Glock or a 1911?
- Thread starter Bigboy79
- Start date
The simplicity of the Glock is often touted, but some of us are of the opinion that while it has advantages, it has drawbacks, as well.
One of the best (and somewhat amusing) explanations of how to use a Glock I found in a novel. The hero is with a lady who doesn't know much about guns.
They are expecting to be attacked at any moment...
He takes out a Glock, asks if she knows how to use it, she shakes her head. He pops out the loaded mag, and says "this is the gas tank". He inserts the mag, racks the slide. "the motor is now running, and its in drive!" He points to the trigger and says "this is the gas pedal". She nods, then asks, "where's the brake?"
"There is no brake!"
I'm in the camp that wants either a manual safety or a hammer, and prefer having both if possible. I'm not in the least concerned about how "complicated" that makes operating the pistol. I can also drive a standard (stick shift with a clutch) automobile.
So, put me in the 1911 pattern camp. Grew up with a couple of them in the house (Dad had a .45 and a .38 Super), it was the service pistol when I was in the Army, and I was a trained Small Arms Repairman (MOS 45B20), so I'm more than just slightly familiar with them.
I've handled and shot Glocks, and perhaps met the only Glock that had an inconsistent trigger pull (I have a witness). They aren't "perfection" though they do tend to work.
I've owned literally dozens of 1911s over the years, and never had one that didn't work. Had some that didn't work with everything I shot in them, but they always worked well with GI ball ammo, and many worked just fine with modern JHP stuff as well.
Personally, all my wants and needs are met by guns other than Glocks. If combat Tupperware floats your boat, go for it.
One of the best (and somewhat amusing) explanations of how to use a Glock I found in a novel. The hero is with a lady who doesn't know much about guns.
They are expecting to be attacked at any moment...
He takes out a Glock, asks if she knows how to use it, she shakes her head. He pops out the loaded mag, and says "this is the gas tank". He inserts the mag, racks the slide. "the motor is now running, and its in drive!" He points to the trigger and says "this is the gas pedal". She nods, then asks, "where's the brake?"
"There is no brake!"
I'm in the camp that wants either a manual safety or a hammer, and prefer having both if possible. I'm not in the least concerned about how "complicated" that makes operating the pistol. I can also drive a standard (stick shift with a clutch) automobile.
So, put me in the 1911 pattern camp. Grew up with a couple of them in the house (Dad had a .45 and a .38 Super), it was the service pistol when I was in the Army, and I was a trained Small Arms Repairman (MOS 45B20), so I'm more than just slightly familiar with them.
I've handled and shot Glocks, and perhaps met the only Glock that had an inconsistent trigger pull (I have a witness). They aren't "perfection" though they do tend to work.
I've owned literally dozens of 1911s over the years, and never had one that didn't work. Had some that didn't work with everything I shot in them, but they always worked well with GI ball ammo, and many worked just fine with modern JHP stuff as well.
Personally, all my wants and needs are met by guns other than Glocks. If combat Tupperware floats your boat, go for it.
I've come to a conclusion about this whole Glock vs 1911 (again? :roll eyes
I don't own a Glock but I am impressed with the reliability and simplicity of the two Springfield XDs that I have, both strikers, high cap 9s no safety, (except a grip safety) etc.,
That said, I think having been brought up and being used to shooting and carrying safety/hammer pistols, whether double or single action, I just ain't comfortable carrying a handgun without a safety.
I know it's old foggyish but it's hard to get over that feeling....so, IMO, it all comes down to not which weapon is superior, but which ever one YOU, PERSONNALY feel better carrying on your hip, cause both will get the job done.
I don't own a Glock but I am impressed with the reliability and simplicity of the two Springfield XDs that I have, both strikers, high cap 9s no safety, (except a grip safety) etc.,That said, I think having been brought up and being used to shooting and carrying safety/hammer pistols, whether double or single action, I just ain't comfortable carrying a handgun without a safety.
I know it's old foggyish but it's hard to get over that feeling....so, IMO, it all comes down to not which weapon is superior, but which ever one YOU, PERSONNALY feel better carrying on your hip, cause both will get the job done.
I'm in the same camp. And even though I very much appreciate the attributes of the 1911 pistol and shoot it often, for edc, self-defense purposes; I prefer a traditional da pistol, complete with safety, hammer and decocker (i.e., Beretta 92 and most "Third Generation" Smiths-though SIG da pistols sans a safety are fine with me too).
I own a SA Range Officer (1911) in 45 ACP as well as a Glock 34 Gen4. Both are fun guns to shoot and very accurate & dependable. I installed trigger parts in the Glock and have a 3.5 lb trigger pull. My 1911's trigger pull is 3lbs even. Either is a great choice but I enjoy shooting the 1911 more just because I do. No other explanation, I just like it better. I EDC a Ruger LCP since I pocket carry here in Florida.
You can’t deny 1911’s feel the best in the hand. Light-weight commander sized 1911’s carry like a dream. Gotta have a least one. Glocks are Glocks. Always going to work. Everyone needs a Glock. Comparing the two will be discussed on gun forums forever. I love them both. Glocks have twice the fire power. 1911’s make bigger holes. Get both.
My main problem with the Glock is the same as with all of the other plastic-framed guns. The grip area is sculptured and formed to fit someone else's hand. Someone with a hand shaped a lot different from mine, resulting in divots and knobblies that make them uncomfortable to hold and annoying to shoot.
The early Glocks are actually among the least objectionable; the lump and divot "thumb rest" can be sanded down and filled so it doesn't annoy me. Some other guns where the stylists "exercised their creative freedom", it's just more trouble to fix them than it's worth.
The 1911 doesn't fit everyone either. But it fits *my* hand like they were made for each other.
Find what fits you. And rent one before buying, to see how it performs for you at the range. And ignore the bigots and haters on either side; at least not unless they're offering to buy it for you...
The early Glocks are actually among the least objectionable; the lump and divot "thumb rest" can be sanded down and filled so it doesn't annoy me. Some other guns where the stylists "exercised their creative freedom", it's just more trouble to fix them than it's worth.
The 1911 doesn't fit everyone either. But it fits *my* hand like they were made for each other.
Find what fits you. And rent one before buying, to see how it performs for you at the range. And ignore the bigots and haters on either side; at least not unless they're offering to buy it for you...