Is the model 1911 right for me?

[rd_zzyzx]

I have read that the model 1911 isn't for someone that isn't prepared to get it running correctly and it will take 2000 rounds and some gunsmithing.

I have little time and patience.

Is there truth to the attention needed? Should I get a modern semi-auto such as a Glock or FNX instead?

Is there someone that fits my description that got a 1911 and then wished they had not that can share some insight?

[KodiakBeer]

I've owned seven or eight 1911's over the last 30 years. All of them ran perfectly right out of the box.

There are two "issues" that need to be addressed. One is that there is a tendency for 1911 people to want customized race guns. Then there is the mistaken tendency for people to think they can save money by buying a customized race gun from the factory, which is a very different thing. The two desires are not compatible. A customized gun needs hand fitting by a knowledgeable and skilled gunsmith.
This, in my opinion, is responsible for a lot of the complaints. You can't buy a high end Kimber (for example) and expect it to run like an Ed Brown 1911 because all a mass production facility can do is tighten the tolerances and let the gun "wear in" at the buyers expense.

The second issue is that with the lower end "Mil Spec" type 1911's you can SOMETIMES run into an issue with certain styles of hollow points. Most often, I read of people tearing their hair out over Gold Dot ammo. The simplest solution to that is to choose a different hollow point, but people being the way they are they want to "fix" the gun instead of using another brand of ammo.

With those things considered, I'd not hesitate to spend money on a low to mid range 1911 like the Springfield. It will most likely feed anything you put in it, and if it doesn't then change ammo. The basic 1911 will easily be as accurate and reliable as any of the plastic guns out there without any of the high end doo-dads and custom features people like to add on.

1911's (in my experience) like to run wet, so use plenty of oil or grease and it should run 100% right out of the box.

[rd_zzyzx]

Thank you. I am a little closer in believing the 1911 and me will be a good fit.

[KodiakBeer]

I should probably also add that most problems with any semi are magazine related. Too many people are making aftermarket magazines for 1911's and many of those mags are crap and that includes some of the mags that come from the various 1911 makers.

Buy good mags.

[rd_zzyzx]

I am glad you mentioned that. I had read that there are only a couple of good magazine makers. I only remember one of them, Wilson Combat.

As I watch for a good used firearm I see lots of Kimber 1911's for sale. I rarely see a Colt. It makes me think that either there are a lot more Kimber sold or people are not satisfied. The next most seem to be Springfield.

[KodiakBeer]

I've owned two Kimbers and was completely happy with both of them. I still own a compact Kimber. Mine were made in the early days (mid-late 90's), so I can't speak of what they are turning out now.
I've also owned a Springfield and have friends who own new ones. I like them. They like them.

A Colt would be a good choice. You pay more for the name, but you also get more if you ever decide to sell it.

Whatever brand you choose, the only upgrade I would recommend is good high profile sights. Several makers are offering "Mil-Spec" pistols with the miniscule WWII style sights. I'd avoid those.

[rd_zzyzx]

Again, thank you very much.

I'll check back later to see if there are more comments.

[Selena]

Hi RD,

If you have no patience or no OMB relatives you would be far better off with a Browning or a Glock. And whatever you do, avoid Lugars!

[rd_zzyzx]

What is an OMB?

[Jesse]

Obsessive Mechanical Builders I think she calls 'em.

[KodiakBeer]

You don't need to be an OMB to make a 1911 work correctly. That's only true if you want to buy a "match" gun from a factory, or maybe something like a 1911 in 9mm (which it wasn't designed for).

If you buy a basic shooter from a reputable manufacturer, it will work just fine.

[Selena]

That's only true if you want to buy a "match" gun from a factory, or maybe something like a 1911 in 9mm (which it wasn't designed for).

Perhaps that is why my uncle did so much work on the .38 Super.

And Jesse- it's Obsessed Machine Builder.

But I stand by my thought to avoid Lugars!

[Vern Humphrey]

All my M1911s have run beautifully.

Now let me point out that given the M1911's popularity and the fact that all the relevant patents have long expired, everyone and his dog has produced the M1911. Even a design like the M1911 is not immune to shoddy workmanship and poor quality control.

So stick with reputable companies -- Colt, Springfield, Ruger, Kimber and so on.

[KodiakBeer]

But I stand by my thought to avoid Lugars!

Since you're in Indiana I'll take your advice to avoid Lugars, but Luger pistols are great collectibles.

[rd_zzyzx]

Thank you all for the advice.

[Totez]

I like my Browning Hi Power. It runs everything I put in it, drives nails, feels just as good as a 1911 in hand, and holds 13+1 (albeit 9mm, if that is a problem to you and you are set on .45, though I think there are some .40 Browning HP out there now.)

[21H40]

It runs everything I put in it, drives nails,

Nails are good, but how does it work with bullets?


Seriously OP, if you get a decent new-ish 1911 you shouldn't have to mess with it to make it work. 20 years ago, it was accepted practice to buy a COLT and then send it to a gunsmith to get it working. CNC technology has made a big difference and you can get well built pistols that function straight from the factory.

I've had a Kimber compact for 12 years with no complaints. It's more accurate than I am able to take advantage of, even so, I can hit a 3" target at 25 meters.

[Loosedhorse]

The 1911 is THE right gun for anyone and everyone. Period. No debate.

(...Uh...wait...um, maybe it was the Glock that's THE right pistol...)

I'm not sure anyone can count how many 1911 are owned and shot out there, so it must be working for someone. And you should take that as an encouraging sign. But it might not be the right pistol for you. Time will tell; the best anyone can say is that the odds are in your favor.

[Totez]

Nails are good, but how does it work with bullets?

If you get the bullet started into a plank of wood I'll see if I can put it in deeper with a fired bullet!

[mikitsubizunizu]

Armscor (Rock Island Armory) makes a decent 1911, runs very well right from the box. If something isn't right, they'll make it right.

The other big names are good too, I guess.

[NEOKShooter]

The 1911 is a fantastic first handgun for most people. Even those who can't handle the .45, there are 9mm or .38Supers.

The reason the 1911 has been so wildly successful for 100 years is that it is so absolutely reliable under a wide variety of circumstances. The inexpensive mil-spec versions are loose and sloppy by design but will still shoot under 3 inch groups at typical handgun ranges of 15 to 25 yards and sub-1-inch at even more typical 7 to 15 yard ranges.

The 1911 is a famously safe gun as well. I would stay away from the Glock. It does not have the safety features of a 1911. Stick with the 1911 until you have a little more handgun experience and training. Then Glocks would be great additions to a collection - not that I would own one but they do have a lot of satisfied customers.

http://seanlinnane.blogspot.com/2011...discharge.html

[Jesse]

I would be a little suspicious of that AD report and explanation. http://straightforwardinacrookedworl...al-safety.html

[21H40]

Anyway, if you don't like the 1911 then you hate America.
Really. It's not like I made that up, it's just the way it is.




Pick some different pistols up and hold them for a while. If you can borrow one - from a range or a friend - do so. Seriously, borrow and try out several different kinds (glocks, SIGs, and even *gasp* Rugers) one will fit you better than the others. Start there.


Then pick the 1911 - or we'll make you move to Canada.

[rd_zzyzx]

Again, thanks for the replies!

If I hate the 1911 can I at least move to say, Fiji? Or at least Canada in the summer and somewhere else in the winter?

[Loosedhorse]

I would stay away from the Glock. It does not have the safety features of a 1911.

Sure it does:

Safety feature 1: If the trigger isn't pulled back, it doesn't go bang.
Safety feature 2: If the muzzle isn't pointed at you, then the gun doesn't injure you if it goes bang.

See, same safety features.

I do understand that these are perhaps advanced concepts, and the beginner is better off with a grip-safety/external-safety (but no drop-safety?) -type handgun, until he gets the hang of those concepts?