Well, now I want a 1911 .45!

jmccracken1214 said:
How is a 38 overpowering you, but a 45 doesnt??
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Well, the revolver is an Ultra-Lite, and the .45 is a big old heavy (maybe 4 pounds?) gun with a light on it. The .38 hurts me, the .45 doesn't! What can I say, maybe I'm weird?
Not saying the .45 doesn't push, but at least it doesn't make any parts of my hands hurt/sting. And I can shoot it pretty well. (I can shoot the revolver well too, but at a cost to my trigger finger.) Don't know what else to tell you....lol....
 
KnotRight said:
Millie, you need a shotgun for the hallway. 20 GA pump works with a cylinder bore.
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Ok, I must have known this was coming. I may get a shotgun eventually.....maybe the .45 can cover the front half of the hallway, and the shotgun the back half? It's a long hall. Lol.
 
wvsig said:
I will say what I always say when people ask what should I get for my first 1911. Get a Colt 70 series Govt model. Shoot shoot shoot it until you are intimate with the 1911 platform in its basic form. I am talking 5,000 + rounds.

Once you are familiar with the basic platform you can then customize it or properly spec the next one from a position of knowledge and experience. Most shooters don’t need all the bells and whistles but they are told they do so they get them without ever understanding why they have them. IMHO
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^^^ This is excellent advice, except I believe a person can learn on a no-frills 1911 that is less expensive than the Colt 70 Series. While the Colt 70 Series (on the left in the photo) is an excellent basic 1911 than can be found for about $800, the Rock Island GI (on the right in the photo) is a sound basic 1911 with less-refined fit and finish that can be found for about $400.

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gc70 said:
^^^ This is excellent advice, except I believe a person can learn on a no-frills 1911 that is less expensive than the Colt 70 Series. While the Colt 70 Series (on the left in the photo) is an excellent basic 1911 than can be found for about $800, the Rock Island GI (on the right in the photo) is a sound basic 1911 with less-refined fit and finish that can be found for about $400.

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Yes, I love how the Colt looks, but no way can I scrape that $ up! Thanks for the suggestion of a more reasonably priced one!
 
Don't know where you are but there are always a bunch of used 1911 45's at Carolina Gun Runners. I just sold some plastic wunder 9's and have gone all 45 for the most part. I still have a 380 and a 9mm bug gun or 2. I have several 1911's in 45 and 1 in 9mm (SA EMP4 CC that is so sweet). I just bought a SA XDS in 45 and its a keeper as well as a Sig P250 in 45 for my vehicle. THere is nothing as visceral and comforting as a 1911 in the hand(gun). But of course everybody knows that " a handgun is just for fighting your way back to the rifle you should have never put down."
 
Millie said:
This will be a house gun. And it will visit the range.
As for Glocks, I've tried 9mm, .380, and maybe more, it's been a lot. They were painful. I shot a Shield, not bad, but not as good as the .45. I tried lots of guns in 9mm. I've also sadly let the idea of the p365 go, it was not fun to shoot....dream killer! Lol.
I'm all set in the carry gun department, at least for the foreseeable future...
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You've been trying compact and subcompact pistols. Try a full size 9mm and be sure to try a metal framed one like the full size a Beretta 92 which feels like you're shooting a 22lr. Also, you can find 9mm in 1911 platform as well...very soft shooting in steel frame.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 
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Wahoo95 said:
You've been trying compact and subcompact pistols. Try a full size 9mm and be sure to try a metal framed one like the full size a Beretta 92 which feels like you're shooting a 22lr.
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Beretta 92 and Sig Sauer P226 are both 9mm metal frame guns that weight 34 oz empty, vs about 39 oz for a 1911. The single action, grip safety and thumb safety of the 1911s make it a bit more difficult to operate than the double action/single action guns, where all you should have to do is pull the trigger on the first shot. Especially under stress. The 1911 single stack mags are also more difficult to insert quickly into the magwell.

Others will obviously disagree with my stance, because the 1911s have a cult status and following. I shoot and train some, not a whole lot, but I bet way more than you do. I want a very simple gun to operate as my primary self-defense weapon.

1911 lovers, flame away.

PS - I own and occasionally shoot a Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun, so I'm not a hater.
 
dmarbell said:
Beretta 92 and Sig Sauer P226 are both 9mm metal frame guns that weight 34 oz empty, vs about 39 oz for a 1911. The single action, grip safety and thumb safety of the 1911s make it a bit more difficult to operate than the double action/single action guns, where all you should have to do is pull the trigger on the first shot. Especially under stress. The 1911 single stack mags are also more difficult to insert quickly into the magwell.

Others will obviously disagree with my stance, because the 1911s have a cult status and following. I shoot and train some, not a whole lot, but I bet way more than you do. I want a very simple gun to operate as my primary self-defense weapon.

1911 lovers, flame away.

PS - I own and occasionally shoot a Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun, so I'm not a hater.
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I am not really sure how you can assume that you "train" more than others? For me personally it is all about training. If you train to with a pistol that has a thumb safety it becomes second nature. If you train with a DA/SA gun you learn to run the DA/SA transition and you are good to go. You can even train to run a DAO striker with a single trigger pull. So I am not sure that one is really easier than the other. As for the rest of the post different stroke for different folks.
 
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gc70 said:
^^^ This is excellent advice, except I believe a person can learn on a no-frills 1911 that is less expensive than the Colt 70 Series. While the Colt 70 Series (on the left in the photo) is an excellent basic 1911 than can be found for about $800, the Rock Island GI (on the right in the photo) is a sound basic 1911 with less-refined fit and finish that can be found for about $400.

View attachment 93236
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I have nothing against the RIA. For the most part they are decent guns. They have a good rep and for the money represent a good value at the bottom end of the spectrum. I will say that you are getting what you are paying for. Customer service is horrible. The finish is average at best. The slide is an extruded from forging and the frame is cast. In the end proper heat treatment is what is important but you know what you are getting in a Colt. RIA not as much. When it comes down to all things being equal a properly heat forged frame, and slide are going to be better than cast or extruded. Now that said not everyone cares or needs forged over cast.

If all you have is $400 to put towards a 45 ACP I would argue that you should stick to another caliber. Cheap brass cased .45 ACP is still $.27 a round and that is if you are buying in bulk. 1000 rounds will cost you $270. If you can only afford a $400 45 ACP how can you expect to feed it? It is an expensive caliber. If you are not buying in bulk you will be paying $.30 a round at Wally World or other big box retailer for boxes of 50 or 100. Compare that to 9mm which you can feed for $.12 to $.15 all day long. When you are shooting on a budget a paying 100% less per round makes more sense to me. So @Millie I would ask myself do I really want a 45 ACP or do I want a 1911 style pistol? If it is just a 1911 style pistol I would look to get a 9mm.

If you are dead set on a 45 ACP I am in the buy once and cry once category. Call me a fan boy but there is nothing like a 1911 with the pracing pony on it.

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wvsig said:
I am not really sure how you can assume that you "train" more than others?
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Sorry, poorly worded. I directed this at @Millie. Meaning that she is a relatively new, and low-volume shooter. I bet I have shot and trained way more than she has.

I just want to point out that she, as a new shooter who asks lots of questions and solicits opinions, shouldn't get caught up in the 1911 hype, Glock-fanboy hype, 9mm vs 45, only get a 10mm, etc., ad nauseum. I also think, and this is just my opinion, that there are better choices for a relatively new shooter as a house-, kitchen- or truck-self-defense gun than a 1911 in 45 acp. YMMV.
 
dmarbell said:
Sorry, poorly worded. I directed this at @Millie. Meaning that she is a relatively new, and low-volume shooter. I bet I have shot and trained way more than she has.

I just want to point out that she, as a new shooter who asks lots of questions and solicits opinions, shouldn't get caught up in the 1911 hype, Glock-fanboy hype, 9mm vs 45, only get a 10mm, etc., ad nauseum. I also think, and this is just my opinion, that there are better choices for a relatively new shooter as a house-, kitchen- or truck-self-defense gun than a 1911 in 45 acp. YMMV.
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I would tend to agree with that but she is already running a gun with a thumb safety, no grip safety, as a carry gun. IIRC she is carrying a Sig P238 which would not have been my first choice for a newbie but she likes it is getting training with it and enjoys shooting it. Fandom is part of the fun. We all have our preferences.

Also never forget that "The 1911 chambered in 45 ACP is the worlds finest close quarters sidearm ... and, King of feedway stoppages! Every true American Patriot should own at least one! -Ken Hackathron
 
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Settling hash of America's enemies since 1911...

"The four-day battle of Bagsak Mountain on Jolo Island in the Philippines took place from 11 to 15 June 1913. Americans of the 8th Infantry and the Philippine Scouts, personally lead by Brigadier General John J. Pershing, brought to an end years of bitter struggle against the Moro pirates. These Bolo men, outlaws of great physical endurance and savage fighting ability, were well organized under their Datus or chiefs. They had never been conquered during several centuries of Spanish rule in the Philippines. The U.S. Army .45-caliber pistol was developed to meet the need for a weapon with enough striking power to stop fanatical charges of lawless Moro tribesmen in hand-to-hand fighting."

1280px-Knocking_Out_the_Moros._DA_Poster_21-48.jpg
 
wvsig said:
If all you have is $400 to put towards a 45 ACP I would argue that you should stick to another caliber. Cheap brass cased .45 ACP is still $.27 a round and that is if you are buying in bulk. 1000 rounds will cost you $270. If you can only afford a $400 45 ACP how can you expect to feed it? It is an expensive caliber. If you are not buying in bulk you will be paying $.30 a round at Wally World or other big box retailer for boxes of 50 or 100. Compare that to 9mm which you can feed for $.12 to $.15 all day long. When you are shooting on a budget a paying 100% less per round makes more sense to me. So @Millie I would ask myself do I really want a 45 ACP or do I want a 1911 style pistol? If it is just a 1911 style pistol I would look to get a 9mm.
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Luckily, Rock Island also makes its GI Model chambered in 9mm.
 
dmarbell said:
Sorry, poorly worded. I directed this at @Millie. Meaning that she is a relatively new, and low-volume shooter. I bet I have shot and trained way more than she has.

I just want to point out that she, as a new shooter who asks lots of questions and solicits opinions, shouldn't get caught up in the 1911 hype, Glock-fanboy hype, 9mm vs 45, only get a 10mm, etc., ad nauseum. I also think, and this is just my opinion, that there are better choices for a relatively new shooter as a house-, kitchen- or truck-self-defense gun than a 1911 in 45 acp. YMMV.
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I actually didn't even know what this big ol' gun was a 1911 when I first shot it (and still don't know much more about it than just that), so there were no preconceived notions on it at all. It was just another gun to try out. And now, having shot it a few more times, I've gotten to like it ...a lot.

And as for choices for a new shooter, I've made a bad one (revolver, remedying that soon) and a really good one (Sig p238). On the Sig I was told that it wasn't a good gun for a new shooter, that it was picky on ammo, and so on. Well, it IS picky on ammo, lesson learned, moving on, no more Blazer Brass. Lol. As for it not being a good one for a new shooter....well, it's been fine for me, oddly enough. I'm shooting it better and better each time I shoot it.

I admit I was hung up on the 9mm thing, but I'm pretty sure I'm done with that for now, having tried a p365 and found it not good.

I was also after a Glock, because I like the way they look, and they seem to be very reliable, but I tried a lot in various calibres and they're not good guns for me, moving on...

This whole thing with the .45 has been a total stunner for me, because who'd have thought I could handle so much gun...not me! But if I can shoot it well and I like it, why shouldn't I go on the hunt for one?

I do appreciate all the replies you guys give me, and the advice...I really do...but in the end I'll be the one shooting a particular gun, and so I'll have to be responsible for my decisions. I'm much better equipped now to make a good decision, thanks to you guys, though!
 
jimmyjames8 said:
Don't know where you are but there are always a bunch of used 1911 45's at Carolina Gun Runners. I just sold some plastic wunder 9's and have gone all 45 for the most part. I still have a 380 and a 9mm bug gun or 2. I have several 1911's in 45 and 1 in 9mm (SA EMP4 CC that is so sweet). I just bought a SA XDS in 45 and its a keeper as well as a Sig P250 in 45 for my vehicle. THere is nothing as visceral and comforting as a 1911 in the hand(gun). But of course everybody knows that " a handgun is just for fighting your way back to the rifle you should have never put down."
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I'm in Scotland county, I'll look them up! Thanks!
 
Wahoo95 said:
You've been trying compact and subcompact pistols. Try a full size 9mm and be sure to try a metal framed one like the full size a Beretta 92 which feels like you're shooting a 22lr. Also, you can find 9mm in 1911 platform as well...very soft shooting in steel frame.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
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Thanks for adding those to my list of things to try. I appreciate the input. I'll see what the range has next time I go! They have a lot of stuff in the case to rent.
 
dmarbell said:
Beretta 92 and Sig Sauer P226 are both 9mm metal frame guns that weight 34 oz empty, vs about 39 oz for a 1911. The single action, grip safety and thumb safety of the 1911s make it a bit more difficult to operate than the double action/single action guns, where all you should have to do is pull the trigger on the first shot. Especially under stress. The 1911 single stack mags are also more difficult to insert quickly into the magwell.

Others will obviously disagree with my stance, because the 1911s have a cult status and following. I shoot and train some, not a whole lot, but I bet way more than you do. I want a very simple gun to operate as my primary self-defense weapon.

1911 lovers, flame away.

PS - I own and occasionally shoot a Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun, so I'm not a hater.
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My primary self-defense weapon is my Sig p238. I was warned it would be more difficult to use than just pointing and shooting. But this gun "fits" me, and I'm training very hard to get great with it. My trainer is showing me all kinds of things that I can use if it ever comes to me having to pull my gun out. He's having me shoot seated as if in a car, and we'll be moving outside soon, to get more of a "real life" feel. I hope to never find out what will happen if I get attacked, but I feel that this training will help me be more prepared than I am right now. To me, my gun IS simple to operate.
And you probably do train way more than I do, but I do what I can, when I can. Lol. I'm sure everybody here trains more than I do, but this is what I can do now. 2-hour lessons twice a month, and solo range days on the off weeks.
 
wvsig said:
I would tend to agree with that but she is already running a gun with a thumb safety, no grip safety, as a carry gun. IIRC she is carrying a Sig P238 which would not have been my first choice for a newbie but she likes it is getting training with it and enjoys shooting it. Fandom is part of the fun. We all have our preferences.

Also never forget that "The 1911 chambered in 45 ACP is the worlds finest close quarters sidearm ... and, King of feedway stoppages! Every true American Patriot should own at least one! -Ken Hackathron
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Thank you for the encouragement! Lol. Yes, I do love my p238, and an training as much as I can with it. Getting good with it, too. I might have heard the word "outstanding" uttered at my last training session! Lol.

And it's not my fault I liked a particular gun that happened to be a 1911 in .45....is it? LOL. I didn't know what it was when I first shot it. You want to shoot whatever it is that you can feel comfortable with....what can I say?
 
wvsig said:
Sometimes I think 9mm ...

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I'm (re)considering the 9mm option, just the ones I've shot have been pretty snappy, but maybe I haven't grabbed one that's heavy enough yet....
I'm not in a big hurry, it took a bit of time to find the Sig, so....I'll keep looking at options.
 
Millie said:
I'm (re)considering the 9mm option, just the ones I've shot have been pretty snappy, but maybe I haven't grabbed one that's heavy enough yet....
I'm not in a big hurry, it took a bit of time to find the Sig, so....I'll keep looking at options.
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A 9mm 1911 will recoil a lot softer than a .45 1911 and 9mm Glocks.
 
SC380 said:
A 9mm 1911 will recoil a lot softer than a .45 1911 and 9mm Glocks.
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I'm actually not having any problems with the recoil on this particular .45, but I'm still open to looking at options. I needs to be a big, heavy gun, though. I'm not looking for another snappy gun in this or any other life I may have. Lol.
As for the Glocks, I was sorry to see them go....I like them a lot, but none worked for me.
 
Millie said:
I'm actually not having any problems with the recoil on this particular .45, but I'm still open to looking at options. I needs to be a big, heavy gun, though. I'm not looking for another snappy gun in this or any other life I may have. Lol.
As for the Glocks, I was sorry to see them go....I like them a lot, but none worked for me.
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A CZ 75 in 9mm is worth trying out. As other have said above 9mm is cheaper to shoot so you'll get more practice. The 75 is a full sized steel framed gun so it is a soft shooter. And you can probably find one for a reasonable price. See if your trainer has one you can try. A full sized 1911 in 9mm is a soft shooter too, but it may be harder to find a reliable one in the lower price ranges. 9mm in a 1911 can be finicky.
 
CZfool68 said:
A CZ 75 in 9mm is worth trying out. As other have said above 9mm is cheaper to shoot so you'll get more practice. The 75 is a full sized steel framed gun so it is a soft shooter. And you can probably find one for a reasonable price. See if your trainer has one you can try. A full sized 1911 in 9mm is a soft shooter too, but it may be harder to find a reliable one in the lower price ranges. 9mm in a 1911 can be finicky.
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I actually have already tried to try a CZ 75 in 9mm....much to my sorrow, I couldn't rack the slide no matter how hard I tried! I was crushed, because it felt nice and heavy and I was sure it would be good to shoot, but if I can't rack the slide...

Next range day, I'll see what else they have that's metal and heavy. Since I'm covered for a carry gun, I won't need to worry about size for this one.
 
Millie said:
I actually have already tried to try a CZ 75 in 9mm....much to my sorrow, I couldn't rack the slide no matter how hard I tried! I was crushed, because it felt nice and heavy and I was sure it would be good to shoot, but if I can't rack the slide...

Next range day, I'll see what else they have that's metal and heavy. Since I'm covered for a carry gun, I won't need to worry about size for this one.
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Ah, that is not unusual due to their design. Bummer. A 1911 will be easier to rack. As for 45's I have a itch for a S&W 625 in 45. But it's about $1k, and I'd want different grips as well. So, saving my pennies and buying my time. But a big, heavy revolver that shoots 45 is cool to me.

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CZfool68 said:
Ah, that is not unusual due to their design. Bummer. A 1911 will be easier to rack. As for 45's I have a itch for a S&W 625 in 45. But it's about $1k, and I'd want different grips as well. So, saving my pennies and buying my time. But a big, heavy revolver that shoots 45 is cool to me.

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I have been wanting one of those for a while.........but it always something elsenthat takes priority.
 
CZfool68 said:
Ah, that is not unusual due to their design. Bummer. A 1911 will be easier to rack. As for 45's I have a itch for a S&W 625 in 45. But it's about $1k, and I'd want different grips as well. So, saving my pennies and buying my time. But a big, heavy revolver that shoots 45 is cool to me.

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That is a beauty!
 
Millie said:
I actually have already tried to try a CZ 75 in 9mm....much to my sorrow, I couldn't rack the slide no matter how hard I tried! I was crushed, because it felt nice and heavy and I was sure it would be good to shoot, but if I can't rack the slide...

Next range day, I'll see what else they have that's metal and heavy. Since I'm covered for a carry gun, I won't need to worry about size for this one.
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Just need someone to show you how to properly rack that slide using your big muscles rather than your hands alone. Took me 5min to teach my then 11yo & 12yo daughters how to rack the slide themselves.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 
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Wahoo95 said:
Just need someone to show you how to properly rack that slide using your big muscles rather than your hands alone. Took me 5min to teach my than 11yo & 12yo how to rack the slide themselves.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
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They did show me, and I can't do it. It's not like I don't ask for help when I need to...Lol.
 
All of these people talking about how much the cost difference is between shooting a 9mm vs. a .45 must be shooting .22s to really save money. :)

Now WHATEVER you do - DON'T get into the reloading threads on here and see how cheap it is to reload 9mm and .45. :rolleyes:
 
SSgt75 said:
All of these people talking about how much the cost difference is between shooting a 9mm vs. a .45 must be shooting .22s to really save money. :)

Now WHATEVER you do - DON'T get into the reloading threads on here and see how cheap it is to reload 9mm and .45. :rolleyes:
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I think I have too much ADD to be messing with explosive substances...lol. I have zero interest in reloading.
 
Trade the Taurus for a good, used 686 and be done with it. ;)
 
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