My Great Grandfather carried a Colt Model of 1911 in France in WW1. My Grandfather carried a 1911A1 in WW2 during the battle of Okinawa. My childhood mentor carried a 1911A1 in 1969 in Vietnam. And today, 31 year old me, civilian, carries a 1911A1 as an EDC. How much more American can you get. The 1911 is a part of who we are.
Thanks for the shout out, Chief. I served 31 years as a LEO and have carried 1911s for over 45 years. Within one year as a fugitive investigator, I made two arrests at gunpoint, that resulted in compliance and not the application of deadly force. In those two encounters each suspect asked another deputy, "Was the guy with the BIG GUN really going to shoot me?" Another reason that the 1911 is an iconic pistol is that it was developed so early in the history of semiautomatic pistols, that every other design is either copy of the Browning designer, or not. Every other semiauto is judged by it. And when this video ended the next video up was a SIG shooting class using USPSA compaction shooting to judge performance, and the shooter was carrying what? A 1911.
@@hrfunk He watched it first thing this morning and also wants the 3 hour version. If he reads all of the comments, I think he will get the drift... that he needs to add a 1911 to his growing collection.
I, for one, would have happily watched a 3-part video SERIES on this subject! Fun video, HR! Relative to the 1911 being so incredibly iconic, I tend to put it like this; Browning’s original design (well…technically post-1910) is so brilliant that it’s the most receptive platform for continued improvements and development. While each improvement adds to the gun, it never takes away from the brilliant core. In the world of gun design, you are more likely to hit the lotto 12 times in a row than produce that kind of design.
The greatest unsung heroes of the 1911 are the draftsmen, production engineers and master machinists who produced the M1911A1 Technical Data Package, allowing true standardized parts. See C&Rsenal for details. I was aghast that some measurements only existed on the settings of machines at Colt's. Not set up for serious manufacture. I wonder what the US Army paid?
Another reason why the 1911 is so iconic is the fact that it is caused people, even non gun people, to understand that the words "forty-five" even if they don't know the model number and manufacturer, still refers something impressive
Great video Howard as always. While I regret never having served in the military, I feel that the 1911 is an iconic symbol of American freedom. I am grateful to all of you who made the sacrifice to serve so that we American citizens can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Thank you for your service! I carry a government sized 1911 in .45 acp made here in America as a daily carry and have for years as a tribute to American soldiers who relied on these firearms for their lives in service protecting our great nation. I feel that the 1911 is the perfect conceal carry option for me and that the .45 acp is more than sufficient to protect my life and the lives of my family. I regularly train with my 1911 and shoot it proficiently as a daily carry gun. Thank you again.
I enlisted into the US Navy in 1985 . After I was frocked as a Petty Officer 3rd Class on a DDG I was picked to attend the Ship's Self Defense Force School at Little Creek Virginia . The training cadre were US Marines , and they trained us in the handling of the 1911A1 handgun , the M14 rifle , the M870 shotgun , and the M60 machinegun . I served ten years in the navy and stood hundreds of hours armed with the 1911 . I am scheduled to attend my state's carry concealed class on December 2 and I'm going to shoot my 1911 to qualify .
Great video! The 1911 is as American as apple pie.. when you hold one in your hands something magical happens, almost like a bonding of two spirits coming together. Even bad guys recognize the power and bow, lest they be smited down by the awesome power of the 45!
Great! One more: Adaptability. From combat, to competition, to carry, and from 1911 to 2011, for over 100 years and all its variations, its fundamental design has remained unchanged and all are easily identifiable as a 1911. Like Beethoven's Fifth or Van Gough's Starry Night, I never tire of contemplating a classic.
Excellent list. It made me think of exactly how disappointed I was when my 1911 was replaced with an M9 (The M9 grows on you but it was a gut punch to me at the time, particularly if you are dealing with standard trash 9mm 115 grain NATO ammo); I wonder if people feel the same switching from the M9 to M17 or M18. I think with higher capacity magazines, people started looking at the sidearm as a weapon with some sort of standoff capability; with the 1911 if was about taking care of problems that had gotten way too close.
I enlisted in the late-1960s, trained with the 1911A1, carried one overseas, and NEVER quite felt the M9 was its equal. Yes, I fully understand the Beretta’s several substantial advantages, however, DoD prohibition of all but FMJ rounds made me want to have the most potent possible ammunition (which was not a 124 grain, NATO, 9x19mm).
Thanks, HR. Short answer: Because...it just works. I agree with you that the cartridge has a lot to do with the success of the pistol. If the 1911 had been chambered in 9mm, I think it would be much less common. Compare the 1911's relative popularity with the Browning High Power, for example. Both were designed by the genius of Browning, both were adopted by militaries, yet the High Power is not nearly as popular as the 1911 and has relatively few makers of "clones" and variations, compared to the 1911. _Despite_ the 9mm being an overall more popular cartridge. Some of the 1911's popularity stems from competition, as you state...largely because in Bullseye shooting there is a ".45 class" where one MUST shoot a .45 ACP chambered handgun. While S&W made a very fine .45 ACP chambered revolver, it was quite large and heavy compared to its "K" series, also designed for Bullseye competition (K-22, K-32 and K-38) which were identical, but for chambering. At the same time Bullseye shooters, including myself, could buy a High Standard Supermatic "Military" model in .22 long rifle and a Colt Gold Cup .45 and compete in all stages of Bullseye (.22, "any centerfire" and .45) with just two handguns and both were of identical weight and "feel". The High Standard "Military" models were designed to closely mimic the weight, grip angle and feel of a Model 1911. While they do not look the same, when handling and shooting my Supermatic Citation, looking over the sights and holding it in my hands, it feels identical to my Gold Cup. The weight, sight picture, trigger feel and grip angle are identical. Blindfold me and I couldn't tell you which I was holding...until I felt the recoil. (just sayin', I don't recommend shooting blindfolded) In action shooting, the .45 was always powerful enough to "make major" class, something 9mm and .38 Super shooters struggle with. And I think the mystique of being "America's handgun" is also very powerful. Sorry, but an M9 or M17 pistol in a fabric holster just doesn't say "AMERICA!" like a Model 1911 in an M1916 leather flap holster. You don't even need to SEE the handgun...the holster is as iconic as the gun! Just as an M1 rifle screams "America" unlike any other rifle.
not only is it iconic the 1911 is very popular. For an "obsolete" weapon there are a lot of 1911's being manufactured today and being purchased. Simple to operate and powerful yo use.
Carried 1911 .45 (commander and full size 5") since 1972. I was one if 7 in a large agency to be permitted to carry a Colt 1911 as a duty pistol (2 tone Colt Combat Elite added stag grips). Competed in IPSC with them Colt Gold Cup (2) and a custom Colt Commander. I still carry them in .38 Super, .357 SIG, .45 ACP and 10mm. These weapons point as a natural extention of my arm and really feel comfortable with one cocked and locked. Today if I knew I'd be involved in a defensive shooting scenario and could only have a handgun, yep, it would be a 1911 .38 Super to 10mm with full power ammo including the .357 SIG AND BELOVED .45 ACP. Great review Chief.
Not sure if this qualifies as iconic but I'd also suggest the 1911's versatility. The 1911 platform is available in so many barrel lengths, most calibres (including some often overlooked ones like the 38 Super), grip sizes, magazine capacities and sight configurations that there really is a 1911 for almost any role you can use a handgun for. Nice presentation.
Excellent summation HR! I too have carried a 1911 off and on for several years. For me it's a shooters pistol, meaning that it is not only ergonomic but also forces one to know its manual of arms. And the slim design makes it easier to conceal. On another note, after 52 years of working I am finally retiring in July! And as a gift to myself I am ordering a Nighthawk Custom Firehawk IOS pistol!! ❤
Oh, I fully agree with you on the greatness of the 1911. Used one as a sidearm in Vietnam, to supplement the M14 I had. And I can personally attest to its effectiveness in close quarters combat. Later, as a peace officer, when the agency said no more revolvers, I carried a 1911A1 in 45Auto. When they said no more single action autos, I was issued a 9mm. I soon after retired. Today, you won't find a 9mm autoloader, or a plastic pistol in my safe. But you'll find two 1911A1's in 45 Auto among my revolvers. 'Nuff said...😏
I felt as though this was for me. Until about 1978 or so, I was all about handgun shooting and at that time it was S&W revolvers. Then life happened and there was no time for firearms until my daughter mentioned she wanted to become a policeman (@1997). I went to a shop in Annapolis and purchased for her a Ruger P90. And that was it until 2015 when I went to a gun show in Melbourne and was intrigued by the new (to me) 1911s. Shortly thereafter, my first purchase, an OLD P-14 Para-Ordnance. Happily that was the beginning, but the 1911 that opened my eyes to actual shooting was a Magnum Research-labeled, BUL Armory produced stainless .45. That opened the gates to competition shooting with a variety of what I consider still affordable (under 2K), good quality 1911s. Truthfully, I never think about using any of my 1911s for defense; they are too good for that.
Nice tribute, hrfunk, thanks. I'd say this simple analogy: how many automobiles first introduced around the same time, or even 30 years more recently, do people still want to own and drive today. Drive, regularly as their daily car. Compete with it in auto racing. Find it still has excellent ergonomics, reliable machinery, etc. I can't even come close to naming such a car.
Spot on Howard! Steeped in tradition - like a rifle with a deep bluing and fine walnut furniture. Synthetic has its place, but nothing screams Americana more than The 1911!
HR, Very good video. The 1911 and I go way back. The first pistol I ever shot was a 1911A1. This was in 1955, my parents and I were on a vacation trip and we stopped at Fort Jackson in S. Caroline to visit my Uncle-in-law and his family (he was a career Army Officer married to my aunt). While we were there, Uncle Yance took my cousin and me to the base range and checked out a 1911A1 from the Armory and both my cousin Andy (who was my age) and I shot it. We were 11 years old at the time, but I still remember that. I now own a number of 1911s I've acquired over the years. I have an Auto Ordnance 1911 .45ACP (three digit serial number, very early one), Colt Ace .22 with Gold Cup slide & barrel (I have both top ends for this gun), Colt Government .45ACP built for competition, Colt Government .45ACP, 1943 Remington Rand .45ACP, Kimber 1911 .45ACP Compact, one Argentine Balester-Molina .45ACP built for Argentine Air Force, and one homebuilt 1911 Commander .45ACP with Colt slide and titanium frame. I think those are all the 1911-type guns that I have, but without going through the safe, it's a little hard to tell exactly. Cheers, Zeke
Chief, great video! I agree with all your points and own more than one. The 1911 in 45 acp will always get the job done if you do your part and the 45 acp cartridge is one of the very very few that will work just fine in the FMJ configuration. While it will obviously not expand, at 230 grains it doesn't have to. While it's a bit too large and heavy for EDC / CCW, for exposed carry, home defense, utter reliability and performance, it is unbeatable. Parts and magazines are available anywhere and many are interchangeable as well. DESPITE what the old legend says, WWI & WWII USGI examples are more accurate than most people can shoot them. Before I could afford a Colt Gold Cup NM, I used a WWII USGI standard Colt for competition with standard USGI parts and standard sights. It never stopped me from winning competitions. Sure, the Gold Cup has much better sights, a much better trigger and is over all a bit more accurate because of it's purpose built nature, the standard Gov't issue model is no slouch in the accuracy department - despite what urban legend says. For EDC/CCW a Sig P365, Hellcat, FN Reflex, etc. etc. is probably the way to go because of size and weight, but at the end of the day, the 45 acp 1911 is way better at home for SD, IMHO.
The pistols I used in the Marine Corps were always quite accurate too. I suspect the stories about GI pistols being inaccurate had a lot to do with the shooters.
Good morning HR. Great video on the iconic 1911. Since I first fired one in the early 70s I've always had at least one and often more. They've ranged from a not so good Llama to a fantastic custom made competition gun. A commander size 1911 is still one of my favorite carry guns. It's not as small and light as the new polymer breed of pistols. But the "Old Slabside" design is narrow and conceals well. It disappears with a good IWB holster. The accuracy and shootability more than make up for the extra weight. I doubt that anything will ever replace the 1911 as my favorite handgun.❤ ( The CZ 75 guns do make a close second place.😂)
Great video! The first handgun I bought after I turned 21 was a Colt Combat Commander. A few months ago, to celebrate turning 62, I bought myself a Tisas Carry 1911. The 1911 and the Browning Hi-power are my two favorite semi-automatic pistols.
This was a terrific video, Howard; were I more sentimental, it would have slightly moistened my old and salty eyes. THANK YOU. I entirely agree with your five reasons, but I’ll be presumptuous enough to add one more: After eleven decades, the 1911A1 (loaded with .45 ACP rounds) CONTINUES TO PERFORM ADMIRABLY. It definitely is NOT an obsolete relic; rather, it remains and entirely effective weapon. Of course, this is further evidence of Browning’s enduring genius. To substantiate this statement, I offer a single illustration. Sig’s M17/M18 accommodate 21+1 rounds of 9x19mm ammunition. Let’s presume (although I doubt this) that the best 9mm defensive rounds equal similarly advanced .45 ACP loads in “handgun range” defensive effectiveness. AND let’s further assume that the Sigs’ accuracies are equal to top-tier Colt’s, Springfield’s, Kimber’s, Wesson’s, Wilson’s and so forth. AND let’s also premise that the Sig’s are as comfortable to conceal as is the five-inch barrel 1911A1. Okay, I’d then respectfully suggest that the only substantial differences are cost and capacity. > COST. “You get what you pay for;” while there is no doubt that excellent polymer-frame / striker-fired semiautomatics are perfectly effective and often less expensive than are the better 19111A1s (but, there is Tisas), they also are far less iconic. > CAPACITY. What percentage of lawful defensive scenarios will require more than eight rounds - hell, move than four rounds - to be successfully resolved? The answer is damn few. We have all seen videos where the “good guys” (including law enforcement) “spray and party” many rounds at the felons. IMHO, they do so principally because their weapons have mega-capacities and because they are too frightened to shoot with poised accuracy. HOWEVER, such tactics incur grave risks of inadvertent harm to innocents. I cannot imagine a potential and lawful defensive situation (for me and for MANY others), which could not successfully resolve with five rounds. Furthermore, the best .45 ACP factory ammunition is darn effective at the ranges which typically apply.
I love the 1911 and have owned four of them over the years. Alas I now only own two and they are from the Kimber factory. I love how accurate they inherently are and I very much enjoy plinking with them. Very, very fun to shoot and mine have all been chambered in .45 ACP. And reloading .45 ACP is a joy on my Dillon 650. By the way Paul Harrell has a very entertaining rebuttal video to another gun channel on RUclips, who I won't name, who claimed that the 1911 is just not very reliable/prone to breakage or misfires or something like that. Well Paul assembled about seven or so 1911s and in the video he fires I think twelve rounds through each and every one of them at a dueling tree and after firing the twelve rounds out of each gun he turns to the camera and proclaims " Once again, very reliable ! " in a no nonsense way only Paul Harrell can do.
Great pistol, great video. A pilot in a parachute even managed to kill a Zero pilot while desending after bailing his stricken aircraft with his 1911. True story.
Great video HR. I think also not just that the 1911 was the military handgun issue for so long, but that it was the issued sidearm during sooooo much acttive military combat. The era of the 1911 has had so many engagements with active combat duty where it proved itself as a protector of our military personnel and a military tool as no other has since. I wonder if one added up those years and held them up against what was the active combat duty sidearm during those years, what those statistics would look like.
If I recall correctly, according to C&Rsenal, the 1911 (including the variations) has the highest production count worldwide of any handgun in its 100+ years of production.
Because it works putting bad guys in the ground with distressing regularity. It fits the hand and all controls are intuitive way before the word "ergonomics" was created. Because its been working since 1911 and the tilting barrel short recoil is still used by vast majority of so called wonder pistols or plastic guns. Becauee the trigger design is a masterliece of simplicity and provides the most incredible break never equaled by any DA/SA or striker design.
The "Gangsters" of the day loved the .45 as most police were using .32 or .38. the "gangsters" also loved the .45 because they also had the iconic "Tommy Gun" made really famous during the St Valentine's Day Massacre. Same ammo.
Good, fun video. I agree especially with point 3 - the 1911 was the standard sidearm of all branches of the military for so long that multiple generations became familiar with it. I wonder if the military had adopted the Hi-Power prior to WW2, if the 1911/.45 would have been less popular today - I suspect that would have been the case. But we'll never know. Of course, sidearms in the military don't get used too often (they are generally secondary weapons, and if you are using it things have gone very wrong) and that contributed to the longevity of the 1911 - it worked, but was used rarely, so no real need to replace it. Regarding reliability, my understanding is the 1911 was usually carried in the military in a full flap holster, chamber empty, hammer down. Had it been carried cocked and locked in an open holster (as is the standard today for police and citizens) I imagine a lot of mud and dirt could have gotten between the cocked hammer and the firing pin under muddy combat conditions, tarnishing the gun's reputation. In other words, the reliability was enhanced by the manner in which it was carried. Good work Howard!
Good video and your top 5 reasons are spot on. I see you nave a HI Power on the wall, that is my #2 pistol the 1911 being my #1. The 1911 has been my #1 pistol ever since I shot my dads 1911A1 when I was 9 yrs old (60 yrs ago) I currently have 5 1911's all full size.
I started in the US Navy with the 1911 in .22LR. Went on to qualify and stand countless watches with an old 1911 on my hip. At this point my son, a LEO got me back to shooting by presenting me a Glock. I recently got myself a 1911 (Tisas B9 Carry). I’ve got 100 rounds thru it, and I’m already shooting into 3-inch circle at 15 yards, and keeping them in a dinner plate at 25 when I do my part. I find myself wanting a safe full of 1911’s.
Built like a tank, and no pizazz or fluff in the styling. It's all purpose built to do one job, no matter how it ended up looking. If a guy like me can ring steel plates at 25 yards 7 out of 8 times the first time touching the gun, Mr. Browning did a hell of a job.
I became proficient with the 1911 in the Marines when I enlisted in the Corps towards the end of Vietnam and have loved it ever since. Later, When I became a Staff Sargent and qualified expert with it, my love of the pistol increased. I now always feel the need to have at least one 1911 in my arsenal, actually have three now. I still can shoot my 1911's the best of all my hand guns, grip angle, trigger, weight and an effective cartridge, pretty hard to beat!
All good valid points. It is also cool beyond belief and makes an unexpanded hole of about half an inch. Nice picture of Iron Mike for those who know who he is. Semper Fi.
1911=a cup of hot dark roast coffee ☕ no sugar, no cream. Polymer guns= soy latte mocha chino Expresso with vanilla bean sprinkles...a hot mess. Just give me black, hot, no sugar, and no cream please.
Hello, Mr. Funk. I watch your videos routinely, and you offer one of the best deliveries and solid information out there. (BTW, a local gun shop experienced the same issues with new S&W revolvers that you encountered.) Some thoughts on the 1911. First, it is indeed iconic, being brilliantly and collaboratively designed by Browning, the Army, and Colt. Folks often forget the 1911 was designed for calvary soldiers to be simple and safe to operate in combat. As such, it is amazingly safe with thumb, grip, and firing pin safeties. I cringe every time I see a Plastic Fantastic, with only a trigger projection easily overcome by clothing, etc., being stuffed into an appendix carry holster. I also wonder what the real police accident/negligent discharge rates are for using these “new” guns. The 1911 Condition One uses redundant safety layers that must be concurrently overridden to normally fire. Second, 1911 pistols offer something of value, unlike the “Gun of the Week” touted in the gun media. They can become true heirlooms, unlike a pile of recyclable plastic. Finally, I could not agree more with your 45 ACP commentary. Many of the media seem to forget that the military, police, and private citizens have very different tactical parameters. I would never want to fire a high-speed small caliber round in my house and risk over-penetration.
NIcely done video Sir! if there is a #6 added to your list, I believe the trigger action of the 1911 ought to be mentioned. Simple, easy to tune and with the shortest reset commonly found on service grade pistols, the highest compliment that can be paid to competing designs is "1911 like." John Browning set the standard for everyone with his invention of the slide operated dropping barrel autoloading pistol. Glocks, SIGs and all the rest owe their very existence to Browning's genius. Everyone and their brother make their version of this pistol-the one thing I notice is that when the copycats try to "improve" the 1911, the further they get away from the basic design the more issues they create for themselves.
The M1 is an excellent drill and ceremonies rifle not just because of its look but also because of its balance. I drilled with a 1903 Springfield and an M1 in the ROTC on the drill team. I didn't carry a 1911 in the army but because my rig was a secure location in the field we would often take custody of some for the officers when they couldn't carry it with them. I remember it was a very fine firearm and utilitarian at the same time. A true workhorse. I have yet to own a 1911 but I do own a 45 FEG. No, it is not a high power clone. I have owned a P250 Sig in 45. I do like shooting the 45. I believe I will own a Tisas 1911 at some point in the future. It is a well made 1911.
Nice summary! Thanks! If Colt had available a version of the 1911 but in 9mm (especially if Colt could have had a conversion kit from 45ACP to 9m), do you think the US Military would have stayed with the 1911 instead of converting to the Beretta?
along with the peacemaker the 1911 was without equal in the time period in which they were introduced. They really pushed the envelope in firearm design.
I'm new to the 1911 & decided to get a cheap one to see if I like it. If I do I'll get a better one. So I got a cheap one & love it. It's in my rotation of range guns now. I was already looking at steel range guns that cost over $1,000. I got my 1911 for under $500.
For one the fact that probably every US company and other countries make there own version and they continue to sale well is also another factor, also as a kid watching shows like the A TEAM and American world war 2 movies the 1911 is predominantly the main sidearm you see.
Reason #6: many of today's defensive tools are still based on Browning's locked breech tilting barrel design that originated with the 1911. The Sig p320, Glock, S&W M&P series, CZ75 to name a few all use a variation of that design. And for clarification, I use the term defensive tool for the newer plastic framed pistols because I also see guns as being wood & steel but acknowledge that plastic framed pistols have earned their place in self defense use.
Agree with all five. After one hundred years, the 1911 has only gotten better. I carried one on duty for 25 years and still carry one today. While I've owned a number of EDC guns, they always wind up in the safe. I own all three sizes of the 1911. If I leave the house, one goes with me. And where did you get the vest you are wearing in this video?
The irony is that such an iconic American handgun is only accessible to many Americans due to the efforts of great "American" manufacturers like Tisas, Girsan, RIA, Taurus etc.
My mother's family back in the day(1916-1921) in Ireland were IRA and Sinn Fein. Continuing a long family tradition that goes back centuries, they took up arms against Great Britain. The 1911 was the prized sidearm of the IRA in that struggle for Irish Freedom. I still carry an Ed Brown Kobra Carry (Commander) for my church gun, as I head up our church's security detail. How about three forty minute episodes on the 1911?
@hrfunk Hi, I have a question for you. I know you are an armorer. Have you ever tried adjusting the loop on the trigger bar of an M&P 9mm 2.0 to take out some of the over travel. also, if you were to choose between an M&P 2.0 California compliant full-size 4.25" barrel or a 4" compact version for all-round use, what do you think. I try to catch all your shows Thanks
I would like to see you wring out the new Tisas Aviator, a lightweight series 70 style Commander. Could be a Best Buy for a LW Commander, available in the iconic 45 acp and 9mm
It is (by far) the oldest autoloading handgun that is still at all relevant. Guns designed 20+ years after it are far more obsolete. The 1911 is as modern as it needs to be for a large caliber single-stack. You don't hit another one still in use until you get to the Hi-Power, partially designed by... Yep, JMB.
one more reason it is a battle tested gun a weapon the GI and Marines in the pacific swore by it made sure they came home safe and I include my uncles who fought in both theaters and my father in-law who fought in korea. there are those of us that know when we hold a 1911 that its design that will not only save are life but made sure a lot of veterans came home
Well, you definitely mirrored my 5 reasons, so here's my 6th reason, customization for embellishments. While I love S&W revolvers and my Glocks, there will always be a 1911 or two in my collection. As much as I prefer Glocks, when I see attempts at customization, I refer to any polymer gun that's customized as lipstick on a pig.
It was The state of the art marshall sidearm of WWI, with all the right features in all the right places, for the period. Even today, the only real detraction is mag capacity of the single stack and we aren't even limited to single stacks anymore.
So, So much talk about the 1911 handgun. John Browning knew what he was doing, and it was an amazing talent. Jeff Cooper was more than a fan. As the design was refined for accuracy, competition, and as a passion, the 1911 pistol stayed strong, in the minds, and hands of those that loved them, shooting them, refining them. Just the look of the 1911 is a satisfying experience, shooting a good one, is well, a very satisfying experience. Most modern handguns take some aspect from the 1911, and incorporate it into their design. Jeff was correct. The old saying, a guy asking another guy, why he carries a 1911 ? He responds, because they didn't make a 1912.
I have to go with its military service as #1. Seventy five years of service exposed a huge number of people to the platform. Many people in the firearms community want what the military has. That is why the P320 is so popular despire all the problems real or imagined the pistol has exhibited. Unlike modern procurememt, which goes to the low bidder, the 1911 was adopted because it was the best handgun available for the military. The M9 is arguably a better pistol but it was not in service long enough nor did it expose the numbers of people to the platform to get the cache. The P320 will be replaced some day and be quickly forgotten.
As long as we have these great quality inexpensive imports a 1911 makes a great starter pistol, Large and easy to handle with multiple safeties (new shooters are almost always iffy about not having manual safeties). Really the only thing about a 1911 that is at all out of date is the single stack magazines, everything else about it is completely adequate or still competitive at this point.
... and reason #6 the 1911 is just dead sexy. For me personally, it's one of the things my brain automatically connects with the U.S.. Greetings from Austria, Europe, home of Glock.
I think it’s iconic because it’s the most copied firearm ever. It’s unique but simple. Many other gun makers had copied some aspects of the 1911 in their own guns. Such as CZ, High Power and Sig to name a few. Even the Spanish Star looks almost identical.
If you posed that question to 10 different 1911 aficionados, you would probably get 10 different answers. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the Tisas pistols. Most of them retail for much less than that.
They are good pistols from my experience, but they use quite a few MIM parts. I’m not a MIM hater, but those parts are less expensive to produce and I think the pistols should be priced lower.
@@hrfunk I have been researching on their STX model of 1911. They claim to use premium hammer/sear/trigger set and both siide and frame materials are noted to be stainless steel. This model can be had for 1100-1300 right now. I am not a 1911 collector I wont invest thousands in it nor buy a budget one and carry it.I think this thing fits the bill for me.
As far as I know, the Marine Corps is phasing out all versions of the 1911 in favor of the M18. Still, knowing Jarheads, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of them keep hanging onto their 45’s.
I'll sit through 3 hours of 1911 examination
My Great Grandfather carried a Colt Model of 1911 in France in WW1. My Grandfather carried a 1911A1 in WW2 during the battle of Okinawa. My childhood mentor carried a 1911A1 in 1969 in Vietnam. And today, 31 year old me, civilian, carries a 1911A1 as an EDC. How much more American can you get. The 1911 is a part of who we are.
Thanks for the shout out, Chief. I served 31 years as a LEO and have carried 1911s for over 45 years. Within one year as a fugitive investigator, I made two arrests at gunpoint, that resulted in compliance and not the application of deadly force. In those two encounters each suspect asked another deputy, "Was the guy with the BIG GUN really going to shoot me?"
Another reason that the 1911 is an iconic pistol is that it was developed so early in the history of semiautomatic pistols, that every other design is either copy of the Browning designer, or not. Every other semiauto is judged by it.
And when this video ended the next video up was a SIG shooting class using USPSA compaction shooting to judge performance, and the shooter was carrying what? A 1911.
Ha, ha! Thanks again for the suggestion Frank. I'm glad you liked it. If your friend still has any questions, send him a link.
@@hrfunk He watched it first thing this morning and also wants the 3 hour version. If he reads all of the comments, I think he will get the drift... that he needs to add a 1911 to his growing collection.
I, for one, would have happily watched a 3-part video SERIES on this subject! Fun video, HR! Relative to the 1911 being so incredibly iconic, I tend to put it like this; Browning’s original design (well…technically post-1910) is so brilliant that it’s the most receptive platform for continued improvements and development. While each improvement adds to the gun, it never takes away from the brilliant core. In the world of gun design, you are more likely to hit the lotto 12 times in a row than produce that kind of design.
Ha, ha! Agreed!
I’d love a three - or, for that matter, a five - part series.
The greatest unsung heroes of the 1911 are the draftsmen, production engineers and master machinists who produced the M1911A1 Technical Data Package, allowing true standardized parts. See C&Rsenal for details. I was aghast that some measurements only existed on the settings of machines at Colt's. Not set up for serious manufacture. I wonder what the US Army paid?
Another reason why the 1911 is so iconic is the fact that it is caused people, even non gun people, to understand that the words "forty-five" even if they don't know the model number and manufacturer, still refers something impressive
Great video Howard as always. While I regret never having served in the military, I feel that the 1911 is an iconic symbol of American freedom. I am grateful to all of you who made the sacrifice to serve so that we American citizens can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Thank you for your service! I carry a government sized 1911 in .45 acp made here in America as a daily carry and have for years as a tribute to American soldiers who relied on these firearms for their lives in service protecting our great nation. I feel that the 1911 is the perfect conceal carry option for me and that the .45 acp is more than sufficient to protect my life and the lives of my family. I regularly train with my 1911 and shoot it proficiently as a daily carry gun. Thank you again.
My pleasure, Sir. Thanks for watching!
I enlisted into the US Navy in 1985 . After I was frocked as a Petty Officer 3rd Class on a DDG I was picked to attend the Ship's Self Defense Force School at Little Creek Virginia . The training cadre were US Marines , and they trained us in the handling of the 1911A1 handgun , the M14 rifle , the M870 shotgun , and the M60 machinegun . I served ten years in the navy and stood hundreds of hours armed with the 1911 . I am scheduled to attend my state's carry concealed class on December 2 and I'm going to shoot my 1911 to qualify .
I suspect you're not going to have any trouble qualifying. Thank you for your service in the Navy, and thank you for watching!
Attended the same school back in the 80's from our cruiser out of Charleston, SC.
@@danbyers8462I was sailing on USS Sellers DDG 11 in Charleston in the late 80s . What was the cruiser you were sailing on ?
@@hrfunkI was fortunate to be trained by some very fine Marines . Semper Fi !
I was on the USS Richmond K Turner CG20 from Oct 83- July 88
Fudds, Elmers, Grandpas, Uncles, RUclips. (And it is a great platform that is being updated and improved on constantly).
Mines sitting next to me in bed now 😂
Great video! The 1911 is as American as apple pie.. when you hold one in your hands something magical happens, almost like a bonding of two spirits coming together. Even bad guys recognize the power and bow, lest they be smited down by the awesome power of the 45!
Reason #6....you and I carry one regularly.
Great! One more: Adaptability. From combat, to competition, to carry, and from 1911 to 2011, for over 100 years and all its variations, its fundamental design has remained unchanged and all are easily identifiable as a 1911. Like Beethoven's Fifth or Van Gough's Starry Night, I never tire of contemplating a classic.
Excellent list. It made me think of exactly how disappointed I was when my 1911 was replaced with an M9 (The M9 grows on you but it was a gut punch to me at the time, particularly if you are dealing with standard trash 9mm 115 grain NATO ammo); I wonder if people feel the same switching from the M9 to M17 or M18. I think with higher capacity magazines, people started looking at the sidearm as a weapon with some sort of standoff capability; with the 1911 if was about taking care of problems that had gotten way too close.
I enlisted in the late-1960s, trained with the 1911A1, carried one overseas, and NEVER quite felt the M9 was its equal. Yes, I fully understand the Beretta’s several substantial advantages, however, DoD prohibition of all but FMJ rounds made me want to have the most potent possible ammunition (which was not a 124 grain, NATO, 9x19mm).
NATO 9mm is 124gr.
Thanks, HR. Short answer: Because...it just works.
I agree with you that the cartridge has a lot to do with the success of the pistol. If the 1911 had been chambered in 9mm, I think it would be much less common.
Compare the 1911's relative popularity with the Browning High Power, for example. Both were designed by the genius of Browning, both were adopted by militaries, yet the High Power is not nearly as popular as the 1911 and has relatively few makers of "clones" and variations, compared to the 1911. _Despite_ the 9mm being an overall more popular cartridge.
Some of the 1911's popularity stems from competition, as you state...largely because in Bullseye shooting there is a ".45 class" where one MUST shoot a .45 ACP chambered handgun. While S&W made a very fine .45 ACP chambered revolver, it was quite large and heavy compared to its "K" series, also designed for Bullseye competition (K-22, K-32 and K-38) which were identical, but for chambering.
At the same time Bullseye shooters, including myself, could buy a High Standard Supermatic "Military" model in .22 long rifle and a Colt Gold Cup .45 and compete in all stages of Bullseye (.22, "any centerfire" and .45) with just two handguns and both were of identical weight and "feel". The High Standard "Military" models were designed to closely mimic the weight, grip angle and feel of a Model 1911. While they do not look the same, when handling and shooting my Supermatic Citation, looking over the sights and holding it in my hands, it feels identical to my Gold Cup. The weight, sight picture, trigger feel and grip angle are identical. Blindfold me and I couldn't tell you which I was holding...until I felt the recoil. (just sayin', I don't recommend shooting blindfolded)
In action shooting, the .45 was always powerful enough to "make major" class, something 9mm and .38 Super shooters struggle with.
And I think the mystique of being "America's handgun" is also very powerful. Sorry, but an M9 or M17 pistol in a fabric holster just doesn't say "AMERICA!" like a Model 1911 in an M1916 leather flap holster. You don't even need to SEE the handgun...the holster is as iconic as the gun! Just as an M1 rifle screams "America" unlike any other rifle.
Thanks Gary. I couldn't have said it any better.
not only is it iconic the 1911 is very popular. For an "obsolete" weapon there are a lot of 1911's being manufactured today and being purchased. Simple to operate and powerful yo use.
Carried 1911 .45 (commander and full size 5") since 1972. I was one if 7 in a large agency to be permitted to carry a Colt 1911 as a duty pistol (2 tone Colt Combat Elite added stag grips). Competed in IPSC with them Colt Gold Cup (2) and a custom Colt Commander. I still carry them in .38 Super, .357 SIG, .45 ACP and 10mm. These weapons point as a natural extention of my arm and really feel comfortable with one cocked and locked. Today if I knew I'd be involved in a defensive shooting scenario and could only have a handgun, yep, it would be a 1911 .38 Super to 10mm with full power ammo including the .357 SIG AND BELOVED .45 ACP. Great review Chief.
Thank you!
It is history you can hold in your hand. It also reminds me of a friend’s favorite phrase.” The enemy of good , is better”
Not sure if this qualifies as iconic but I'd also suggest the 1911's versatility. The 1911 platform is available in so many barrel lengths, most calibres (including some often overlooked ones like the 38 Super), grip sizes, magazine capacities and sight configurations that there really is a 1911 for almost any role you can use a handgun for. Nice presentation.
Thanks Alan! I would also suggest there's probably a 1911 variant for every shooter.
Good morning H.R., excellent video love the 1911 it’s tough,proven, great balance ,great trigger ,caliber it’s got it all in one !
yep
Excellent summation HR!
I too have carried a 1911 off and on for several years.
For me it's a shooters pistol, meaning that it is not only ergonomic but also forces one to know its manual of arms.
And the slim design makes it easier to conceal.
On another note, after 52 years of working I am finally retiring in July!
And as a gift to myself I am ordering a Nighthawk Custom Firehawk IOS pistol!! ❤
Congratulations! Enjoy that new pistol!
Oh, I fully agree with you on the greatness of the 1911. Used one as a sidearm in Vietnam, to supplement the M14 I had. And I can personally attest to its effectiveness in close quarters combat. Later, as a peace officer, when the agency said no more revolvers, I carried a 1911A1 in 45Auto. When they said no more single action autos, I was issued a 9mm. I soon after retired.
Today, you won't find a 9mm autoloader, or a plastic pistol in my safe. But you'll find two 1911A1's in 45 Auto among my revolvers. 'Nuff said...😏
You have good taste.
I felt as though this was for me. Until about 1978 or so, I was all about handgun shooting and at that time it was S&W revolvers. Then life happened and there was no time for firearms until my daughter mentioned she wanted to become a policeman (@1997). I went to a shop in Annapolis and purchased for her a Ruger P90. And that was it until 2015 when I went to a gun show in Melbourne and was intrigued by the new (to me) 1911s. Shortly thereafter, my first purchase, an OLD P-14 Para-Ordnance. Happily that was the beginning, but the 1911 that opened my eyes to actual shooting was a Magnum Research-labeled, BUL Armory produced stainless .45. That opened the gates to competition shooting with a variety of what I consider still affordable (under 2K), good quality 1911s. Truthfully, I never think about using any of my 1911s for defense; they are too good for that.
There are several of mine that I would not want to have languishing in an evidence locker.
The 1911 is approven pistol great military history and service.
My 1911 stamp is 1913 when used in November sets.
Nice tribute, hrfunk, thanks.
I'd say this simple analogy: how many automobiles first introduced around the same time, or even 30 years more recently, do people still want to own and drive today. Drive, regularly as their daily car. Compete with it in auto racing. Find it still has excellent ergonomics, reliable machinery, etc.
I can't even come close to naming such a car.
Nor, can I.
John B, WWI, WW2, Korea, Nam, 45 gods caliber. Just a start
Spot on Howard! Steeped in tradition - like a rifle with a deep bluing and fine walnut furniture. Synthetic has its place, but nothing screams Americana more than The 1911!
HR,
Very good video. The 1911 and I go way back. The first pistol I ever shot was a 1911A1. This was in 1955, my parents and I were on a vacation trip and we stopped at Fort Jackson in S. Caroline to visit my Uncle-in-law and his family (he was a career Army Officer married to my aunt). While we were there, Uncle Yance took my cousin and me to the base range and checked out a 1911A1 from the Armory and both my cousin Andy (who was my age) and I shot it. We were 11 years old at the time, but I still remember that. I now own a number of 1911s I've acquired over the years. I have an Auto Ordnance 1911 .45ACP (three digit serial number, very early one), Colt Ace .22 with Gold Cup slide & barrel (I have both top ends for this gun), Colt Government .45ACP built for competition, Colt Government .45ACP, 1943 Remington Rand .45ACP, Kimber 1911 .45ACP Compact, one Argentine Balester-Molina .45ACP built for Argentine Air Force, and one homebuilt 1911 Commander .45ACP with Colt slide and titanium frame. I think those are all the 1911-type guns that I have, but without going through the safe, it's a little hard to tell exactly.
Cheers,
Zeke
That’s a great selection. As an aside,I drove past Fort Jackson last weekend.
👍👍Thanks, A really well done video.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Chief, great video! I agree with all your points and own more than one. The 1911 in 45 acp will always get the job done if you do your part and the 45 acp cartridge is one of the very very few that will work just fine in the FMJ configuration. While it will obviously not expand, at 230 grains it doesn't have to. While it's a bit too large and heavy for EDC / CCW, for exposed carry, home defense, utter reliability and performance, it is unbeatable. Parts and magazines are available anywhere and many are interchangeable as well. DESPITE what the old legend says, WWI & WWII USGI examples are more accurate than most people can shoot them. Before I could afford a Colt Gold Cup NM, I used a WWII USGI standard Colt for competition with standard USGI parts and standard sights. It never stopped me from winning competitions. Sure, the Gold Cup has much better sights, a much better trigger and is over all a bit more accurate because of it's purpose built nature, the standard Gov't issue model is no slouch in the accuracy department - despite what urban legend says. For EDC/CCW a Sig P365, Hellcat, FN Reflex, etc. etc. is probably the way to go because of size and weight, but at the end of the day, the 45 acp 1911 is way better at home for SD, IMHO.
The pistols I used in the Marine Corps were always quite accurate too. I suspect the stories about GI pistols being inaccurate had a lot to do with the shooters.
@@hrfunk I could not agree more!!
Good morning HR. Great video on the iconic 1911. Since I first fired one in the early 70s I've always had at least one and often more. They've ranged from a not so good Llama to a fantastic custom made competition gun. A commander size 1911 is still one of my favorite carry guns. It's not as small and light as the new polymer breed of pistols. But the "Old Slabside" design is narrow and conceals well. It disappears with a good IWB holster. The accuracy and shootability more than make up for the extra weight. I doubt that anything will ever replace the 1911 as my favorite handgun.❤ ( The CZ 75 guns do make a close second place.😂)
Great video! The first handgun I bought after I turned 21 was a Colt Combat Commander. A few months ago, to celebrate turning 62, I bought myself a Tisas Carry 1911. The 1911 and the Browning Hi-power are my two favorite semi-automatic pistols.
This was a terrific video, Howard; were I more sentimental, it would have slightly moistened my old and salty eyes. THANK YOU. I entirely agree with your five reasons, but I’ll be presumptuous enough to add one more: After eleven decades, the 1911A1 (loaded with .45 ACP rounds) CONTINUES TO PERFORM ADMIRABLY. It definitely is NOT an obsolete relic; rather, it remains and entirely effective weapon. Of course, this is further evidence of Browning’s enduring genius.
To substantiate this statement, I offer a single illustration. Sig’s M17/M18 accommodate 21+1 rounds of 9x19mm ammunition. Let’s presume (although I doubt this) that the best 9mm defensive rounds equal similarly advanced .45 ACP loads in “handgun range” defensive effectiveness. AND let’s further assume that the Sigs’ accuracies are equal to top-tier Colt’s, Springfield’s, Kimber’s, Wesson’s, Wilson’s and so forth. AND let’s also premise that the Sig’s are as comfortable to conceal as is the five-inch barrel 1911A1. Okay, I’d then respectfully suggest that the only substantial differences are cost and capacity.
> COST. “You get what you pay for;” while there is no doubt that excellent polymer-frame / striker-fired semiautomatics are perfectly effective and often less expensive than are the better 19111A1s (but, there is Tisas), they also are far less iconic.
> CAPACITY. What percentage of lawful defensive scenarios will require more than eight rounds - hell, move than four rounds - to be successfully resolved? The answer is damn few. We have all seen videos where the “good guys” (including law enforcement) “spray and party” many rounds at the felons. IMHO, they do so principally because their weapons have mega-capacities and because they are too frightened to shoot with poised accuracy. HOWEVER, such tactics incur grave risks of inadvertent harm to innocents. I cannot imagine a potential and lawful defensive situation (for me and for MANY others), which could not successfully resolve with five rounds. Furthermore, the best .45 ACP factory ammunition is darn effective at the ranges which typically apply.
Well stated Roy.
I love the 1911 and have owned four of them over the years. Alas I now only own two and they are from the Kimber factory. I love how accurate they inherently are and I very much enjoy plinking with them. Very, very fun to shoot and mine have all been chambered in .45 ACP. And reloading .45 ACP is a joy on my Dillon 650. By the way Paul Harrell has a very entertaining rebuttal video to another gun channel on RUclips, who I won't name, who claimed that the 1911 is just not very reliable/prone to breakage or misfires or something like that. Well Paul assembled about seven or so 1911s and in the video he fires I think twelve rounds through each and every one of them at a dueling tree and after firing the twelve rounds out of each gun he turns to the camera and proclaims " Once again, very reliable ! " in a no nonsense way only Paul Harrell can do.
Thanks for another excellent commentary, Corporal Funk.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
I probably would've watched a series on this. Thanks!
The 1911 is an iconic handgun because of Mickey Spillane.
One of my partners read Mickey. In one story the cops impound his carry 1911. He goes home and pulls a shoebox from a closet and builds another.
Absolutely appreciate your attention to historic detail! No doubt the 1911 served as an integral tool relating to our prosperity in the 20th century.
Can't beat the age old, "It won 2 World Wars!" LOL
I got a 22 Lr slide for a Kimber 10mm ,
Agreed!
Outstanding Summary HR. BZ! S/F!
Great pistol, great video. A pilot in a parachute even managed to kill a Zero pilot while desending after bailing his stricken aircraft with his 1911. True story.
In tons of movies and TV shows. The rat patrol! David Starsky of Starsky and Hutch used one!
Starksy only carried a 1911 during the pilot episode.....
Amazing video and I love anything 1911! 🍻
Great video HR. I think also not just that the 1911 was the military handgun issue for so long, but that it was the issued sidearm during sooooo much acttive military combat. The era of the 1911 has had so many engagements with active combat duty where it proved itself as a protector of our military personnel and a military tool as no other has since. I wonder if one added up those years and held them up against what was the active combat duty sidearm during those years, what those statistics would look like.
Good question. Your point is well taken.
If I recall correctly, according to C&Rsenal, the 1911 (including the variations) has the highest production count worldwide of any handgun in its 100+ years of production.
That's probably true, but I don't know how anyone could quantify it.
Sources were government contracts and manufacturer production lists. @@hrfunk
Because it works putting bad guys in the ground with distressing regularity. It fits the hand and all controls are intuitive way before the word "ergonomics" was created. Because its been working since 1911 and the tilting barrel short recoil is still used by vast majority of so called wonder pistols or plastic guns. Becauee the trigger design is a masterliece of simplicity and provides the most incredible break never equaled by any DA/SA or striker design.
The "Gangsters" of the day loved the .45 as most police were using .32 or .38. the "gangsters" also loved the .45 because they also had the iconic "Tommy Gun" made really famous during the St Valentine's Day Massacre. Same ammo.
Good, fun video. I agree especially with point 3 - the 1911 was the standard sidearm of all branches of the military for so long that multiple generations became familiar with it. I wonder if the military had adopted the Hi-Power prior to WW2, if the 1911/.45 would have been less popular today - I suspect that would have been the case. But we'll never know.
Of course, sidearms in the military don't get used too often (they are generally secondary weapons, and if you are using it things have gone very wrong) and that contributed to the longevity of the 1911 - it worked, but was used rarely, so no real need to replace it.
Regarding reliability, my understanding is the 1911 was usually carried in the military in a full flap holster, chamber empty, hammer down. Had it been carried cocked and locked in an open holster (as is the standard today for police and citizens) I imagine a lot of mud and dirt could have gotten between the cocked hammer and the firing pin under muddy combat conditions, tarnishing the gun's reputation. In other words, the reliability was enhanced by the manner in which it was carried.
Good work Howard!
Thank you!
Good video and your top 5 reasons are spot on. I see you nave a HI Power on the wall, that is my #2 pistol the 1911 being my #1. The 1911 has been my #1 pistol ever since I shot my dads 1911A1 when I was 9 yrs old (60 yrs ago) I currently have 5 1911's all full size.
I started in the US Navy with the 1911 in .22LR.
Went on to qualify and stand countless watches with an old 1911 on my hip.
At this point my son, a LEO got me back to shooting by presenting me a Glock.
I recently got myself a 1911 (Tisas B9 Carry). I’ve got 100 rounds thru it, and I’m already shooting into 3-inch circle at 15 yards, and keeping them in a dinner plate at 25 when I do my part.
I find myself wanting a safe full of 1911’s.
Yep. They’re infectious.
I really enjoy your videos I have all the plastic fantastic but also have 7 1911 pistols bu far my favorite firearm of all time
#2-Enough said!
Built like a tank, and no pizazz or fluff in the styling. It's all purpose built to do one job, no matter how it ended up looking. If a guy like me can ring steel plates at 25 yards 7 out of 8 times the first time touching the gun, Mr. Browning did a hell of a job.
I think the 1911 is just about the most beautiful pistol out there. It shoots great & is an icon.
I became proficient with the 1911 in the Marines when I enlisted in the Corps towards the end of Vietnam and have loved it ever since. Later, When I became a Staff Sargent and qualified expert with it, my love of the pistol increased. I now always feel the need to have at least one 1911 in my arsenal, actually have three now. I still can shoot my 1911's the best of all my hand guns, grip angle, trigger, weight and an effective cartridge, pretty hard to beat!
I agree. Semper Fi!
Give us the three hour version!
Great video and very insightful.
Thank you!
All good valid points. It is also cool beyond belief and makes an unexpanded hole of about half an inch. Nice picture of Iron Mike for those who know who he is. Semper Fi.
Semper Fi!
1911=a cup of hot dark roast coffee ☕ no sugar, no cream. Polymer guns= soy latte mocha chino Expresso with vanilla bean sprinkles...a hot mess.
Just give me black, hot, no sugar, and no cream please.
Hello, Mr. Funk. I watch your videos routinely, and you offer one of the best deliveries and solid information out there. (BTW, a local gun shop experienced the same issues with new S&W revolvers that you encountered.) Some thoughts on the 1911. First, it is indeed iconic, being brilliantly and collaboratively designed by Browning, the Army, and Colt. Folks often forget the 1911 was designed for calvary soldiers to be simple and safe to operate in combat. As such, it is amazingly safe with thumb, grip, and firing pin safeties. I cringe every time I see a Plastic Fantastic, with only a trigger projection easily overcome by clothing, etc., being stuffed into an appendix carry holster. I also wonder what the real police accident/negligent discharge rates are for using these “new” guns. The 1911 Condition One uses redundant safety layers that must be concurrently overridden to normally fire. Second, 1911 pistols offer something of value, unlike the “Gun of the Week” touted in the gun media. They can become true heirlooms, unlike a pile of recyclable plastic. Finally, I could not agree more with your 45 ACP commentary. Many of the media seem to forget that the military, police, and private citizens have very different tactical parameters. I would never want to fire a high-speed small caliber round in my house and risk over-penetration.
The 1911 is as American as baseball and apple pie. Love it. Good thoughts Howard.
Thanks Ben!
NIcely done video Sir! if there is a #6 added to your list, I believe the trigger action of the 1911 ought to be mentioned. Simple, easy to tune and with the shortest reset commonly found on service grade pistols, the highest compliment that can be paid to competing designs is "1911 like." John Browning set the standard for everyone with his invention of the slide operated dropping barrel autoloading pistol. Glocks, SIGs and all the rest owe their very existence to Browning's genius. Everyone and their brother make their version of this pistol-the one thing I notice is that when the copycats try to "improve" the 1911, the further they get away from the basic design the more issues they create for themselves.
Yep, I've noticed they same thing.
Great video
Thank you!
Very well stated !
Thank you!
The M1 is an excellent drill and ceremonies rifle not just because of its look but also because of its balance. I drilled with a 1903 Springfield and an M1 in the ROTC on the drill team. I didn't carry a 1911 in the army but because my rig was a secure location in the field we would often take custody of some for the officers when they couldn't carry it with them. I remember it was a very fine firearm and utilitarian at the same time. A true workhorse. I have yet to own a 1911 but I do own a 45 FEG. No, it is not a high power clone. I have owned a P250 Sig in 45. I do like shooting the 45. I believe I will own a Tisas 1911 at some point in the future. It is a well made 1911.
Nice summary! Thanks! If Colt had available a version of the 1911 but in 9mm (especially if Colt could have had a conversion kit from 45ACP to 9m), do you think the US Military would have stayed with the 1911 instead of converting to the Beretta?
No, I don’t. When the 1911 was replaced (much like the M9 a few years ago) the military leadership seemed intent on going to something new.
You are probably right. Government procurement is a funny game.
along with the peacemaker the 1911 was without equal in the time period in which they were introduced. They really pushed the envelope in firearm design.
I'm new to the 1911 & decided to get a cheap one to see if I like it. If I do I'll get a better one. So I got a cheap one & love it. It's in my rotation of range guns now. I was already looking at steel range guns that cost over $1,000. I got my 1911 for under $500.
I’ve been carrying my Tisas USGI pistol for the past couple of days. There’s just something comforting about a 1911.
I have more 1911 pistols than any other type, followed by the Beretta M9 types then Sig 226 types. Colt 1911 pistols are excellent examples.
For one the fact that probably every US company and other countries make there own version and they continue to sale well is also another factor, also as a kid watching shows like the A TEAM and American world war 2 movies the 1911 is predominantly the main sidearm you see.
Great vid! Thank you!
You're welcome. thanks for watching!
Reason #6: many of today's defensive tools are still based on Browning's locked breech tilting barrel design that originated with the 1911. The Sig p320, Glock, S&W M&P series, CZ75 to name a few all use a variation of that design.
And for clarification, I use the term defensive tool for the newer plastic framed pistols because I also see guns as being wood & steel but acknowledge that plastic framed pistols have earned their place in self defense use.
Agree with all five. After one hundred years, the 1911 has only gotten better. I carried one on duty for 25 years and still carry one today. While I've owned a number of EDC guns, they always wind up in the safe. I own all three sizes of the 1911. If I leave the house, one goes with me. And where did you get the vest you are wearing in this video?
It came from Duluth Trading Company.
The irony is that such an iconic American handgun is only accessible to many Americans due to the efforts of great "American" manufacturers like Tisas, Girsan, RIA, Taurus etc.
Don’t forget CZ.
My mother's family back in the day(1916-1921) in Ireland were IRA and Sinn Fein. Continuing a long family tradition that goes back centuries, they took up arms against Great Britain. The 1911 was the prized sidearm of the IRA in that struggle for Irish Freedom.
I still carry an Ed Brown Kobra Carry (Commander) for my church gun, as I head up our church's security detail.
How about three forty minute episodes on the 1911?
Great show
Thank you!
@hrfunk Hi, I have a question for you. I know you are an armorer. Have you ever tried adjusting the loop on the trigger bar of an M&P 9mm 2.0 to take out some of the over travel. also, if you were to choose between an M&P 2.0 California compliant full-size 4.25" barrel or a 4" compact version for all-round use, what do you think. I try to catch all your shows Thanks
I would like to see you wring out the new Tisas Aviator, a lightweight series 70 style Commander. Could be a Best Buy for a LW Commander, available in the iconic 45 acp and 9mm
So would I. Stay tuned!
Where else would I go?😊
It is (by far) the oldest autoloading handgun that is still at all relevant. Guns designed 20+ years after it are far more obsolete. The 1911 is as modern as it needs to be for a large caliber single-stack.
You don't hit another one still in use until you get to the Hi-Power, partially designed by...
Yep, JMB.
I believe you have one thing backwards, the 45 ACP is famous BECAUSE of the 1911 is so popular.
I understand why you might say that, but I think the cartridge is iconic on its own merits.
one more reason it is a battle tested gun a weapon the GI and Marines in the pacific swore by it made sure they came home safe and I include my uncles who fought in both theaters and my father in-law who fought in korea. there are those of us that know when we hold a 1911 that its design that will not only save are life but made sure a lot of veterans came home
Well, you definitely mirrored my 5 reasons, so here's my 6th reason, customization for embellishments. While I love S&W revolvers and my Glocks, there will always be a 1911 or two in my collection. As much as I prefer Glocks, when I see attempts at customization, I refer to any polymer gun that's customized as lipstick on a pig.
It's also the most copied firearm by every gun manufacturer, in the world. Why? Lol
It was The state of the art marshall sidearm of WWI, with all the right features in all the right places, for the period. Even today, the only real detraction is mag capacity of the single stack and we aren't even limited to single stacks anymore.
The first reason is HRFunk shoots it.
So, So much talk about the 1911 handgun. John Browning knew what he was doing, and it was an amazing talent. Jeff Cooper was more than a fan. As the design was refined for accuracy, competition, and as a passion, the 1911 pistol stayed strong, in the minds, and hands of those that loved them, shooting them, refining them. Just the look of the 1911 is a satisfying experience, shooting a good one, is well, a very satisfying experience. Most modern handguns take some aspect from the 1911, and incorporate it into their design. Jeff was correct. The old saying, a guy asking another guy, why he carries a 1911 ? He responds, because they didn't make a 1912.
Reasons number six and seven: It's a great looking pistol and chicks dig guys who tote them.
I have to go with its military service as #1. Seventy five years of service exposed a huge number of people to the platform. Many people in the firearms community want what the military has. That is why the P320 is so popular despire all the problems real or imagined the pistol has exhibited. Unlike modern procurememt, which goes to the low bidder, the 1911 was adopted because it was the best handgun available for the military. The M9 is arguably a better pistol but it was not in service long enough nor did it expose the numbers of people to the platform to get the cache. The P320 will be replaced some day and be quickly forgotten.
As long as we have these great quality inexpensive imports a 1911 makes a great starter pistol, Large and easy to handle with multiple safeties (new shooters are almost always iffy about not having manual safeties). Really the only thing about a 1911 that is at all out of date is the single stack magazines, everything else about it is completely adequate or still competitive at this point.
... and reason #6 the 1911 is just dead sexy. For me personally, it's one of the things my brain automatically connects with the U.S.. Greetings from Austria, Europe, home of Glock.
Greetings to you from Ohio. Thank you for watching!
Just about any tool with a pistol grip was modeled after the 1911!
All of the above, I got mine!
3 reasons.... John Moses Browning.... 2 World Wars..... and 45ACP.
I think it’s iconic because it’s the most copied firearm ever. It’s unique but simple. Many other gun makers had copied some aspects of the 1911 in their own guns. Such as CZ, High Power and Sig to name a few. Even the Spanish Star looks almost identical.
Basic answer.........if you ever shot a quality example you know why.
Roger that!
Steel and Walnut.....
A man carries a .45
An American man carries a 1911 .45
A patriotic American carries a Colt!
Who makes the best 1911 for $800-850 range??
If you posed that question to 10 different 1911 aficionados, you would probably get 10 different answers. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the Tisas pistols. Most of them retail for much less than that.
I might give 1911’s a second thought..What do you think of sig stx?
I think it’s over priced.
@@hrfunk I agree sig is an overpriced brand. I read and watched positive reviews on their 1911’s for the most part.
They are good pistols from my experience, but they use quite a few MIM parts. I’m not a MIM hater, but those parts are less expensive to produce and I think the pistols should be priced lower.
@@hrfunk I have been researching on their STX model of 1911. They claim to use premium hammer/sear/trigger set and both siide and frame materials are noted to be stainless steel. This model can be had for 1100-1300 right now. I am not a 1911 collector I wont invest thousands in it nor buy a budget one and carry it.I think this thing fits the bill for me.
Anyways Chief I love your videos, i look forward to the next one!
i dont know if its true or not but i heard a long time ago that marsoc still uses the 1911
As far as I know, the Marine Corps is phasing out all versions of the 1911 in favor of the M18. Still, knowing Jarheads, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of them keep hanging onto their 45’s.