handgun differences

This thread brings up a question that I have. If a 1911 is chambered for something other than .45 such as .380 or 10mm is it truly a 1911?
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My take on it:

The M1911 and M1911A1 are specific models, in part defined by their chambering (.45ACP only), among other things.

The "1911", on the other hand, is a platform strongly based on the M1911 and M1911A1. As such, they are offered with different options, including different chamberings.

So when someone says "1911", I normally think of a 1911-style handgun - something similar but not exactly the same as an M1911 or M1911A1.
 
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Wow, this is a lot of stuff. I've filled up a couple of pages yesterday on the information that was generously given. I'm studying like crazy. Ya'll keep talking and I'll keep writing. PT111's question was one I hadn't thought to ask because I thought that all 1911's were .45 also!
 
peetzakilla gave me a tip on a build from scratch 1911. Sounds like something I'd like to do. I'll check out this sight also, thanks for the tip!
 
I like the Sig P220 in 45acp- I know that is not appreciated by the true 1911 SAO fans- but hey I also like my 70 series Colt--- just not as much as my sigs.
 
Just for the record, Springfield started making the 1911s almost at the same time colt did ;).

Further, Springfield has several very nice entry models that are fabulous guns for the money. You can have a Springer GI for $450.00 and do some upgrades yourself (sights will definately be one of them if you go with a GI model).

Rock Island Armory (Made by Armscor) has also been making 1911s for US military issue since WWII. They have very inexpensive offerings that are still fine guns... but in fit and finish the high dollar Wilsons and Ed Browns are truely a sight to behold.
 
For me personally, if I was spending something in the range of $1000, I'd be getting a Dan Wesson. Probably this Pointman MARKSMAN

If it's possible, you should try to find a place where you can shoot a few. That's the only way to find something that YOU like.
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I'll admit to limited 1911 experience, but if I had $1000 to spend I'd get a Dan Wesson as well. Never fired one, but the ones I've handled have been great.
 
I like the Sig P220 in 45acp- I know that is not appreciated by the true 1911 SAO fans- but hey I also like my 70 series Colt--- just not as much as my sigs.
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Different beasts entirely. Liking a 1911 shouldn't be exclusive of liking the P220, a fine gun in and of itself. But I hear what you're saying. A rabid 1911 afficionado, by definition, probably doesn't appreciate any other auto chambered in .45acp quite as much as Mr. Browning's legacy.

Me personally, I appreciate any handgun (or carbine or rifle) that'll shoot .45acp. :D
 
That $1000 investment into a 1911 depended on if the wife makes it for a while without having to be hospitalized. Well, the price just dropped! That 400-500 dollar range is looking pretty good now, as of an hour ago. Is there any such thing as used 1911's that are surplus, in need of repair. A sight maybe that specializes in firearms of that sort. .45ACP. That's what I'd really like, would be to work on a unit that needs repair. But if I go new, it seems I'm getting a lot of feedback suggesting Colt.
 
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Well here is one of my 1911's - a wilson combat - that I had them build chambered in 9mm a couple years ago. Its a 5" barrel, Protector model, all stainless. I think its a true 1911 in every sense of the word.

My primary carry gun is a Wilson Combat CQB model, 5", in .45 acp / but for weekly range practice I shoot my 1911's in 9mm a lot ( cheaper to reload, fun to shoot, etc ).

I have Wilson Combat 1911's chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 acp / as well as others from Kimber, Les Baer, Ed Brown etc - to me they are all true 1911's.
 
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I have to disagree, "1911" and "1911A1" should describe milspec 45ACP single action sidearms like those Uncle Sam issued all those years. And it's not a stretch describing commercial versions that can accept every military part without excessive handfitting. They would have served well along side the 1911.

Same with the M1 Garand, M14, M16, P08, P38 - would you use the exact military term to describe a knockoff? Should a commercial AR-15 be called an M16? Should a Mini-14?

No big deal, call it what you want but most "1911s" of today would have caused a lot of problems if in the supply chain during WWI and WWII.
 
I understand Quentin's point - in that you can't mix today's 1911's into a military supply chain - but in my view, today's 1911's, from a number of mfg's are certainly better guns in terms of fit, finish, reliability and accuracy - than a lot of the guns made to a milspec at least in the 60's and 70's when I was in the service.

I remember the days when I reported to a ship and was named gunnery officer - that one of my gunners mates took about 3 mil-spec .45's apart to make up one good 1911 as my personal weapon. He was a talented gunners mate / and gunsmith - and I appreciated his efforts because I ended up with a great weapon ..... but nostalgia aside, I'll take any one of my hybrid ( they're not knock offs ...) 1911's vs a milspec model today.

I love old cars / old pickups, etc - but today's luxury vehicles are certainly a step up from the vehicles we drove in the 50's, etc..... ( 57 Chev will always have a special place in my heart / but my Lexus SUV is a nice ride these days ...) .....and a step up / just like some of the better 1911's today - in my opinion.
 
I love old cars / old pickups, etc - but today's luxury vehicles are certainly a step up from the vehicles we drove in the 50's, etc..... ( 57 Chev will always have a special place in my heart / but my Lexus SUV is a nice ride these days ...) .....and a step up / just like some of the better 1911's today - in my opinion.
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Every now and then someone will say "They just don't make 'em like they used to". I usually reply, "Thank goodness". :) I learned to drive in a '50 Chevy and I really don't care to try and commute to work in one when I have my Trailblazer. By today's standards of 1911's the original ones would be classified as junk due to the looseness etc. that made them so reliable.
 
And my Hi-Power makes a fine P08. Uh, oh that's right, the Germans called it a P35. :D

Maybe today's thingies could be called the 2011!
 
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