for the content of his video – I am disappointed in his rant. He fails to mention a few very important facts which – at first glance I would have given a pass on. But his support of the AR15 puts me back on the 1911 subject. Why support the AR and diss the 1911? Face it – calling a pistol “a 1911” is a gross misrepresentation that an expert should understand. Regardless, I challenge anyone to show me a piece of machinery that has survived – nearly 100% as originally designed for as long as this has. Along that 100+ year journey, the 1911 design has been, and is currently being, manufactured by dozens to hundreds of companies, in price points from $600 to $6,000 – and that’s just for off-the-shelf firearms. Totally custom jobs are much higher. So Mr. Shaw – when you say “I won’t trust the 1911 with my life…” which 1911 are you speaking of? One from 1918 made by Colt Manufacturing, or one from 1943 made by Singer Sewing Machine company? A hand-made Terry Tussey Custom, or maybe a Kimber that’s been tuned by Richard Heinie? Or perhaps a hand-made beauty from Dave Lauck or Chuck Rogers. Or even off-the-shelf models from Nighthawk Custom, Kimber, or Wilson Combat? Want capacity – look towards Para-Ord’s, Rock Island’s, Strayer Tripp’s or Strayer Voight’s. Want something other than .45? Look towards most manufacturers these days for the same caliber selections as any “modern” pistol. And the list goes on and on and on. You get what you pay for, and the 1911 is no different. You do what you train when it matters, and the 1911 is no different.
And I would argue that the AR15/M16 Platform, which was very unreliable in many of it’s original forms, has had great benefit from modern manufacturing techniques, as has the 1911. Most of the 1911 issues he has cited would be called “training issues” on any other platform – such as ND’s and safety concerns. The rest of the issues are that of poor compatibility among the parts he’s chosen to purchase – which are more “user issues” and “training scars.” And here’s a point which he fails to make – the 1911 design is one of the few on the market that can easily be built, tuned, upgraded and completely user-maintained. If Glocks, M&P’s, or XD’s are perfect from the factory – then why is Salient, Zev, and GlockVector out there? If they are perfect, are they more perfect than a well-built 1911?
I don’t always carry a 1911, but I consider it a primary carry gun. And while I own several different models of 1911’s, I also own several plastic-fantastic’s too and carry them as well for defense. My point is that I don’t see the 1911 platform as any better or worse than any other platform – just different. And someone with Mr. Shaw’s experience, training, and hubris should at least give the 1911 a fair shake – it’s earned it. Especially with its service to the USMC, which is currently the only US Service Branch still using it – and it’s something they have RETURNED to, not failed to migrate off of. MARSOC is certainly not behind-the-times.
So Mr. Shaw is either good at grabbing headlines, or bad at giving a platform its due consideration. Either one is a bit disappointing for someone of his skill and experience. It just makes it harder to take him seriously down the road. But it did get me to read and respond to this – so if that’s the game then he is winning!
Dumb Ass
Why is he a dumb ass, because he likes 1911’s , as I do and you don’t ? Or is it because you disagree with him and your one of those guys where your opinion is the only one that matters and everyone else’s opinion means nothing ? I happen to own a six pack of Dan Wesson 1911’s, one that is an EDC, it spits out everything and anything, it is completely functional and reliable not to mention gorgeous. Everybody has an opinion and a preference, that doesn’t make them a dumb ass.
Ok ok chatty kathy we get your point.
Ricky, first off I love your driving skills….
Really your comments are right on, guns are like cars or motorcycles, different brand’s for different riders and skill sets, I carry a Colt or a Springfield 1911 as my carry gun, I also own Berettas and and Walthers as well as a 357 Colt….I think your statements were very well thought out and consise. Thank you for your expression of reason in a way that helps those that are less informed understand the valorous of the 1911 platform.
Marine Infantryman? All Marines are supposed to be riflemen, Infantrymen are ARMY.
Anyhow- the thing to remember about Glocks is that Glock triggers stink. Even a good one is lousy compared to any decent 1911. My carry choice is generally a CZ75, or an 83/82. Striker fired stuff just doesn’t do it for me. Polymer frames are good for lightness, but if your gun is too heavy, you are out of shape. Alternatively and in certain locals my carry choice will extend to double stack 1911s. Safety issue- truly the trigger finger is the primary safety on any gun, but mechanical safeties have their time and place in training and in real life. I do like steel. I have been using Rock Island 1911s for several years now and find them to be quite good, my current favorite is the Commander sized double stack convertible they are currently selling. It is a 17 round 1911 in either 9mm or 22 TCM. The 22 TCM is a snappy little cartridge, bordering on remarkable performance. In the 1911 the recoil is about nothing and it generally approaches about 2000 FPS, Nifty. Reliability is not an issue with my 1911s. Mag sensitivity can be with the single stack varieties, but there are a zillion 1911 mags out there. Easy to find what works.
We sell a lot of Glocks, as many 1911s. Glocks are reliable, reasonably accurate and cost effective. They have a decent reputation for consistency. The 1911s we sell tend to be the same-good quality,good shooters. That said, I will stick with the steel CZs most of the time. I got rid of my Glocks after the high cap ban expired. But I don’t shy from selling them at the shop because of their reliability and reputation. Lacking a manual safety, I have to educate many of the customers regarding that. Glocks are easy, simple, perfect for the folks that won’t spend a lot of time using them as well as heavy duty shooters. 1911s fall into the heavy metal category, but not so simple. CZs are just plain superior to almost anything out there in my opinion.
I agree with you Charlie theCZ-75B and the others in the Series are damn good pistols, I also Like the Sar-K2 45 Auto, it is a knock-off of the CZ-75 it reminds me some ways of the Sig Pistols, it has a high capacity 14 shot magazine , Double action and I think one fellow had it right when I read him he gives the Sar-K2 45 and Edge over the CZ-97-45acp. what I would like is the Armalite Ar24-15c its built by Sar for Armalite and it resembles the Sig P-210. But I also like the Smith &Wesoon 686 4″ 357 Magnum.
I COMPLETELY AGREE. I absolutely Hate safeties! !!! I have hundreds of hours of firearms training with a glock, and that is what I prefer.lethal Tupperware all the way. I also have a Kel Tec pMr 30 for.plinking. the precious hundrethe of a second needed for safeties manipulation WILL cost you your life.
All it takes is one time my friend , you just sit your Glock like piece down a currious kids picks it up, the end !
with the safety , you have a chance to recover the weapon before the kid plays with it and figures out how to disengage the safety. People slip up and screw up, another reason for the manual safety. Let me also say that I watched Team Glock set a Glock off and it discharged a round by just rattling the pistol, it is on you-tube.
I own a Springfield 1911, but only because a good friend of mine gave it to me as a present. I love the classic look and it shoots very precisely, but I would never carry it as a self defense gun. Only 8 rounds? The weight? No thanks! If I wanted to carry a full size gun I’d use my 9mm Baby Desert Eagle and have 16 rounds available. Remember, it may not just be one attacker. Most of these street aholes come in groups of three or four. They’re too chicken by themselves.
I trained using a 1911 while in the service at Fort Hood, TX. It was only my second experience with a pistol but since I managed to qualify expert with the M1A1, the instructor allowed me some extra practice time with the 1911. I got fairly accurate and he arranged for me to get a whole bunch of extra range time. I hammered box after box of ammo through that thing with not one problem. I got good enough he was hoping to get a pistol team together but I got shipped to Nam before that could happen.
I carried an M-16 in Nam with a 1911 I bought off a guy who was going home. I just used it as backup but only fired 100 shells through it so I can’t say if it would have had problems.
Over the years I have had a few different wheel guns but five years ago I saw an old Springfield Armory for sale by a private seller. (No paperwork, the man doesn’t know I have it.) I looked it over and liked it. The slide and the receiver didn’t match so it was one that had been gone over and given a new slide. Wonder what stories that old girl could tell? The seller told me the receiver was made sometime in 1941. I managed to get him down to $400.00 so I took it home. I had a gunsmith go over it to make sure it was safe, he replaced the bushing and worked on the trigger to smooth it out. That old girl is pretty accurate. Resting my forearm on a sandbag it holds a 1.25 inch group at 50 feet. And that’s with the so-so factory blade sights. My 68 year old eyes aren’t as sharp as they used be so maybe it could do better with a younger set of eyes or some modern sights?
Anyway my son and I have run lots of ammo through that old girl, I took up reloading to defray the cost otherwise we would not have fired it nearly as much. It never failed to operate.
I did have a problem with one magazine. If I loaded all hollow points it didn’t like to feed the first or second round. So I had to load Full metal jackets for the top two rounds. My gunsmith worked on the mag, polished the loading ramp and the problem went away. But it really was the magazine, not the 1911. I had ten other magazines that worked perfectly. Go figure that. I even found a 10 round mag that works good.
I have fired it quite aggressively just to learn if it might fail but it didn’t. It was hot and smoking! And really, what street situation might you get into where you need more than 15 rounds. If you need more than that many you went someplace you shouldn’t have.
I carry it with an 8 round Wilson mag in the piece and a 7 round mag either on a belt holder that looks like a phone carrier or in the shoulder holster.
I’ve never missed the safety on draw but I’ve never been staring down a gun barrel at the moment. I still believe practice is the best way to guarantee you will automatically do all the necessary things when under pressure. Seems to me, the 1911 with the grip safety which will prevent accidental discharge is the safest pistol I could carry. Even if I don’t hit something vital, the shock of that big old slug should be enough to buy me an extra second or two if the poop hits the fan.
My other choice for a carry gun would be the stainless S&W 7 shot in .357.
Addendum to previous posting: extra magazines (or speed loaders with revolvers) go a long way to neutralize the “magazine capacity” argument.
The guy doesn’t like the 1911 FOR HIM! So be it. If you get past the 1911 argument and just listen to the content of know your gun, be able to handle and maintain it well and learn how to use it correctly – those all hold for ALL weapons. He doesn’t like it – I do. But if a Glock 19 fell into my hands when I needed it – or a good S&W revolver – I wouldn’t be disappointed either.
I am career law enforcement. I have owned several 1911’s. I have encountered two instances of UD
in the last year. One when the weapon received a jolt while being stored in a vehicle door panel compartment. ( the door slammed shut in the wind) and the final was after allowing the hammer to rest forward with a round in the chamber a UD occurred in my holster.
Both instances could have been avoided with additional handling care but in a circumstance that requires diverted attention
I am prone to want a “less volatile” handling experience. Is there an adaptation of the 1911 that has a hammer block feature?
Most NEW 1911 have hammer blocks
I can give you five reasons why you don’t know what you are talking about.
Please tell us!
Although there is a lot of subjectivity on this topic due to preference, two things remain fact of no matter WHAT you carry.
1) You don’t carry a handgun that isn’t reliable. Research, buy, and get first hand knowledge/trust. I won’t mention brands, but there are some cheap brands that really only belong on the plinking range. You would NEVER want to leave your life in the hands of a cheap firearm. Beyond that, know and carry ammunition that you know your weapon cycles consistently. As well as you have the ability to hit your target correctly.
2) Comparing what you see in class is not a valid real life scenario. Of course that newbie is going to draw and forget to remove the safety. It’s a given. If someone is going to conceal carry for self defense, then they should INVEST the time to constantly practice correct procedure and form. That produces muscle memory. Proper draw, how to index the finger, how to bring the weapon to your sternum to meet your other hand, GRIP, extend and target acquisition. How and WHEN to release the safety. It should be practiced over and over to the point the you don’t even think about it. It just happens in one fluid motion slow or fast. At that point, it doesn’t matter what weapon of choice you have. your body knows how to draw that weapon effectively.
3) Many people out there don’t have the mentality of it being a war when you have to draw your weapon. I carry a Sig 1911 .45 single stack, 7+1 ready zero. I pray I never have to fully empty that magazine. I used to carry a Springfield Armory XDm 40. 16+1. It was really heavy and bulky. I also carry a Sig P238 .380 caliber. I actually love that pistol. People always tell me that it isn’t effective for conceal carry. I always joke around and tell them to let me shoot them with it and tell me if it hurts. But it’s also a 7+1.
To me, in the end it’s being prepared. You know you have a reliable pistol. You know that the ammunition you are shooting will cycle reliably. You have spent the time throwing lead down range to know how to properly maneuver the weapon and execute on target. THAT is what makes the SYSTEM reliable.
Personally, I like the 1911’s because of the single action trigger.
Finally, God bless for serving our country. And great video, even though I don’t completely agree.
I happen to disagree with Daniels points but we can agree to disagree. I just want to mention one point about his statement about not liking a carry gun with a safety. I feel that SOME kind of safety is essential on any firearm whether you carry it or not. I think that the most dramatic point I could make is with the SA handguns. Prior to Ruger’s transfer bar system, in the olden days, you were advised to keep the hammer on an empty chamber. Even though an SA takes a fair amount of effort to cycle a round, that advice continued for a long time for safety reasons alone.
I was not able to choose my sidearm when I served in the FMF (yea I know it doesn’t exist now) buy every time I used that rattle trap WW2 1911A1 it went BANG every time I wanted it to and I was only good enough shot to do a 12 inch pattern at 30 feet. I wasn’t treated any different than anyone at the Squadron Armory. Did not do any user stuff to it, never. I just kept it clean so when the Gunnery Sgt said “Doc I want to inspect you weapon” my reply was ” sure Gunny”. I maybe answering with my opinion only but I would think many folk from my era disagree with your paid for one.
SF
Sorry to disagree BUT
You don’t make much of an argument in your not trusting the 1911
Magazine capacity when is 8 not enough. Carry an extra mag or two.
Why do you think the safety is a problem. You push it down with your thumb and pull the trigger.
I have a bunch of Colt 1911’s. No more problems with them than any other handguns I own.
And I carried one of several handguns in Vietnam and always returned to “Old Reliable”.
Magazine compatibility???? Most all semiautomatics need their own magazines.. Did I miss something..
The bottom line .. Just because you don’t like a particular firearm does not mean they will not do the job for someone else.
I have carried a Colt 1911 of some description for over 50 years and I do trust it to do the job. period……..
Daniels makes several valid points. And I feel like I’m being unfaithful to my wife for saying this but; You cannot trust a weapon if it doesn’t work every single time. There aren’t any time outs in a fight. As a Marine (82-90/0311&1833) I had issues with mine, but that’s what happens when all the pistols are treated like the village bicycle. My Remington R1 and Glock 22 function flawlessly. They have to, they are my duty back up & off duty weapons. I train with both all the time so the transition between one or the other is seamless.
As a Hospital Corpsman who served with the Marines in the 60’s & 70’s I had plenty of opportunity to use the 1911. I too have my issues with it….failure to feeds, misfires & recoil were my 3 big issues. Even after leaving the service and acquiring a ‘worked’ series 80 commander, the same issues arose. Not the type of situation you want when your life or the lives of those you care about a part of the equation.
CZ>1911.
Fact is anybody who denies these 4 points are in denial I’m a huge Browning fan the 1911 has a place in histor but you can’t deny vs a glock, xd, sig conceal ect that a 1911 is heave and large less ammo more parts to fail and anyone who owns one can’t deny know matter how meticulous you are aith cleaning will fail you from time to time why anyone would choose the 1911 for concealed is beyond me keep it to the range and buy something worth trusting your life with!
I’ve owned many hand guns of varying types and makes and values, among them have been 7 different 1911’s of different values and sizes. the only real problem I ever had with any of them was 1 bad and very used magazine. I also had magazine problems with a double stack wonder nine. Simple fix, replaced the magazines. I have a friend who loves glocks but still had problems with one of his. Another friend had problems with a XD. Does this make the whole series or plastic pistols in general unreliable? Get educated, get familiar with your system (as in your pistol and magazines and ammo and training etc) and problems will be minimal but could happen to anybody with anything. Trust my life to a 1911? Trust my life to myself, a gun isn’t a superhero, and I do, can, have and would chose to carry any of the 1911’s I’ve had, just not the bad magazine.
Opinions are like butt holes…. Everyone has one! There is no one perfect self protection firearm. I own 1911 Colts, a very useful Colt Woodsman , Smith and Wesson, Colt and Ruger wheel guns, rifles and shotguns. The key is training and mindset. In some cases, No handgun is up to the rifle or shotgun. As was said in the old West…. The man armed with only a handgun faces down a man armed with a rifle usually looses. Nothing has changed.
If concealment is a priority I use a Colt Defender…if capacity is needed then a P 14-45 fits the bill…no firearm is the right choice everytime…as far as `knock down` 9mm was the most treatable wound of WW II…I`ll stick with a 45 everytime
9mm has come a looong way in 70+ years. Totally invalid comparison.
info a person supply to your guests? Is going to be again incessantly in order to
Ok so I’ve read about enough of the bickering on this. The guy clearly qualified his comments as opinions and stated that many do as well if not better than he and his weapon. His opinions are valid and he is entitled to them as are all others. So since I am old and antiquated and have accumulated many weapons over time, each having their own ups and downs, I have to say that all of his comments bear truth. Also bearing truth are many other pro 1911 comments. I bought a piece of manure RIA 45 tactical and admittedly have changed sear, mainspring, mainspring housing, trigger, bushing, barrel link and pin, sights and grips. Had to polish feed ramp, remove material from slide and re-fit (actually it was never fit right) barrel. It now fires reliably using a replaced 16lb Spring. I scrapped the full length guide rod and replaced with a Wilson combat but it works just fine with the original short 1911 guide rod. So now I have about 900 bucks into it and a lot of my time to make it reliable. Point is, cheap 1911s suck. You bet your behind I’m gonna use this pistol but for carry and personal defense I am partial to my FN High Power that was bought as a used surplus pistol for 335 bucks. It has 15 rd magazines, hits what it gets pointed at and cycles any ammo I shove in it including Linotype round nose 140 Gr cast slugs. Reloads demand taper crimping and case length management for both the 1911 and HP. Clean, oiled and equipped with good parts is a requirement. If I did not already have too many CC choices I might lean towards SW M&P or FNH but so long as my Beretta 96 in .40 is still functional, I think I’m in good shape because they all run fine with factory ammo when clean and lubed correctly and not harnessed with a ton of aftermarket BS. If we I were rolling in the sand or wallowing in the mud of a jungle, I would definitely use what would function even if the best choice was a polymer pistol. I for one think there are many good choices but for personal defense, I’m satisfied with my old Ford PU. You guys can gripe about what is better between Ford, Chevy and Dodge all day long, they all work fine when they are clean, lubed, not hindered with aftermarket crap and fed good fuel. main thing we all need to do is remember our freedom to choose whatever we want to shoot still exists, lets bicker about how to keep that alive. I respect the marines perspective, he may have some combat experience to shape his opinions as do all the law enforcement guys who have done just fine with 1911s. Just make sure whatever you carry for defense is going to empty the magazines of whatever ammo you choose without jamming both cold and hot and preferably even a little dirty. Defense pistols don’t need to be target pistol accurate which is why the Glock is a preferred pistol (the aren’t noted for their accuracy) and all I have seen are lucky to hit a paper plate at 50 yds. Off hand which is plenty good to scramble the lungs. In a war, ammo is only consistent when you get to pull from your armory, in the field one may be required to use ammo out of some dead dudes sub or pistol and guaranteed it won’t be .45acp on the other team. I think despite the amped down 9mm power versus the .40 or .45 it is still the small arm caliber most likely to be in use by both sides. I don’t fight wars in my house or at McDonalds and any skirmish I may encounter will likely be over in under 7 rds. Police may actually have to reload a hi capacity magazine but not likely. War is hell and requires a slightly different mindset. Semper Fidelis and also thanks to all who have served both in military and police.
Well………after a couple hours reading these posts (I read slow and deliberate) I must say it is a real pissin’ match over the 1911. I have long admired the Colt, Kimber, Ruger and other 1911 set ups. I settled on the old Ruger P-85 for a long time. Never……I mean never had a problem with jamming, mis firing, or the like. Many of these around and nobody will dispute what I’m saying. I have sorta put it in a place of honor (under the front seat of my car) and let it spend its days resting. I have a brand new stainless Baretta FS Compact model L. In alot of ways these two guns are almost identical. That FS compact is as sweet as any 1911 out there unless you start comparing it to one of Les Bears models and who has that kind of money. This argument will never be settled…….I’m betting.
In RVN I heard the loudest sound known to man – My M16A1 went “CLICK” when it absolutely had to go bang. That rifle was used for airfield defense, lived in an arms room and had never been to the field. It still failed and is why I won’t own an AR platform to this day. My Springfield armory 1911 that I had acquired from a special forces guy (they loved cooperative helicopter pilots) went bang 3 times and I am alive; the NVA isn’t. I like most pistols but they all malfunction from time to time. I have never had either of my 1911’s malfunction after I’ve determined that it likes the ammo I’m feeding it. If you have not fired a couple of hundred rounds of your everyday carry ammo through your self defense pistol you are either ignorant (fixable through education) or stupid (likely terminal). When playing ‘you bet your life’ KNOW your tools! I practice daily with my 1911 and drawing and swiping off the safety is so normal that I have to pause and think before I don’t take off the safety when I draw. The drill (with snap caps and full checklist followed for a cleared weapon) is to draw while swiping the safety, acquire the target (my reflexion in a mirror), finger inside trigger guard, fire twice (only one trigger drop but pulled twice), finger out of trigger guard, safety on (it does not engage with the hammer down but it is swiped up) and re-holster.
Magazine capacity is a really HUGH red herring. A .22 will carry more rounds than a .357 but which is the better defense handgun ammo? At oh-dark-thirty when my front door is kicked in or at the mall when some ape is molesting my wife or what ever the emergency that requires deadly force, I am interested in stopping power, not how many times I can shoot. Spray and Pray is for fools. I carry the 1911 in .45 ACP because it saved my life once; I couldn’t be sure of any other pistol/round combination. I’ve fired Glocks and like them but ALL of my immediate action pistols must function the same (high on adrenaline is not the time to try to work out difference in the manual of arms) and I’ve shot 1911’s in .45ACP for the last 44 years.
I do not like DA/SA pistols because of the change in trigger pull after the first shot. When I’m on adrenalin and fine motor skills are just a memory, that change could result in an unintended discharge. I don’t believe in “accidental” discharges; to me they are “negligent” discharges. I like Sigs but that DA/SA thing keeps them from being my immediate action weapon.
When conditions preclude a full size 1911, I carry a Colt Commander. If even that is too large, I carry a Ruger, SP101 in .357 Mag. Not “MY” caliber but it has solid stopping power, revolvers are almost jam proof and it fits anywhere, even my pocket (in a holster of course – any revolver belongs in a holster since there are no safeties). When practicing with the Ruger I have on occasion swiped the nonexistent safety but that is a no-harm/no-foul move. 1911s and revolvers can function the same way in the manual of arms and revolvers almost never jam.
The key is pick your gun for terminal ballistics, accuracy and mission (conceivability). If you are not leading an assault team (breaching team, etc) the required number of rounds will almost never exceed 2 or 3 IF you can actually hit your target and are using a suitable weapon. Just my not so humble opinion, of course, but I’ve seen grunts in the jungle lugging a thousand rounds of 5.56 ammo because they used spray and pray while the special ops guys carried 200 rounds or less of 7.62 and aimed at their targets. The 7.62 was MUCH more effective and the 200 rounds lasted the entire firefight – the 5.56 did not always do as well.
I wonder what Col. Jeff Cooper would have to say about this drivel. (LOL, no, I really know what he’d say.) GunsAmerica needs to rethink who writes/videos their stuff.
Harleys and 1911s both a icon on this planet. There are 2 kinds of people.” those that own them and those that want to” which one are you? Im the former, I have 2 1911s in every size , all colts and wouldn’t walk out the door with any other gun, I have found myself in some pretty shitty places in 60 years and never worried about whether I had the right gun for the job.
Personally, I will agree with the articles 1 & 2 of 4 points as to why I don’t carry a 1911. I carry a Glock. I do not consider it the end all to all things like some folks do. It just fits MY needs. Reasons I chose it over the 1911 (and all others available when I first started licensed carry nigh onto 20 years ago). I choose .40 S&W as superior to the 9mm (my opinion only) and puts more rounds in a magazine than a .45 Lighter. Dang near rust completely proof. As much as I sweat here in Texas, that is no little consideration.
Reliability.
Some here have claimed both the Glock and 1911 suffer from ammo crankiness. I say BULL! As long as you select ammo suitable for your weapon’s design. The 1911 can be cranky about hollow points because it was specifically designed for round nosed ball ammo only. But, it will handle SOME hollow points reliably. Now, I tend to practice most with whatever is cheapest. I don’t reload and cannot afford to routinely practice with premium $1.+ a round ammo. I have had precious few malfunctions and most often it’s been a stove pipe from getting lazy and limp wristing the pistol which will cause about ANY semi-auto to choke.
Glock reliability? Ever heard of Chuck Taylor’s G19/9mm torture test? Nothing silly like throwing it out of airplanes. Real world Shot (last I heard) over 270,000 times in all weathers and field conditions, all kinds of ammo, by many different shooters. He found it did have to be cleaned every 10,000 rounds to keep functioning. no rust, no major parts replacement, no particular loss of accuracy…. The last word in guns? nah. Am I impressed? Yep! google it.
Concerning 1911 reliability, I was in the Army when the 1911 was standard issue. They were so loose the parts would rattle if you shook it. Ball ammo was all we shot. But no matter the weather or ground conditions, they went bang EVERY time and would still hit a man size target at 25′ doing it. So the design is reliable. Can’t fault it for some manufacturers shoddy ways but that’s proof it doesn’t have to be a multi thousand dollar race gun. One more thing I got against the 1911… heavy! As for point 4 of the original article- magazine compatibility, I don’t understand that one. A magazine has to be in good repair to work reliably, ANT gun’s magazine. So, what’s the beef
Well, I see we have fans of many platforms out there. All I know is all guns have stoppages and/or break somewhere down the line, no way to get away from that. I have seen 1911s do it and Glocks do it. I could go on to list every gun in the world, because they will all fail somewhere down the road no matter how well cared for or which master gunsmith built them. What one carries is mostly a matter of personal preference. Me personally, I hate Glocks, I get massive slide bite every time I shoot one because I have big hands. I am not a major fan of 1911s either, the .45 ACP is over hyped as the mythical “one shot stop” round. Also one of my past instructors, a retired SpecOps type who still does counter terrorism training for government agencies, said this of 1911s, “You need three, the one you are using, the one that is your back up and the third which is in the shop being readied for it’s next failure.” Think that speaks volumes by itself.
My philosophy is to learn to use everything, because one day you might be required to use what you can pick up off the street next to some body. For this reason I own many different guns and rotate through shooting them to maintain proficiency and familiarity with each. Be it a revolver, DA pistol, SA pistol, striker fired pistol, phased plasma rifle in the 4 watt range, etc., get familiar and proficient with all of them, because if you carry just one gun, one day (usually when you need it the most) it will fail you and then you will need to be able to use whatever is at hand. Do not discount knives, hatchets, hand tools and even rocks, all are useful when in a pinch and the need arises.
Mr Shaw makes some very valid points, in particularly the ammunition capacity. I like the round. My Springfield Armory XD .45 offers me great quality and a 14 round doublestack magazine. Grip Safety and firing pin block and trigger mechanism. I would caution the writer describing ANY HONORABLY DISCHARGED MARINE a FORMER MARINE.
1911 – Sucking for over 100 years and still going strong!
Yes, and still being issued to those US troops that can specify the handgun they want to carry.
I noted that the govt. is finally looking at issuing effective ammo (other than ball/FMJ) to the troops. That will help solve the energy problems with both 5.56 and 9 mm. I have Hornady Critical Defense Ammo in all of my family’s carry weapons from .380 to .45 ACP/Colt. It feeds well in everything, is accurate and maximizes the terminal ballistics for the caliber.
As an aside, there are Philippine manufactures (Armscor/Rock Island) that are turning out decent, inexpensive clones of the 1911. Solid guns and the one I have fixed my one complaint against the 1911. Mine has an ambidextrous safety; since I practice with both hands that is a major improvement over my Colt.
I’m love 1911s, probably because that’s what I was trained on as a young Marine and it was also my first personal gun, long or short. Also a retired Marine weapons guy, I have to say I agree with Shaw 100% in everything he said. I have four 1911s, (three full size) one in 45ACP close to 100% reliable out of the box, one in 9MM close to 100% reliable after brake in and tuning, one in 10MM about 80% reliable no matter what I do with factory ammo but about 95% with my hand-loads but built for pin shooting and the fourth in 45ACP with a 4″ bbl close to 100% reliable after tuning.
Although after decades of training and practice, I will, rarely but about one in a hundred times forget or miss the thumb safety upon presentation, usually in target or pin competition more so than the stress of combat/action shooting. What is by now automatic without thought under stress is not in competition when I am thinking about the next shot or shot string. So, the safety point is well taken.
Mag capacity can’t be argued with, especially in a carry gun. One of my home defense guns is a 1911 using Chip McCormick 10 rd power mags plus one in the pipe for eleven total which is not bad for a home defense gun. The 4″ 1911 concealed carry piece I love but of course has of course a seven rd mag plus one in the pipe for a total of eight.
My primary carry guns and house guns are all Glock’s. A G27/G26 combo & two G19s. As Shaw said, and I don’t know what gun he was referring to for his own, mine are 100% reliable, have better standard magazine capacity, good magazine interchangeability and no manual safeties. With proper ammo the Nine MM loses nothing to the 45 ACP and in many cases has superior ballistics. No extra work is required to use an out of box Glock while most 1911s in the same price range will require some work to make them equal in reliability. The maintenance is higher on a 1911, the knowledge required to maintain and operate it even at the entry level is higher and they won’t take the abuse that some polymer striker fired pistols will and still keep working.
Strangely, the most accurate pistol I own in practical accuracy, not target accuracy, is the G27 which I bought when they first came out with a Wolff 9MM conversion bbl. The recoil spring for the G26 & G27 is the same part number and doesn’t require changing. I didn’t change the extractor but in hundreds of rounds it hasn’t malfunctioned once. I did buy G26 mags but have tried the G27 mags and they work fine if I had to use them. The Wolff nine MM conversion bbl surprised me with it’s accuracy and consistency. It shoots great, feeds 100% and with it I can shoot lead if I want to. The purpose of the nine MM bbl was to reduce the felt recoil for my wife, it’s quite snappy in forty S&W for small hands but it shoots so good I leave it in most of the time.
So, as Shaw said each to his own and this is just my experience but I can find no fault with his logic. I don’t buy five thousand dollar guns so I can’t address the high end Ed Browns and the like but I do have Colt’s, and Springfield’s, both good guns but not approaching the cost/reliability issue of my Glock’s. And, I can use the G19, G17 and G26 mags in my G27 without fear of malfunction.
WOW your post Dan got everyone off their cans. I have shot everything in 57 years of gunning, I started at 3 yrs old. To be critical, you are almost correct for the standard 1911. That’s why I use a P14 Limited, I customized just for me. I commonly embarrass seasoned marines as I can run 14 rounds of my .45 faster than Anything they bring. I admit I changed the cycle rate to insure I Am The Fastest. Also some internal parts just for me. Recently a weapon specialist marine with his cz .45 tried to show me something, I ran 14 rounds into the bullseye faster than he could run his first 8 rounds, 5 of which couldn’t even get in the 8 ring. I have run the single action since 1999 and never lost a pro shootout once. I AGREE THAT UNDER EXTREME ATTACK AND DISTRACTION THE SAFETY IN FACT IS A WEAK POINT. I also have seen men shoot themselves using my P14 twice, because of the safety. Just the facts, thanks for your honesty Dan. Mrdan
20,000 reloads through a G30. 1911s are very pretty and scary accurate, can’t miss with one, but taken enough handgun courses to know I will muck up the safety when scared. G29 or G30 for ccw, 10mm gets out the barrel a little quicker, better groups.
Both calibers reload and hold up well. I carry Glocks, mainly because I always have, and I’ve gotten used to the triggers.
We don’t discuss plastic guns in polite conversations. Colt 1911s the perfect handgun
Would the hell gives a shit what his opinion is. His opinion means nothing to me. Do what you wish. I carry 1911s because they they are slim, they work, I carry extra magazines. I have never had issues with multiple 1911s. I have had Colts, Springfields, Bul and Les Baer. NONE have had issues. YOU DON”T have time to clean and grease a pistol?
Main problem is the US Gov’t WILL NOT let one be made W/O a safety on them.
Bet sig is wishing they had a manual style safety on the p320 it will probably only cost them 5 million for all guns made to up grade that wouldn’t have happened if it had a manual style safety because of gun going off when hit or dropped at a certain angle just my opinion
My carry firearm is a Colts Commander. I’ve put well over 10 thousand rounds downrange with this semi and with the exception of an occasional feed jam with semi wadcutter hand loads as I worked on new loads with different bullet / powder combinations, it has always worked,. The safety requires practice, which develops muscle memory. Practice until it becomes second nature. I have other 1911s, a Glock, a Sig, am H&K, and several other semis and revolvers, most work quite well, but my go to is still the Commander. My advice as an NRA instructor is pick a firearm that fits your hand, you’re willing to carry, then never stop practicing shooting skills. Become comfortable with your firearm before you carry it, and put somewhere near 500 rounds through it down range with flawless operation before you carry it.
My pair of Springfield 1911s work flawlessly in my hobby of IDPA competition shooting. That said, my actual weapon of choice for real life SHTF is my Sig 226 with an 18 round magazine. With that in mind, I agree with the Semper Fi.
Finally a US Marine that that will admit to the shortcomings of the 1911 45 . In the late 80s I watched several of them malfunction on the range during police training even 1 gold cup new out of box fall apart during live fire drill. Then came then came the para ordnance fat stack showed up and were a disaster. They are a great weapons if your back is strong enough to carry around your personal 1911 gunsmith to work out the bugs. That being said once being reworked and broken I’ve seen some that appeared worn out chew through some nasty cheap reloads that the better tooled pistols choked on . Overall I’d say it’s a great weapon for the expert shooter who has the ability to tinker with the parts to bring it to perfection. Not a good choice for the individual who wants to buy a pistol and forget about it until it’s needed in a firefight . If that’s you choose between glock- hk-or a sig using good factory ammo. Just make sure the individual pistol will run the ammo you use . Don’t train w ball ammo and carry ammo w a large hollow point make sure the edge of the void of the hollow point does not get hung up on your chamber ramp . If this is the case a good polishing by a competent gunsmith should fix the issue.
After going through all that signing in I forgot what I wanted to say Hmm??? Oh YA!! The 1911..Sir! and I say that, because we are on the air…Who the f*&%%^#@ling hell do you think you are??? Like for you to say ANYTHING in front of all the soldiers from WW1 WW11,Korea Police thing-a-me.Vietnam and all the rest of us out here who kinda like em. “AGAIN” I got to say one thing, ya got balls, stupid one though.!!!
i love my 1911s and so do many Special Ops personnel who have their choice of weapon and opt for a 1911 even with limited capacity. it will knock people down. thats what it was originally designed to do and has continued to do through ww1, ww2, Korea, vietnam where i got my experience with it. due to hand size, i can’t easily handle a double stack but i can quickly change mags. any weapon requires proper maintenance. just my 2 cents worth. i’m more into accuracy over quantity. my carrer has been militsry and law enforcement, and as such i’ve carried a number of firearms.
I find my 1970 Colt 1911 is deadly accurate, very rugged, easy to maintain, flawless in chambering, firing, and ejecting rounds. The small mag is not a real issue, as I can drop rack and discharge another clip in about 3.5 seconds.
What more could a gun do?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orloQnzBRCw
Just another cop who sot himself with his glock. How stupid can a company be to put the safety on the front of the trigger ? How stupid could anyone be to buy such an atrocity.
Reminds me of Fords better idea to have the parking brake automatically release when the shifter was taken out of park. The instruction manual says to check the transmission fluid level in neutral. Yes there were deaths. Yes there were class action law suits. Yes Ford paid through the nose. And yes Ford fixed it.
I was actually looking for the video of the cop who shot himself with his glock while holstering it in a gun store. His drawstring on his coat got in the trigger guard, depressed the saftey, and pulled the trigger.
But I laughed so hard at this.
I have a a Kimber custom II 1911, love to fire it, its accurate, seems to be tolerant to even to cheap ammo and its a good looking gun. I have used a few times for a carry gun, i do not use it for daily carry for the reasons stated, Manual safety,mag capacity,its a pain in the ass to field strip even though I’ve got the hang of disassembly and maintenance of it. When i get a firearm,i field strip it,inspect it, at the range i test wether or not it will fire with or without the clip in it,test the safety measures incorporated into the gun, i hate slide saftey levers for the same reason, your going to react with the training you have and do also your fine motor skills go away under stress. I have had Springfield XD pistols,have had Sigs which are my favorite for daily carry changeable barrels for different calibers,double stack mags,hammer or hammerless,elongated trigger guard,decocking lever,and the safety measures incorporated into the gun via trigger pull,had a p229 for a while,i now have an FN FNS for my carry as well as a Charter arms bulldog.44 special . The FNS has a trigger and a manual slide safety,i do not engage the slide safety. Going to trade the Kimber for a new carry pistol, there are so many options,thinking another Sig,giving Glock a look, S/A has new pistols out now. Any suggestions? What is your favorite carry gun?
to each his own but has worked for over a hundred years and is still working.
I own three 1911s one is from 1917 and the other two are current made and I have to say I would not want to carry anything else then a 1911.I would not want to carry a gun that does not have a safety on it do to the fact of accidental discharge. if you carry a 1911 with the hammer cocked and the thumb safety is not engaged you still have the grip safety and half cock position as a safety.
I agree with not trusting a 1911. I own a number of them and carried many years in the Army. Fortunately I have much experience clearing a misfeed but the average shooter probably does not. 1911s broken in well or older military type tend to feed better. Recently I purchased a high quality 1911 match grade from a very well known company and every second or third round did not feed properly even with various types of ammo. I called the company and they told me to fire 300 to 500 rounds to break it in. So how can anyone rely on such a weapon for self defense especially with not many in the magazine. Now I will mention a company that I have never had a problem with any of the eight guns I own in difference calibers. They are Glocks and they all shoot well. So if you want a reliable semi-auto, Glocks are a good choice.
I think the video did a good job of addressing the problems with idea that “training and practice” is the solution to the safety issue.
I prefer my CZ P-07 Duty (not an early model the feed issues) and also the CZ P-09. I choose the decocker option instead of the safety option. I keep a round in the chamber so that I am pretty damn sure it will fire when I pull the trigger.
The CZ’s are very reliable according to my lengthy research and based on the amount of practice I have put in. I’d like to practice and train more, but we all do our best I guess….
i love my 1911’s and have never had any reliability issues with them. I haven’t had a problem with mag capacity either because I also have a double stack. . I love the backstrap safety and I carry locked and loaded all the time. I have used it in a high stress situation many times and have never had any problems working with the side lock. I learned from early on how to train with it and it is natural to flip it when drawing. Sorry for this authors handicaps . I guess to each his own but even though I will still save his ass when his plastic gun fails I will laugh the whole time I am doing it.
Excellent. I’ve been trying to train people for 50 years. Handguns with the biggest failure rate has been the M1911. Every owner thinks they are pistol smiths. They aren’t. Magazines have been a huge fail point. Trying the latest magazine with some gun wizards name on it, often simply wont work in many guns. I love WW2 Colt M1911A1s. That said, I no longer own any of the 15 1911s I had over the years. They are great gun for selling at gun shows – that’s fun. But for every day carry the video gives correct information. He should have added, they weigh too much, for everyday carry. If you want a belt gun, buy a Glock 19 and be done with it. After 55 years of being a pistol user for work and pleasure, I own only 2 Glocks and 2 S&W K-frame revolvers. I could have anything I want, and it wont be a 1911 or a .45.
I think that just like everything else that is manufactured, there are occasional ‘lemons’. If a person happens to get a gun that is a lemon, he seems to be forever down on that brand of gun. I own a variety of different brand handguns (not 100’s like some of these posters) and when I get one that doesn’t function properly, I sell it or trade it for something different. I have 7 different style Glocks, a couple of S&W’s, Rugers, and a few others including a Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911. The DE is a mid-range priced 1911 but it shoots well and has been 100% reliable after the first 100 rds. or so during the break-in period. That said, I wouldn’t carry it CC, mainly due to the weight. It’s my bedside backup to my tactical 12 loaded with 00 buck. I don’t carry anything but my Glocks. My favorite being my G27, although a little bulky when wearing shorts and t-shirt. For those days I usually carry my G43. They all have at least 500 rds. through them and 5 of the 7 have never had a single malfunction. The other 2 had a few FTF’s through the first 100 rds. but no problems since. I did get rid of a G17 Gen 3 that had multiple failures, even after break-in. I enjoy shooting all my guns and they all take turns going to the range with me. As far as the safety factor of the Glocks, I think that is a user issue. Some people just shouldn’t own guns. The most important safety factor is knowing your gun and always thinking when you are handling one. Also, cheap holsters, not properly fitted for the gun have been the cause for many holstering misfires. I will continue to trust my life to my Glocks when I carry and I also have 100% confidence in my 1911 for safety at home. There may be better and safer carry guns out there, I just haven’t owned one yet. As far as the amount of rounds in the magazine, I always carry at least one spare and most of the time I have 2. Practice changing them whenever you can. I have a 13 yr. old grandson that shoots competition and can drop a mag and reload before the spent mag hits the ground. I’m not that good but I feel like I can change one quick enough to stay in the fight.
I enjoy reading all these articles and pick up a lot of good info. I think after reading this and a few similar articles over the past month or so, my next purchase will have to be a P239 Sig. They get some great reviews.
I carry a “1911” daily without worries. They definitely do require more maintenance but I’m ok with that. Most of the time it gets field stripped and some CLP treatment every couple days without even having been fired. MUST keep that t-shirt lint out of it! The brand I have is what many in the 1911 world consider a “cheaper” brand, Rock Island Armory(Armscor USA). I don’t like cheaper, economical is the better word. Mine was ordered with a request that they give it their reliability tune up before it left the factory. You can see where their smiths did some fitting of parts and deburring of parts and it was done very well. This firearm is smooth as butter. It’s a high capacity model chambered in Armscor’s proprietary caliber 22TCM. 17+1 for capacity is more than most 9mm guns on the market. This is NOT 22LR. It is a centerfire 40 gr. .224 at 2050 fps from a 5″ barrel and it comes very close to 9×19 for energy on target and ballistic gel wound tracts are almost identical. Nil for recoil makes for super fast/accurate follow up shots. As a bonus, this is a combo gun which means that if I shoot up all my 22TCM I can change the barrel and recoil spring and shoot 9×19 out of it. I have several hundred rounds of both 9mm and 22TCM through this gun, 1000+ total, without a single hiccup. Even the second magazine I ordered separately fit like a glove and has performed flawlessly. The safety lever for me is a non issue. I don’t own another handgun platform and train exclusively with the 1911 platform. The biggest thing is to train with your carry weapon no matter the platform. Operation needs to be instinctive. Limit the design quantity of your carry firearms(which is exactly what the video maker did). When shtf you won’t have time to think about which weapon you have that day and how you need to draw it and get it to fire.
O.K., lets take his points one at a time. Here are just four reasons I have carried a 1911-A1 Concealed for 35 years.
1. limited magazine capacity,
Eight round magazine- You don’t meed a double stack mag if your rounds are capable of stopping a human with the fewest number of rounds fired, not the most. The .45 ACP does that, the 9mm does not.
2. safety lever,
Too many handguns do NOT have any sort of mechanical safety. That little lever on the trigger, or the pivoting trigger, is in NO way a ‘safety’ because it does not keep someone from pulling the trigger. Any moron can pull the trigger on a no-mechanical-safety handgun. With the 1911, IF someone manages to grab you sidearm, you have an aditional safety to keep them from shooting you.
3. reliability,
Every 1911 handgun I have owned, five now, have been 100% reliable. I have seen ‘plastic-fantastic’ handguns exhibit failures wel after the break-in period.
4. magazine compatibility.
Magazine Compatability- 1911 mags aere campatabile with 1911 mags. What are Glock mags combatable with? Spfld XD/XDs/XDm? Oh yea, ALL handgun magazines aree compatabile with ALL magazines made for that particular weapon.
So… what was his pont about magazine campatability? Just goes to show, not even a former Marine knows much about what he does not like, nor why.
On man’s opinion does not, in itself, constitute a scientific, historical downgrade of the most famous combat handgun ever made. Just saying….
I have been selling firearms for many years owned and shot them all —- I am a1911 person —- I respect every ones views —- Carry guns should be well used and kept cleaned and oiled —- revolvers are best they go bang almost always black guns are fine if you understand them most people do not know striker ops from standard autos ( dbl action or single action )This is very dangerous period —- I personally think most black guns are sold to people or pushed on them —- without proper training ____ (not good ) Caring a Glock type pistol in your pocket or stuck in your belt or loose in your purse or bag is going to get you hurt. People Who have to carry a gun with 17 or19 rounds should practice more duh —- Most encounters are quick and close AND Should be avoided if at all possible . Train your mind to always be aware of your Surroundings Practice this. Auto’s were designed to shoot rnd nose ammo remember this when buying ammo. It is always better to know the bullet is going out the hole in the end of the muzzle. REMEMBER the most important thing in selling a handgun or purchasing a handgun is the weapon must be comfortable and feel right and the caliber must fit the persons ability. being able to put a22 cal in the same hole is a lot better than a miss. I shoot at 40 yards for practice —- WHY? —- because my targets are 40 yards from my back porch —- Stay Safe and God Bless
I hear your “complaint” about the safety on the 1911 and how some of your students “forget” to click their safety OFF.
I have no idea what your background is with firearms, nor do I have any idea what your educational background is. I say that as a preface to my comment, NOT as an insult.
I grew up around guns and (almost) every gun had a safety on it (the single shot break-open shotgun with external hammer did not. But we accepted that). This was before Glock had any idea that he was to invent some new-fangled gun that would sweep the world. We had safeties and we LEARNED TO USE THEM ! It was second nature.
When I first started shooting pistols I knew where the safety was so I instinctively used it and it was not a hindrance. Granted, the 1911 was too big for my hand then and for that reason I did not like the 1911. I used a Det SPL and a S&W 66. Eventually I matured (physically) and my hand grew upto the 1911. I had also learned how to sight and hit with a pistol. Eventually, I learned to shoot/carry the 1911. I do have several other pistols but ALL I carry is the 1911 – LEARNED HABIT. As a result, TO ME, the 1911 “does not have a safety”. The function of the safety is IN MY MIND – Out of the holster and point towards the target/thug and the SAFETY AUTOMATICALLY COMES OFF. I don’t even think about it, it just ‘happens’. When I come off target, the safety (magically/mysteriously) goes back ON. I have no idea how it happens….
What you describe (your STUDENTS) about failure to fire bcuz the safety was ON will never happen to me bcuz that’s HOW I WAS RAISED/INDOCTRINATED. I trust that you were not brought up this way.
You respond ONLY AS YOU WERE TRAINED. You suggest it can be trained in, but your voice inflection/body language does not exude confidence.
I will not insult you on your opinion and if you must operate with a gun that has no safety like is designed into the 1911, my hat is off to you. You do not save my life, nor I yours. You have your methods and I have mine. I’m sure there are many my age (upper 60’s) who will agree with me. But as you said at the beginning and also the end of your vid – this is YOUR OPINION. I hope you survive ALL your firefights.
I also trust that the many of us old farts who “rely on/believe in/worship” our safeties will never give a second thought to having “forgot to take the safety OFF” if we ever get in a firefight.
BTW,
Even at my bowling pin competitions, the timer announces “timer ready”, and my safety is ON. As the gun comes up, the safety clicks OFF !
Several people standing around have commented on that.
TRAINING – it becomes second nature !
I think carrying a weapon concealed or otherwise is a big decision. Obviously, once you make it what you carry is important. I own 1911’s, Glocks, XD’s, Sigs and M&P’s. With the execption of the M&P which I have only as a California legal weapon for when I travel there, I have shot each of the other platforms extensively. While I am 61 I am not one who has fifty years of gun ownership under my belt. I have been actively shooting and reloading for around twenty years. I was in the military but in no capacity where I had contact with weapons; not a combat vet. So, with my 1911’s, XD’s and Sigs I can say that I have had occasional problems with all of them. XD’s are XD’s, Sigs are Sigs. 1911’s are, as noted above all over the map. I don’t own any cheap 1911’s. I have Baer’s, Wilson’s and Browns. Over the years I have had trouble with every maker’s 1911. Some times it’s a spring not being the correct strength, or a particular mag brand simply doesn’t work well with 1911 maker X, or it doesn’t like anything but hard ball. I not only shoot 1911’s, but I have built my own from easily obtainable parts; I bought a Caspian frame and slide and hand fitted the rails and lapped them in. It’s a great tight, but not too tight fit. I did all the other work on all the other parts. The only things I didn’t do were Cerakoting and putting on the sights. It’s a great commander sized 9mm 1911. Well, except for one thing, I still haven’t got my extractor working 100%. It’s my hobby gun. I like it. I would never carry it. I don’t carry a 1911 any more. I used to. One day at the range I was shooting a Wilson Combat 1911 with factory ammo. This 1911 had been perfect over at least 2000 rounds and I was really liking it. I really dig the 1911! Then it cycled, ejected the spent case, and partially returned to battery. It was about 1/4″ – 1/3″ out. I looked at it, slapped the rear of the slide to try to get it forward into battery. No go. Long story short, it was jammed so badly that I had to use a plastic faced hammer and, while keeping it pointed down range, whack the slide alternatively back and forth to get it unstuck. I safed it and took it apart on a cloth at the bench. Stuck in the rails were some rather large pieces of brass. Apparently the brass case got shredded somehow and some of the pieces worked their way into the frame to slide rail area. THIS COULD HAPPEN WITH ANY 1911. It was not the fault of the gun. Glocks, XD’s, M&P’s the Sig P320/P250 all have their slides riding on four pieces of “frame rails” that extend to the sides into the slides grooves. This arrangement allows a lot of gunk to fly out of there if need be. No gun is perfect.
Now, I read quite a few comments starting from the top, and while someone may have noticed it also, I will say that if the person in the video is an ex-marine shooter and regularly teaches/conducts training with hand guns and with all of this on-going experience sees more problems with 1911’s than any other platform, that tells me a lot. The one thing he said that I didn’t see ANY comments on was about the stress inducing drills he does and how many, many shooters will forget to take the 1911 slide mounted safety off and are left trying to pull the trigger with no results. If this happens with regularity in the training stressful environment, what do you think a real world situation where you choose to present your 1911 will do to your stress level?
I train out at Front Sight in Nevada once or twice a year. Those guys train more people in a year than all other training companies combined do (or very close to it) and they see every possible handgun out there and every possible problem with them. Glocks, XD’s and Sigs seem to be the hands down most popular with the instructors. I talk to the instructors every time I go and I ask them about reliability and what they see as problems with reliability. 1911’s are at the top of the list.
Maybe because I grew up in the 1950s and 60s but, I will stake my life on the 1911s any time I have to. Their problems are with design but, rather gunsmiths who don’t understand their purposes. Not everybody is a qualified gunsmith today, even if they think they are. Don’t fix what ain’t broke.
Most “M1911” functionality problems are due to stupid, useless, non-GI-spec M1911 add-ons that screw up the gun. Can’t tell you how many “M1911 problems” I’ve helped guys through by tearing off sh-t like full-length guide rods, funky non-spec barrel bushings, crappy hi-cap “shooting star” magazines with insufficient springs and follower tails, and other such junk parts that kill the operational reliability of the base firearm. The fact is and remains that most “1911s” aren’t M1911s any more. Companies have adulterated the great original design (like full length guide rods — you gotta be sh-tting me! — S&W, Kimber, Colt, and a whole bunch of others), Mim’ed and cast the original forged parts (like Kimber, S&W, Ruger, Para, and a bunch of other), altered and cheapened the ultra-reliable original design and specs for ease of manufacture (cast frames, like Caspian and Kimber — who has lied through their teeth for years about having steel forged frames, at least Caspian admits it — or dodging the heat-treated and hand-adjusted internal extractor for the ease of a non-adjusted external extractor, like SIG and S&W), or for “safety” (Series 80 trigger, like Colt. Memo to Colt: The original design is drop safe, if you maintain the firing pin return spring, like you’re supposed to,) Gawd, no wonder the things often don’t run right any more — we aren’t talking about one gun here, we’re talking about 75 or so, and I’m not kidding or exaggerating. Let’s get back to one gun, the M1911 / M1911A1, with minimal treatment allowed to enhance the trigger pull, sights, and feed the modern hollow point ammo that didn’t exist in 1911 and 1924, BUT do nothing to change the basic specs of the gun, nor add sh-tty non-spec junk parts.
If you want a gun to run with the reliability of an M1911-M1911A1, start with a gun that has a true, mil-spec, FORGED frame and slide, and tear off all the stuff that isn’t built to the same standard God, John Browning, and the Ordnance Dept at Springfield Armory intended it to be. Feed problems? Start by trying the 7 round GI magazine and the standard, properly tensioned GI internal extractor. (Your gun doesn’t have an internal extractor? It ain’t a 1911, sorry Charlie, back to square 1.) Right now the CMP is selling GI-surplus 7 round mags for less than 10 bucks apiece, still packed in kraft paper, max of 8 per buyer. Buy a few while you can. If your gun feeds with these, but the Chipper McCormick Shooting Star Sh-t doesn’t work — well, then, it’s the magazine, stupid!, throw the damn thing out. When everything on the gun has been replaced to TRUE GI-correct, the odds are very, very high that your gun will run properly, and will be very reliable and durable, if you started with a decent frame and slide. Now, have a good M1911 gunsmith set the trigger pull to 4.5 lbs, crisp with no creep and minimal overtravel (hint: it doesn’t take a match trigger to do this, don’t put one on the gun), enlarge the sights with a good pair of fixed sights you can properly see, and put a slightly larger safety lock lever on the pistol, so you can reliably flick the lever on and off, and with enough resistance so that it stays put until you decide to move it. If you started with a true GI slide, you may also lower the ejection port slightly, if the gun dings your brass and you reload.
You are now done, that’s all the gun needs, with the possible exception of a modern, more rust resistant finish, which is up to you. Resist any and all urges to screw the gun up with additional junk. Enjoy for the next 50 to 100 thousand rounds, changing the springs periodically. Springs are like oil changes — maintenance items to be changed with regularity, before problems start to happen. And if you do all of this, your M1911 will be running long after your Glock 23 has gone to the Plastic Gun Graveyard, along with its son, grandson, and great grandson. Train properly with your M1911, and as handguns go, you will never be underarmed.
God Bless John Browning and the (true) M1911.
I agree with the problems with the 1911. It is an iconic, historical pistol so anything negative about it is not going to be well received . I have spent time in the 82nd AB. 3rd SF group and now teach tacaticle handgun
Classes to citizens and law enforcement groups. I carry a Springfield XD in 45 acp. I also like the XD 9.
They are both clean, reliable, and affordable. As for stopping power it doesn’t always take a big slug to stop a bad guy. Proper bullet choice and placement are what maters most and training in situational awareness so as not to be caught off guard and to matain the upper hand. Good luck to all 2nd amendment citizens.
Interesting… Having carried many 1911/1911-A1 over 35 years, I have not seen may unreliable, and those have almaost alwways been operator error, or bad ammo, or bad mags.
Over the past five years, I have seen more of those problems with owners of Springfields plastic-fantastic handguns, and a greater lack of accuracy with those owbers/shooters. When I show them how to shoot my 1911, and have them try, 8 out of 10 of them hit the target. Every time.
Heavier gun, less recoil. Less recoil, less off target time. Less muzzle rise, more hits. Bigger bullet, better hits, fewer needed. So, what is wrong with the 1911?
I own 6 1911’s. I do my all the work myself on my guns, mostly because I have plenty of time to do it, and because I don’t trust anyone else (bad experiences with gunsmiths). I also enjoy doing my own work. All of my 1911s run flawlessly. I have 4 single stacks 38 Super, 2- 45 ACP, 9mm, 40 S&W, and 2 double stacks 40S&W, and 10mm. If I had to pick a favorite…it would be the 38 Super. However…when it comes to a carry weapon…I don’t choose any of these. As reliable as they are…they are also very heavy for me to carry. I choose the Springfield XDm compact 3.8 in 9mm for carry. 14 rds with the short mag, and 20 with the long mag, considerably less wieght, and much easier to conceal. Plus both grip and trigger safeties.
I do my own work because I know how to do it…I don’t recommend anyone who does not know how to work on guns to do so. There are plenty of videos on youtube and other sites that are very helpful. These videos do not make you a gunsmith. If you are not sure about whether or not you are doing something correctly…bring it to a professional.
One of the main reasons I don’t read too much of this crap. Guy writing is making a buck over controversy. Or gaining notoriety the same way. I have seen two incidents where people were shot by “accident” with Glocks. Both by cops. The main reason I don’t like them is because the only safety on a Glock is between the person’s ears that is pointing it..the one that is totally stressed out. And if you say it isn’t stressed out..either you have never been in a gun fight or you have no concern for other people. I watched a cop shoot a guy who brought his had out of his pocket clutching an object(nothing deadly by any means) and the stressed cop put 6 rounds dead center out of a S&W 66. Then he wanted the medics to “save” the guy. So stress really does have a factor in shootings. Yep an extreme point as I prefer 1911’s but if I happen to have a striker fired gun..it’s better’n throwing rocks. But not trusting a 1911?? Actually the writer is saying he just doesn’t trust himself…and he’s getting his 15 mins of fame with the article.
The 1911 is the pistol I learned on in 1968 while going through Marine Corps Infantry Training. While I have owned other types and calibers over the years nothing is as comfortable in my hand, comes automatically on target and gives me the security and familiarity as a 1911.
Say what you like but a well-placed 230 grain hollow point +P round WILL stop an adversary without having to empty a mag to do it.
Just my dos centavos. Semper Fi !
Yes to each his own, but a 1911 is truly hard to beat.Capacity issues? Try Springfield’s double stack 1911 or Rock Island Armory’s double stack 1911. I have 2 RIA 1911’s- 1 for carry ( Commander ) and 1 for everything else ( full size ) and no issues. I’ll opt for a little extra weight and knock down performance.
To be fair, Shaw makes it clear that this is his personal opinion/preference, and he admits there are many for whom the 1911 works.
It is true that the pistol’s magazine capacity is representative of a different era, but there are a number of options for those who want a hi cap 1911. I’ve carried 1911s almost exclusively for about 23 years, and carry one on duty as a police officer. I train to snick the safety off as I draw, (finger outside of the trigger guard, of course) and I only put the safety back on with my off gun hand so there is no confusion as to the pistol’s firing capability when it is out of the holster. I carry an STI Tactical, and it is every bit as reliable as other semi-automatic pistols, and more accurate than most. I have 12+1 in the pistol with the flush magazine, and 14+1 with my reloads. The main reason I prefer the 1911 is the superiority of its trigger. The 1911 trigger is unmatched by any other pistol on the market, period.
I hear people (And police administrators) whine about the single action of the 1911 as being “dangerous” all of the time, yet most of those people are wholly accepting of the Block and other striker-fired pistols which only have the firing pin block and trigger safety, which only protects against discharges from jolts or being dropped. Apparently if the fact that one metal part perched precariously on a tiny ledge of steel being the only thing preventing a discharge is concealed inside the mechanism of a pistol, rather than visibly apparent by a cocked hammer, these people’s minds are completely at ease. If they can’t readily see it, it doesn’t exist.
Don’t like or trust a 1911? The most proven weapon in the history of warfare, … you don’t like? This Marine instructor is an idiot. Don’t like the magazine capacity? Well then, learn to hit what you are shooting at! You don’t need 17 rounds to kill something if you are even a mediocre shot! Carry 2 extra mags on your belt if you need to just BLAST AWAY!!!
I agree with everything Daniel said about the 1911, I own several weapons including Sig, Beretta, Colt, Ruger. I do like my 1911 but I won’t use one for my personal protection.
I am a police officer. I personally know too many officers who shot themselves with their Glocks.. because there was no safety on them or for what ever reason. I agree, if you are too stupid to carry a 1911, then don’t. I have carried one for over 25 years. It has yet to let me down. the main thing is, KNOW YOUR WEAPON and your weapon won’t let you down, If it is a GOOD 1911.
I trust my Kimber CDP with my life. I have owned it since 2000 and regularly carried it. Two years ago, with some wear on the finish, I had it Robarized and it now shoots better than ever. The sights are Lasergrips, and the gun carries almost unnoticed in a Crossbreed IWB holster.
I am more accurate shooting this handgun than any other I have ever fired in my life, which is one reason I trust it. My only qualms is that I wish I could double the amount of ammunition without increasing the weight or size at all, but we cannot have everything.
It’s all about training, training, and training consistently. Training includes, not just for the 1911, concealed carry and draw, safety (no shoot to shoot, including safety or trigger pressure for DA/SA or DA), reload of any handgun, clearing a jam / stove pipe / misfire, and, of course, good maintenance. If you do not know how, ask, for any firearm. All four of these issues are resolved with (frequent) training. And regarding magazine capacity, I know of numerous service members with small hands whom cannot safely hold and operate double stack magazine pistols, no matter how small; combat reload training frequency and practice can resolve this issue (just watch the video of a man reloading twice to fire 18 rounds – from a REVOLVER in less than 10 seconds). Magazine incompatibility is a poor argument, practice and if it doesn’t work, don’t be shocked; just as all holsters designed to fit a handgun, may not accommodate the handgun and the shooter, or desiring to use ammo insufficient to properly operate the slide or wanting to use +P ammo in a non +P handgun. And for arguments sake, it’s self-defense, not offensive combat. If it’s combat self-defense, get a more appropriate firearm.
I daily carry a Springfield Micro Compact .45 and my .38 wheel gun for a NY reload and have never had an issue with either. When in LE, I carried a Ruger GP100 6″ as duty weapon until I was issued an automatic but still love the wheel gun. Maybe I’m just old.
Hold it, until Glock came around 1911s dominated the police market. I wonder how many LEO’S died because thier 1911 malfunctioned…My 1911 never malfuntioned in the Corps, and niether did my M16. Must have something to do with improper maintanence or operator error . Just saying…….crickets chirping.
Personally I couldn’t agree more with the video and this is coming from someone (yes, me) who does carry a 1911 platform daily and trust my life on it. Daniel makes great points in the video why for him personally he doesn’t and those are some of the same points I tell my students in class looking to buy or start carrying a 1911 platform as an EDC/Defensive Handgun. If you’re gonna carry one, maintenance and nitpicky replacements as needed on a regular basis are absolutely necessary. Yes, I carry 1911s on a daily basis and trust them both (4″ full size & 3″ Officer frame). However, with the 3″ (generally being more finicky than the full size 5″ or even 4″) I never would carry it for about the first 5000rds down range. During the first 1000, I certainly didn’t trust it. I shot it great, was used to the 1911 mechanics so much so I even find myself drawing striker fire DAO semi-autos and sweeping the side where a 1911 safety would be (especially in those high stress situations where I fall back on muscle memory) but, it wasn’t combat reliable at first. Changed out some small parts (all new springs: Recoil, hammer and trigger, mainspring), different magazines than what it came with and then we started running better. Once I got close to 100% reliability with my defensive Ammo (3 types I stick with) of choice after 2000rds went down range without a hiccup, then I trusted it more.
Most are probably saying “why waste 5000rds to make a gun work…but, something that’s already reliable.” Well, I wasn’t in a rush to start carrying that little 3″ 1911 variant, new minor fixes could help it run better, got myself on a better maintenance routine and when it comes down to it have always shot and trained better with a 1911 style handgun than a striker fire or DA/SA and for concealed carry, that slim single stack profile suits me perfectly. Honestly, I wish I was as consistent with something more simple like a Glock, M&P, etc. but, I continued to train and finally “figured it out” for me and my defensive needs.
So, for me (not in the correct order?)
1. Maintenance/Reliability- I’m aware of the necessity so my rule is my EDC 1911s get cleaned if they fire 1 single shot on the range OR, once every 10 days no matter what (not fired). Broke down, wiped down, all parts inspected, re-lubricate, wipe down mags/blow out with air compressor, reassemble, function test. It’s just turned in to a routine I do without thinking. About once a year change out a lot of the small parts (springs, ejectors depending on how they look, etc)
2. Capacity- I live in CA anyways so limited to 10 as it is. Carry 7+1 & 8+1 in the gun (depending on frame size) always one spare 8rd on me and 10rd (max I’m allowed legally) in the car, home, office, wherever I am.
3. Safety Lever- I’ve been training with a 1911 since I was a child. As an instructor I’m on the range minimum once a week as it is and generally train for about 2hrs after classes (when I’m nice and dead tired!) to build my muscle memory and skill set. Also, when I first started carrying, I learned and now preach the importance of simply spending time with a dry weapon and really get to know its mechanics. There’s more training that can be done on the couch with a dry fireman (keep Ammo in a separate room) while watching TV than most realize. When you’re the only one home, take advantage of that time and train your fine motor skills until you don’t even have to think safety. When you get to the point that while shooting a Glock you try to flip the [non-existsnt] training lever down, you know you’re building the muscle memory you need.
4. Magazine compatibility- On both, I’ve found the Wilson Combat mags function flawlessly, as well as Chip McCormick’s so, I keep about (at this point) about 15 good condition Wilson Combat mags on hand. Find what works, and stick with it.
Now, with all that said, I still agree that for a lot of people doing all that’s required isn’t going to happen and a 1911 style handgun is not the gun for them and sticking with something more simple is maybe a better idea. As an instructor I’ll be the first to say I see what the same things on the range as discussed in the video. Many people come out to qualify with their new cool decked out 1911, on the range with no stress they do ok, turn up the heat and there’s a lot of “Damn Safety!” shots (NOT) going off. In a gun fight that damn safety will getcha killed so, wanna carry that gin, keep training, and maybe don’t carry it until you can operate it without thinking twice. I point out the nuances of the 1911 to all students who come to class with one for the first time and even those who’ve owned them for a while as range guns and safe decorations who want to start carrying them concealed or even as a home defense handgun.
I’ve become a 1911 operator over many many years of training…not shooting, TRAINING. I wouldn’t call myself a “fanboy” and don’t put down any other firearm, the 1911 simply works for me. Still, I’d say to give the article and video some thought if you are or are thinking of carrying a 1911 style SAO handgun for self defense. Great points!
I love reading all these posts. There are so many people and as they say each one has an opinion. To the vets and combat vets on here thanks for your service, to the LEO’s keep up the good work, to everyone else stay safe.
1. I carried a 1911 in the military and in combat. I also was the Armorer taking care of over 200 weapons.
2. I have used the 1911 .45 acp in combat and from my experience it is one of the hardest hitting, 1 shot knock down weapons out there. at one point a long time ago I had a german gun smith make me a .44 mag that I used in the trenches in VietNam but the problem with it was after firing 3 shots your whole arm went numb. but that’s another story.
3. If properly maintained the 1911 will bring you out alive every time. now I hear lots of people saying they want the glocks, double stack mags etc because of more rounds available. I question that however in all my engagements I have never had a firefight that using the 1911 I had an engagement that took more than one change of magazines. most firefights last 3 to 7 seconds and I don’t care who you are if you are putting bullets on target (I am not talking about just throwing rounds down range to keep them pinned down) that 8 rounds were not enough. I believe that if you have the Discipline with the weapon, so you are hitting what you are shooting at, there was only one time that a double tap did not take the individual down and completely out of the fight, that was because he was Wearing body armor. two rounds center mass took him back 15 feet from where he was initially standing and slammed him against a building. but not surprising he decided he had enough and gave up. Now I also have a 1911 in .40 S&W which in my estimation shoots a little flatter by about .8 inches but with the same effect on the business end. Both of these 1911 will eat any ammo that I feed them and they don’t complain.
4. I own 9mm, 380’s, etc. however I have seen the after effects of having to shoot both 9mm and 380 into the a car door by others to save their own lives and in my estimation these rounds just do not have what it takes. I have also seen perp’s shot 3 and 4 times buy LEO’s with 9mm and they go to the hospital to get patched up, that to me is not acceptable. I believe if you are going to shoot someone then at the end of the gun fight the other guy should be dead period. I had some Occasions’ where it was necessary to shoot through vehicle doors to stop persons and the .45 did the job, while I have seen vehicles that were shot 40 times with a 9mm and only 2 bullets got into the people compartment out of 40. So in my mind that tells me that even though the 9mm / 380 are smaller and easier to carry, that .40 / .45 with a 5 inch barrel is a better bet to save my life.
5. muzzle flip on the full size .45 / .40 1911’s are minimal and recovery time is almost immediate, shooting the short barrel even in the taurus 24/7 .40 the muzzle flip is such that a double tap will put those round 6 to 8 inches apart on the range, in a real life shoot out that equates to about 18 inches apart. that is another reason I carry a full size 1911. If you have to shoot, and the second round out of the barrel is 18 in high you are very likely to hit a innocent by stander and that is murder folks plain and simple, I don’t know about the rest of you but I hate courts and lawyers. I have had girls / women on the range with the little tiny 380 or 9mm some for the first time that could not hit a man size target at 21 feet. I let them shoot the 1911 that I carry and that was the first time they ever shot one and they put the rounds in the kill zone. most that I did that with a month or so later were back on the range and guess what they were carrying, yup a full size 1911 .45 ACP, and really didn’t want them shooting at you.
6. Cheap guns, I hear so much about don’t buy a cheep gun yada yada. Let me tell you because the gun costs you 1,000.00 and up does not make it more reliable period, many shooters that shoot professionally have those weapon tolerances so tight that any little thing in the slide will cause it to jam. that to me is the most dangerous thing of all, but that being said I have a turkish made Tisas R100 and the tolerances on that weapon are tighter than the new government issue 1911 colt. but at the same time not so tight that you have the problems with the professional running and gunning crowd. those guns shoot every time you pull that trigger and that is what you want when your life depends on it, and my wallet still has money in it for ammo. I also have a Armscor 1911 in .40 and the same thing with that one <600 and it shoots every time you pull that trigger. a lot of people think that weapons made by Armscor / philippines are junk, little do they understand that the M-16 in reality was a Armalite first which was made in the philippines, they started making 1911's by copying the colt and in the early models if you didn't look at the name you would never know the difference and the parts were 100% interchangeable with the colt 45 I know because I did it.
7. So in summary for me there is few semi-auto's that will fit better in my hands, shoot better in my hands, and hit what I am aiming at than a 1911, that does not say that this is universal for everyone however, you must be able to shoot and hit what you are shooting at or you have an expensive paper weight. I have seen and had FBI agents on the range that the safest place when they were shooting was directly in front of them. but on the flip side I had a young guy that used nothing but a .22LR semi-auto and he did nothing but head shots and put them down every time he got in a fire fight. so what ever works for you and keeps you alive that is what you should be carrying and using.
That’s why I like to use a S&W 357 Mag revolver for home defense. No extraction issues. No safety, No magazine issues, Well, only 6 rounds….but….
He’s entitled to his opinion but his reasons don’t apply to everyone.
As a police officer I carried 1911s every day for 30 years, both open carry and concealed. I’ll bet the thumb safety issues Shaw has seen have all been with shooters who- A) seldom if ever begin any course of fire from a holster or B) have not been properly trained in how and WHEN to manipulate that safety. I’ve met just one person who, AFTER BEING PROPERLY TRAINED, was unable to disengage a thumb break and swipe that safety off while drawing the weapon. With any weapon your finger doesn’t belong inside the trigger guard until you are about to fire.
Limited magazine capacity? Sorry, but high cap mags encourage a “spray and pray” attitude. In my experience double stack mags are also more prone to cause feed issues than are single stacks.
Reliability? Cumulatively, I’ve fired tens of thousands of rounds through all three of my 1911s. I can honestly say I’ve had issues with those guns- fail to feed or fail to eject- less than 1% of the time and those failures have always been directly attributable to either a bent magazine lip or bad ammo. Anyone demanding more reliability than that had better buy a revolver. Of course, then they have that limited ammo capacity every “Tactical Timmy” seems to think is just so horrible.
Daniel, thank you for your service. The 1911 would not have remained the military’s sidearm for 75 years if it didn’t have something going for it. When built to JMB’s original specs out of forged steel properly tempered, it can compete in dependability and serviceability with any handgun made. From the muddy trenches of World War I, to the bloody beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima, to the frozen battlefields of Korea, to the humid tunnels of Vietnam, the 1911 has real-world experience behind it that no other handgun since can equal. Personal preferences do not make a combat handgun, exhaustive testing and years of real-world application do. The Yankee Fist is the original single-tap, especially when you know where to target its 230-grain jacketed ball ammunition. The old adage, “They all fall to ball” was spoken by men who saw years of combat close-up and personal. Doubling magazine capacity in a handgun so you can double- and triple-tap an enemy to make sure he falls is a waste of time and ammunition. My 1911 A1 has thousands of rounds through it, and true to John Browning’s original design, it functions flawlessly and is supremely accurate within handgun ranges. I have and will continue to bet my life on it.
The Marine had it right.
I taught combat pistol shooting for years and more importantly carried a pistol for years to protect my life where at any given time I would need to under great stress draw that firearm and stop someone from taking my life. I ONLY carried revolvers for years because I knew they would work all the time I drew one and pulled the trigger something would go BANG. The worst gun in the world that will go bang EVERYTIME is better than the most expensive polished beauty of one that sometimes does not.
1. A personal handgun MUST fire when the trigger is pulled and nothing more. A safety is for fools who worry about setting their weapon down and someone picking it up. A 1911 must have a safety to be carried loaded. Under stress anyone I have ever known will occasionally not take the safety off of a gun. I have done it and ANYONE who says they have not is either someone who almost never actually handles a pistol or is lying.
2. Again the pistol MUST go BANG not almost all the time, but EACH and EVERY time. 1911’s are prone to not sometimes go BANG after being carried around on your body for a while and picking up dirt and lint. I have never fired a 1911 that at sometime simply did not get a little finicky. And I have what I think is the finest 1911 I have ever picked up, a Colt Custom Shop Gold Cup. It shoots like a rifle with deadly accuracy out to about 100 yards. At 30 feet you can make bullet holes touch each other and cut the middle hole from a bulls eye of a target. I would not carry that gun where I know I might absolutely need to defend my life against an assailant under extreme stress. It might not work that one time I really need it. I carry a Glock for that for one reason. I trust it will always work. I have occasionally fired a Glock over ten thousand rounds without cleaning it. Just to see if it would fail because of being dirty. Never had one fail to go bang. Is it as accurate and does it make me get goosebumps when I am holding it or shooting it, NO it does not and is not as accurate. It does not have any realation to M.O.A. but it does do M.O.M. every time. That is Moment Of Man.
3. I just might need more than 7 rounds in a combat situation. I teach that “Life is precious, and ammo is cheap. Any person worth shooting once is worth shooting three or four times” and sometimes there may be more than two assailants. And sometimes in the heat of the moment under fear of dying stress someone even me might miss. 🙂
4. Almost anyone can be easily and quickly taught to use a Glock or several other pistols that do not have the features of a 1911. The 1911 was the finest handgun of its time. That was well over a hundred years ago. The mauser rifle was the finest combat rifle of its time, the Stanley steamer was the finest automobile of its time, the Wright Brothers airplane was the ONLY airplane of that same time. All contemporaries!!! Advancements in engineering, understanding human kenesiology, psychology and physiology as well as studying film and video and untold thousands of actual shootings under stress have also had an effect on handguns, there reliability, and the applicability for humans needing to shoot them under the stress of protecting their lives.
I still like to drive an old 1949 Ford, but it will not outrun my Volvo and even brand new it was not as dependable as my Volvo that has over 200,000 miles on it. I take the Ford for a Sunday drive for pleasure, I take my custom Gold Cup out to impress kids with how good even an old man can still shoot, and for pleasure. If I have to run my wife to the hospital for an emergency I drive that Volvo. When I have to put my hand on a pistol when nose to nose with a gun carrying gangbanger or a robber coming to rob me, it touches a Glock. I know absolutely that without thought that each is going to be absolutely working until the emergency is taken care of. There are other great pistols that will work as well, and are as dependable as a Glock, but they are NOT 1911’s as dearly as I love the four 1911’s that I own. But on a given Sunday I might be driving my great old Ford and be carrying that wonderful 1911 Gold Cup and enjoying the day. But not when my life, or the life of a loved one absolutely depended on it when there was something better. Actually, several betters, locked in my gunroom.
I’ve owned and carried 1911s for over fifty years, commercial and military, and never experienced a reliability problem. If a 7-8 round capacity is a imitation for you there are double stack versions (14-15 round capacity) available. I have a Para and a Springfield that suit me just fine.
It is precisely the safety features built into the 1911 that permit cocked-and-locked carry of a single action pistol.
Some reasons I prefer a revolver over a semi: The first may not be a concern, then again it may. If I leave a semi loaded for a long period of time, will the magazine spring do what it is supposed to do when my life is on the line? A revolver is always in a ready state, no springs are compressed. Second- No safeties to fiddle with, only a trigger. Third- If I have a misfire on a semi, I need to clear the jam. On a wheelgun, I need only pull the trigger again. Fourth- The double action trigger pull requires serious intent to pull off a shot, making accidental discharge less likely. Fifth-This is of prime importance to me, I am far less likely to shoot myself in practice and in actual need with a revolver. An added note: A small pocket revolver is easier to conceal in my pocket than a semi. Semis print in a pants pocket. A wheelgun just looks like a pocket full of keys, change, lip balm and whatever else one carries on a regular basis. Also, magazine capacity is not a substitute for shot placement. Dedicated practice on a consistent basis is one’s best insurance for success in a real crisis.
I will stress: These are my own opinions. Your mileage may vary.
Thanks, TL
I was introduced to the .45 Auto at Parris Island in 1964 and carried an M1911A1 or an M-14 rifle while in Viet Nam, depending on my duties. My M1911A1 was a tired specimen that rattled in my holster, but operated without disappointment. Since then, I’ve owned a succession of .45 Autos (Colts, Springfields, and Kimbers) and accessorized them according to my preference. I currently use a Kimber Custom II which has digested approximately 4,000 rounds (150-250 per month, usually my reloads) and have not experienced a failure to cycle unless I ignored the requirement to scrupulously clean the piece.
I have no argument with those who prefer other sidearms, and I don’t get into the .45 versus 9mm debate. I’m also very pleased with the SIG P226 and CZ75B, and can recommend them to others. In summertime, I occasionally carry a SIG P232 in .380 ACP (Horrors!) because I can more easily conceal it without wearing a jacket. My point is that the .45 Auto has served me well and continues to do so. I have witnessed errors with a spectrum of handguns, and all have been the result of “operator error”.
At this point in life, I candidly admit that I not as fast as I was when I was a young man; my lights are dimming a bit, and there are rumors I shoot by Braille, but the .45 has been a reliable companion for more than 50 years, operates reliably and intuitively for me, permitting rapid magazine changes in complete darkness, and we’ve had some interesting moments over time. Whatever the choice, I’d recommend a pattern of strong & weak hand practice, good equipment maintenance, a thorough familiarity with your sidearm, and avoid carrying anything that hasn’t earned your trust. Let’s be careful out there.
I tend to think that the author is a younger Marine, who was weaned on a 9m Berretta handgun. Personally, my generation was weaned upon the M1911A1 and we, generally, all love it.
When you consider that the M1911A1 was good enough for the US military through 3 major wars (and counting) and was only retired due to the weapons, in stock, being old, worn out and not compatible with other NATO nations’ pistol calibers. That it is still being utilized by Special Ops and FBI HRT (and the cops in my town), I can find no reason to not trust my life to mine, should the occasion arise and I hope that such an event never occurs.
With an 8 round mag and one in the chamber, it holds 9 round of a, time proven, cartridge and caliber combination. Please note that you can carry as many extra magazines as you wish to. As an Army Military Policeman, I carried one mag in the weapon and two extra in my ammo pouch. Thankfully I never needed any of it. As a civilian NRA Pistol Trainer, when I carry my 1911, I usually carry at least two extra mags and occasionally four, dependent upon where I choose to tread. That’s 5 mags times 8 rounds, which gives me 41 rounds of .45 caliber power at my disposal. I can’t imagine needing more.
The short, single action mechanism gives me an easier first shot (and follow up shots), when time might be of the essence.
Each unto his own, but I love the 1911 so much that I have a Colt Government Model in .380 caliber, as well, that is my most commonly carried pistol, along with my back up piece, in warmer weather, which is often here in the Southland. Generally, but not always, leaving the .45 for colder weather, when I need something heavier and more potent that can get a round through multiple layers of clothing, and still hit a vital organ and I have the additional layers of clothing necessary to conceal the big gun and the extra ammo mags..
hey Daniel, what’s yer take as per the S+W Governor for personal protection (indoor) vs single shot that could go through walls and injure others?? somehow, the 410 option in a pistol perks me~~~thoughts?
Meh. The 1911’s been in continuous use for 100 years because it’s a great gun. It would’ve disappeared into the annals of history a long time ago if it wasn’t.
That said, the beauty of firearms is there’s a model for everyone. If one doesn’t suit you, fine. Move on. Rest assured, there are thousands that do like it, and many don’t take kindly to a stranger dissing their favorite platform.
I hope Mr. Shaw won’t turn into one of those internet commandos with all their wacky “advice” on this thing or that. He seems to have some solid ideas, better to present those instead.
I carry either a Taurus PT 92 AFS or a Taurus PT 945 with a fluted barrel. To be honest I like both guns but lean to the 9mm more. I like the fact I have 17 rounds with it verses the 8 with the 45. I get a lot of slack for being a Taurus fan but oh well I have a lot of good luck with those 2.
I have a Springfield Range Officer .45acp. I like to shoot it on the range where there is time to get ready to shoot it and you can be really sure when you want to shoot. It’s a recreational gun for me. I carry a SP101 357cal. with laser. Only five rounds available at a time, but easy and safe to handle and at the distances I might be called on to use it, it is very accurate. I carry extra rounds, but I hope I do not need to reload to continue shooting. I’m looking in to a different carry gun, but am not sure which to choose this time. I like the P226 from Sig. Please explore the best options for a defensive carry gun.
I do not like Glocks. They are ugly. They are clumsy. They don’t fit my hands. There is nothing about a Glock that I like. Except that they fire every time. As an aging LEO who has never drawn his weapon outside of the range, there is a Glock in my holster because after thousands of rounds it has never failed. I’d rather carry a Para-ord or a Kimber, but for some strange reason, carrying this brick of a weapon is comforting. I know it is going to work should I eve need it.
Now if Glock would make it look like a 1911 ………..
Question for Daniel Shaw regarding the 1911: Would you comment on the handgun of your choice…..and why?
Thanks, Steve
I’ll just leave this here.
Every reason offered to not carry and trust the 1911 with ones life is either easy to overcome or based on personal preference… and he admits that much of his opinion is based on preference. Right towards the end of the video at 4:15, however, he mentioned my #1 reason for not employing my 1911 for an everyday defensive role. You will likely not see that firearm for quite a long time and in some instances, you may never see it again.
The market is loaded with very good choices for defensive handguns with all manner of features or lack thereof to suit just about anyone. Why risk a fine and expensive custom 1911 to the judicial system when so many options are available? If I’m going to potentially lose a firearm, I’d rather it be an XD or Glock or M&P or or or or… rather than something along the lines of a Wilson Combat.
Something else to consider is what actually happens in the legal system which you may find yourself thrown in the middle of. Now this pertains to all firearms and not just 1911s but due to the availability of parts, it seems to affect 1911s more than others…. quit modifying the pistols! We, as gun owners, tend to think in very rational terms about firearms. The jury you find yourself in front of may not be like minded. You may be in front of a grandmother who’s never touched a firearm in her life and blindly accepts the BS purported by the anti-crowd. A simple extended magazine release may have been installed to aid in quickly reloading a weapon in case you find yourself in a defensive position in which your life hinged the ability to quickly drop a mag. An over zealous prosecutor may paint that as having been installed to to help you reload faster to continue killing. Whether true or not, whether your attorney objects or not, whether the judge sustains or over rules the objection, guess what that anti-gun grandmother just heard?
Carry what you want and and what you trust. But be aware that you carry in case you need to use and if that scenario ever happens, you will likely be held accountable for every aspect of your actions and the tool you used in those actions.
I’ve owned several 1911s over the years, and they do have reliability issues, although I carried a Kimber 1911 for 2 years on a contract in Iraq and it always worked fine. Prios to carrying the Kimber, I had been issued a Glock 17. I currently own a nice Commander that is fun to shoot, but doesn’t always work for me depending on the ammo I’m feeding it.
My EDC is a Glock 21, although I occasionally carry an XD45 as my EDC and IWB. Both have a 13+1 capacity, and I always carry an extra mag. I generally also carry a PF9 BUG in a left pocket holster just in case of a failure or an injury to my right hand.
I choose the Glock as my primary EDC because in the years I have owned it since 2003 is have never failed. Not once, not ever no matter how it was being used, including in USPSA comps. I have a 4 pound trigger installed and I am very accurate with it. Yup, it has no external safety, so you have to keep your wits about you when carrying it. In truth, once I rack a round before holstering it in my Crossbreed holster, I treat it like a poisonous snake . . . not with fear but with respect. I like the XD’s additional grip safety, and in all honesty it has been 100% reliable as well, but I am more accurate with the Glock.
The gun you EDC is a personal choice based on lots of factors. I have carried my wife’s Beretta 92 at times, and I always carry it with round in the chamber and the safety on, like a 1911. But I prefer the speed with which I can deploy my Glock, the accuracy with which I can shoot it, and the 100% reliability it has provided me over the years.
just being a former marine doesnt tell us much ( what year?, what 1911 model?)
, Bergdahl is a former army guy and I wouldn’t listen to him!
were you a marine in 1940? is your 1911 experience with the junk the gov was making back then?
only one of your four gripes is really a gripe ( mag. cap.). the other 3 have never happened to a lot of us with quality 1911’s.
and you can get doublestack 1911 and wipe out your 1 and only real reason. other than that, and without more info., this article doesn’t really inform anyone about anything. I can make up 4 reasons about any gun? what matters is I pick the gun that suits me and my environment. but use real reasons, not the outdated opinions of someone who apparently hasn’t used a modern quality 1911 or did any research about them before writing.
this is more of a history lesson than an informative article. and shows the author is unaware of all the machining advancements in the past 75 years and still has the same opinion he did 60 years ago while using his stamped out inaccurate 1911 of the past, and still thinks they are made the same way today.
watch for next article. 4 reasons not to hunt with a M1 garrand, or why I used a 1800’s Sharps rifle in iraq
I watched the video. At the end he says he knows people that have 1911’s that out perform the guns he likes. All and I repeat All weapons Require maintenance and if you are unwilling to put forth the time or effort to train and maintain your weapon then you have No business carrying a hand gun.
(1) Reliability…maybe he should review the video of James Yeager ( who hates 1911’s ) shooting a 1000 rounds through a Kimber without fail. This gun was right out of the box and was only cleaned and lubricated once before the shoot. The live video shows 4 failures but those were induced by the gloves of the shooter.
( 2 ) Thumb safety…this just proves the video was done by a Glock lover. He claims that he has students come through class that forget to take the safety off in a stressful situation. That is the fault of the student not the gun. They have not trained to proficiency. I fly jets for a living and I can assure you we train for all types of equipment failures so when it happens you simply react…Flawlessly.
( 3 ) Magazine capacity…The goal of a defensive shooting is to stop the aggressor from continuing his/ her negative behavior, not a fire fight with a sub machine gun. If one will do some research they will find there are only a handful of shootings where the shooter was forced to reload. Two or three rounds from a slow moving 230grain hollow point out of a 1911generally gets the job done. As far as magazine/gun mismatch, know your gun and the brand of magazine that will function in it. This again is the responsibility of the owner and not the gun.
In summary. I DO carry a 1911…I carry a Colt Mk IV series 80 Gold Cup National Match with Tritium night sights…everyday. 39 ounces of pure shooting pleasure…day or night. Some might say that is heavy and I guess it is however when I am shooting rapid fire it is not very difficult to keep it on target. As of this writing I have run about 1300 rounds through it with 1 stove pipe and 2 self induced feed failures. In some of my training I have my wife load snap caps mixed with live rounds ( training for that failure and the proficiency to clear it ). It was during one of these sessions where she loaded 2 snap caps back to back in 2 of my magazines, not the load out I carry with.
I will shoot this gun against any Glock any day or night.
Carry on 1911….
.45 ACP – because shooting more than once is silly. How many times in the recent past have we seen instances of people being shot multiple times with a 9mm and they survive? When I shoot at a target I want it to go down and stay there. The problems with the 1911 are all correctable if you have a good gunsmith, and if you train well. I prefer a hammer fired weapon because you can always see when it is ready, the external safety is also positive proof the weapon is not going to fire, and all the other features of John Moses Browning’s masterful engineering far outweigh the benefits of new plastic striker fired designs. The 1911 is still with us for a reason – it works and it is a masterpiece of weapon design. Most of the 1911 offerings on the market today have been given the upgrades that a century of experience has endowed us with – lowered and beveled ejection port, polished feed ramps, recoil springs on guide rods, that great trigger, the three primary safeties, much better sights than the originals, just to name a few. The proven combat record and durability of the 1911 is unparalleled in the pistol world. Sure, there is a multitude of choices out there, but the thing is, Browning designs are still with us and they work. From pocket pistols, to shotguns, to rifles and all the full auto heavy duty weapons that he designed and perfected, these have stood the test of time and will be with us for the foreseeable future.
Shoot what ever firearm you prefer, but there is nothing wrong with the 1911, just people who don’t know how to use it. With the proper training anyone can become a good shooter with the old .45 – my mother was a WAC during the Korean War, and she qualified expert with the old 1911-a1. She stood all of 5 feet 1 inch and was petite in build, but she never had any problem with it, so if she could master the 1911, anyone can. All it takes is motivation and training.
I have never spent more than $400 for a 1911, ever, and never had to do anything to “GET THEM TO RUN”, and I never had to send them back to, or into anyone for anything.
I will never understand how someone can ask $2000 or even $3000 for a 1911 that is not absolute perfection
I have never had any safety issues, but I WILL NEVER TRUST a Glock style pistol without a safety that I can flick on myself.
That’s his opinion no more, no less. If you can hit your target that’s a plus. I have a Kimber 4″ and even though its somewhat harder to conceal I carry it anyway, can use it, have faith in it, and can hit a target with it. I carry a small compact Sig 9mm when I have to have a pocket pistol. Still believe in the SA 45.
i agree with your comments. i carry a commander and it has taken a long time to get the gun to function with hp ammo. as much as i like my 1911, it has been replaced with a modern pistol, a glock 21.
When I saw the title of this vid I was actually thinking there would be a discussion on the 1911. All’s I am hearing is a gun-shop commando complaining about how he doesn’t like to maintain his weapon. To me, learning and knowing how to field strip, inspect and clean a weapon is all part of owning said weapon. Ballistics? Yeah, there’s a disccussion. 9mm, 40SW, 45acp.., yep – we could talk that one over for days. Magazine capacity? Seriously?? Shows you know nothing about real life, street level confrontations / encounters.
– Your points are extremely lame, sophormoric and based on very little real life experience.
– I carried a 1911 in Vietnam for a little over two years [ 82nd Ariborne/75th Infantry]., shot competition for just over 20 years., just over 20 years private security work and over 45 years conceal carry. All with the 1911., and it’s what I still conceal carry today. Certified instructor & RSO.
– Carry what you train with., train with what you carry. It is your choice. There are many great weapons, calibers and choices out there today. ., but please, don’t base any of your decisions from this video.
I understand your point of view and get your opinion. I do carry a 1911. I am comfortable with the weapon and know that I only know that I have nine rounds to eliminate the threat. I do have the time to train and put quality parts in the weapon. Like you said the average joe does not do that. Train like you live and live like you train. Simple as that. Quality in quality out.
Semper Fi
Cpl Spurlock 88-92
I have some minor issues with the 1911 which solely and wholly surround the difficulty in confidently, safely carrying a chambered round.
I get over it. If I’m ever in a quick draw, wild west scenario – y’all can call me silly and perhaps dead.
In the Army – it was a round in the chamber but out here, open-carry, it’s an empty chamber so that’s my single downside.
So, why carry it? I’m exceptionally familiar with the platform and the bullets simply go where intended and I’ll take its reliability and my familiarity and success with it regardless of the second or two to rack it. To date, i’ve had to rely on a 1911 three times since retiring and not once has the need to rack it resulted in me dying.
On a minor side note, I find myself having a harder and harder time paying attention to folks cultivating the “Contractor Chic” look regardless of the info being passed.
Sems like a nice guy but damn, the half-a-Muslim thing is gettin’ old.
Todd.
This guy HATES 1911s, and the one he’s testing functions perfectly for 1000 rounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5MnqmZ6xA4
I’ve carried a 1911 for over 40 years now, first as a duty weapon on a police department, and since retiring as my personal defense gun, and have never had all the problems that some are telling about. You do need to change the recoil spring about every 1500 rounds (I change at around 900 to a1000) and use good magazines. Cheap or beat up magazines cause more problems than anything else. I’ve never understood a person that will buy a good gun, and then try to run it with junk magazines. What is our life worth?
The 2 times I needed a 1911 to keep me alive, the one I was carrying did its job well, because as you can see, I’m still here.
For a Master instructor, this guy seems to lack a an ability to use nomenclature, or stay on point coherently.
I have also watched his AR-15 myth video, and have to say this guy doesn’t do much to dispel the myths, as it seems he is a bit unsure of what he is actually talking about. It may be because he is trying to do a history lesson in less than 5 minutes, or maybe he isn’t really comfortable with speaking on video, or maybe he doesn’t really know the subject matter he is trying to discuss. I don’t know.
But what I DO know is that EVERY style of firearm CAN malfunction, both from a mechanical failure or due to user error.
And I have seen every type of action (SA, DA, revolver, semi-auto, full auto) and every major manufacturer, fail: Sig, Glock, Para, Ruger, Colt, S&W, SA, Beretta, Kahr, HK, Kimber (who I believe he was referring to with made to buy not shoot comment) all have had mechanical failures.
Add into that the possibility of bad ammo, which is not a ‘rare’ occurance, and you have a brick in your hand.
And for the record: 400 malfunction free rounds of range use doesn’t mean much. Round 401, which hasn’t been shot, could be the failure round.
And just for the record, my background in firearms:
Marine Corps vet (never in combat)
Retail firearms sales/range management/range safety at a decent sized store with indoor range
Formerly certified NRA instructor handgun, rifle PPitH, RSO
Formerly Glock and Sig certified armorer.
with all due respect to the Gentleman in the Video, and his Glorious history in Marines , Infantry and Mastering Combat Weapons etc …. I fully respect his PERSONAL opinion about the M1911, however it’s so easy to read Blogs , magazines and all the ideas and analysis and believe in them ( there are pe0ple out there preparing for Zombies invasion in a couple of hours from now 🙂 ) but to go online and try to explain that the Sun rises from the west it’s a little hard to do even if NASA is confirming that.
I own 5 1911s : Les Baer Premier II Super-Tac , Kimber Grand Raptor II, Kimber Raptor Pro SS, Kimber TLE II SS, Ed Brown Special Forces Gen4. I’ve shot through those Guns at least 6000 rds any problem ,
M1911 went through 2 World war,and 6 Regionals, over 3.5 millions pieces built so far, in use by more than 29 Countries as official standard side arm. by the way the US military realised the lousy switch from the M1911 to the M9.
the Marine Corps purchase of 12,000 Colt .45 acp again ,
WHY all that ? It’s because M1911 is not an accurate , reliable Gun for self defense. Helllllo………
I’ve enjoyed this discussion a lot. Tons of insight and a lot of support for a recent decision I made. First, I own two 1911s, a Kimber UCII and a Springfield Loaded. Both were bought new, neither has ever had a failure of any kind since the first shot fired. That said, since I got my CHL in 2004, my carry gun has been a Kahr PM9. Also flawless since new, with one huge difference — weight. I’m 70, 5-9, 160, and holstering a 2 1/2 pound gun produces problems for me. The other issue is Texas. I’ve heard it said that Texas has two seasons — summer and Christmas. Obviously not strictly true, but I’m retired and for 8 months of the year, I live in cargo shorts and a t-shirt. I’m always armed because I can pocket carry the Kahr, and its sometime successor, a Sig p238. I shoot both very well and, while they have shorter barrels, both (in MY hands) are more accurate than either 911. The decision? I retired the Springer from nightstand duty in favor of a Springfield XDm-9. Here are my reasons.
1. It has a rail, which I used to immediately attach a green laser. After two minutes at the range sighting it in at 7 yards, I can ignore the sights and hit the bullseye consistently. I always practice with the sights, since any mechanical aid can fail, but the laser is a great aid in successfully defending my home and family if necessary.
2, Again, in my hands, it’s a highly accurate gun even without the laser. Better than the Loaded it replaced, every day, all day long.
3. Capacity.I load my mags to 15 rounds, not full but what I feel comfortable with. That gives me 31 rounds with the spare mag sitting by the gun, compared to the 15 rounds with spare with the 1911. I could load a second mag for the .45, but every physical action you take under stress is a potential for disaster. I only need to swap mags once if I need more ammo as opposed to twice for the 1911.
4. I’m not a retired SEAL. I served in the AF during Vietnam, but obviously the firearms training I received left a bit to be desired. Not having the extra step of clicking off the safety, no matter how often I practice it (and I practiced every day) isn’t as foolproof as taking a grip and pulling the trigger. There are no kids in the house and my wife is a good shot with the XDm.
The Kahr is a marvelous little gun and I have trusted my safety and my wife’s to it for more than a decade. Keep it clean and it always goes bang. I also live by the rule that the best gunfight is the one you’re not in. I don’t go to dangerous places, I live in a small town that’s very safe — and I carry a gun. Always.
The 1911 is a marvelous weapon, but for me it is the wrong choice for carry.
Disclaimer: I own several polymer frame guns, both Glock and FN. I also own several 1911’s both Colt and Springfield Armory.
I never thought I would own a Glock as they felt like crap in my hand, and I just couldn’t seem to hit well with one. Then someone put a ZevTech G17 in my hand. I bought it. I also own 2 other Glocks now. My Glocks have never malfunctioned so far. I have had a few in the 1911 pistols.
Unfortunately, here in Florida, a LEO was killed by another LEO who was clearing his Glock at a range. The reports indicated the weapon was pointed sideways rather than down-range, and the officer either did not eject the magazine prior to racking the slide to clear the chamber or didn’t rack the slide at all. The Glock requires pulling the trigger in order to take the slide off and in doing so the gun fired and the round struck a metal bolt in the table ricocheting and striking another officer in an area not protected by his vest. He subsequently died from his wound.
Sounds like those who think a Glock is more inherently safer than a gun with a manual safety may need to rethink that.
And for those who keep saying how a manual safety can slow you down or cost your life may I sincerely suggest that if you are using a firearm with a manual safety one should TRAIN LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT! Because it does. Simply going to the range once in a while and yearly quals don’t cut it when you carry a gun for a living.
All firearms have a manual of arms for their proper use. Regardless of type, and I really am not saying one is better than the other, it is irresponsible to not seriously train when you carry a firearm professionally. It’s probably more important if you’re a civillian and carry!
Four Reasons Why I Would Publish an Article Critical of the 1911:
1) Click bait
2) Advertising revenue from those clicks
3) It’s amusing to watch people rationalize their preferred choice of firearm
4) Because the 1911 actually is inferior to modern designs
Best thing for anybody is what YOU think is best and comfortable with for the situations that might arise in your daily travels. A Freedom Arms 22 lr 5 shot for most days is ample. Others, a model 329PD S&W 44 magnum like when I’m in Atlanta. I like semi’s but only really trust revolvers. I hope I never have to use either.
Interesting opinions. Mine, for what it’s worth: You have an autoloader; it requires maintenance, period. If your guns are breaking, I suspect the cause is the design parameters of the gun are being exceeded. If the manual of arms of an autoloader (safety manipulation, slide release, et.al.) is an issue, use a good revolver. If reliability is an issue, use a good revolver. Not enough rounds in the magazine? Are you planning to miss a lot?
What a lame, stupid video. Why should anyone care about this one guy’s opinion, because he has a bushy beard? He loses all credibility when he spouts such nonsense like ‘magazine compatibility’? What? If you have to try to borrow from another defensive shooter or rummage through the dead to look for extra ammunition, if you find anything at all you are likely to find a snubby revolver with a 5-shot capacity (useless) or a tiny .380 or smaller pistol that fit so nicely in a purse, so that point is beyond moot. Other posters have made the point that unless you are running with a unit of armed folks, you cannot expect to have compatible weapons. And don’t even think about asking me for mine if you run out; but you are welcome to hide behind me. A better topic for discussion is: why are people carrying plastic, striker-fired handguns that have no real active safety features? That is pure lunacy. Five or so pounds of pressure on the trigger will defeat the only possible claim to a safety feature (that little nubbin on the trigger? PLEASE!) and that Glock is going OFF!
you know your wright, I’ve been in love with 1911’s since I first found my grand dad’s colt he brought back from ww2 I found it in pieces in his gi box I was twelve years old and I some how put it together and been in love with the 1911’s Colts, Wilson what ever, and I never thought like you until I carried mine and I’m telling you when you carry a tree pound hunk of iron for ten hours or so, it get’s old quick and all the things you mention yup your wright it is a time consuming expensive and at time unreliable, I think that the 1911’s are more for show. my wife and I got into a match with each other her with a smith .38 and me with my big Bertha .45 and guess what she beat me hands down and I shoot completion .45 auto, so go figure, I still have a grate love for 1911’s but like you say in a hart beating nerve racking life or death split moment I hope at that time I’m carrying my smith revolver .357, at least I know it will fire when I need it to, oh but still just seven rounds. thanks Charlie
He has a right to his opinions but I completely disagree with him. I have a government model Colt 1911 manufactured in 1932 (original with the two-tone magazines) and can truthfully say that it is a reliable weapon. I carried one in the Army as a tanker in the 50s and can vouch for it. I don’t CCW with it when wearing sparse clothing because it is not easily concealed but I do when wearing a jacket or untucked shirt or a jacket. His remarks about the safety are ludicrous. If he unholsters his gun and forgets to release the safety that’s his problem and not the guns. I can only assume that he has never drilled with one so that is the natural thing to do. I automatically release the safety as soon as I touch the gun in the holster and know that it won’t discharge accidently unless my finger is on the trigger. GEEEEEZ!
I like the 1911 design. All my experience is on the range, but I have taken basic & intermediate combat handgun courses with my stock Colt Commander. I’ve put around 1500 rounds through it over a 3-year period. I only recall one failure to feed at the end of a long day of shooting some pretty dirty ammo. I am more accurate with it than any other handgun I’ve shot. The safety isn’t an issue – if you train with it the muscle memory develops to sweep the safety as you draw. Ammo is readily available as are magazines and parts if you want to customize.
I have carried a 1911 for years trained with them in the service and cc and used one for years. About a year ago I changed my mind. I was target shooting with my pistol and suddenly it stovepiped. I ejected the round and it done it again. I cleared the weapon and checked what the problem was. A case had separated in the camber of the last shot and there was no way to clear the weapon except to take the unit apart and clean out the existing spent case. If this had happen in a combat situation, I would have a $800.00 rock to throw at the problem. From that point on I have carried a revolver. I love the 45acp round and I think it is the greatest man stopper going. but regardless I will always use a revolver from now on with the biggest caliber I can get.
This article could have been about why some men don’t like short or tall women and what color of their hair they prefer. Probably would have generated the same amount of likes/dislikes and I prefer this or that.
I take the video with a grain of salt. If you are in a combat situation a pistol is secondary to a rifle, your primary weapon. If you are LE you are probably going to carry what they tell you to carry and hopefully train you to properly use it.
If you are an everyday Joe it is your responsibility to train with what you choose to carry and be able to use it under stress. When SHTF happens stress can disable and incapacitate even the most seasoned person. Trust me on this, been there done that.
Most of us, civilians anyway, will probably never have to use a gun in self defense, but if you do choose to carry, again, train with what you carry.
There is no perfect handgun. Handguns are tools and with any potentially dangerous tool you have to know how to use it so as not to endanger yourself or others. There are a lot of dead people who thought they knew it all.
Hello I am an owner of the 1911 handgun with all its glory and problems it is a weighty pistol that helps control the powerful 45acp’s recoil I like the single action cocked and locked features it guarantee’s an accurate shot each time even from a novice type. With out the long wind-up triggers revolvers or double-single type guns you will almost certainly be first to fire a defensive shot at the bad guy and that is what will win a gun fight sorta like the old west the fastest draw and shot wins every time when it hits the kill zone. I do believe the firearm to be an experts gun and not really for the average type pistol carrier etc. It will require tuning and timing to get it to run perfectly. 1911 handguns prefer the round nosed type bullets HP or FMJ. My guns will feed sharp cut type bullets but not smoothly. The gun is thin and easy to carry ccw I know because I have carried it daily for many years completely concealed in the waist band the 5″ government size too by the way. I am always uncomfortable when “experts” start there opinions with USMC or Special Forces etc it tells me they can’t stand on there own opinion and have to some how convince you they are the one and only opinions out there. I served in the Army and maintained my ability to think and to form my experiences & opinions something my Father insisted on when I joined the service many years ago. What peaked my interest in the 1911 type guns were the magazine experts always stating it was the best self defense gun out there I had to find out the whys and why not’s of the pistol. I don’t need 16 round capacity for my personal self defense needs 8+1 or 7+1 is fine. Good luck.
IR
There can be good and bad said about any firearm. I carry a large frame Taurus 1911. I maintain my own weapon and have never had the gun malfunction. I have had ammunition malfunction, but never the weapon. Yes it is heavy and I have to constantly pull up my pants. But it is large enough to grab easily from under clothing, fits well in my hand and is very accurate up to 25 yards. For personal protection, I don’t expect to be shooting at that range but I know if it came down to it, if I am accurate at 25 yards, I will also be accurate closer.
The 1911 is as reliable as any other weapon on the market provided:
1) We are talking quality firearm, no Saturday Night specials or double discount trash. I have found that there are few weapons straight out of the box that I would carry for protection without first going through them and making fine improvements. I have talked with veterans from four wars and can tell you that every one has told me the same thing.
2) It is kept clean, the majority of malfunctions I have seen at the range is from people not properly cleaning their weapons. I don’t care what brand it is. If you intend to bet your life on a gun, you better make sure that it is clean and properly lubricated
3) Use only quality magazines. You can’t buy cheap and expect it to work reliably.
4) Use quality ammo. I use my own reloads when I go to the range to practice as I go through a lot of rounds over a year. But when it comes down to what I carry, I use factory rounds from reputable manufacturers, with special rounds designed to cause the most damage, but help to limited in their ability to cause collateral damage.
5) No gun is safe once a round is in the chamber. Accidents will and have happened with every single firearm known to man. Majority of accidents occur as a result of mishandling, not the weapon. In the heat of the battle, in war or on the street, anything can go wrong. For me, I like the exterior hammer. I keep it at half cock and do not rely on the safety. I have practiced cocking the weapon as I draw and it is second nature now.
Bottom line, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. It is personal preference. There are times I like to carry a smaller gun, like during the summer when I am wearing shorts and T shirts. Then the gun of choice is a small 38 Special 2″ barrel with no hammer. But the majority of the time, I will have my trusted 1911 at my side.
my intro to the 1911 was in army basic training–a hurried, unpleasant experience. my next significant handgun experience was a calmer, day long, professionally taught defense course with a s&w 38, with speedloaders, and i have been a very content revolver fan ever since. in my view, unless you get lots of good training and practice, revolvers–easy to learn, utterly reliable in all calibers and robust–are the way to go.
Revolvers fail.
I’ve seen ejector rods loosen up prevent the cylinder from opening. I’ve seen barrels get loose and turn. Ive seen internal springs fail. I’ve seen cylinder hands fail to engage.
Nothing is 100% reliable in the end.
No matter what you carry, be prepared for it to fail.
Most honest and correct statement I’ve read on this post. I’m a veteran, (Viet Nam Era), and a retired law enforcement officer.
I’ve seen so many “tacti-Cool” wanna-be commandos it’s no longer “funny”, it’s discouraging to waste my time watching a “video” from one person posting his/her opinion. Good for him, glad he’s got an “opinion” on the 1911 in .45ACP
I’m no “fan-boy” of any hand gun platform. I use what has worked for me in the past, (yeah, actually worked in real life, in real military combat and street gun fights) and I don’t ever look back. Never had a “problem” with my 1911 in .45ACP, probably because I keep my firearms OCD clean and lubed to ensure their reliability when I need them to go BANG!
Have no issues with my Glocks in 9mm either, I use ammunition that I KNOW, works in real life situations. LOve my S&W revolvers because they work in real life.
Any handgun or long gun WILL fail you at some point in time, no matter how many Murphy Family cousins show up to the event. So, carry a BUG (back up gun) as you are worth it. At least that’s how I see it, I AM worth carrying a BUG for, and so are my loved ones, if yours’ are not “worth it”, that’s on you folks.
Again, the above post is the best one I’ve read on this matter.
WELL DONE, TIM!
Thanks for having common sense.
Excellent posting Daniel. Thank you sir. I own both a 1911 in 45 ACP, and a Glock 22 (40 S&W). I enjoy owning both of them. I enjoy shooting both of them. But when it comes to what I put in my holster? The 1911 stays home, and the G22 stays warm, hidden and secured on my hip.
Thank you my friend for what you’re doing, and may your successes keep on escalating. I wish I could take a class or two from you.
Jim (yes I’m the same Jim Fleming that likes to harass your lovely wife on Facebook, and I used to be on GRRN and did the podcast Reloading Radio, and now I’m doing the podcast “Reloading Podcast.”)
Blah blah blah… bull chit…. blah blah blah…
I work with a lot of ex-marines, and what I know about marines is this, no marines are potato peelers, none are grease monkeys, but all Marines I worked with are either snipers, recons, or both. All claimed to be expert with weapons. Particularly with 1911s and how they preferred Beretta M9s. All are under 30ish, and then opinions change once they found a decent jobs and can afford the ammo and can really shoot real guns. Then they realized ever since 1911, the gun still on the prefer market and wanting list for a reason. All others are but fad. Their marine’s experience shaped the guns they trusted. and they all want a Glock or XD. so blah blah blah… bullshit.
Combat tupperware is good if that’s what you like. For a lot of folks it a perfect choice, for abundant and very valid reasons. If you don’t have the chops to handle a thumb safety – that’s on you, not the gun. As far as capacity goes – there are multiple options for high capacity .45ACP, 1911’s out there. If you bother to look.
Personally I prefer a 1911, in .45 ACP. I have several, including an Ed Brown built Colt Combat Commander, a Rock Island Compact and a Springfield Competition build; among others.
I carry a pre- 1999, Canadian built Para Ordinance 1911, P12; or a P-10 Warthog 19111 if I’m formally dressed. The P12 carries a 12 round magazine and it’s as concealable any Glock, it will feed any thing you might name and is a tack driver at 20 yards. My P-10 will shoot with any full sized Glock type, plastic weapon you can find. Both have beaten full size Kimbers and Colts in competition shoots. I have never had either of them fail me when I needed them to function. I also have a Canadian built P-14 1911 Para – it will shoot with any thing you bring and locked and cocked it carries 15 rounds. And if I have to bash some miscreant in the head with it – it’s not like bashing him with a plastic hammer.
Bottom line is – you need to shoot what suits you personally. If it works for you – it can’t be to far off.
Oh – and just for info – Don’t mistake the American built Para pistols with the old school Canadian built guns – they are not the same animal. The newer P-10 Warthog is still a high quality, high accuracy pistol – in my experience, the other American built Para Ordinance pistols, not so much.
I personally like the new light, small revolvers. Most gun fights are not like TV. . They are over in a few quick rounds, somebody won and somebody lost. If I pull the trigger on my revolver and it doesn’t fire, I pull the trigger again. No stove pipes and all the other stuff that happens to semi’s.
Interesting video, thanks for your opinion.
Interesting, one mans opinion. I did carry a Colt 1911 in combat in Vietnam Nam. It did have a limited mag capacity but I DID bet my life on this gun and it NEVER let me down. I’m sure that many of the newer guns are very reliable but I feel very safe and secure with my combat tested old friend. Just curiously what does he carry?
Good morning Daniel, I am a firearms instructor and was a Marine firearms instructor in 1960. Semper Fi. I agree with most of your reasons for having reservations about the 1911 45. The key to having a good operational 1911 is proper care and maintenance. I am a great fan of the 1911 45 and have several. If one is talking about the general public your analysis is completely valid. I know however that if one is shot with a 45 he is most likely down. 38 and 9mm however this is not true. Thus the need for high capacity magazines.
Even well trained military and police, in stressful situations do not hit the assailant and with a 38 or 9 mm they do not go down without multiple hits. This was the reason the military and police went to the 1911 45 around 1915 and stopped using the 38 revolver which was the standard up to then. I have a Beretta 92 and a Glock 9 mm and like them too. I’m old school and love the 1911. I appreciate your opinion.
Will shoot my Colt National Match at the National Matches next summer. Will you be there? I’d like to meet you.
I’m no .45 guru OR handgun guru by ANY stretch. I can only go by what I’ve seen and experienced firing friend’s .45’s, or watching THEM fire the pistol.
Personally, for me, I would not use one as a CC piece. Aside from all the other factors discussed above, my reason boils down to simple reliability. Witnessed way too many FTF’s. stove-piping, and other general malfunctions to risk my neck carrying one.
Don’t get me wrong…. It’s a blast to shoot! Kicks a bit harder than most calibers, but that never hurt my feelings…..
I own several handguns from some Sig & Kahrs semi-autos, Kimber , Springfield, S&W and I find that the 1911 style fits my hand the best and is the easiest to shoot. In a quick unexpected encounter where you life may be at risk, one should want the gun they are most comfortable with and a gun that is almost an extension of their hand. Safety wise, I appreciate the multiple safeties (thumb and grip) and it’s the only gun I feel comfortable carrying with one in the pipe, cocked and locked. Here in NYS we are limited to 10 rd mags, so with one in the tube and 6-9 or 10 in the mag (depending on gun size & caliber) I feel reasonably “equipped”. My advice? The gun you feel most comfy with and most accurate with, should be your carry gun of choice. If you haven’t tried a 1911 style, do yourself a favor and shoot one!
Now come on man to the guy who said his great great grandfather in World War I and his great grandfather and World War II as well as his great grandfather skews me in Vietnam carried the same exact 1911 I mean the way he put it was that was the same one they all carried and he carried it and he said it was flawless he loved it it was wonderful well no disrespect but is very hard to fathom that for 100 years or more that same exact gun was handed down from One generation to the next here’s why it’s hard for me to really believe your story you need to tell me that you’ve declined every gun that was given to you when you were in the military brand-new never used before gun as opposed to using the families 1911? That’s a great story but no one in their right fucking mind would choose to use 100-year-old 1911 just for the sake of saying wow it kept them all alive maybe will choose to carry it? Come on man. That’s like one saying how back early 1800’s to mid that house want to use and preserve your ancestors rusty old 6 shooter or even ones boW and arrow your family member picked up after a battle with the Indians?
So you would choose to use anything but a firearm for protections of your family and need nothing else?
and whether the matter who carried it obviously your great great grandfather Andrew grand father is his great-grandfather whoever the great great great fall grandfathers used it no one would ever choose that gun over a new clean fresh gun that is issued to you today that everyone else is using so bro come on please
1). Limited capacity. Perhaps as a military weapon (though even in that respect, hand guns are never a primary arm), but as most folks are concealed carrying subcompacts or single stack autos these days it’s a complete non issue. It’s losing a round or two to the smaller calibers in this respect. That single stack profile gives it ergonomics that are second to none, and a flat profile that makes it easy to carry. Mine is accompanied by a J frame I’m backup mode, so a few extra rounds are always there.
2). Safety lever. With a grip and manual safeties (and many having a firing pin safety) it’s both redundant and safe as a firearm can be given the operator has some time with the weapon. That’s a training issue. The safety can be easily swiped on presentation and activated before reholstering. Most all long guns have a manual safety, so the hang ups of having one on a handgun are irrational and unfounded.
3). Reliability. This comes down to breaking your pistol in before serious use, if necessary. Most guns that work, stay working for a long time. The service life of most 1911’s are on par with other modern pistols. The tinkerers and kitchen gunsmiths often ruin perfectly good guns. Of course some come with issues from the manufacturer and that’s a simple matter of getting it repaired under warranty. A custom gunsmith is only needed for those that want custom features or tuning options not available for their production gun. All guns these days come set up to feed hollow points. The old tale that 1911’s don’t feed “holler points” hasn’t been the case for decades. As with all pistols it is necessary to ensure the gun works with all ammo that is intended for carry.
4). Magazine compatibility. Have magazines. Retain them if necessary. What’s the big deal?
I trust my life to one. It’s been a companion for over 15 years. I’ve finally decided to get a lightweight compact model as well. It may not be a perfect gun to everybody but they’ve been perfect for me.
I think you are absolutely right in your assessment of the 1911 for a defensive weapon. Don’t misunderstand me, I love them, and find them to be the most accurate guns out there. I actually take it a step further when it comes to a carry weapon. For my personal carry weapon I carry the Smith and Wesson 340PD .357 magnum hammerless revolver. It weighs less than a pound fully loaded and there is nothing to go wrong compared to a semi automatic. The worst thing that could happen is a dead primer and all I have to do is squeeze the trigger again to advance to the next round. There are no rough edges or a hammer to catch on my clothing as I draw it and I doubt very seriously if I will ever be more than ten feet from my attacker.
I love my 1911, it’s all steel, fits my hand well and will digest almost any ammo I put through it, even some of my low power reloads. Having said that, I carry a Glock 22 wherever I go and when I can afford it I will trade for a Glock 23. They are ugly, kinda rattle a little bit, made out of plastic, but fantastically durable and reliable.
I personally trust my 1911 with my life. Here are 4 reasons why:
1: It fits my hand better than any other handgun I have held. (I have held MANY)
2: I can hit a 3″ ring at 25 yards EVERY time…(even when firing with no more that 1.5 seconds between shots)
3: One hit with a 230 grain .45 and you are down, no matter where you are hit. (experience overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan with an ineffective 9mm…but I had 15 rounds of ineffectiveness! Don’t bother commenting about shot placement in a combat environment unless you have been shot at while firing)
4: I have fired thousands of rounds through my 1911 and I can count on one hand how many issues I’ve had. (These are usually due to my negligence in properly cleaning my weapon while on the range or after).
I’m not bashing what you choose to carry, ANY gun is better than none! I wish ALL Americans felt the same way about the freedoms that I fought to defend.
Semper Fi.
I agree with shooting the 9mm ammunition that the military makes us carry very ineffective at bringing someone down. But with modern high end deference rounds 9mm is effective. Yes I have been shot at while firing.
I love the 1911 and love to maintain them. However, I agree that under stress, I might miss the safety. I carry a Glock 27 with an extended magazine.
Hi John Houck, I do the same. Also, have 22 rd mag as back up + the 15 rd mag. Works out great!
Under duress, I don’t want to be thinking about is there a round chambered? Is the safety on or off? Is in condition 1 or 2 or?
I carry a 1960’s Colt Cobra with +P, old safari leather that’s form fitting and rides tight to small of back. So light, don’t even know it’s there. Last resort, draw, fire, evade………and I love Browning’s 1911 also.
Well hello there I agree I never look down the holster when I barrel my sidearm.
I’ll carry my Colt Combat Commander, thank you very much. I have had several 9MM, from all iron (Star 30M), to polymer framed (Ruger and Beretta). I loved the Star put nearly 10,000 rounds through it down range about 2/3 of which were reloads but it was a range gun only as it is really heavy. The Ruger LC9 is not a satisfactory EDC as it is difficult to control the muzzle flip and return to target time is awful. The Beretta is OK, just not enough gun, even with all the self defense ammo available (that first shot is difficult to deliver accurately). My 45 gives me a sense of confidence that I know it will be ready when needed and able to deliver a large payload accurately with a single shot.
I will say at the start that I am not a LEO nor a combat veteran so this is just my opinion as a civilian. These are four very valid points ‘for him’. I like the 1911 platform myself, but not as a self defence carry weapon. I have my own reasons why not, which include size/weight of a 1911 and that I do not carry an extra magazine. I would say that it all comes down to what you are comfortable with and train with constantly. Most civilians will buy a gun, then not train with it nor keep it clean and maintained. Constant training with and intimate knowlege of the platform that you are comfortable with is probably the key factor, in my opinion.
I carry a Colt Defender. I will say as soon as I purchase a 1911 its off to my gunsmith for tuning and hand fitting all parts. After proper tuning and all parts fit by hand, the way they use to be, I have personally never had a fail to fire using factory ammunition. But this is also after extensive work and tuning. I picked up a Springfield Range Officer that would not cycle properly out of the box. The extractor was not tuned it was almost completely straight and spent chambers stove piped often. I also agree with proper magazine selection. You do have to purchase mags that work with your particular 1911. I use Chip M mags with my 1911s. Personally I shoot in the USPSA single stack division and a tremendous amount of experience with 1911s hence the reason I carry one for my CH gun. The safety comes off naturally when drawing my weapon but this is after a tremendous amount of training with the 1911 platform. All this said I will say this if you were to ask me what handgun I would want if I was in a handgun shoot out it would be a Glock 17 or a Sig 226. If I was in a gunfight I would want a AR rifle and a Glock 17,19 or Sig 226 229 as a backup gun.
then WHAT do you carry I have a few handguns ,wheelgin 5/6 rounds , 22lr rimfire don’t go bang , 9mm to small 45acp bad platform , glock least moving parts ?? safety no safety. ???
I happen to like the J-Frame S&W Centennial revolvers for concealed carry. Yes, only 5 rounds. I do have one in .32 H&R Mag. which has a 6 round capacity. And the .22 magnum version carries 7 rounds. But carries well, has no safety, and is ultra reliable.
David, you hit it head on. I carry a S&W 627 – 8 rounds or Ruger LCR .38 – 5 rounds. Both .38; not +P. Never had a fail to feed and never worry about a fail to fire. I’m looking at the LCR .22 Magnum – 6 rounds. The 627 is a little heavy and the LCR’s a little larger than the semi-autos but I love them for the reliability and ease.
How many times have you been out hunting, and in the heat of the moment when you have the game in your cross hairs, you go to pull the trigger, and click! You forgot to release the safety. Point ‘n’ shoot is the way to go for a crisis weapon (be it a Glock, or a S&W J frame). For that reason I like a small, shrouded hammer, DA revolver for primary CC, and a small semi-auto for back-up, added capacity and quick reloads (unless you’re Jerry Miculek).
Like the man said, it’s a personnel choice! I have never had any problems using a 1911 that I have bought! The reason is I know how to make them run and acuratize them. it doesn’t matter what firearm you choose but you better train yourself to draw the weapon learning how to take the safety off while its coming out of the holster, period! I do this with any weapon I carry, empty of course for practice, then when at the range repeat live! Any firearm if not used and cleaned properly will let you down! I have even seen this is one of my son’s firearms, it started failing to feed, I was handed the gun and as soon as I cycled it it I asked when was the last time you cleaned and oiled this thing ( I could feel the drag) he said he hadnt since the last time we went to shoot! After the repeated schooling of what I had taught him, take care of your weapon and it will take care of you thing, it never happened again! The only real draw back for me personally on always carrying a 1911 is the weight and how I need to dress, otherwise it’s still my choice for carry!
You are absolutely correct. Carry the weapon in the half cock position with a round in the chamber. That way don’t have to worry about safety but you will cock the hammer as you draw from Holster. In half cock, you don’t have to worry about accidently releasing hammer and an accidental discharge. That way you are ready to fire when the weapon is on target. I would suggest that any person carrying ANY weapon for self defense know as much about that weapon as possible and DEFINITELY know how clean it. If your life depends on it, why would you do any different.
I have a dear friend who was a radioman in Vietnam. When carrying the radio he didn’t carry a rifle, but instead carried a 1911. He often tells of situations where the high humidity and dirty combat conditions rendered his 1911 useless, often having to bang it against a tree to get it to fire. “Properly maintaining” it was not an option under battle conditions in ‘Nam.
Further, I now have some arthritis in both wrists and the recoil from firing a 1911 is downright painful.
Had same pain problem with my hands and wrists with my 1911 with hot loads. On advice, started using the raisins soaked in gin cure for RA (find on net or email me ([email protected]) )and now have no problem. Still shoot the 1911 standard and the Combat Commander (and the Colt 380 Government) with no pains.
Good luck. Been there.
I love my 1911s…… but I trust my life and the lives of my family to my homely little EDC Glock 23. Fanboy all you want, I’ve spent enough time carrying and shooting to know which tool is best for the job.
I believe that a person should carry the weapon that they are most comfortable with. Familiarity with your weapon is, imho, the most important factor in choosing a concealed carry weapon. As far as magazine capacity goes, the studies that I have looked at show that the vast majority of civilian defensive gunfights are settled in 2 to 3 rounds – so I believe any weapon with 6 or more rounds will serve the purpose. I DO believe that at least 1 extra mag should be carried if you choose a semi auto – whether you have a 6 round or 16 round mag in your weapon – not necessarily for the extra ammo, but in case you have a mag failure. I’m most familiar with the single action handgun (Browning Hi power & Officer’s size 1911 with the 1911 being my choice as my carry option) but I occasionally carry my son’s striker fired .40 & I feel that it is a good option as well. Choose a weapon that you are comfortable with; practice with it and keep it in good working order and choose a good comfortable holster and you should be good to go!
I was just wondering what your thoughts are on a S&W 9mm, model 459. I bought this gun years ago and I’m thinking about trading or selling it for a lighter weight gun. Any information about this gun would be very much appreciated.
The S&W 459 was a great gun in its day, being very reliable and a decent choice for a duty gun.
On the open market they are not worth a lot right now, but I would humbly consider selling it to
get something newer, and maybe a little lighter, with let snag potential. We had 2 of them with cracked
frames. That was usually seen on the .40 S&W variants. It happened to my first duty gun, a S&W 4046.
The alloy frame cracked just ahead of and where the trigger guard met the dust cover. I doubt yours has
cracked, unless you fired a lot of really hot loads through it.
Do your research, hold as many guns in your hand as you can, and then make an informed decision. If you
don’t like how it feels in your hand, you likely won’t enjoy shooting it. Be sure to make a determination as
to whether or not it will be for home defense, concealed carry, or both, because a good home defense gun is
not always a great carry gun, being too large, for you if you are small, and a good carry gun doesn’t make for
a great home defense gun. I like railed guns for home defense because I can mount a nice light on them.
Good luck and whatever you get, shoot it a lot and train like you fight, to fight like you trained.
Cheers! Jim
Trudy, your S&W 459 is an alloy framed gun. The weight is in the barrel and slide, along with the 15 rounds of ammunition.
“Lighter weight” means shorter slide, and less magazine capacity. Sure, a plastic frame may save a few ounces, but it’s less than the weight of a loaded magazine.
Other than the Model 52 .38 special, and the Model 41 .22 caliber target pistols, I’ve never been a fan of S&W autos.
My *worst*gun*ever* was a Model 469, the compact cousin from the same era, to your handgun.
I switched to an early SIG P226, despite the management’s shock and horror over not having a manual, magazine, and/or grip safety.
Most of the area PDs carried either your 459, the stainless 659, or the later DAO 5946. Most ran well, some did not.
None matched the 36,000 rounds fired from my SIG without malfunction. Cleaned and lubed only after a 1000 round “transition training scenario” it started to bog down with the low-powered 147 gr. subsonic “FBI load”.
(the intention was shoot-to-fail, as the Supervisor was a dedicated S&W fan – the sample S&W gun was cleaned “per SOP” every 300 rounds – SIG “failed to specify maintenance” so it’s totally fair)
I switched to Federal 9PBLE (+P+) and it ran as intended, with loads it was designed to handle:
Fast, hot, 115gr to 124 gr ammunition, typically found in Europe.
Years later, I transitioned to .40 caliber in the same model… which also likes the hotter forty-cal 165gr. load over the 180 gr “FBI load”. (I sense a pattern.)
A suggestion would be to try a SIG P239 at a range that does rentals, and see if it’s to your liking. The DA/SA configuration would remain familiar, and the chances of an AD would be less than a striker-fired gun which you’re relatively inexperienced in the use-of.
I agree with some of the points. I’ve shot the 1911 for 35 years. I’m good with one. I’ve competed for decades with one. I mostly carry my Glock 30 or my Glock 19. The safety doesn’t bother me. It’s long since automatic that the safety comes off when I draw, goes on when I start to holster. The reliability isn’t a factor. I know the 1911 inside and out and I have no reliability issues with it. I find that in certain circumstances my Commander conceals better than the thicker Glocks. I like the trigger better, though all of my Glocks have had extensive trigger work and there is no comparison to a factory trigger, the 1911 has also had a little judicious work and it’s just plain better. My Glocks are accurate, but I just shoot better with the 1911. Is it enough to make a difference in any defensive engagement? Not hardly, but it’s there. Where I agree is magazine capacity. I use 8 round mags in the commander with one in the spout for a 9 round total. I ALWAYS carry a spare mag with the 1911. The Glocks I usually don’t. The G19 has 15+1, the G30 I use G21 mags with an adapter (very XD like) for 13+1 and a better grip. I usually have an extra mag available, (laptop case, console, EDC bag), but not always on my person. In Florida heat with minimal clothing it’s easier to conceal without having to carry spare mags.
Say what you will but the time tested 1911 is a excellent self defense piece as long as you maintain it regularly and keep your trigger finger in touch with your equipment from time to time.
My Springfield Arms 1911 A 1 has had it’s place at my bedside for over twenty years and I sleep in comfort knowing it is there for me if needed.
I am drawn between both worlds. I currently have a Rock Island 1911 compact which I swear by and has been flawless since I have owned it, about 3 years now. And having been in the Army for 34 years, most of my time was with a 1911. I have no issues with it mostly because it is what I have learned to use for so long. I am however looking at the Springfield XD as a changeover for my 45 and my 9 mm, mostly for the reason of consistency in operations. I will have a striker fired weapon which ever I choose and will not have to switch gears in my mind as to the operation in a worst case scenario. I find that reliability has never been an issue with the 1911, ever. This may of course be due to sheer luck and drawing well functioning weapon, or maybe the 103 years of service it has had. Again as stated it is comes down to a personal preference for all. But as far as the platform, I do trust my life to a 1911 hands down.
I’m sure this 1911 thing is just a fad that will pass. It’s not like it would ever be a relevant weapon for 100 years.
It all comes down to what you train with and are comfortable with. Safety and mag capacity are not well thought out arguments.
I have either a Wilson Professional in 38 Super +P or Beretta Nano with 9mm hollow point +P or sometimes both in my possession. In my bedroom at night, an FN 5-7 with a light and laser and suppressor and a Remington Pump with a built in light with 8 round extension. Am I comfortable with my 1911, yes, it has never jammed, and at close quarters battle if I have to mortally wound more than 5, and that presumes 2 bullets per person, which I doubt, I would be in trouble. But realistically, shoot the first twice, maybe the second twice. Doubtful you have to fire again.
Buy good you get good, I guess in 1911 they did not have glocks or these other types that we have now. I dont agree with Dan. I also was a ex marine now 55 they taught us the old way 1 shot one kill.A good 1911 if train right is good for me
I carry a Kimber 1911, it is extremely well made and extremely reliable. I agree there are cheap 1911s out there that do not function well, and I will not purchase or carry such a gun. As for the thumb safety, TRAINING and PRACTICE are the keys to that “issue” – I for one find it much easier to place shots accurately with a single-action pistol instead of having the longer, harder trigger pull of a DA weapon. And as for magazine capacity, we have all seen the news reports of rookie cops that draw their weapon and spray 12 or 15 rounds at the “target,” and often wound or kill innocents in the process. A few BETTER AIMED shots are always better than spraying an entire magazine in the threat’s direction.
I trust my 1911 Colt Commander for everyday carry. Briefly here is why.
1. I train, train and train some more. Working the safety is so second nature to me I do it without thinking.
2. Magazine compatability. Really? I carry a fully loaded Wilson Combat 8rd mag in the piston with one in the pipe. I also carry 2 fully loaded extra WC mags. If I can’t deal with a situation with 25 rds., I’m hauling a** any way I can.
3. Train some more. I’ve taught myself to clear, rack and reload using only one hand. And it’s my weak hand at that.
4. Maintenance. I keep my 1911 clean. I use mil-spec lube. I rotate my ammo in the mags. And I buy good (not cheap) ammo.
Everyone has to make their own choices. I don’t put down anyone’s choice of everyday carry. But you must be prepared to put forth the effort to do it right.
The 1911 has served me well.
I have severe damage in one hand and some damage in the other.
The 1911 is the only handgun that I can use with either hand.
[it must be “cocked & locked” for use with the severely damaged hand]
I do not bet my my life on a 1911.
I carry 2 handguns.
Murphy’s Law kinda thing.
The number of accidental discharges with Glock’s and other striker fired weapons is likely on the “large but let’s not mention it side”. I know of three Glock mishaps and I’m just a regular guy who enjoys shooting. In one instance a police officer crippled himself for life when he holstered his Glock and it went off. His trigger finger was in the wrong place. In another instance the son of a police officer accidentally shot himself to death when he “sniffed” the muzzle of a Glock trying to determine if the gun had been fired. Witnesses claim the finger of the teenager slipped off the trigger guard and onto the trigger at exactly the wrong moment. I’ve been shooting 1911s for over 40 years, and actually closer to 50 years. I’ve had failures to feed, and failures to eject, all of which were traced back to an easy fix. I have never had an accidental discharge with a 1911, nor have any of my considerable number of friends who shoot the 1911. John M. Browning had it right from Day 1.
What a load of horse crap.
1) magazine capacity. 7? Well maybe if you’re shooting a subcompact. Standard single stack capacity is now and has been for 25+ yrs 8+1. If you need more they make great extended mags that hold 10+1 in single stack. Which will always be more reliable that a stager stack magazine. Need more than 10? Get a wide body that comes standard as either 12 or 14 +1. Need more? Add mag extenders bringing it up to 16+1 in 45acp (and they make them in other calibers too .22, 7.62×25, .22 tmc, .38 super, 9mm, .357 mag, .357 Sig .40, 10mm, .400, .45 super, .50GI ….. The list goes on all the way up to .45 win mag). Mag capacity also in self defense is also over done. The average self defense shooting in the US involves 2.5 res being exchanged. Sure more happens but if you use more than the 9rds in your mag: you’re gonna be famous.
2) safety lever: I prefer it and the 1911 does it better than anything else. If you grip the firearm correctly disconnecting the safety is intuitive and natural.
3) reliability. I’ve had both a glock and a steyr come apart in my hands. Does that happen to most people? No. Does it usually involve an over pressure load or a high round count? Yes. I shot a lot and it happened to me. Almost lost my trigger finger when the glock 23 came apart. Know I’ve had kabooms in a 1911 to. Shot the Mag straight out of the grip but my hand is fine. Malfunctions happen. I have had less happen with my 1911’s than when I shot Glocks. When they do happen it’s usually because of magazines which has taught me not to buy junk mags. Glock has the same issue here pal: try those Korean mags and tell me you don’t have problems. Other than mag issues and the one kaboom I’ve had sights shoot themselves lose a handful of times, 2 times different guns a grip safety issue: once freezing the other not working as a safety (that one was a custom piece and went back to be tuned.) Other than those no issues. I shoot over 6000 rds per year for the last 15 yrs in 1911’s. Doesn’t seem to be an issue with me.
4) Magazine capacity: a) don’t by crap b) make sure you’re getting the right mag i.e. If you get a mag funnel make sure the mags you get are made for it with the right bumper plate. Too short or too wide won’t work. Personally I’ve never had a Wilson, Kimber Mec-gar mag not work. Love yourself more than a $5 magazine and you should be ok.
5) I’m surprised he didn’t go to the weight argument citing 40+ ounces. Well they make 1911’s in aluminum, scandium, titanium and lord help us polymer frames and barrel lengths between 3-6″ and sized from the C&S Adventurure all the way to the Lars Grizzly. Need a gun to hide in shorts? Your covered. Need to drop a rabid Grizzly? Well get a riffle but if you can’t the Lars .45 Win Mag will do the trick.
Benefit time for 1911:
1) can be tailored to the shooter for best performance
2) reliable
3) has the best trigger in the handgun world
4) accuracy
5) holster compatibility
6) after marker support
7) availability of other calibers, though why change perfection with the .45?
8) ergonomics
9) longevity of service life. I have a buddy that still shoots the 1911 his great great grandfather carried in WWI. His Great grandfather carried in WWII. His grandfather carried in Korea. His father carried in Vietnam. That he carried in Panama and Desert Storm and his son carried in Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s a almost 100 years of service to our nation that handgun and family have done.
10) history
11) looks
You can’t beat a fine tuned 1911, the poly guns have a terrible trigger pull which affects their accuracy; but everyone is entitled to their own opinion!
I HAD a Kimber, never again. Para Carry is my current cuz they have the ONLY LDA 1911 on the market. My Detonics will always be my favorite though 🙂
Man after my own heart! I have had to sell other guns from my collection when I was strapped for cash before… but never my Detonics Scoremaster, a true classic that runs like clockwork and is built like a tank. Since it’s over engineered to stand up to the .451 Detonics round, it’s the only 1911 I feel comfortable shooting .45 +P rounds from–you get terminal kinetic energy close to a .357 magnum with less muzzle flash and recoil. My nightstand gun of choice. I think a full mag of 8 supersonic 165-gr. hollowpoints is going to be more than enough to handle any goblins.
I dont mind the 1911’s when they work fine I am very proficient with it.. Mag capacity is limited but in a self defense scenario in most cases you are going to be less than 25 foot away.. If you can not hit your target at that range with limited capacity.. Then you should go in for some serious training. I see the advantages of the polymer semi auto pistols also.. They are light have a higher capacity ect ect.. What gets me I saved my life with a 38 special derringer and it was ruled self defense.. That had less capacity two shots.. It dont matter what you carry .What matters is it reliable and are you proficient with it..
I’ve always been an “old school” type of guy, in my 45 years of owning and using firearms (including military use) I always thought to myself, no plastic handguns for me. That was until I bought my first Glock G30 in 2012. I have owned several 1911’s and feel they are really a great design for their day. I have one now that sits in the safe day after day, while I carry the G30 for my EDC. First the magazine capacity, eleven rounds instead of eight, no external safety to remember to disengage, reloading a magazine after eleven rounds instead of eight, backup magazine of ten rounds instead of seven….in a life and death situation, it all comes down to seconds, stress has it’s effects and the less you have to do to get in action, the better. The 1911 is a beautiful sidearm, but in today’s world seconds really count. I show the 1911 to my friends, but carry the G30 for EDC. This is like between the AR and the AK, I have both and prefer the AK. To each his own.
Every 1911 fan boy I have ever met has never had to use the weapon in a real situation. Sure they’re great on the range- nice light triggers, heavy for recoil mitigation, multiple safeties to keep everyone so safe- but believe me you don’t want a safety on your duty weapon. It’s literally the ONLY reason law enforcement left the 1911s and 92s for the glock style striker guns. In a high stress situation that safety and limited capacity could get you killed. As for the capacity, 17 beats 8 by 112%. It always cracks me up how 1911 guys defend this to the bitter end when there is no argument. Until weight becomes an issue, more is always better when it comes to ammo. I hear “You need more training if you can’t handle a safety”. Yeah? I think YOU need more training if your scared to carry a gun without a safety. (duh)
Rock on Phil. What car you want to drive and how many cylinders, and in what color? Everyone has
their opinion about what car, truck, or handgun. When we fight we lose our fine motor skills and yes,
training helps, but I’m a trained monkey, having carried Glocks and Sigs since 1996 on-duty, and I
like the idea of simple in a fight… Remove firearm, point firearm, squeeze trigger of firearm until threat stopped,
scan, assess, dominate fight, then get scrutinized beyond belief by those whom have never fought for their guns, ever.
To each his and her own, but my vote is for simple. Protect your trigger with a great holster, exercise
due care when holstering/drawing, and on-target-on-trigger, off-target-off-trigger. Careless, ill-trained handlers cause
negligent discharges and the weapon, to me, is NEVER an excuse, it’s the handler. Sympathetic squeeze response during adrenaline dump (fight, takedown, etc.), when your finger is on the trigger, is a major culprit for striker fired guns. That won’t happen if you train and fight smartly, keeping your finger off that trigger when it should be off that trigger… Peace and stay safe.
LAPD went to Beretta 92’s for one reason: capacity. They were out-gunned by gang bangers.
Funny thing. Their highly trained SWAT team uses (wait for it) 1911’s…….,..,
Every Glock fanboy loves his plastic toy until he shoves it into his purse and it goes off. That superior attitude “it will never happen to me” gives him a warm feeling and breeds snarky comments until it happens to him. If they weren’t so ugly and bulky, I might carry a Glock if I were one of those superhumans who never makes a mistake or suffers an occasional mental lapse, but since there are none of those on this planet, I’ll carry something else and train with it.
Phil,
Cops did not leave their 1911’s and 92’s for the Glock. The Glock took over the police market in the late 80’s due to the fact that most police departments were still carrying revolvers and wanted to switch to auto’s. The Glock manual of arms was simpler, thus cheaper, to transition to (this, and Glock was virtually giving them away).
I was an FFL in the 80’s, still am, and was involved with some LEO purchasing at the time.
Read some of Mas Ayoob’s stories. There have been many cases where safeties, both manual and magazine disconnects, have actually saved officers lives when they’ve been disarmed and the perpetrator has been unable to get the gun to fire.
The Glock is a fine weapon, as are many other high capacity striker fired weapons. I’m an M&P fan myself. But to discount 1911’s for any if the reasons mentioned is ludicrous. The 1911 has been saving good guys lives for over a century.
Obviously, to each his own. As for the comment that no 1911 fan boy has ever fired one in combat…rubbish. We carried them in the Force Reconnaissance Companies…and then into MARSOC. I had complete faith and confidence in my 1911. Never had an ND, never had a failure to fire. We were well trained on how to clear malfunctions if they happened, but never had one in the real world. The M9 is a reliable weapon, without a doubt, but I’m not nearly as fast with it as I am the 1911…and I’ve trained hard on each one. Shoot what you’re competent with. In the end, it’s accurate rounds on target that count…rounds that do the work they’re designed to do. If I were hit by one, I wouldn’t give rat’s ass about what weapon fired it.
Um, Phil? I spent 20 years in the Army and carried an M1911A1 for 16 of those. I guess you’ve never met a professional who carried one, just “fan boys.” Yeah, I’m a fan of the 1911 and would carry one today on duty if it was an option. And yes, I had to use it in “real situations.”
The reason law enforcement left the 1911s and 92s for Glocks is that Glock offered police departments effectively “free guns” for their old guns. My officers carry Glock 22s on duty. I carry a 4 inch .357 Magnum S&W Model 686-6 on duty and no one but our range master shoots higher scores than I do during qualification. Glocks are neither fish nor fowl. They don’t have true double action trigger pulls like revolvers, and they don’t don’t have any manual safeties.
Here endeth the lesson.
Back in military training, or boot camp, we had to qualify with the M-16 and Model 1911, .45 auto. I was a good shot and liked the .45 auto. At 19, my first experience with a pistol. I carried the Colt auto as a law enforcement official boarding boats searching for concealed drugs passing through the Louisiana swampland. Many times it was reassuring to realize I had the Colt with me, in close quarters, because I knew to a certainty that even if I got hit, enemy targets would also fall. And I was backed up by two other guys, one with a .12 gauge shotgun, the other with a fully-automatic M-16. And a patrol boat outside with a coxswain ready to call in helicopter or boat back-up. I never had to unholster my weapon, and never accidentally discharged it, due to common-sense, and good training. I own a Model 1911 today, the new model made in 1991 by the same people who make the original Thompson machine guns. I got it on sale from a reputable gun shop, brand new, for about $700. Worth double that amount.
My Taurus PT1911AR came with a constantly-falling-out ambi safety. Sent in for warranty repair, came back with the same exact problem… But, after I replaced it with a standard extended safety, it’s now 100% reliable. I have a few guns that are 100% reliable, but on the 1911 fits my hand so perfectly. Mags drop free, and I have 4 more on top of the 2 that came with it.
I’m building some 80% 1911s next. Because 1911 is best handgun ever.
This debate is into its second century, and plenty of people are still carrying 1911s. I’ve owned a few, and currently own one in each of the three standard sizes from both Colt and Kimber. I also own Glocks, Sigs, Berettas, etc. I’ve had failures to feed and failures to extract at one time or another from the majority. I usually carry a 1911; which size is dependent on concealment concerns. I’ve not had a malfunction with the very late model Colts and Kimbers, and I like the thumb safety, the crisp single action and the nice flat profile. Oh, and the big fat .45 acp. I don’t mind carrying an extra mag or two, because 1911 mags, like 1911s, are really svelte compared to, say, Glock mags. I agree that you shouldn’t trust your life to bargain priced guns. I also suspect that negligent discharges happen more than people admit with Glocks. To me, a safety is a device that keeps a gun from going off if the trigger is depressed unintentionally. Glock’s little trigger flange gizmo doesn’t qualify.
“This debate is into its second century, and plenty of people are still carrying 1911s.” Yes, and I am one of them. I have 3 Kimbers and one Colt, all in 1911, which I carry (not all at once). They are all absolutely reliable. I also have many other pistols, Sigs, Brownings, and Springfields that I do not carry although I trust them, simply because most of my training is with the 1911. So the lever safety is just not an issue with enough training with it. My Kimbers are my favorite pistols since they are just so accurate, reliable, and natural in my hands. And you are right, the mags are slim and comfortable, so capacity is no issue, just carry a couple extra. If I were in combat, I would probably want a higher capacity gun, but for everyday carry, I just don’t feel the need. I mean I’m not going to go strolling around the getto or other high crime areas anyway. If you are a cop and it’s your job to go into such areas, fine, you probably need all the fire power you can carry. Red Dawn, or Zombie apocalypse, ditto. But in those situations, I’d be carrying one of my ARs as my primary weapon anyway.
But with regard to magazine capacity, a cop I know that works at my local gun store has a 1911 with 20 round mags. Some foreign manufacturer that I don’t remember the name of. It’s cool if you have very large hands (he does) and don’t have to conceal it (he doesn’t). It’s what he trusts his life to, so I guess it’s a good weapon.
I guess it’s boils down to what you’ve trained with, and the 1911 is second nature to me. And although I’ve never had a failure with my 1911s, I have trained for failures with dummy rounds placed randomly in my mags, and most people would be shocked at how quickly you can over come such a situation and continue firing, and how quickly you replace an empty mag.
And although I don’t like the idea of one of my Kimbers sitting in a police evidence locker, I don’t like the idea of my body sitting in the morgue because I chose to carry a cheap gun either. It’s all about training and choices. And my choice is the 1911.
For a training guru with time in the sand box I am suprised at your position on the 1911. I will only address you main points for brevity but could counter all your adverse remarls along the same reasons.
1. Limited magazine capacity. High capacity is only a benefit to the well trained and a crutch for those that are not. Anyone who stays in place long enough to empty a high capacity mag is tacti-foolish. Gun, run & gun, reload, cover in appropriate tactical sequence. Training.
2. Safety lever. Why is it not an issue on you AR or other long arms but a show stopper on a pistol? Training Strike Two.
3. Reliability. You are talking to people about individual handgun choice, not getting issued one of several dozen from a conex box. So reliability is a personal responsability of choice. Not all 1911s are created equally, nor are ARs AKs or wonder nines. There are diamond and rust in all categories. You don’t bet your life on a stock $499 AR do you? So the level of reliability is a choice just like using the best ammo that functions 100% of the time. Strike 3.
4. Magazine compatibility. With what? With who? If your not rolling with a Squad, Platoon or LE Dept, magazine compatibility is not going to happen. Glock, Springfield, S&W; 9, 40 or 45: where’s the commonality? Lets not confuse compatibility with defensive position redistrubution of limited ammo. Tactically you carry what you think you need to end a gunfight or fight your way out of one. To rely on some hypothetical magazine compatibility for your survival is is pure folly and potentially deadly. Game over.
I was Range Master for a LEO training academy for quite a few years. The ONLY injury we had involved a 1911 style pistol. It happened during the final stage of fire at the 2 yd line, combat draw and fire 2 rds from the hip…cover….recover and holster… A guy forgot to engage the safety, had his finger on the trigger while holstering and put a 230gr hardball round through his thigh and out, then into his calf and out before it splattered on the sidewalk. It’s your right to shoot what you want to shoot and, if that’s a 1911, great. It is not my choice. In fact, it’s way down the list of my choices.
As you state, a guy didn’t execute the manual of arms properly.
Otherwise known as “Pilot Error”.
I’m no LEO, but all the training I’ve had on 1911 and other handguns engraved the mantra of keeping my finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
I refer you to this Glock ND. http://youtu.be/ain2by4Fums
A classic! I love the way he is bleeding and still tries to continue! This guy tried to sue the videographer for releasing this video. Can you believe that?
So exactly why would this guy have not also shot himself with a Glock? And he would have needed one fewer error to do so.
That same accident has happened with every handgun made. If a shooter holsters with a finger on the trigger it is subject to go off, regardless of weapon used. Show me a handgun that has the history of defensive use equal to the 1911 and I will buy one.
These reasons for not trusting a 1911 design pistol are ALL tossed in the trash bin of history with a few prudent actions by the owner of said pistol.
1) Magazine capacity: learn to count your rounds (with training and range time this action becomes second nature, your accuracy increases and with accuracy the number of rounds needed to eliminate the threat decreases.
2) Safety lever: GRIP and PRACTICE during training eliminates this issue just the same as the capacity of the magazine. Drawing the 1911 the same way EVERY time improves with each practice iteration and decreases the time required to place the weapon into action.
3) Reliability: Don’t buy a WWII issue 1911 (the govt paid about $15-20.00 each) and don’t buy a $400.00 one either. If you buy a cheap pistol, you get a cheap pistol. All pistols are the same in that they are a product of a gunsmith working at a factory with, in normal circumstances, a daily quota/ number of completed pistols to be inspected, approved and placed into inventory. The time devoted to this action is indicated normally by the end price of the pistol. Buy a really cheap 1911 (less that $800), expect to have your favorite local gunsmith tune it up for you to carry. (I personally do NOT believe that a $2000+ pistol should be in danger of sitting in a police evidence locker awaiting for the DA to exonerate me for my DGU).
4) Magazine compatibility: I am not certain, but I believe that the author’s personal opinion rests with the low number of citizens, LEOs and military personnel who carry the 1911 daily, making either stripping the dead for additional ammunition and/or magazines AND the act of loaning or borrowing a loaded magazine in a firefight to be unlikely. I firmly believe that the last thing I am going to worry about is passing a magazine to a buddy (he/she had better be a family member or they are out of luck), and if my ability to eliminate the threat is so bad that the three magazines I carry are not enough, then I have NOT been training enough and my ability to hit what I aim at has been degraded to a serious level and I need to disengage from the altercation.
We are NOT talking here about a squad of soldiers or Marines (there is a difference, despite the attempts of the ignorant media in trying to educate the American citizens otherwise) in a firefight where everyone carries the same rifle, pistol and same calibers of ammo.
Just to stave off those who want to know, I am a retired Green Beret with 30 years service, I went from the WWII 1911 to the M9 during my career. There is a world of difference between military ball (FMJ) ammo and modern JHP/ Self-defense ammo. Most articles and studies have determined that today’s 9mm ammo is fairly equal to today’s .45 ammo.
What abt a STI. 10MM….????
Good response. The 1911, along with the M9, M4, and M1 and other grunt standard issue weapons, have saved untold G.I. lives in combat. I own one and would trust it in a firefight, hands down.
It’s not the most advanced weapon. It’s not the lightest weapon. But in most civilian self defense situations, it’s not the gun that wins the fight, it’s the man. True grit.
I had issues with my Colt Combat Commander until I overhauled it ((new pins, springs(extra recoil springs to change out based on ammo used), grip panels and slide lock lever)) and now I trust it to carry it. It’s heavy, which makes it more of a challenge to carry, and limited to nine rounds from “go,” but I haven’t had any failures to feed or eject with McCormick Power Mags and it sits well in my hands. My SR9 is about the same size but I just don’t feel as comfortable carrying it over the Commander. Maybe a better choice of holster will change my mind. I still hit more accurately with the Colt’s SA trigger over the Ruger’s trigger which is still excellent for a striker fired design. Then again, I’ve put many more rounds through the Commander than the SR9. My experiences will vary from yours, and nobody is “wrong” over their personal choice in carry pistols. Whatever works for you train with it and learn how to handle it. Stay safe out there!
The first Commander I owned had an alloy frame. I fired somewhere around 3,000 rounds through it and with a micro-sight bushing it performed flawlessly until it cracked. Right at the pin hole for the thumb safety a hairline crack appeared. There is no way to effectively weld this so I took it to a pawn shop where the owner was known for taking advantage of people and let him buy it for $175. He couldn’t wait until I was out the door before he was telling his buddy how he had fucked me.
I don’t trust a gun that does not have a manual safety of some type or a DA trigger. I suspect that more people are injured by negligent discharges from Glock style striker fired guns with no manual safety than any other type of handgun. As drop safe as a Glock is (and it has redundant internal safeties for such purposes), when a round is chambered it is easy for “something” to get in the trigger guard causing a discharge. (And the fact is that way too many people will drop a Glock in their pocket or purse with no holster to protect the trigger, so sure, we can blame the operator, but we can also reduce risk by not having a Glock in the first place.). Not so the Springfield, with its grip safety, or the 1911 with its grip safety. Not so any hammer fired gun with a manual safety. And although possible, it is pretty difficult to negligently discharge most DA pistols for two reasons: heavy trigger pull, and long trigger travel required before discharge.
Now I agree that there can be serious reliability issues with some, but not all, 1911s, even from premium manufacturers. I’ve read the reviews of $3000 guns that went back to the shop multiple times before they would run. My Kimber was past 1400 rounds, a trip to Kimber, and a spring change to authentic Wolff recoil springs before it would run without issue. (I still won’t carry it, but that has more to do with my inability to find a way to successfully conceal it.)
Capacity of a 1911 is a non-issue for us Californians, since we have a ten round mag limit. This means that with an 8 round McCormick mag, I am only giving up two rounds to a typical 9 mm, and I have more rounds than any revolver (except a .22). The average gun fight has no shots fired, and those that do, the average is 2 or 3 rounds. It seems only the police and the gang bangers go slide lock in an exchange, and neither group seems able to hit much of anything.
I think the GLOCK is considered a DA firearm due what it does mechanically. Not arguing the safety factor…just the technicality of the mechanics. I’m all about a grip safety…which is why I like the Springfield XD. But to each their own.
From the Glock Forum website:
“it’s the same concept as a double action revolver: pulling the trigger performs two actions–cocks the hammer, and releases it.”
“SA – Think old revolver style. Hammer isn’t back yet…pull the trigger and nothing happens….single action.
DA – Think little more modern style. Hammer isn’t back yet…pull the trigger….watch the hammer moving back further and further as you pull the trigger…then BAM! The hammer released too and made gun go pop! ”
Therefore, I believe the Glock is technically a DA since it cocks the striker and releases the striker. Someone SANITY CHECK me here??
Some one’s description on a blog site does not mean much of anything. The Glock is a striker fired pistol; it dos not have a hammer. What happens is that when the action is cycled, the striker is partially, but not fully reset. Pulling the trigger pulls the striker back just that last little bit of a fraction of an inch and then releases it. so it is kind of on “half cock”, because this makes it much easier to fully depress the trigger. I am not a Glock fan, so my recollection is probably faulty, but I think the typical trigger weight is between five and six pounds, while most DA revolvers are 10+. And the length of pull of the Glock trigger is quite short, especially when compared to the DA Kahrs, with something in the range of 3/4 inch before the gun discharges.
I love 1911s for several reasons. I have never had any of the problems he describes above, although I acknowledge the limited mag capacity. I would carry a commander as my primary CC weapon.
I would use a Walther P99c chambered in .40S&W for CC.
You couldn’t pay me to use a Glock in combat or IPSC. I shoot a long slide Glock every once in awhile and it is very picky about the ammunition it will take–pretty much limited to factory loaded Winchester ammunition. It chokes on just about everything else–esp. re-loads. And the jams aren’t simple to clear. People say ‘Glock’ for when it absolutely has to work, every time. I say ‘Glock” will get you killed because it will jam..
I own a Kimber Ultra CDP II. 3″ Match everything an weighs in at 25 ounces. I do carry it now and then and I am very able to shoot it quickly and accurately. I have a bout 400 Rounds through the gun and NEVER had a malfunction. Now this is a custom shop gun with a retail price of over $1600.00, but you can find them for about $1300.00 new. Alot of money for a carry gun. However, I never feel uncomfortable carrying it. I know it will work and I feel I am Proficient enough with it to save my life if needed. With that said, for all you Glock Haters out there, I am a Certified Gunsmith. I have looked and and worked on all types of semi auto pistols and My choice for every day carry is a Glock. I have several and carry so depending on my attire. In my humble opinion. It is the best handgun for the money. It IS safe unless someone else grabs it from you but that holds true for any pistol. Many Law Enforcement Trust their live to Glocks every day. Glocks just simply Rock!!
I HAVE A COLT NEW AGENT. YOU INDICATED YOUR COMMANDER. I DO HEAR OF ANY TALKING ABOUT THE NEW AGENT. I LOVE IT AND IT IS A POINT AND SHOOT, 7+ 1, LIGHT, EASY TO CONCEAL 3 IN. BARREL AND NO SIGHTS TO GET HUNG UP ON CLOTHING. IT IS EVEN BETTER WITH A LASER.
I REALIZE THIS TOPIC IS SUBJECTIVE; HOWEVER, SINCE YOU USE A COMMANDER, AND I BELIEVE IT IS CLOSE TO A NEW AGENT ONLY WITH SIGHTS, YOUR OPINION IS SOUGHT.
I AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENTS ON GLOCKS ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW THEY WERE FINICKY REGARDING AMMO. ALL YOU HEAR IS IT IS THE MOST RELIABLE FIREARM!!
I LIVE IN NEW JERSEY 10 ROUNDS MAX, BUT WE CAN NOT CARRY. I DO NOT LIKE THE FACT OF HAVING THE HAMMER/ COCKED POSITION ON THE COLT/ 1911 NOR DO I LIKE THE FACT THAT THE GLOCK IS A HOT WEAPON. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION GLOCKS, AT LEAST THE NEW GENERATIONS HAD THREE SAFETY DEVICES??
US ARMY SAID TO BE GOING WITH 1911? I.E. MAINTENANCE ISSUES IN THE FIELD, OTHER. GOVT. AGENCIES LIKING SIG’S WHICH ARE SUPER IN MY OPINION. NEVERTHELESS WE COME TO THE SAME ISSUE TO COCK OR NOT COCK AND CARRY. THERE IS A VIDEO ON YOU TUBE OF A SHOOTER SHOOTING HIMSELF IN THE LEG WITH A 1911 WHILE PRACTICING QUICK DRAWS.
THERE IS A LOT OF MOVEMENT GOING ON AND IT IS EASY TO DO IN MY OPINION. MUCH LIKE DRIVING AND CELL PHONE USE. I ACTUALLY THOUGHT OF SELLING MY COLT NEW AGENT, AND GETTING A GLOCK 4 GEN. OR SIG; HOWEVER IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT:)
I own and shoot over thirty pistols in all configurations and calibers. My choice for CC is the Sig 380 as it has a hammer AND safety, it is small, relatively light and utterly reliable. I own many Glocks in every caliber made and my overall favorite is the Glock 36 45 ACP due to its power and relatively small size and weight compared to the full sized 1911s, I have fired many hundreds of rounds through my Glocks and NEVER had a misfire or jam…EVER! Regardless of the ammunition. My Glock 21S has fired over 1400 rounds of hand loaded wad cutters and semi wadcutters (all loaded on the Dillon press) without a single misfeed. Maybe the fake captain needs to clean his once in a while though that is seldom an issue with Glocks. I love my 1911s and Glocks, but my all time favorites are my older model pinned and recessed S&W wheel guns…they are almost like fine art!
I same many hand guns, in many calibers, but i have to take exception to the glocks jam comment. I have a glock gen 2, model 17, purchased used in 1986, I have fired thousands of factory jacketed ammo with zero malfunctions. Not Once, Not ever. I have fired 90 gr. HP’s to 147 Gr. HP’s. Steel cased russian ammo, all brands, all weights, Never Lead. Never reloads. I also have a glock 26 9mm purchased new in 2004. I can say the same for it.
However My daily carry gun is a colt light weight commander 45acp. Ammo is my hand loaded 230 gr Hornady XTP HP’s. I am meticulous with my “carry” ammo and the pistol has proved to be 100% reliable. If It were not, well I have a ugly black old glock that is.
Glock manual states that reloads are not to be fired in their weapons.
I’ve done it and had no problems except for a time when I had some uber hot factory reloads.
Case ruptured but weapon still functioned.
Guys case and point and I’ll make this real simple. Show of hands, how many people here that have commented in this forum, torched their weapons like our service men and women do. Don’t worry I’ll wait. Still nothing hmmm…. Guaranteed your wham bam 1911 breaks or jams after a low crawl in sand, or jungle warfare. “kiss” keep it simple stupid. 1911 to many parts and deep. In the jungle is your Amazon or eBay account gonna work for your film flam spring extractor? Don’t worry again I’ll wait. Still nothing… Hmmm. Understand the importance and need of the subject at hand. Final point, high adrenalin situation hey stupid your safety is still on!!
To ‘Fake Captain Kirk:
Three things:
1: I’m not going to beat you down, but I am fixing to school you.
2: I noticed you used ‘would’ each time you spoke about CC, which suggest you do not have/utilize CC.
3: You castigated Glock.
During my 29 years in law enforcement, I carried numerous off-duty weapons. Since my department switched from the S&W 9mm to Glock 9mm, and ultimately the .40, I carried Glocks on/off-duty for 14-15 years. Although we were not required to carry the Glock off-duty, we were limited to a D/A weapon (revolver or semi) no lighter than .380 caliber, so I usually just carried my duty Glock.
Although it may have happened, I honestly do not ever recall having a malfunction with my Glock; if there was one, it was cleared at the range/on the line, as I never had to turn my weapon in for service. I am ambivalent about Glock; if I can get one at a good price, I’ll buy/use it. If a Springfield Armory XD, or Sig comes along – with similar characteristics – at a better price, I’ll buy that gun. As such, I am not a ‘rabid’ Glock fan, so I can objectively offer this insight.
I don’t have to speculate on what I ‘would’ do; I did it. I carried/used a Glock for many years and have no regrets. I don’t have on right now, because I have a full-sized S/A XD45 that I use for home defense, target shooting, etc. It is built much the same as a Glock, and I trust it too.
I also don’t have to speculate on what I would use for CC. Having retired in 2005, and thanks to former President George W. Bush, I can carry a concealed firearm nationwide (but yes, there are some limits to that too). During these first ten years of retirement, I have carried several different firearms, including Glocks and the aforementioned XD (yeah, it is bulky). Regardless of the make, they all had some similarities; D/A only; .40 – .45 caliber and on a ‘Glock’-type platform.
Except for a VERY short time during 1976-1977, I never carried a 1911, because I hated/did not trust ‘cock & lock’ and wouldn’t consider carrying with an empty chamber or the hammer down on a live round.
However, time and paradigms have changed for me. I now own three Kimber 1911s; two Ultra Carry IIs and a Ultra TLE II; they are all .45acp. I frequently carry the UItra Carry II (with Meprolight sights and Crimson Trace grips) and really enjoy it. I also carry a spare mag, and yes, I carry ‘cocked and locked’, because I have educated myself about the real issues with doing so. In the end, it really breaks down to this: Safety. Safety. Safety. My finger does not go into the trigger guard until I am prepared to pull the trigger. When I get home, the routine is simple: Point weapon in safe direction; drop magazine; release slide lock; rack slide/eject round; inspect chamber.
Ultimately, anyone carrying a firearm should select the one that works best for them in regards to size, caliber, action and make. Obviously, if an employer mandates a certain weapon there is no choice, but the user should then endeavor to become as efficient and effective with that particular firearm as possible After all….lives are on the line and….ALL lives matter.
So, before you convince yourself about what you ‘would/would not’ do…..open your eyes and ears a little. Watch and listen to what the rest of the gun world is talking about – and doing – then leave your comfort zone long enough to try something different. if you don’t like it, no big deal. If you do, you have just opened up more possibilities.
Okay, schools out.
Good luck and stay safe.
I shoot a Glock 23 and have never had any issues using whatever ammo. I prefer Federal as it’s usually cheaper where I shop. I’ve used Winchester, and o couple of other brands, one from Italy and the other I think eastern Europe. Never had any problems after a thousand rounds.
I can’t agree with your assessment of Glocks. There are many recorded tests of 5000 plus rounds without a single failure to feed or fire. I probably have 20k rounds through many Glocks and aside from one pistol I bought used that had to be repaired, I had zero fire failures that were not primer related and maybe (?) 2-3 feed issues?
They guys that do firearms training for a living say they see more Glock issues than what my experience would indicate but most of them rate it one of the most reliable pistols you can buy.
Ammo sensitive? Nyet. Every Glock I have seen will eat pretty much anything. Your Glock is an aberration.
I completely agree with the video.
I want reliable and I want more than 7 rounds. Running out of ammo when some is trying to kill you sucks.
I also completely agree with Mr. Blannelberry’s assessment of the effects of stress on most people, from safeties on pistols to short stroking pump shotguns, to flat missing the maniac that is dancing right in front of you and popping rounds by your head. Every man thinks they are a stud with ice water for blood. Well….
Real Me prepare to be schooled, I carry 1911s, cocked and locked, exclusively and have quite a collection from which to choose; my wife says I have too many but that view is subjective. The weather dictates what size 1911 I carry, 3″, 4″ or 5″ barrel depending upon the clothing needed for the weather conditions. It’s hard to conceal a full size 1911 under a Hawaiian shirt. As for maintaining a 1911, they are quite easy to disassemble and reassemble making cleaning and upgrading a snap. I don’t and won’t ever own a Glock; they don’t feel right in my hand and the grip angle is wrong for my preference. And as for crawling through the jungle or humping it through the desert, I am no longer in the military having retired long ago.
I have owned several Sigs, mostly in .357 Sig, and have given them to my kids because they all live and work in large crime ridden cities. My oldest son re-barreled his to a .40 S&W and the others followed suit. I still consider the Sigs to be some of the best handguns ever produced and the .357 Sig one of the best rounds. However, it does produce a bit of torque on the hand and takes practice to get off a quick follow up shot.
Back to the military aspect, we were issued S&W Model 10 revolvers. However we had the option to carry whatever we preferred provided the armorer pronounced them fit for duty. I had an old Springfield 1911 that my father gave me on my 18th birthday that had been re-barreled with a match grade barrel and also had a reworked trigger. It was built pre-WWII and was a bit sloppy and hence reliable in every environment to which it was subjected. We had some crew members carrying S&W Model 27s; a very good revolver and I own several myself, but they have a large frame making them hard to conceal. I don’t recall anyone needing more than maybe one reload with any of the handguns, in fact most never got drawn since they were a weapon of last resort. To quote Clint Smith “The only purpose for a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should have never laid down.” If I had my way I would carry a suppressed MP-5, but that is impractical and illegal in most places.
However, since most people feel uncomfortable with a rifle in public, back to the handgun aspect. There are many reasons why people choose to carry different platforms for CC. Many believe what they read in magazines and in blogs/forums; their misinformed friends are generally a wealth of misinformation. Most people can’t afford a variety of handguns and the requisite ammunition they need to train enough with their primary weapon to become proficient. Hence they don’t have the resources to train with what may be a better weapon for their use. An alternative to trying to get to the range every day is to buy an air-pistol with blowback capability and shoot every day. It’s cheap and won’t disturb the neighbors.
My wife has carried several .380 autos, from a Walther PPK to a Sig P238 and almost everything in between. The Walther was chosen because James Bond carried one in the movies; but she retired that one after realizing she couldn’t rack the slide. Now she defaults to the Sig.
Four reasons to carry a 1911:
1. If you feel the need for large capacity magazines buy a Para Expert with 14 round capacity.
2. Learn to properly maintain the weapon and it will run reliably.
3. Safety use can easily be trained and will become second nature in time.
4. Magazine compatibility is a no brainer, pay attention to what you carry before you leave the house and only buy quality magazines. If they are cheap they will probably fail when you need them most.
i agree with you.i am not a fan of glocks either.i do know that the 1911 has withstood the test of time.sure there will always be conflict on who likes what and for what reason.the reason the 1911 has withstood the test of time is because the design in my opinion was brilliant,simple,easy to use and deadly.
In the Glock’s “safe action,” there isn’t a hammer that equivocates to the hammer of a single action pistol at all, The mechanism is under much less pressure, and, by comparison, requires only a fraction of the pull weight as a traditional hammer. In actuality, the XDMs, Glocks, and others, have a bit of take up from the trigger spring, but otherwise feel virtually the same as as a true single action trigger..
“Equivocate” doesn’t mean what you think it means. Stop using big words.
What do you mean by “equivocate” in this context?
I cant fathom what you are talking about. I own a Colt 1911 and I’ve never had to replace a part nor have I had any problems with it. If you buy quality firearms and use quality ammunition, maintain (CLEAN AND LUBRICATE) them they will continue to work properly.
My mother in law used to have several sayings.
1. You talk like a man with a paper gadget.
Opinions are like axshxles. Everybody has one and your’s stinks.
MOΛΩN ΛABE.
While actually the Glock is half cocked all ready. When you pull the trigger you are going the other half and then releasing the firing pin. It is really not a DA, otherwise you could continually pull the trigger and have the striker fire over and over on a unloaded gun, which you cannot with the Glock.
Glocks are not at half cock. They are “staged” with little pressure from the springs. They can’t fire if dropped. Unlike the XD which is a cocked striker with just a little bit of trigger pull required to fire the gun. The Glocks firing pin travels quite a ways before the transfer bar drops and lets it fly forward. At the same time the firing pin safety is moved out of place so the firing pin can hit the primer. XDs scare me, since it is at full cock. The reason for negligent discharges is a lack of training. Too many gun owners simply do not know how to safely handle a pistol. I suggest that instead of having a safe full of guns, buy one or two of the one you intend to carry. Don’t go from one pattern every other day. When the time comes to use it there is one way to make it fire, pull that rigger back and a round goes down range. A Glock user can go to a DA revolver as they work the same way. Get rid of unneeded manual safeties.
Wow, Just yesterday, i was actually thinking about to start carrying my Ruger 1911, I’ve had it for a year now, the real reason why i haven’t carried it, is because it weighs a ton, never thought of it’s reliability, but i figure, i own it, and should also carry it to. I was ready to put my favorite carry piece down, which is my p239 sig sauer sas 9mm, which i know it’s super reliable, but the disadvantage is it is also single stack. I find that guns that are double stacked are usually poly framed, which i am not a fan of, i have around 100 guns and only 2 of them are poly framed and still in the box they came in. Listening to your video, kinda make me think about it and keep carrying my 9mm vs my 1911. Revolvers to me, never had a reliability problem, vs semi-auto’s, but again, it seems most people, like the idea of how many bullets can you pack in that gun, seems like anything under 15-16 bullets people don’t feel safe as a carry piece.
I’ve never had one issue with any 1911 that I’ve owned. That being said, I didn’t buy a $400 low end 1911. My guns are cleaned and maintained. Never one issue that would cause me to doubt the reliability of my Les Bauer or Springfield. And I carry both because I prefer to carry a pistol with mechanical safety. My personal preference.
The only problem I’ve ever had with my 1911 .45’s was with my commander. It started to fail ejecting the spent shell casings. They would stovepipe or just drop by my feet. I changed out the 28 year old extractor and it functions flawlessly again. My Remington 1911R1 Enhanced has been flawless.
I trust my life to my 1911’s every day. They go bang every time I pull the trigger. They feed and eject everything I feed it; Federal, Winchester, Aquila, Tula, Federal aluminum, all FMJ’s, along with hollow points from; Winchester Ranger T’s, Speer Gold dots, Mag-Tech Guardian Gold’s, Winchester Silver Tips, Federal Hydra Shock’s. No problem with any so far in mine.
Always make sure what ever type of firearm you have and especially carry, that it feeds and functions your ammo before you trust your life to it.
I have fired many thousands of rounds through both 1911’s and a Sig P239. For carry I would select the P239 hands down. With thousands of rounds through my P239 SAS 9mm and the P239 Extreme the wife uses, we have never had a malfunction. The double/single action means the weapon is ready to shoot without the concern of finding the safety in a stressful situation. The long, hard pull of the first round makes unintended firing highly unlikely. It is far more dependable than any 1911 I’ve owned. As for the limited capacity – that is why you can buy additional magazines. Go to some competitions and see just how fast you can reload if you practice, practice, practice.
For those who insist they want a .45 because they don’t make a .46 – consider a Sig P220. Again, in my experience, a far more reliable weapon. It also has the same DA/SA features as the P239. I have both 1911’s and the P220. The 1911’s protect the inside of my safe while the P220 is usually close at hand.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the 1911. But should my life depend on it that is not the weapon I would choose.
This is just my opinion based on my personal experience. Everyone has to find what suits them and what best fits in their budget. The best weapon is the one you have with you when you need it.
Gregory: PLEASE don
t listen to this guy just because he has a bushy beard and tricked some fool into putting him on camera to spout his silliness. He doesn’t know any more about what’s right than anybody else. You are SO right about plastic guns, so please don’t be so gullible on this other issue. Train with whatever you are going to carry and make sure you feel it is reliable. Then do it. And stop listening to gunshop commandos.
I’m with Dlirz, to many people listen to a guy that’s being filmed and on a website. Unless the gun is just plain cheaply made a majority of them will do what is intended. Know your carry gun, keep it clean, know what ammo it and you like. Like others have said, we in Kalifornistan have a mag capacity limit, so I guess we’re screwed lol. I go to a lot of IDPA shoots and see just about every make of gun there jam. Jams happen for any number of reasons, not just because of the ammo being used. I like my S&W wheel guns, I also like all of my 1911’s, but what one man loves the next man couldn’t care less for (kinda like their women). So stop taking any of these guys as gospel and find out what’s right for you. Go out and put 1000’s of rounds through, it’s the only way you’ll know for sure.
Odd, I found him to be very well educated on the 1911. He’s is right on every point he makes.
Good for you. I’ve been smithing for 38 years and found him condescending. But that’s just me, have a good day.
In your humble, very qualified, very experienced opinion?
I’ve been carrying guns and instructing in their use for over 40 years. I (retired Armor Crewman/NCO/Officer and current government security/personal protection supervisor) disagree with him.
I carry a Ruger 1911 which I really enjoy firing, but I carry it only when I can wear a jacket–the rest of the time I carry a S&W Airweight, which I tuned with replacement springs to lower the trigger pull. I am just as comfortable with either, as I am confident in well-placed shots over-ride the need for extra ammo.
I know someone who owned a pawn shop–(everyone there was armed)–a robber entered the shop and pulled a weapon–the owner pulled his 9mm, and they exchanged fire–the owner emptied his magazine, the perp was wounded, but killed the owner–his son came around a corner and finished the perp with one round from a 1911.
If your EDC handgun has a modified/aftermarket trigger, and were forced to actual use it, the potential for being charged with a crime. Yes, it could have been a complete and justifiable defense use of the firearm… Yet heed this warning. In a court of law the carrying of firearm for personal defense, amongst the public, in which the firing mechanisms or internal components have been modified/altered by anyone other then manufactor could and has been construed “manipulated” as inciting/or acting apon one’s intended mental desire to physically want to use weapon on another. I am not referring to sights/optic, grips, mag well flaring, laser/lights, appearance, recoil spring, magazine release or even slide release- only referring to trigger and other mechanisms that link to firing projectile. If you do not think so, do some research. I know it is ridiculous.
I’m a 1911 fan, and a firm believer that when one is set up correctly (and to the original specs), they are as reliable as any gun ever created. But I agree that they are sometimes too big for carry, and their manual of arms is more complicated than the more modern designs. And like you, I find the SIG 239 to be highly capable and reliable, and with a certain cross-section of my wardrobe, it’s my carry gun of choice.
I’m not sold on capacity as the key driver here, versus the confidence of being able to draw and accurately place the first shot, or even to be able to increase the distance, and have the advantage over an opponent by being able to make a hit at longer range. There’s still a big confidence boost by knowing you can make a head shot at 25 yards, and a torso shot at 75, even though it’s most highly unlikely that we’ll ever need to do so with our carry pistols. My SIG 239 9mm will put 5 Winchester Ranger 127 grain +P+ rounds into 2″ at 25 yards — without fail. That’s over a rest, of course, but knowing the gun will outshoot me is a huge confidence booster. (My .45 will do the same with good HP ammo.) This is another reason why I’m happier with my 239 and its thinner butt, plus a couple extra magazines, than I am with my Glock 19’s thicker, harder to conceal butt — even though the SIG is a little heavier and the Glock has more capacity. The Glock on its best day is a 4″ gun at 25 yards, and its butt prints on me. (The Glock 43 doesn’t, but at the point I’ve lost the capacity advantage, and then some.) But they are still both fine guns, highly capable for what they were designed for. (And yet I’ll still leave both at home, if I can conceal a 1911 underneath the clothing of the day.)
Buy a quality gun, make sure it runs reliably without fail, that you have trained with it and are familiar with it to the point of being able to run it in your sleep, make sure that it’s a gun YOU believe in and have confidence that YOU can shoot well, and you’re a long way towards home. All are still much more important than exactly which model of gun you buy. Having said that, I’m still a 1911 fan — but they’re most definitely not for the lazy shooter. And whatever you select, carry a couple extra magazines with you … always.
Seriously? On target, on trigger, off target off trigger. “Accidental” discharges don’t happen unless someone pulls a trigger. Oh, and yes, I’ve heard of the whatever piece of clothing getting caught in a Glock trigger while being reholster and that one has to be as rare as hens teeth.
Mark R.,
“Rare as hen’s teeth” means it CAN still happen, and I’ve seen photos and read several accounts of it happening to cops when I was still in law enforcement. Negligent or accidental discharges happen, unfortunately, but Glocks make it so much easier. Especially among cops who only carry a gun because they have to and who train the bare minimum. Carrying a Glock is like carrying a Colt 1911 that is cocked and unlocked (thumb safety off and grip safety disabled), which nobody would ever do. It would only take ONE single act to make it fire: sufficient pressure on the trigger–and that’s all it would take to make any Glock fire. A properly functioning 1911 takes three conscious acts to fire: (1) proper grip to defeat the grip safety; (2) thumb safety off; and (3) sufficient pressure on the trigger. It is mind-boggling that GLock has fooled 60+% of law enforcement agencies into using their unsafe (not to mention ugly) firearm.
Correct…the 2 latest stories, the young kid who shot her mother in Walmart from finding the gun in her handbag (whole different story on gun safety, why would you give your handbag to a young child with a handgun in it). The second the lady who shot herself putting her glock in her bra holster
understand that this is just an opinion….you put 5 people in a room and you will have 8 opinions
The child was in the “seat” of the cart. Her purse was set next to him. Don’t forget how quick and smart a child can be.
You wrote: ““Rare as hen’s teeth” means it CAN still happen…” Actually, I think that you are misunderstanding something, chickens DO NOT have teeth.
There is no “1911 leg” in the firearms vernacular and its been around for 104 years now. Google “Glock Leg” and see what you find. With all the “custom” 1911s and all the off breed versions produced from China to Canada, often it seems by people who don’t know how, there are bound to be reliability issues. But its not a fault of the design it’s machining (or casting) or assembly. The Marines recently adopted a Colt 1911. My son saw a number of people with dangerous jobs with 1911s. How can that be? With all the other stuff out there that is so much “better” why would the Marines (and those others) do that? Partly because the military does not like “friendly fire” incidents like “Glock leg”. Partly because the 1911 is a BETTER platform than many including the Beretta which was proven to have issues. Its also SAFER than many which is important to the military. Finally the 45 ACP works on people. This has been REPEATED proven against armed and determined opponents (think about the bayonet charge Sgt York stopped). The 1911 was upgraded to 1911A1 not because of function or breakage but to fine tune the ergonomics it needed nothing else. The basic pistol was left unchanged. Finally I would point out that virtually every modern semi-auto pistol contains at least one Browning feature. He, after all, invented the SLIDE and a few other things in common use. Finally, that with all the “new” designs that almost every major firearms maker makes a version of the 1911 speak VOLUMES.
Your opinion is duly noted. You’re wrong about using DA pistols, and about using pistols with an external safety for defensive purposes (meaning you life has to depend on it). That long trigger pull makes follow up shots less accurate, and you won’t get as many shots ‘down range.’ As for the external safety……. only a moron would carry a pistol with an external safety for defensive purposes ! Anyone that has ever been in ‘the shit’ knows under stress your fine motor skills are greatly diminished. Under stress you will suffer from extreme tunnel vision, which will also limit your effectiveness in a gun battle.
As for you lumping police officers into the same group as gangbangers……you sir, are an idiot. Some of the finest shots, and trainers in the country are police officers. My guess is you’ve been in a bit of trouble, and view police officers in a bad light. Doesn’t matter to me one bit, but try to use your head a little bit if you’re going to put your thoughts out there.
While I do know and work with some cops that are excellent shots, I know some that can barely qualify with their duty weapons. Whats the difference? The good shooters PRACTICE. There is a woeful lack of training and requiring practice in many many departments. There are sadly a lot of police that should not be carrying a weapon until they commit to being excellent with it in my opinion.
Alan for 31 years I have carried the 1911 and the M9 I have never had a problem putting all together to get a round down range and into some very hostile people. A safety is not the issue is the operator that is. Also I have been instructing LEO’s for 19 years, some need to be at the range a lot more. Also really calling someone an idiot is not cool. Jmo
Well said. I agree 100%. I can’t think of the last time a gun other than a Glock was involved in an accidental discharge. I had a guy at a range blow a hole in the partition right next to me with his Glock. Seems like every time a cop or citizen shoots themselves or someone else on accident, it was a Glock. The Oakland Subway Transit cop, the guy in the WalMart parking lot carrying Mexican, the Cop who thought they had pulled their Taser and so on. Youtube is full of these videos. I carry a 1911 about half the time, and either a SP101 or my CZ75D the rest of the time.
I own my M1911A-1 made by Colt in 1943 (888,000 range). I bought it when I was 21, my first centerfire handgun (I’m 62 now). Accurizing & reliability was just coming into vogue for Govt. Models. Fortunately Irv Barstow was close to me in L.A. I stood there for hours while he hand fitted the barrel to my pistol. I put Pachmyer grips, 1911 long trigger, hardball sights, and a recoil reducer. I’ve trusted my life to it for over 40 years. Luckily, the few confrontations were over as soon as “homey” saw the business end of a 45acp.
Of course, I have many different pistols now, but my .45 is my bedside companion. Oh, I just took it shooting two days ago. Irv guaranteed me 2″ groups in a machine rest at 50 yards, or maybe 25. Doesn’t matter it shoots where I point it. Just my 2c.
Regards,
~John~
Just a quick note: Kimber uses Wolff Springs on their 1911’s and has since inception.
When I was still doing IDPA the guns with the most problems were Kimbers. Too tight, I think.
Yep=I used a Kimber for IDPA. Flawless. One jam all summer. My reloads. Old gal has a lot of ammo through it and runs well. To each their own..
I agree with what you have said, for most shooters. I carry a Wilson Combat CQB Elite which is manufactured and set-up right with quality and reliability. Yes, it can be ammo sensitive. I reload and train with my reloads in reliable Wilson ETM magazines. Money and time to train has been critical in my choices.
To Help you out of your problem, Para Ordnance LDA (light double action) 1911, it comes in 9mm, 40, and 45acp, single stack or double stack with various models and barrel lengths, it has a grip safety, thumb safety as most 1911’s have and it is double action only. they all shoot very well with factory and hand loaded ammo. Last time I counted I had 13 1911’s and 4 of them are Para’s with the LDA.
You wrote: “The average gun fight has no shots fired,” Excuse me, but what kind of ‘gun-fight’ happens with no rounds being fired? Because if no rounds are fired, then there wasn’t any gun-fight. And if you are carrying a Glock, you should be carrying that pistol in a holster that covers the trigger, and you should not have your finger inside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire the weapon. So your complaints about a particular piece of hardware are all software issues. Don’t blame the pistol because you aren’t smart enough to carry it correctly, draw it correctly, and shoot it correctly. Having said that, I have no complaints with a 1911 either. My first handgun was a Colt 1911 A1 in .45ACP. I also have no problem or complaints with a Browning Hi Power. Both are truly great handguns.
I still maintain you shouldn’t blame a gun for operators failure to apply safe handling measures. You say a Glock’s lack of a safety lever is cause for accidents due to operator error. True. But, it seems you are suggesting there are no accidents resulting with 1911s from operator error. Not true, that’s nonsense. What happens when someone carries in condition one but has an accidental discharge from forgetting to engage the thumb safety? How about forgetting to release the thumb safety in an emergency situation. Oh yes. One should practice, practice, practice. I wholeheartedly agree. But the same is true of Glock or any weapon’s carry. Know and train with your equipment, whatever it is. If you are going to hold up operator error as a gun fault, no piece capable of being shot can be exempted.
Whatever! So the author has an opinion, so what.
Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge. So what.
Please. Capacity limit is B.S. Are you in a gunfight ’cause you’re a survivalist, or some kind of Crusader?
As to reliability issues, the gun industry is full of itself. I’ve seen reliability issues with MOST major manufacturers, don’t pull that B.S. boys. EVERY gun is subject to reliability issues, until they’re shot hundreds of times, NEVER trust it with your life.
Another silly trick to spark talk. So what.
All valid points. As far as magazines, i have found the Wilson 8 round mags and the McCormick Power Mag to be excellent. I have a number of each and use them interchangeably. The way i have them stored, I wind up with some of each any time I take a 1911 (or 3) to the range. The problem I see with the 1911 is that the cottage industry of parts encourages people to tinker with their 1911. This in itself will create reliability issues. It has more moving parts than many modern designs, and the 3-leaf spring usually needs some tuning and adjustment, as does the extractor. Thankfully, quality parts abound. However, replacing parts brings up issues of fit and tolerance in any gun. And we all know the 1911 was never intended by JMB to have a grip safety, which can be a troublesome part. As can the plunger tube, which affects the safety lever. On the plus side, it fits most people’s hands well and had good ergonomics. Some people need a single stack due to hand size or finger length. I love 1911’s and own a number of them, but my daily carry gun (20 yrs LE and counting; I also teach a monthly CCW class) is a SIG P229, which I own. That may tell you something. I have several other SIGS as well. Over many thousands of rounds, I think my P229 failed to feed maybe twice, due to being left dirty on purpose to see how many hundreds of rounds it took to get dirty enough to fail. I recall replacing the guide rod and recoil spring once so far (probably time to do it again). I have a vintage (West Germany) P220 which is similarly reliable, although I haven’t put as many rounds through it. Bottom line is, get a quality gun that fits your hand, is sufficiently powerful, and that you can shoot well. Make sure it is reliable, and maintain it properly. STAY SAFE!!
Have you ever used a 1911a1 in combat? I have found it to be very good as a confidence builder and it does a very good job of stopping a human. True, 7 rounds are not a good feature but combat does something for you that nothing else can: It teaches you to count. Count everything damn thing as if you were neurotic and believe me when I say I have never been down to zero rounds left in the magazine. Seven in the magazine and one in the chamber, thumb lock on and it has never gone off on it’s own no matter how carelessly it is handled. It is physically impossible for the weapon to fire. The floating firing pin cannot hit a primer with enough force no matter what you hear about kinetic energy. My second favorite handgun is a Browning High Power by FN Belgium.
Did I miss something? Mr.Shaw did not say what weapon he carries.I’d like to know. As a MARINE was Mr.Shaw in combat ? The 1911 has .45 acp has a proven record of stopping power.I bought my first COLT government Model 1911A1 in 1975 NEVER had a misfire or jam.Never had a problem with the safety ,parts or magazines.The standard magazine holds 7 rounds ,if you load the chamber you carry 8 rounds. I will trust my COLT 1911 with my life and my family’s safety.My skill and mind set is what matters. Bill Jordan former Border Patrol USMC WW2 combat veteran skilled gunman, carried a Smith and Wesson model 19 357 magnum.I suggest his book “No Second Place Winners” for some real advice.Still in print . It’s not how fast you get a shot off ,it’s hitting the target, so take your time real fast.