I don’t even want to repeat the positives and negatives I’ve heard and read over the years because I don’t want to bias anybody or stop a potentially valuable post.
The fact is: I shoot a 1911 very well mostly due to the single action trigger.
But it’s an old school gun and supposedly there are better choices.
What say you?
I owned one for a few years. Great gun, but not my first choice for anything but recreational shooting. Being on a limited budget, I cant keep pistols in the stable that don’t get used often, so I sold it. Would I buy another? Sure if I had enough funds after everything else I want.
No matter what, they will always be an American iconic firearm.
If it’s going to be your only gun, probably not the best choice. Then again, what is the intended use?
I’ve got a few 1911s because they just feel like a pistol oughta feel. They got some heft to 'em. And when you’re willing to pay the freight, you can get a firearm of exceptional quality and craftsmanship that you just don’t see in polymer pistols.
Plus they’re a gun with some history to 'em.
If you shoot a 1911 well and you have the means, why wouldn’t you want one?
Appreciate it for what it is. And then move on from it because of what it isn’t. If you really try, you can master the Glock trigger in a few weeks or maybe less. It will pleasantly surprise you with its abilities. Get yourself a G19. 
I don’t think there is anything wrong with ‘old school guns’. Years ago, I transitioned from revolvers to 1911s, then after seeing the benefits I added my Glocks, HK, PPQ, M9 - still have 'em and train with 'em.
I agree, purpose is key - I would not solely depend on one of my 1911s to defend the motherland. But if you want one, can shoot it and have the funds, I say go for it, they’re a lot of fun. To paraphrase something I heard a while back - 1911 owners are like Harley owners. If you like it and want to take the time & effort to learn, love and maintain it then go for it. If you want a lawnmower… well you get the idea. What do I know?
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.
You gotta pay to play… I say go for it.
I think 1911s are totally worth it, it’s all I shoot anymore. I used to shoot Glock 9mms exclusively, trainied on Sigs and Berettas quite a bit, carried a Hi Power for awhile. Other guns are lighter and hold more ammo, but that’s where the discussion ends. A 1911 can do everything else better.
NOTHING measures up to a 1911.
Get one or two built right and you’ll wonder why you ever wasted your time/money on anything else.
My 1911s have been, and are, as reliable as any other handgun I’ve ever owned.
The naysayers are usually just cheapskates. All it takes to make a 1911 run is money…
This I have come to accept as The Truth.
I prefer revolvers for home defense, and I’m getting away from tactical tupperware because I’m just old school enough to prefer a steel gun with a steel frame, barrel, and whatnot. I’ve finally made peace with S&W’s airweight J-frames, but only after endless praise on their durability from various sources. The Glock trigger is the hardest thing to accept about that pistol. I can make a 1911 put one hole on top of another at defense distances.
Still, I hate the idea the thing has to be babied, tweaked, smithed, adjusted, fitted, matched, etc., to get it to run and keep running.
I’m certainly no expert and my experience is purely anecdotal, but I bought a used MC Operator a few years ago and used it in two classes, probably 400-500 rounds each class. Never had a hiccup. I’ve never done anything but field strip it, give it a wipe down, and keep it lubed.
A decent 1911 is a lot less finicky than the intergoogle would suggest.
They’re beautiful, but so are Kentucky flintlock squirrel rifles. For EDC, they’re a no go.
If it’s a standard size, they’re too big, too heavy, hard to conceal and I haven’t shot one that didn’t consistently malfunction.
Ammo cost is prohibitive too if you’re talking .45.
Sorry, but 9 mm tupperware pistols are far more efficient to carry, conceal, ammo is less costly and they’re overall more dependable.
Agreed, lube it and it will run. Been my experience anyway.
Just don’t get one in 9mm…get it in 45ACP.
The 9mm 1911 is sort of like buying the V6 Camaro or Mustang.
-brickboy240
Doc,
Depends on how you plan to use the pistol. I have 1911s and other pistols of the polymer type. For range fun I will normally bring out and sometimes carry a 1911. For ‘business’ use it will be a Glock 19/17. Nothing wrong with the 1911, especially if you are the type of person that has the time and money to keep it running like a top. Thankfully I have that choice as well, but here is why for me I choose the polymer type:
Weight - I’ve never wanted any gear to be heavier on my kit. Always wanted fast and light.
Capacity - I do own CM 10rd mags for my 1911, still compared to a G19 15rds with G17 spare mag = 32rds. When the SHTF I guarantee you will never think that having less ammo is a bonus. I always wanted more.
Simplicity - Don’t need an external safety. Like using one tool. Like having cheap replacement parts that I can change out myself.
Fast/Accurate - No matter how fast I was on the 1911 .45, I would lag on shot splits, reloads, weapon failure/manipulation drills as compared to the Glock. For some, the .25, .5 to 1 sec difference may be within their acceptable limits of time. For me, way too long to regain an acceptable sight picture for the distance required.
Investment - Minor, especially if acquired in 9mm. More money = more ammo, more training, happy wife
With that said, I’d add a Glock/MP/PPQ and keep the 1911. I’m happy with both. We enthusiasts are always chasing the ‘unicorn’ of an end all be all firearm or product. Rather, we should understand what works for us personally in a specific role/environment.
So you’re saying a fatter Glock double stack is easier to conceal than a single Stack Gov 1911? I would beg-to-differ… I can conceal a 1911 almost better than any other ‘full-sized’ handgun. Obviously there are smaller pistols… but if you consider any of the Glock models or double stack 9’s…
The best part about a 1911 for me, is they fit my hand, grip angle fits me better than any Glock (and I like Glocks), trigger is about the best there is and you can also get them in a light-weight version of you prefer.
I have shot many 1911’s over 20+ years and have had very few failures that weren’t either user error, bad ammo, bag magazine or a really dirty gun. I had a new Glock 30 that I tried to make my concealed carry piece and that was a jamomatic pistol. Only Glock I’ve ever shot or owned that didn’t function, but their are bad examples of all firearms.
I carry a Ed Brown Cobra Carry IWB almost daily (work not prohibiting). The choice is ultimately yours…
I never thought I would see the day when glocks would be recommended over a 1911. I have owned glocks since before they were ‘cool’ to own. I have never chosen sides because both serve different purposes. 1911s are how a pistol is suppose to feel in your hand. It is the nice car you keep garaged while you drive your beater to work. I shoot competition with a 1911 but my edc is a glock. In open carry situations I prefer 1911s. Get a nice one & run it hard.
I have primarily carried glocks personally and at work have only carried them, but…Im an American so its my duty to own a nice 1911, currently on a wait list, which I will shoot for fun and wear when I drive my muscle car.
Ferrari>corvette
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I have to agree with samuse on this one. get a good one and nothing will measure up.
Look at it this way, you only get one ride in this rodeo, so if you want to do something then by all means rock on.
As I get older, my 1911’s make their way into the range bag and CCW more often then my Glocks these days.
If cost is prohibitive maybe look at getting into a Springer loaded. I have a buddy that got into one as a test bed since he was a long time Glock shooter and wanted to try something different. He is also not known for maintenance but his Loaded just keeps on running under circumstances that according to some the gun should have catastrophically turned to dust by now. Go figure.
Just my opinion, good luck with the choice.
I tried to talk myself out of a Colt .38 super but I failed and got it. Traded a pistol I rarely used for a brand new example of Colt’s blue steel wonder. I still have some combat tupperware for carry and training. The super is just because I always wanted one and I was weak…
The STI 2011 in 9mm is a fast, reliable gun. My magazines have needed NO tuning and I run the gun HARD. I am lucky enough to have a mentor like John Jardine who educated me (assembly, maintenance, certain gunsmithing tools I needed, etc) on the 1911/ 2011 platform.
The 1911 is NOT hard to keep running if you know what you are doing. In single stack I am a .45 ACP guy 100%, in doublestack 9mm’s from STI are hard to beat.
Mace
It’s heavier than the various polymer offerings, with a steel frame and everything. The design is over 100 years old. More moving parts. Low capacity. Doesn’t do well with other calibers (for the most part).
Yet, I love my Springfield Loaded. Very basic, no frills, but a great trigger and usable sights, it’s enough for me.
You’ll fall in love with the lines, the trigger and the fact that that design has served military and law enforcement faithfully for over a century. Not sure what your intended use is, but even if it’s only for range use, pick one up.