I'm sorry, and I am trying to be respectful, but you are just wrong, and now a little irate it seems. First off, a 1911 with steel frame (let's forget the lightweight models for now), weighs in at less than 2.5 lbs with an empty mag, not 4 lbs. And that's a government model. A commander or officer model will be less than that, still assuming a steel frame.

And what's this "because you want people to stare at your weapon" BS? If I wanted them to stare at it, I wouldn't bother concealing it, now would I? Also, no one asked you to "give two shits" about who carries a 1911 or what belt I wear, the thread was about what the difference was between a 1911 and other .45's. You went off with fallacies about how it can't or shouldn't be carried, which I felt the need to debunk so that a new handgunner doesn't get misinformed.

As for tactical shooting, I assure you I've done my share. Yes, I may have to reload a little more often, but I don't throw as many out of the P-ring as the double action guys either.

And I also believe you have me painted wrong, I am not a "die hard" 1911 guy. I own and shoot other pistols as well. I have done the whole "plastic fantastic" thing, as well as more traditional DA/SA like Sigs, Berettas, etc. The fact is, I shoot the 1911 better than anything else, so I feel I have an advantage carrying it. I have an HK USP 45 sitting in front of me right now that needs to be cleaned. 12 + 1 rounds of .45 ACP. Do I carry it? No. I don't shoot it as well as the 1911. It's really that simple.

Jason

 

My two cents: once I got my first 1911 (Springfield ultracompact) I didn't look back. All my buddies are glock guys and I just dont shoot as well with them. The 1911 will be a heavier gun of course but I carry a full sized smith and wesson 1911 without any issues. It's not my only carry gun as I go all the way down to a .38 special j-frame smith and wesson if I feel like having a smaller carry. It just depends on my mood. The important thing is to just get out and shoot the different types, it really boils down to personal preference. One thing to note: it has been my experience that if u shoot with composite guns for a long time then switch to 1911 u might need to retrain yourself how to shoot. I couldn't hit anything when I got my first 1911, it can be unforgiving. If you spend the time with it, it will blow u away with how accurate it can be. End rant.

 

To respond to the OP: In regards to CCW I like the 1911 due to the slim frame. Personally I have a little extra around the mid section and find double stacks to be uncomfortable for me when sitting and getting in and out of vehicles. I mostly carry a keltec .380 when running around town and what not. A lot of people harp on the small cal. pistols and the low capacity weapons. But personally, I'm realistic and not a "what if" kind of guy. I know that if and when I need my CCW it is going to be a very up close and personal situation, probably with in 0-6 feet. And if it isn't I know I can maintain a cool head and deal with the situation accordingly. No one should be in a gun battle at distance on the streets (aside from on duty LEO's). People are talking about car chases and 40-50 meter shootouts, come on, let's be realistic. Just my take on things....

 

very good rant imho. some great advice.

 

I was pulling my situations from current events that have happened here in Atlanta Georgia. Being realistic and being prepared for different types of situations are both very very important. I've been pleased with the training courses I've taken. As being the home of MS13 you can easily find your ass on the wrong street at the wrong time. MS13 currently occupies over half the streets in downtown atlanta.. They just recently killed a man for a $20 haircut in broad day light in public...

but none of this is important to the subject at hand.. The poster above hit it on the head, shoot as many guns as you can, compare them, see how well you shoot with them and make your best judgement then. Just because we can flame on 1911's and subcompacts and polymers to Alum. frames, doesn't do you any good.. Decide why you want the gun, then try them all. If its a toy buy what ever you feel like, if its self defense you will need to buy what works for you not what everyone else carries.

 

You had to go ahead and use logic?

 

I hear ya...I've spent my fair share of time downtown, grew up North of Atl, and if I spent more time in certain areas I might reconsider my choice of CCW. As you stated, everyone needs to make choices based on what they are comfortable with.

 

Don't you hate it when that happens!

 

TXCheney, First off thanks for your service. I'm going to use a couple of quotes from two of your posts, but only the first paragraph of this post is really to you, the rest is just a general statement. I just didn't want you to think I am pickin' on you or anything.

Many of them do use DA/SA weapons now, but not exclusively. I've heard from armorers on multiple occasions that the USP45 Tactical is indeed a fairly common sidearm, as well as the Sig P226 9mm with threaded barrel, but I also know for a fact that each SFOD-Delta operator gets a stipend to have a custom 1911 built to his own specs. MEU's Force Recon uses the 1911 also. There are some elite LEAs that also use the 1911 to great advantage, for example the FBI knows that there are higher capacity sidearms available, yet many special agents are issued the 1911, including their SWAT and HRT. Same for the LAPD SWAT, and countless other LEAs. The 1911 is indeed a combat handgun, and is fulfilling that role in situations around the world to pretty good effect.

I'm not professing that the 1911 is the "be all, end all" pistol, I'm not even trying to convince anyone that they should try one. What someone else chooses to carry or spend their money on is ultimately of no consequence to me. I don't want to see someone waste their hard earned money on a piece of junk, but past that, I could care less what they choose to buy. I'm just saying that to pass the 1911 off as antiquated, or obsolete, or a bad idea for CCW is just simply incorrect, and while I might have come on a little strong in some of my previous posts, it's only because I take issue with misinformation being posted as fact. Especially when advice has been solicited by a member to gain info for a pretty substantial purchase. I think the OP at least deserves truthful facts.

Happy shooting.


Jason

 

1) carry what you are most accurate with.

Not every gun will fit you perfectly so that the barrel is lined up nice and straight when you pull it up and pull the trigger without using the sights.

I own about 15 hand guns. I have four Colt 1911s. Including 2 officers. My honest opinion? They need some work and are some of the sloppiest shooting. Pribably could use a new barrel and bushings to tighten things up. I've ready they are a bit sloppy by design so they feed and eject well and can operate when very dirty. I've been told that the 1911 is ONLY for close up shooting as it's accuracy fails miserably beyond ~15 yards.

I own a Colt .44 revolver, colt "cowboy" .45 revolver, .38 special, woodsman from 1927ish, two Glocks and a few others. Full frame .45 and their sub .40.

Again, it's what you are god with. I qualified perfect score for my CHL with the Glock 21 (.45). I killed a moccasin snake, head shot at 18' with my 27 sub-.40. It's about what you use and are good with.


Same with shot guns. I can't hit the side of my house with my 16 gauge Remington.

I don't miss with my benelli. My buddy can't hit with my benelli but nails everytime with his browning.