Looking to pick up a handgun pretty soon in 9mm maybe 45 if its a 1911. I have been wanting a 1911 for a while but after dry firing my friends m&p with the apex trigger sear i have been conflicted. This will be my first handgun fyi. I borrowed a friends gi style 1911 and I liked it but I dont like the cost of 45. I do plan on reloading though so I could be swayed to a 1911 in 45… It will be used as a range gun, and maybe stay in my car. The thing that gets me thinking is I like the controls and feel of the 1911 but I dont like the low capacity. The m&p holds 17 rounds and the average 9mm 1911 mag holds 9-10, and no one makes extended 9mm 1911 mags, but 10rd 45 mags are pretty available.
The price range I am willing to spend is around 800$ but after dry firing the m&p I really dont want to spend that much, the m&p 9mm with safety is 454$ on buds.
I have been looking at Springfield loadeds and the STI spartan. If I get a 1911 I would be ok with the spartan, it is offered in 9mm and 45 acp. I cant justify 100$ more for the Springfield.
I carry and M&P everyday, it is a fantastic weapon! Inexpensive, reliable tools. Huge magazines.
I have a ton of 1911 experience, but I still recommend the M&P. Jerry Michilek loves it.
Why is that? I dont need it, but Id like it. I like resting my thumb on the top of the safety. I have a decent amount of training with a 1911 and I am more comfortable with that grip.
Get the M&P9 with the ambi-safety. It is one of the major advantages the M&P offers over Glock, especially for folks coming from 1911 backgrounds, for those using AIWB carry, and for uniformed LE.
Have always been a single stack hardcore .45ACP until I shot 20rounds in one mag out of some guy’s Eagle at the range. STI’s run and double stack mags only add a little to the Grip area. Worth taking a look at!!!
First, define the purpose of the pistol. CCW? HD? Range/target shooting?
Since you do not own a pistol, I would suggest picking one of up defensive purposes first. That means the M&P.
Second, 1911’s are not for new/inexperienced shooters. They require a lot more knowledge in order to make them run well. On top of that, cheap 1911’s are just asking for problems.
Third, don’t buy guns from from buds! Support a forum sponsor.
While I am a fan of the 1911 (own two high end ones and am about to build two more), I think the days of the 1911 being the best choice for defensive purposes is long gone (sorry).
As someone who got a 1911 for their first pistol (a Rock Island, no less… ) Get the M&P9. My RIA runs but that’s about all that I can say for it. It sits in the safe while my Glocks see use.
I would be happy to. Thanks. Once payday gets here Ill be picking up a m&p 9mm. And when I have more money to blow Ill get a nice 1911. Thanks for the help guys.
BTW, when do you expect to get more full size 9mm with thumb safety in?
I have a 9mm 1911 built by Richard Heinie, and 2 M&P’s. Getting a 9mm 1911 to run is tricky. Mine is very magazine sensitive, especially when running hollowpoints. On the other hand,M&P’s use factory mags, and run everything I feed them. Plus, for the cost of setting up the 1911, you could buy the M&P, mags, ammo and carry gear, and have money left to put towards taking a class.
I’m probably one of the biggest fanboys of the 1911 on M4C. But…
I have no experience with the 9mm 1911. On just pricipal alone, I would not get one for HD/CCW.
I have ran a friends MP in 9mm, and I have to say its as good as the glock. This is a small sample of firing(500 rounds each, two separate days). I was VERY impressed with both.
So, as i see it from my view, 1911’s are 45cal. I am a snob when it comes to this and I have only proven myself right about reliability when I have tried other calibers (.40, 38 super). I don’t see it being different for other calibers. I have NOT tried every maker or brand so it could just be me.
My next project is a 38 super(going to see if I can make this colt pre series be the the shit and change my mind), after my 300 blk project. Man, I am so broke. So, after that i might reach another conclusion. JMO, YMMV.
I spend a lot of time playing with M1911 pattern pistols. It’s interesting and fun. I like the feel of them in my hand. I like the historic nature of them. They were the first pistol I ever shot and I carried them until 1996, in my work in the military.
Having said that, I would never intentionally choose an M1911 over a Glock or S&W M&P for self defense.
