1911's
- Thread starter DAKA
- Start date
Brownstone322
New member
A 1911 has a unique trigger. That, above all else, if why you might "need" one. Then, of course, it's a matter of which one, and I like classic configurations, so ...
• If you want traditional, heavy and full-sized, then get a "Government" model in .45 ACP (5-inch barrel and all-steel).
• If you want lighter and a shorter barrel, then get a Lightweight Commander in 9mm (4 1/4-inch barrel and an aluminum-alloy frame).
To me, those configurations best match the size and weight of the gun to the power of the cartridge. (Duly note that a 1911 with a caliber other than .45 Auto isn't sacrilege; when Colt originally designed what became the Lightweight Commander, it was to be chambered in 9mm.)
So, er, get both of those listed above.
• If you want traditional, heavy and full-sized, then get a "Government" model in .45 ACP (5-inch barrel and all-steel).
• If you want lighter and a shorter barrel, then get a Lightweight Commander in 9mm (4 1/4-inch barrel and an aluminum-alloy frame).
To me, those configurations best match the size and weight of the gun to the power of the cartridge. (Duly note that a 1911 with a caliber other than .45 Auto isn't sacrilege; when Colt originally designed what became the Lightweight Commander, it was to be chambered in 9mm.)
So, er, get both of those listed above.
Last edited:
I have 4 really nice 1911's that I never shoot and an STI 2011 that I sometimes shoot. I prefer shooting CZ/CZ-style and Sig SAO's to the 1911. Things I really don't like about the 1911:
1. Traditionally, low-capacity 45acp
2. Stupid grip-safety.
3. None that I have can compete with my Sig X-Five.
4. I don't like the locked & cocked system for a carry pistol.
It is true that the triggers on all of my 1911's are really nice. But, none are as nice as the trigger on my X-Five or the trigger on my old Browning Hi-Power.
1. Traditionally, low-capacity 45acp
2. Stupid grip-safety.
3. None that I have can compete with my Sig X-Five.
4. I don't like the locked & cocked system for a carry pistol.
It is true that the triggers on all of my 1911's are really nice. But, none are as nice as the trigger on my X-Five or the trigger on my old Browning Hi-Power.
Last edited:
the possum
New member
Slim grip, rounded contours, and a single action trigger. In my opinion, a number of modern autos have gotten worse instead of better.
Never shot a 1911/45cal type handgun..going to go rent one this weekend. Doubt I'll ever buy one but gonna try one. I'm a recent arrival to the handgun world, having come back 40 years after I sold my S&W model 39..Owned Rugers, Taurus and now Glock( 3 of them), I have handled various 1911 format types, like Sig P238 and friends CZ. Not a fan of hammer fire/SA/DA/safeties/decockers altho on a range gun, it means little.
So..I'll let ya know what this relative novice thinks.
So..I'll let ya know what this relative novice thinks.
Aguila Blanca
Staff
To those who are aficionados of the 1911, neither the Sig P238 (or the Colt Mustang from which it was copied, or the Kimber Micro or the Star from which they are descended) nor any CZ are considered to be in any way "1911 format types."USNRet93 said:
Square grip, straight pull trigger, hammer fired...single stack...not a gun snob, I’ll let ya know if I ‘like’ it..I doubt I will...
Geez, I think ya know what I meant.
Square, not 'molded'..but also referring to the hammer fire/safety/decocker 'action. Sure looks like the trioger is a straight aft rather that pivoting trigger..sorry for my ignorance!! Geez Louizzz...
Attachments
USNRet93 Mentions:
Think I mentioned the 1911 just seems to fall into a love it or hate it type gun. I never seem to find many shooters who hold a middle of the road on the gun. I will also add that it seems your mind is made up.
Like a new food and someone says I'll try it but I am not going to like it. They take a taste and walk away not liking it. You will seldom hear "wow that was really good".
Ron
Think I mentioned the 1911 just seems to fall into a love it or hate it type gun. I never seem to find many shooters who hold a middle of the road on the gun. I will also add that it seems your mind is made up.
Like a new food and someone says I'll try it but I am not going to like it. They take a taste and walk away not liking it. You will seldom hear "wow that was really good". Ron
Aguila Blanca
Staff
Except that none of the firearms mention have a straight pull trigger. They are all on a pivot, like a revolver.USNRet93 said:
I like the Colt Mustang and I love the CZ-75 Compact, but there's no way I would/could confuse them with a 1911.
I mentioned that I’ll probably never buy one but I’ve never shot one so I’m going to on Sat.USNRet93 Mentions:
Think I mentioned the 1911 just seems to fall into a love it or hate it type gun. I never seem to find many shooters who hold a middle of the road on the gun. I will also add that it seems your mind is made up.
Ron
Look to see how tight the slide and frame is , how the barrel fits the frame . All should be tight . Check the safety's , trigger pull and how the gun feels in your hand . Most of the time just holding the gun will give you a feel that is right or wrong . The Commander for me is the most Ballanced, not top or bottom heavy. Most 1911's have good triggers , check how magazine drops from the pistol , should not stick , most of the time it's rubbing on the trigger rails , easy fix but shouldn't happen . Oddly enough I enjoy shooting the Colt New Agent with CT Laser grips in 45ACP it's accurate and fun to shoot . Very similar to the Defender . To each his own , look at them all . In a short time you'll be hooked .
graywolf70
Inactive
Do you need one,of course not.I made the jump to get one for several reasons.One I'm getting old, or maybe already am at 74.I bought one because, I've owned several pistols but never a 1911 and am running out of time and don't want to leave anything on my list that I wanted to do.I bought a fairly expensive one,the Les Baer Custom Carry,because it will be more than likely my last and I wanted a good one,so that's my thoughts,good luck.
As I promised, went to 5280 Armory in Lakewood CO and rented a Colt/45 like the one below. 100 rounds of their ammo was only $16 per box..great people there, as a shout out to the range and store.
MY impressions with the caveat that I have some artritis in my RH wrist and have a poorly repaired RH thumb that was dislocated.
-Recoil higher than my G-19 and G-17..not THAT bad, but kinda surprising considering it's weight. The dovetail as it pressed against the top of the base of my thumb..it hurt when I shot it. NOT slide bite but the downward movement against top of thumb wasn't great(I still shot about 60 of the 100 rounds, my son's shot the others, oldest son now wants one..)
-VERY accurate..at 7 and 15 years..easy to shoot 2 handed..one handed, because of heft, kinda hard, FOR ME
-Had one fail to eject..2 handed shot.
-Slide release very sensitive..once forward w/o hardly any pressure
-Mag button kinda hard to push..well used gun but I suspect that isn't a design thing but cleanliness or something. Only 7 round mag tho...Neither good nor bad..makes using ammo slower..good thing.
-Oldest son..first time shooting it, couldn't get it to fire, until safety off..DOH...he's a glock/striker guy too
Overall, great fun and glad I rented it. As I said before, the grip isn't as comfy FOR ME as the 'sculpted one' of the Glock. Great example of a traditional design and John Browning was a genius to come up with this basic design almost 110 years ago..and it's still going strong.
Gonna stick with my G-17 for now tho...
MY impressions with the caveat that I have some artritis in my RH wrist and have a poorly repaired RH thumb that was dislocated.
-Recoil higher than my G-19 and G-17..not THAT bad, but kinda surprising considering it's weight. The dovetail as it pressed against the top of the base of my thumb..it hurt when I shot it. NOT slide bite but the downward movement against top of thumb wasn't great(I still shot about 60 of the 100 rounds, my son's shot the others, oldest son now wants one..)
-VERY accurate..at 7 and 15 years..easy to shoot 2 handed..one handed, because of heft, kinda hard, FOR ME
-Had one fail to eject..2 handed shot.
-Slide release very sensitive..once forward w/o hardly any pressure
-Mag button kinda hard to push..well used gun but I suspect that isn't a design thing but cleanliness or something. Only 7 round mag tho...Neither good nor bad..makes using ammo slower..good thing.
-Oldest son..first time shooting it, couldn't get it to fire, until safety off..DOH...he's a glock/striker guy too
Overall, great fun and glad I rented it. As I said before, the grip isn't as comfy FOR ME as the 'sculpted one' of the Glock. Great example of a traditional design and John Browning was a genius to come up with this basic design almost 110 years ago..and it's still going strong.
Gonna stick with my G-17 for now tho...
Attachments
Omaha-BeenGlockin
New member
Even in these days of plastic fantastic, the 1911 still has a place.
Mine is a stainless Colt 1991--replaced the plastic/rubber grips with some double diamond wood----its my most accurate handgun(not counting .22's) and a pretty good looker with the grips.
Mine is a stainless Colt 1991--replaced the plastic/rubber grips with some double diamond wood----its my most accurate handgun(not counting .22's) and a pretty good looker with the grips.