Question: Has a particular gun/model (in .45 cal) impressed you enough to leave the 1911?
i’ve had a dozen over the years, and i still have six of them, but i’m always tempted to try the hottest new model out there. what has been your experience?
I’m not rich enough to setup my 1911’s for duty dependability (Ie. sending them off to the best gunsmiths in the country). So, with a sad heart I sold two of my three and it appears I may have to keep my Kimber.
If I go back to 45 it will be a 21SF… I’d choose the M&P but in California you have to buy the neutered magazine disconnect version. I’m on the fence about whether or not I want to take out the safety and then risk a BS jury decision finding me as “unsafe”.
I’d run 1911’s if it wasn’t for the cost and time involved in keeping them running right. I train to the tune of a modest 1500 rounds a month. Kids, work, wife, home, etc. take up most of my other spare time.
i hear alot of raves about the M&P.
It’s not a .45, but my 9mm M&P has pretty much put my trusty 1911 out to pasture.
Why? Since I had Dan Burwell do a trigger job on it my 9mm M&P is frankly about as easy to shoot as my custom 1911. It’s also very reliable, I can mount a light to it, I can install whatever sights I want on it with no problem, and frankly if I have to shoot some scumbag with the weapon I won’t be crying in my cheerios about my expensive pet handgun rotting in some police evidence room for the next 20 years. I’ll just go out and buy another one.
I’m as big a fan of the 1911 as you’ll find…but frankly these days unless you have an unlimited budget it just doesn’t make as much sense as the more economical options out there.
When it comes to weapons for serious social purposes, I’m an agnostic. I want a tool that maximizes my (admittedly VERY LIMITED) potential. The 1911 is probably the easiest handgun in the world to shoot accurately under stress. I’ve been on a quest to find a weapon that offered that same advantage without the expensive and often finicky nature of the 1911.
In the M&P I believe I’ve found exactly what I was looking for. With light customization of the trigger the M&P turns into a SUPERBLY easy to shoot handgun.
Nothing, the Glock is the only other handgun I use. The 1911 does everything I want it to, I have yet to find a handgun that will outperform the 1911. Sometimes I fall into the trap of getting the latest and greatest (HK 45, MP 45) but they all get sold and I go back to the 1911.
No way, my 1911 is too far out in front. I do my own work. There is no replacement available yet, IMO.
Yes, the M&P in .45 has caused me to sell my springfield PRO and I’m trying to sell my springfield loaded right now.
Will keep my SA milspec just cuz it was my first handgun and runs good (3K+ rounds).
I’ve got 2 1911’s a older Kimber (series I) and a older S.A. Milspec, both are great. I’ve also got a Sig p-220, another excellant firearm, but lately I’ve been shooting a XD 45…service model, 13rnds of 45 in a package that’s not that big is impressive in it’s own. So far it’s been very reliable,accurate. The only things I’ve found about the XD is…1. they will not feed SWC type of bullets, just about any round nosed or truncated cone type of bullet will work. 2. The mag springs feel weak, I replaced mine with some that are 20% stronger, I’ve yet to get to the range to test drive these, but, I don’t see a problem with them. Over at the Xd site others who have done the same thing have had no problems. This is the first plastic gun I’ve had, It feels alot like a 1911 to me, just lighter. I’ll never go completly away from the 1911, It’s a good platform but, there are other platforms that work just as well if not better, and the Xd may be one of them…
+1 but if I had to it would probably be my Sig P220.
I am probably another couple of hundred rounds through a S&W M&P 45 to finally say, but I can already tell the M&P 45 will likely end up as the go-to over my Springfield Mil-Spec (with steel tool replacement of key components).
An easy to do trigger job on the M&P gives you a very good trigger, which is a (or the?) critical advantage of the 1911.
Cost and ergonomics are big pluses for M&P.
Stay safe.
This statement sums up my thoughts on the subject with 100% accuracy.
In order to get the latest, greatest 45 acp, I have tried HK, Glock, M&P, and a STI 2011. Nothing has come to the single stack 1911.
I’ve went back and forth from Glock with a USP,P226 and now a nice 1911… And though I’m keeping my fantastic 1911, my primary defensive and CCW handguns are going to be 9mm Glocks. I’m tuckered out looking for a new Arrow, and need to concentrate on the Indian :o
I trust my life 100% to a Glock- but I would sure love to shoot someone with a 1911 
HK .45!! I was never much of an HK guy until I bought a P30 and then an HK 45. I have a long history with the 1911.
The ergo’s on the HkK.45 are excellent, it is very well made, and I can carry it locked and cocked.
I also like the Glock 21SF and M&P .45 but LOVE the HK 45.
i didn’t care much for the usp45. i’ve got a few different brand of handgun, but all in different calibers (229, 96g, k40, etc). but i always come back to the .45 and i’m the fastest/most accurate with the 1911.
i’m just trying to keep open minded about my equipment and not paint myself into a corner by not trying new things. maybe the M&P45 needs some serious consideration.
Glock 21 SF tuned and with a grip reduction. M&P 45 would be second choice.
I had a USP45 and dumped it a while ago, due to the blocky feel and the grips which I hated.
The HK45 I have now is a quantum leap from the USP’s ergonomics. It is, by far, my favorite .45. If you haven’t really checked them out, do yourself a favor and do that.
(Let me add that though I’m not a 1911 guy, the Wilson CQB I shot was about the easiest pointing, nicest shooting .45’s Ive ever touched. I just don’t care for all the stroking the majority of 1911’s need to be considered truly reliable. I’m kooky like that, but like any other piece of machinery, they shouldn’t leave the factory needing a DAMN THING…especially at the prices they command, and particularly a piece of machinery that ones life may depend on.)
I get that some people really understand and enjoy all the nuances of the 1911 platform. Hey, have at it…more for you. I’ll be one less name on one of the multi-year waiting lists to get in your way. I’ll take out of the box reliability any day over a potential primadona of a side arm. That has meant, to me, zero-regrets about my P220 & so far, my HK45.
<ok…begin the “BURN HIM!” chanting now>
I’m just a gun guy. I’ve had periods when I did not own a 1911 but, it wasn’t due to another gun beating the 1911.
I thought the M&P’s (nice guns in 9mm & .45!) would keep me from wanting another 1911…then I bought another 1911! 
I am referring to the HK 45 which has been out for maybe a year now not the USP which has been out for quite some time.
HK 45
http://www.hk-usa.com/hk45_general.html
USP .45
http://www.hk-usa.com/usp_general.html
I realize a whole lot of people like the M&P .45 but for me the HK 45 was a cut above and worth the extra $$ so my M&P’s got sold off.
I did just buy a S&W 1911 btw. Very nice and a steal for the $$$.
No matter what I try (lots of things) I always come back to the 1911. The M&P 9mm came the closest though.