My 1911 purchase was TOTALLY based on ergonomics. With my hands a double stack was not "normal" , "natural" to pick up and shoot. The first time I picked up a 1911 I was in love! Great podcast gentlemen!
I have been Carrying Company Issued double stack polymer 9mm on work. Since I have small hands Im not comfortable with it. Since I was trained on the M16 and 1911 way back 2013. And know the 1911 single stack is perfect on my hands so I purchased my personal gun a 1911.
This 1911 podcast is absolutely golden! It’s really awesome of you guys to be putting out nothing but relatable content you are literally speaking to your crowd and it’s such a great feeling for myself (and I’m sure thousands of others) as a long time viewer/listener and customer that I know I am supporting the right crowd and doing the right things. I also appreciate how you guys take every approach to product rather it be entry level or high end price points, it makes everyone feel welcomed and excited no matter where they are financially or experienced and that’s huge! Thank you guys for the content we have you on nearly every day at work.
56:33 I bought that magazine and read that article at LEAST 100 times. My first handgun I ever bought with my own money was a 5” Springfield “loaded” in .45ACP BECAUSE of that article.
At this point can we outright call JMB the most influential weapons designer in history? The sheer number of his designs that persist into the modern era, some virtually unchanged, along with the number of modern designs that trace their workings to his designs is just staggering.
Okay, you need to get this guy on again. He knows is stuff, passion and integrity. No offence intended but it’s so good to her someone that can talk. Love this channel and Ryan. Thank you.
My father was a career Secret Service agent and was in during the Miami Dade shooting. Because of that shooting the Secret Service (as well as other agencies) would allow agents to purchase and carry their own firearms, within reason of course. My dad carried a Colt 1911, a browning 10 gauge pump shotgun he had the barrel shortened on and also had a double barrel hunting shotgun with beautiful inlays cut down. He would carry that under his raincoat when working hotels. I grew up shooting the 1911 and naturally that’s the first pistol I purchased for myself. Since then I’ve purchased many 9mm plastic wonder pistols in an attempt to have higher capacity. Recently I decided that I’m done searching for the perfect pistol and I’m simply carrying the 1911 in the Lords caliber. It absolutely feels the most natural of any handgun, and I shoot it far better than anything else. I can shoot half size silhouettes at 120 meters with about 1 second splits even with an elevated heart rate and labored breathing. I can’t do anywhere near that with Glocks or M&P’s. The closest I’ve found is the CZ P-09 which is also hammer fired. But admittedly I’ve never purchased a double stack 1911. I’ve fondled them and almost bought one, but the grip just isn’t the same. I’ve heard that the one that’s an aluminum stippled grip with no grip panels is the closest to the original. I forget the name of course now that I’m trying to reference it. It’s a silly name. Not the Wilson as I know they also make one like that. Ha! I remembered! The platypus. I’ve heard it feels very similar. But either way, I’m sticking with ole slab sides. Often when I’m in a big parking lot I’ll think about what I’d do if there were to be an active shooter, and which pistol I’d want. It’s always the 1911. It’s just the most accurate handgun I’ve ever had the pleasure of shooting. And if you’re going to shoot someone; shouldn’t it be with a 45?! 😂
The 1911 is the Chevrolet small-block V-8 of guns: they're both old formats that stick around because they work, they're simple, and everyone from daily drivers to cops to hot rodders love them.
In the 1970s Delta wanted 1911s, in part, because they could use .45 like the suppressed Tommy guns they were using. Also, the early Delta guys were Vietnam vets with 1911 experience.
Named my son Colt, bought a Classic Government when he was born that I planned on shooting occasionally and eventually passing on to him. 1 range session and the addiction was born. The collection has since grown, I began tinkering which has turned into full customization builds for friends and family. Next on my list is a complete build. It's true what they say, once you go 1911 you never go back, or something like that!
Incorrect/ slight misstatement on the Model 1917. Military adopted the smaller framed Colt DA in .38 Long Colt circa 1898. This was found to be ineffective in Combat during operations in the Phillipines and caused the return to a .45 caliber sidearm. 1911 was the end result of this process, adopted in you guessed it, 1911. Model 1917 were modifications of 2 separate large frame DA Revolvers; 1 from Colt and 1 from Smith and Wesson in the .45 acp standard caliber. Gov couldn't produce enough 1911's to equip the massively expanded numbers of troops raised for the Great War
I read the FBI study after the tragedy of the Dade County shooting. The FBI of those times did a great job of testing bullet penetration into ballistic gel through all kinds of barriers, including windshields and car doors. The top 3 performers with 90% or higher success penetrating some minimum (13 inches if memory serves, probably in error) depth of gel were 357magnum, 10mm auto, 45ACP in order of success. The recommendation from the report was FBI should issue sidearms with caliber beginning with 4. The 40SW was developed for these contracts because the 45 and 10mm were deemed too large for smaller hands and difficult to train to standards. That's at least as I recall from the articles available. Great show! Yall keep it up. I'll wait for Ryan to correct me in a civilized fashion of course.😂
The 1911 is iconic just for the simple fact it’s a measuring stick against what other pistols are judged. The grip angle leads to inherent “pointability” of the 1911 compared to the Glock, there would be no ballistic debate of 9mm vs 45 were it not for the 1911 and there’s no more used comparison than the triggers. All the things that make the 1911 the best are purely subjective and thus more easily to dismiss by those that like to hurl insults rather than have a reasoned discussion (ok boomer or Fudd). I love all my pistols (Glocks, Walthers, CZs, Sigs, HKs, S&Ws, Springfields, etc) but there’s nothing that holds a special place in my heart like the 1911. One glaring omission in the double stack 1911 genre was Para-Ordnance. I’m not certain they were the first to bring up the concept of a double stack 1911, as they appeared circa 1985, but they were certainly the first to have a commercially viable version. They also pioneered an interesting LDA (light double action) trigger, a not needed solution to a nonexistent problem in a lot of folks minds. While it may not have been needed, it was innovative nonetheless.
I heard that singer was contracted to make the handguns, and they did such a high-quality job in machining that those pistols were used as officer pistols, and after the first run, they were switched over to machine airplane parts, because they had the standard of quality required to make those parts
The browning hipower was the only gun used by both allied and axis powers. We used the 1911, the British and Germans used the hipower. It is also still in use all over the world. It's widely used everywhere but here.
If you look at the Browning Hi Power, you will find the mechanism of the 1911 perfected. No more barrel link - the barrel lug design is used by virtually every other semiauto pistol today. The Hi Power was the first double/single stack magazine in a pistol (where it tapers up at the top and there is only 1 feed ramp).
Because the hi power, as much as people like to claim otherwise, just isn’t as good as the 1911 in terms of attributes that actually matter. There is a reason that 1911s have only gotten more and more popular over the years, especially for civilian carry, whereas the hi power has been slowly fading into obscurity. I like the hi power for what it is, but a better 1911 it is not.
I carried a Springfield TRP 1911 for “serious duty” until 6 days ago, when I shot the qual course with my new Staccato 2011 with a RMR red dot. I decided I wanted more firepower before the coming election and any civil unrest I’m called to deal with. I’ll still keep the 1911 as a secondary duty weapon until I retire.
Great show guys. Just wanted to mention the double stack 1911 were first done commercially by Para ordinance. Loved your show, first time I've seen this channel. The 1911 guy is awesome he's a wealth of knowledge
SA still makes the EMP. I bought one last spring. Great little gun. Consumes all the ammo I throw at it and shoots softer than you'd expect even with +P ammo.
I had one a long time ago. Wish now I hadn’t traded it. A Springfield employee was the source of that information. They are produced in very limited numbers
I have a new EMP 3" and agree totally. It has a fantastic recoil impulse for how small it is. I was expecting some snap and it has none at all. Was carrying a Hellcat prior and I'll trade the additional ammo off for the more comfortable and much easier to shoot EMP.
Great information in this one,stuff i had never heard on how pistol cartridges were selected and approved or not by(shooting hanging meat)ect…Good talk fellas👍
Regarding cartridge choices for a 1911, .38 Super (and 9x23 Winchester) were designed specifically for the 1911. Cartridge length being the same is important for reliability. 10mm and 9mm Luger are too short. A double stack in .38 Super would be pretty awesome, especially since you can get as many .38 cartridges in an Officer length magazine as a full size .45 mag. My favorite 1911 configuration is the CCO (concealed carry officer) with an Officer sized grip but a 4-4.25” barrel. Mine is chambered in 9x23 Winchester. Jimmy - great question about the Hi Power. And then your “maybe someone left them somewhere” 😜
I've never shot a 1911. That said, I was testing out 380 pistols for my wife with a friend down in Texas years ago. Several makers represented, including Sig's very small P238 patterned after the 1911. My friend and I shot all the 380's several times through, him formerly a Marine and cop. We both agreed the Sig absolutely top of the list. Not even close. Something about the intuitive "cocked and locked", great trigger, accuracy, and frankly not made of plastic just convinced us both. I see Sig still making it, as well as now a 938(?), a very small 9mm.
I too think a “Colt’s Government “can’t be compared to. Though mine is actually a Les Baer carried now just passing 21 years. Number one in my book. Thank You Guys
Thanks for this episode. Solid content. Perhaps another episode on revolvers. The Colt Commando was used by the military during World War II as was the Smith & Wesson M1917 revolver: this revolver used .45 ACP and .45 Auto Rim cartridges.
I carry a glock 30S in 45 every day. Can't agree more with modern tech allowing the 45 to catch up in some of its down falls. I carry underwood xtreme defender 135 gr. +P. 9mm velocities with more energy and of course larger projectile size
The Colt 1873 Single Action Army and the 1911 are possibly the 2 pistols that set the standard for what a handgun, is and should be. And to think that they are only separated by 38 years shows you just how advanced John Browning and his 1911 really were in their time. 113 years later even if it is not still the best, just the fact that people can still make a case that is, shows you how good it was and is. I can't imagine any pistol will ever match that record of longevity, or have the history of use that the 1911 has accomplished. You just have to own and work with a 1911 to call yourself an experienced and informed shooter. If you have not your like a "car guy" that can't drive a stick... I also think Para Ordinance was the first to have double stack 1911's in the 1980's. The guns got mixed reviews depending on the mags you got some ran well others did not it was hit and miss but guys that had good ones swore by them.
I don't have quantities that Adam has, but the 1911 is spectacular. I have a GI 1911 and love it. I really loved my EAA Witness CZ75 style double stack .45 ACP pistol. Weight is the only issue with the doubles for me. I like the feel and weight of the single stack and find that if 7 rounds of .45 cannot finish the fight, you probably need to practice shooting more. Both of my daughters like my 1911 the best of all my pistols also, so that's cool. I have plastic guns and if I pocket carry, it's definitely an LCP for me. I am trying my first 2011 in 10mm this year, so we'll see how I like that. Cocked, Locked and ready to Rock!
The 1911 is the classic semi automatic pistol and it is still used in competitive shooting games now you can do a video on the Colt single action army revolver it was what was issued before the replacement which was the 1911
My first handgun was a 1911. It was my carry gun, range gun it filled every roll. The 1911 isn't a glock or M&P it takes more to keep the guns in top shape. That said proper mags proper maintenance it doesn't get much better of a shooting experience.
Most remarkable thing about a 1911 to me. It was made back in Heights 11 and still be made today does lotta guns out there it has been made and no longer be made today test of time And I have several loving to death
Actually, the 38 Super or 9x23 Winchester actually feeds best out of a 1911. The cartridge lines right up to the bore. Singer SM stopped making 1911's because they were very precise, and the government wanted them to make types of controllers.
I have to “fact check” Ryan. From 1992-2002, Winchester 94s were made with a cross-bolt safety. Since 2003, they have a hammer blocking tang safety. All Miroku made 94s have a rebounding hammer which was *not* part of the original design. Miroku does make some fine rifles though.
I love the beauty of living in the United States, where we’re not restricted to only one, that way we can try out all the different pistols and figure out for ourselves which one we think is the best design. Personally, the CZ 75B is one of the most iconic designs ever most people don’t acknowledge.
@ajheath5123 We selected your comment as the comment of the week. Thanks for tuning/writing in! Shoot us an email at socialmedia@vortexoptics.com and we'll get your very own Vortex Nation Podcast hoodie on its way!
The 1911 works well with 9mm, 38 Super, 40, 10mm, 45, all shoot with reasonable recoil, accuracy and firepower. My double stack 10mm carries 16+1 in an easy to shoot platform. Yes, it is big and heavy, but it is a beast on target. My 38 Super is deadly accurate and launches bullets as fast or faster than a 9 +P+ can achieve, without over pressuring the action. In 40 S&W, it gets the most out of the cartridge and is quite accurate. And my 45 ACP is accurate, has great follow up shot speed, and carries enough ammo to accomplish what any civilian needs. What is not to like.
If I have to give a recommendation find a gun range that you could rent different handguns try them out may not like the one you think you’re gonna like. Try them out.
Here I sit with my Sig P365 as my every day gun, an unfinished custom 1911 10mm and my first Glock 31 en route. Now that 1911 is screaming to be finished.
I got weird hand proportions and everyone talks about how good the 1911 is and its nice, but I get that this is natural feel with the og 5.7 and that stupid wide and long grip.
I think the reason why the longevity in popularity of the 1911 platforms is it's redeeming qualities, something that others simply fall short on. Proponents of others will argue the 1911 platform is obsolete and archaic, yet they refuse to let 1911 platforms compete directly with theirs in matches claiming they have an unfair advantage and only allowing 1911 platforms to compete with each other.
@@VortexNation Unfortunately I dont really follow much sports right now. I make sure to watch the Apple Cup though. However, I attended all the home games, Apple Cups, and the Holliday Bowl in the 2003-2007 seasons as part of the CMB!
I'm hear for the benelli episode! Check out the new Breda offering - basically a original import sbe. The history there is definitely worth mentioning. Just saying- I'm available and a size large for a hoody.
I have my fathers mid 80’s. Colt 80 series in stainless steel . I was the first person to fire this beautiful pistol , unfortunately , it’s reliability is pretty bad . Cases are also ejecting into my eyes , inconsistent ejection on cases all over the place. I’ll lead to tune this thing. Buying a Glock or Modern HK isn’t a bad idea . I just don’t trust 1911 pistols . Proud to own mine . I’ll have it running smooth soon
Its certainly in the running for best pistol design ever. The main issues slowing it down are the industrial processes of the era contributing to a pistol that isn't easy to extrude or print or cnc. The hand fitting of parts has its ups and downs as well. Too tight and accurate leads to occasional jams, too loose leads to possible inaccuracies and also jams. Have i mentioned that 1911s jam? They require well fitted parts to run well, unlike a plastic fantastic. This is purely subjective, however, from an ergonomic standpoint, this pistol is peak performance. I will always have a few 1911 in the rotation. I rotate carry between a p320, 1911a1 clone, and 3" sp101, variety is the spice of life. The recoil impulse of a 1911 in 45 is also one of the nicest feeling recoil impulses, again purely subjective. I guess i do vote it top pistol.
To each his own. It's the Indian not the arrow. You use what you have at hand. The best gun article I read back in the 90s was from an old timer. He said the best gun and calibre is the one you shoot best consistently. Pretty much sums it up.
i have an argument against much of the beginning of this podcast. the first pistol specifically designed as a "fighting pistol" was the colt walker. it was in 45 caliber. commissioned by the texas rangers in 1847 (?) to fight comanches. using a 454 roundball traveling 1000 - 1300 fps. the colt walker led to the colt single action army in 1872, also chambered in 45 caliber. a 255 grain bullet traveling aprox 1000 fps. the 45 caliber in the walker, and the 255 grain grain 45 caliber bullet in the single action army were used because they could kill an indian's horse. then the military adopted the 45 schofeld (45 smith & wesson) cartridge (230 grain, 700+- fps) ... slightly less power than a 45 colt cartridge. browning simply modeled the 45 acp performance after the 45 scholfeld performance. better powder, (therefor shorter case with same pressure) and rimless( for better magazine feeding). the animal tests simply confirmed what was already known from the indian wars.
Nighthawk is the only retroactive red dot modification I would spend money on, and I have. That pistol has an unreleased product on it so it is not feature in the episode (even though it is present 😉)
"That .45 will knock a man down if it even hits him in the hand. That 30-06 passes too close to your head, it'll drag your brain out of your ear hole."
The hi power is certainly not popular in the states, and it’s obvious why that is. In the states, we have innumerable choices for what to own, carry and shoot, and the hi power isn’t very popular primarily because it pales in comparison to the 1911, in terms of attributes that actually matter in a gun. People still continue to carry 1911s because they do things better than modern pistols, as well as having a very rich history. The hi power has none of the benefits of the 1911, as well as very little historical relevance in the US. If europeans want to actually have opinions about firearms, then maybe you guys should try to restore your rights, or something, idk.
It was a frame kit that was installed aftermarket... I don't know that we could say they were ever commercially successful by comparison. HK did the polymer frame pistol "first", but it was not the revolution that the glock pistol was. Similar with Para.
@@3gunAMax for a long time the Para was the only factory-built high-capacity 1911 available in my country. One could by a SV frame here, but not a whole gun until quite a few years later.
The Question i would have to whoever made the decision - is WHY in the world did WE go from carrying the 1911 in the military to Officers carrying revolvers? why didnt our law enforcment carry 1911 and not revolvers?
Law enforcement tend to trail the military AT least 20 years. LE wouldn’t adopt semi auto pistols wholesale until the 80s, patrol rifles until the 1997 north Hollywood shootout, optics on said rifles only recently.
@@3gunAMaxOther factor is that the threat level was different back then; up until the 1970’s your average officer could get by with a double action revolver and a pump shotgun because your average armed criminal wasn’t going to use a semi-automatic most of the time; the 70’s and 80’s was the point where semi-auto firearms became commonplace enough to where it became a more regular occurrence for officers to end up in gunfights versus criminals with pistols, carbines, and even semi-auto shotguns.
Ryan is in this video and an orange/tan hat. After searching very hard to find it, I was disappointed to find that we don't actually see him shoot. This is the last know match Ryan shot- ruclips.net/video/gluF32H64tA/видео.htmlsi=Oku3vxsZ9AVpd_5A
@3gunAMax also all the guns I mentioned can reliably go thousands of rounds just like any expensive 1911. Just at a cheaper price and usually with more rounds in the gun. Like I said, I love 1911s. I have one. I'm just realistic about the design.
biggest diff between a .45 1911 user and a glock 9mm fan is a .45 1911 owner wont waste days on end trying to explain that a glock is shit and .45 is better.... we just know.
@@A74568Z wasting time? as in the 20 seconds it took him to type his comment compared to the time it took you combing through two months of over a hundred comments 😆
You dont know how they made so many w so many different manufacturers, how would they do it today? look a few years ago at the Hand Sanitizer industry. every company starting making stupid Hand Sanitizer
No. No it’s not. There are dozens of designs out there better than the 1911. If someone were to give me a 1911 I would sell it and buy something else and buy ammo and an optic with the change.
My 1911 purchase was TOTALLY based on ergonomics. With my hands a double stack was not "normal" , "natural" to pick up and shoot. The first time I picked up a 1911 I was in love!
Great podcast gentlemen!
Same here
I have been Carrying Company Issued double stack polymer 9mm on work.
Since I have small hands Im not comfortable with it.
Since I was trained on the M16 and 1911 way back 2013.
And know the 1911 single stack is perfect on my hands so I purchased my personal gun a 1911.
This 1911 podcast is absolutely golden! It’s really awesome of you guys to be putting out nothing but relatable content you are literally speaking to your crowd and it’s such a great feeling for myself (and I’m sure thousands of others) as a long time viewer/listener and customer that I know I am supporting the right crowd and doing the right things. I also appreciate how you guys take every approach to product rather it be entry level or high end price points, it makes everyone feel welcomed and excited no matter where they are financially or experienced and that’s huge! Thank you guys for the content we have you on nearly every day at work.
56:33 I bought that magazine and read that article at LEAST 100 times. My first handgun I ever bought with my own money was a 5” Springfield “loaded” in .45ACP BECAUSE of that article.
Same
At this point can we outright call JMB the most influential weapons designer in history? The sheer number of his designs that persist into the modern era, some virtually unchanged, along with the number of modern designs that trace their workings to his designs is just staggering.
and I don't see too much innovation at this point. mostly just improving designs. dude was great. genius
yeah, no argument for JMB being the greatest ….
yeah, no argument for JMB being the greatest ….
@@Warlord9000 to me John Moses Browning is by far the greatest designer of all time. Still need to get my hands on a BAR!
Okay, you need to get this guy on again. He knows is stuff, passion and integrity. No offence intended but it’s so good to her someone that can talk. Love this channel and Ryan. Thank you.
Glad Jim was there to make sure the 1911 doesn’t get to much credit 😂
My father was a career Secret Service agent and was in during the Miami Dade shooting. Because of that shooting the Secret Service (as well as other agencies) would allow agents to purchase and carry their own firearms, within reason of course. My dad carried a Colt 1911, a browning 10 gauge pump shotgun he had the barrel shortened on and also had a double barrel hunting shotgun with beautiful inlays cut down. He would carry that under his raincoat when working hotels. I grew up shooting the 1911 and naturally that’s the first pistol I purchased for myself. Since then I’ve purchased many 9mm plastic wonder pistols in an attempt to have higher capacity. Recently I decided that I’m done searching for the perfect pistol and I’m simply carrying the 1911 in the Lords caliber. It absolutely feels the most natural of any handgun, and I shoot it far better than anything else. I can shoot half size silhouettes at 120 meters with about 1 second splits even with an elevated heart rate and labored breathing. I can’t do anywhere near that with Glocks or M&P’s. The closest I’ve found is the CZ P-09 which is also hammer fired. But admittedly I’ve never purchased a double stack 1911. I’ve fondled them and almost bought one, but the grip just isn’t the same. I’ve heard that the one that’s an aluminum stippled grip with no grip panels is the closest to the original. I forget the name of course now that I’m trying to reference it. It’s a silly name. Not the Wilson as I know they also make one like that. Ha! I remembered! The platypus. I’ve heard it feels very similar. But either way, I’m sticking with ole slab sides. Often when I’m in a big parking lot I’ll think about what I’d do if there were to be an active shooter, and which pistol I’d want. It’s always the 1911. It’s just the most accurate handgun I’ve ever had the pleasure of shooting. And if you’re going to shoot someone; shouldn’t it be with a 45?! 😂
The 1911 is the Chevrolet small-block V-8 of guns: they're both old formats that stick around because they work, they're simple, and everyone from daily drivers to cops to hot rodders love them.
In the 1970s Delta wanted 1911s, in part, because they could use .45 like the suppressed Tommy guns they were using. Also, the early Delta guys were Vietnam vets with 1911 experience.
When I was in NAVY boot camp, Smith-Corona made my rifle! They made typewriters!
Named my son Colt, bought a Classic Government when he was born that I planned on shooting occasionally and eventually passing on to him. 1 range session and the addiction was born. The collection has since grown, I began tinkering which has turned into full customization builds for friends and family. Next on my list is a complete build. It's true what they say, once you go 1911 you never go back, or something like that!
Incorrect/ slight misstatement on the Model 1917.
Military adopted the smaller framed Colt DA in .38 Long Colt circa 1898.
This was found to be ineffective in Combat during operations in the Phillipines and caused the return to a .45 caliber sidearm.
1911 was the end result of this process, adopted in you guessed it, 1911.
Model 1917 were modifications of 2 separate large frame DA Revolvers; 1 from Colt and 1 from Smith and Wesson in the .45 acp standard caliber.
Gov couldn't produce enough 1911's to equip the massively expanded numbers of troops raised for the Great War
You are correct.
I read the FBI study after the tragedy of the Dade County shooting. The FBI of those times did a great job of testing bullet penetration into ballistic gel through all kinds of barriers, including windshields and car doors. The top 3 performers with 90% or higher success penetrating some minimum (13 inches if memory serves, probably in error) depth of gel were 357magnum, 10mm auto, 45ACP in order of success. The recommendation from the report was FBI should issue sidearms with caliber beginning with 4. The 40SW was developed for these contracts because the 45 and 10mm were deemed too large for smaller hands and difficult to train to standards. That's at least as I recall from the articles available. Great show! Yall keep it up. I'll wait for Ryan to correct me in a civilized fashion of course.😂
The test by the FBI was called The Most Wanted Test . The Sprinfield Armory pistol that won the contract was the custom shop Professioal
The 1911 is iconic just for the simple fact it’s a measuring stick against what other pistols are judged. The grip angle leads to inherent “pointability” of the 1911 compared to the Glock, there would be no ballistic debate of 9mm vs 45 were it not for the 1911 and there’s no more used comparison than the triggers. All the things that make the 1911 the best are purely subjective and thus more easily to dismiss by those that like to hurl insults rather than have a reasoned discussion (ok boomer or Fudd). I love all my pistols (Glocks, Walthers, CZs, Sigs, HKs, S&Ws, Springfields, etc) but there’s nothing that holds a special place in my heart like the 1911.
One glaring omission in the double stack 1911 genre was Para-Ordnance. I’m not certain they were the first to bring up the concept of a double stack 1911, as they appeared circa 1985, but they were certainly the first to have a commercially viable version. They also pioneered an interesting LDA (light double action) trigger, a not needed solution to a nonexistent problem in a lot of folks minds. While it may not have been needed, it was innovative nonetheless.
So happy to see Jim back on here!
Awesome! By far my favorite episode so far! It’s hard to be more American than a 1911! Love it.
I heard that singer was contracted to make the handguns, and they did such a high-quality job in machining that those pistols were used as officer pistols, and after the first run, they were switched over to machine airplane parts, because they had the standard of quality required to make those parts
I was just searching for a vortex nation podcast yesterday related to 1911s and sure enough this morning I see this pop up.
Best Vortex interview yet. Will have to listen to at least two more times.
Thank you so much
The browning hipower was the only gun used by both allied and axis powers. We used the 1911, the British and Germans used the hipower. It is also still in use all over the world. It's widely used everywhere but here.
If you look at the Browning Hi Power, you will find the mechanism of the 1911 perfected. No more barrel link - the barrel lug design is used by virtually every other semiauto pistol today. The Hi Power was the first double/single stack magazine in a pistol (where it tapers up at the top and there is only 1 feed ramp).
Because the hi power, as much as people like to claim otherwise, just isn’t as good as the 1911 in terms of attributes that actually matter. There is a reason that 1911s have only gotten more and more popular over the years, especially for civilian carry, whereas the hi power has been slowly fading into obscurity. I like the hi power for what it is, but a better 1911 it is not.
I carried a Springfield TRP 1911 for “serious duty” until 6 days ago, when I shot the qual course with my new Staccato 2011 with a RMR red dot. I decided I wanted more firepower before the coming election and any civil unrest I’m called to deal with. I’ll still keep the 1911 as a secondary duty weapon until I retire.
Great show guys. Just wanted to mention the double stack 1911 were first done commercially by Para ordinance. Loved your show, first time I've seen this channel. The 1911 guy is awesome he's a wealth of knowledge
SA still makes the EMP. I bought one last spring. Great little gun. Consumes all the ammo I throw at it and shoots softer than you'd expect even with +P ammo.
I had one a long time ago. Wish now I hadn’t traded it. A Springfield employee was the source of that information. They are produced in very limited numbers
I have a new EMP 3" and agree totally. It has a fantastic recoil impulse for how small it is. I was expecting some snap and it has none at all. Was carrying a Hellcat prior and I'll trade the additional ammo off for the more comfortable and much easier to shoot EMP.
Please bring Ken Hackathorn to the Podcast.
That Man is a real 1911 GunGuy.
That is the truth
Eli from Alchemy has him on retainer at this point I think... Eli would be a solid guest too!
I liked the part where Mark says Ahhhhhh. These videos are fire! Keep up the great work guys!
Great information in this one,stuff i had never heard on how pistol cartridges were selected and approved or not by(shooting hanging meat)ect…Good talk fellas👍
Regarding cartridge choices for a 1911, .38 Super (and 9x23 Winchester) were designed specifically for the 1911. Cartridge length being the same is important for reliability. 10mm and 9mm Luger are too short. A double stack in .38 Super would be pretty awesome, especially since you can get as many .38 cartridges in an Officer length magazine as a full size .45 mag.
My favorite 1911 configuration is the CCO (concealed carry officer) with an Officer sized grip but a 4-4.25” barrel. Mine is chambered in 9x23 Winchester.
Jimmy - great question about the Hi Power. And then your “maybe someone left them somewhere” 😜
I've never shot a 1911. That said, I was testing out 380 pistols for my wife with a friend down in Texas years ago. Several makers represented, including Sig's very small P238 patterned after the 1911. My friend and I shot all the 380's several times through, him formerly a Marine and cop. We both agreed the Sig absolutely top of the list. Not even close. Something about the intuitive "cocked and locked", great trigger, accuracy, and frankly not made of plastic just convinced us both. I see Sig still making it, as well as now a 938(?), a very small 9mm.
@3gun amax , 14:48 , I was waiting for the our savior line. Back to the video, now waiting for the “gods caliber” part.
1:32:46 very mesmerized by your ability to organize those 1911’s. 😂
Same
I too think a “Colt’s Government “can’t be compared to. Though mine is actually a Les Baer carried now just passing 21 years. Number one in my book. Thank You Guys
The Commander came out around 1950, the originals had a alloy frame. The Combat Commander came out around 1970 with a steel frame.
For it's era sure
Thanks for this episode. Solid content. Perhaps another episode on revolvers. The Colt Commando was used by the military during World War II as was the Smith & Wesson M1917 revolver: this revolver used .45 ACP and .45 Auto Rim cartridges.
I’m working on Mark to do a revolver episode
I carry a glock 30S in 45 every day. Can't agree more with modern tech allowing the 45 to catch up in some of its down falls. I carry underwood xtreme defender 135 gr. +P. 9mm velocities with more energy and of course larger projectile size
500 Singers were issued to the Army Air Corp
Most iconic Pistol design, particularly for Americans.
You show me another 120 year old design that is still in widespread production and use.
Absolutely best pistol ever.
The Colt 1873 Single Action Army and the 1911 are possibly the 2 pistols that set the standard for what a handgun, is and should be. And to think that they are only separated by 38 years shows you just how advanced John Browning and his 1911 really were in their time. 113 years later even if it is not still the best, just the fact that people can still make a case that is, shows you how good it was and is. I can't imagine any pistol will ever match that record of longevity, or have the history of use that the 1911 has accomplished. You just have to own and work with a 1911 to call yourself an experienced and informed shooter. If you have not your like a "car guy" that can't drive a stick...
I also think Para Ordinance was the first to have double stack 1911's in the 1980's. The guns got mixed reviews depending on the mags you got some ran well others did not it was hit and miss but guys that had good ones swore by them.
I don't have quantities that Adam has, but the 1911 is spectacular. I have a GI 1911 and love it. I really loved my EAA Witness CZ75 style double stack .45 ACP pistol. Weight is the only issue with the doubles for me. I like the feel and weight of the single stack and find that if 7 rounds of .45 cannot finish the fight, you probably need to practice shooting more. Both of my daughters like my 1911 the best of all my pistols also, so that's cool. I have plastic guns and if I pocket carry, it's definitely an LCP for me. I am trying my first 2011 in 10mm this year, so we'll see how I like that. Cocked, Locked and ready to Rock!
The 1911 is the classic semi automatic pistol and it is still used in competitive shooting games now you can do a video on the Colt single action army revolver it was what was issued before the replacement which was the 1911
My first handgun was a 1911. It was my carry gun, range gun it filled every roll. The 1911 isn't a glock or M&P it takes more to keep the guns in top shape. That said proper mags proper maintenance it doesn't get much better of a shooting experience.
1911 it’s a must have in a mans arsenal.
Most remarkable thing about a 1911 to me. It was made back in Heights 11 and still be made today does lotta guns out there it has been made and no longer be made today test of time And I have several loving to death
6” long slide. Is it worth the expense for performance?
Actually, the 38 Super or 9x23 Winchester actually feeds best out of a 1911. The cartridge lines right up to the bore. Singer SM stopped making 1911's because they were very precise, and the government wanted them to make types of controllers.
I have to “fact check” Ryan. From 1992-2002, Winchester 94s were made with a cross-bolt safety. Since 2003, they have a hammer blocking tang safety. All Miroku made 94s have a rebounding hammer which was *not* part of the original design. Miroku does make some fine rifles though.
If it’s a Miroku… it’s not really a Winchester
@@3gunAMax I tend to agree with you, but it does say “Winchester” on it.
1:24:54 You have a bug in your studio. Flying over Adam's head :) I really liked this episode
Great podcast!!! The platypus is in my future because I already have Glock mags!
1911's are the best handguns since 1873 ❤
I love the beauty of living in the United States, where we’re not restricted to only one, that way we can try out all the different pistols and figure out for ourselves which one we think is the best design. Personally, the CZ 75B is one of the most iconic designs ever most people don’t acknowledge.
@ajheath5123 We selected your comment as the comment of the week. Thanks for tuning/writing in! Shoot us an email at socialmedia@vortexoptics.com and we'll get your very own Vortex Nation Podcast hoodie on its way!
The 1911 works well with 9mm, 38 Super, 40, 10mm, 45, all shoot with reasonable recoil, accuracy and firepower. My double stack 10mm carries 16+1 in an easy to shoot platform. Yes, it is big and heavy, but it is a beast on target. My 38 Super is deadly accurate and launches bullets as fast or faster than a 9 +P+ can achieve, without over pressuring the action. In 40 S&W, it gets the most out of the cartridge and is quite accurate. And my 45 ACP is accurate, has great follow up shot speed, and carries enough ammo to accomplish what any civilian needs. What is not to like.
If I have to give a recommendation find a gun range that you could rent different handguns try them out may not like the one you think you’re gonna like. Try them out.
great show
Here I sit with my Sig P365 as my every day gun, an unfinished custom 1911 10mm and my first Glock 31 en route. Now that 1911 is screaming to be finished.
I got weird hand proportions and everyone talks about how good the 1911 is and its nice, but I get that this is natural feel with the og 5.7 and that stupid wide and long grip.
Great chat about the 1911! One thing you guys forgot to go over was guide rods: G.I. or full length?
That's a good idea for a topic. Vortex Nation will probably not do one on this platform but I will do one on my much smaller channel.
I don’t see the point in a full length guide rod. Gi is where it’s at.
Dont need to watch the video... the answer is yes
I think the reason why the longevity in popularity of the 1911 platforms is it's redeeming qualities, something that others simply fall short on. Proponents of others will argue the 1911 platform is obsolete and archaic, yet they refuse to let 1911 platforms compete directly with theirs in matches claiming they have an unfair advantage and only allowing 1911 platforms to compete with each other.
Shout-out to the WSU hat in the intro! Go Cougs!
@johnmcculloch GO COUGS! Big game last Week! Mark B.
@@VortexNation Unfortunately I dont really follow much sports right now. I make sure to watch the Apple Cup though. However, I attended all the home games, Apple Cups, and the Holliday Bowl in the 2003-2007 seasons as part of the CMB!
Great video Thank you guys.
Hypernikao
I'm hear for the benelli episode! Check out the new Breda offering - basically a original import sbe. The history there is definitely worth mentioning. Just saying- I'm available and a size large for a hoody.
I am HEER too ;) You just gotta love it..
I think it's funny how that guy keeps talking about the unit like it's some household name for everyone 😂
IYKYK
I have my fathers mid 80’s. Colt 80 series in stainless steel . I was the first person to fire this beautiful pistol , unfortunately , it’s reliability is pretty bad . Cases are also ejecting into my eyes , inconsistent ejection on cases all over the place. I’ll lead to tune this thing. Buying a Glock or Modern HK isn’t a bad idea . I just don’t trust 1911 pistols . Proud to own mine . I’ll have it running smooth soon
Its certainly in the running for best pistol design ever. The main issues slowing it down are the industrial processes of the era contributing to a pistol that isn't easy to extrude or print or cnc. The hand fitting of parts has its ups and downs as well. Too tight and accurate leads to occasional jams, too loose leads to possible inaccuracies and also jams. Have i mentioned that 1911s jam? They require well fitted parts to run well, unlike a plastic fantastic. This is purely subjective, however, from an ergonomic standpoint, this pistol is peak performance. I will always have a few 1911 in the rotation. I rotate carry between a p320, 1911a1 clone, and 3" sp101, variety is the spice of life. The recoil impulse of a 1911 in 45 is also one of the nicest feeling recoil impulses, again purely subjective. I guess i do vote it top pistol.
To each his own. It's the Indian not the arrow. You use what you have at hand. The best gun article I read back in the 90s was from an old timer. He said the best gun and calibre is the one you shoot best consistently. Pretty much sums it up.
so what is the rock island 6" called? or is that considered a 1 off and called the ultra size?
That was called the 'butter bar' or 2nd Lt. lol
They never sold enough to get a name
i have an argument against much of the beginning of this podcast.
the first pistol specifically designed as a "fighting pistol" was the colt walker.
it was in 45 caliber.
commissioned by the texas rangers in 1847 (?)
to fight comanches.
using a 454 roundball traveling 1000 - 1300 fps.
the colt walker led to the colt single action army in 1872, also chambered in 45 caliber.
a 255 grain bullet traveling aprox 1000 fps.
the 45 caliber in the walker, and the 255 grain grain 45 caliber bullet in the single action army were used because they could kill an indian's horse.
then the military adopted the 45 schofeld (45 smith & wesson) cartridge (230 grain, 700+- fps) ... slightly less power than a 45 colt cartridge.
browning simply modeled the 45 acp performance after the 45 scholfeld performance.
better powder, (therefor shorter case with same pressure) and rimless( for better magazine feeding).
the animal tests simply confirmed what was already known from the indian wars.
Glad you got that off your chest.
@@3gunAMax
it wasn't on my chest.
i was simply stating history.
you gotta problem with learning ?
Lugerman is making new lugers in .45acp and 10mm Auto
Bet that dude with the .30 carbine just couldn’t actually hit anything.
No. The double action revolver is.
? To adam, recommendation on red dot mounting solution for a kimber USA shooting team 9mm?
Nighthawk is the only retroactive red dot modification I would spend money on, and I have. That pistol has an unreleased product on it so it is not feature in the episode (even though it is present 😉)
"That .45 will knock a man down if it even hits him in the hand. That 30-06 passes too close to your head, it'll drag your brain out of your ear hole."
Didn’t the FBI HRT start off with the Browning HiPower ?
Jimmy Committed the Sin of Dropping the Slide.
Sigh
@@3gunAMax I guess Adam is in the Don't Do It Camp?
Don’t even have to watch. Of course it is. Has it been surpassed sure. But almost everything for the last 100 years is based on the 1911 in some way.
Browning High Power not popular? Are you crazy? The entire world used them in their militaries. 😂 America look out the window for once.. jeez.
Who has the greatest military in the world?
The hi power is certainly not popular in the states, and it’s obvious why that is. In the states, we have innumerable choices for what to own, carry and shoot, and the hi power isn’t very popular primarily because it pales in comparison to the 1911, in terms of attributes that actually matter in a gun. People still continue to carry 1911s because they do things better than modern pistols, as well as having a very rich history. The hi power has none of the benefits of the 1911, as well as very little historical relevance in the US. If europeans want to actually have opinions about firearms, then maybe you guys should try to restore your rights, or something, idk.
Told my wife "I like your tolerances." Apparently to her that line didn't have the same ring to it l. She asked "What..that I tolerate you?"
Yeah, didn't work for me either.
Erm.. You forgot about Para Ordinance... I think they were the first to do a high-capacity 1911?
It was a frame kit that was installed aftermarket... I don't know that we could say they were ever commercially successful by comparison. HK did the polymer frame pistol "first", but it was not the revolution that the glock pistol was. Similar with Para.
@@3gunAMax for a long time the Para was the only factory-built high-capacity 1911 available in my country. One could by a SV frame here, but not a whole gun until quite a few years later.
The Question i would have to whoever made the decision - is WHY in the world did WE go from carrying the 1911 in the military to Officers carrying revolvers? why didnt our law enforcment carry 1911 and not revolvers?
Law enforcement tend to trail the military AT least 20 years. LE wouldn’t adopt semi auto pistols wholesale until the 80s, patrol rifles until the 1997 north Hollywood shootout, optics on said rifles only recently.
@@3gunAMaxOther factor is that the threat level was different back then; up until the 1970’s your average officer could get by with a double action revolver and a pump shotgun because your average armed criminal wasn’t going to use a semi-automatic most of the time; the 70’s and 80’s was the point where semi-auto firearms became commonplace enough to where it became a more regular occurrence for officers to end up in gunfights versus criminals with pistols, carbines, and even semi-auto shotguns.
We want to see Ryan's Match Video. Link Please.
Ryan is in this video and an orange/tan hat. After searching very hard to find it, I was disappointed to find that we don't actually see him shoot. This is the last know match Ryan shot-
ruclips.net/video/gluF32H64tA/видео.htmlsi=Oku3vxsZ9AVpd_5A
Never got to shoot one. but I hear that a singer can stich up all your problems.
Wilson was too expensive. Kimber started the revolution.
By far the best design IMHO. 1911, 2011
“1911 is the best pistol ever.”
Ok grandpa, let’s get you to bed…
😂
8:05 no one wants you to drop the soap my man… 🤣😉
Truth
Dont get me wrong, i love my 1911 but most modern polymer frame psitols like Glock M&P Walther Sig are just as accurate and reliable as any good 1911.
Incorrect, they are built to a minimum standard to hit a price point.
@@3gunAMax and you think they don't do the same with 1911's ?
@3gunAMax also all the guns I mentioned can reliably go thousands of rounds just like any expensive 1911. Just at a cheaper price and usually with more rounds in the gun. Like I said, I love 1911s. I have one. I'm just realistic about the design.
Ugh. the 2100 ft/s fallacy.
No.
my 600 grain slug doing 1,300 fps says differently.
Trust the science
I think Garand Thumb's "drop safe" video proves it's not the best design ever
biggest diff between a .45 1911 user and a glock 9mm fan is a .45 1911 owner wont waste days on end trying to explain that a glock is shit and .45 is better.... we just know.
As an owner and user of both - you are 100% right if you know you know it's just different!
And yet, here you are, wasting your time being wrong.
@@A74568Z wasting time? as in the 20 seconds it took him to type his comment compared to the time it took you combing through two months of over a hundred comments 😆
45 Colt, not long Colt!
Well it's no tt33 but it's tolerable
Perfectly serviceable though lesser Commie knock-off of a Browning design. Strong pistol
You dont know how they made so many w so many different manufacturers, how would they do it today? look a few years ago at the Hand Sanitizer industry. every company starting making stupid Hand Sanitizer
The scale of it is just so massive and a pistol is a bit more industrial process to manufacture than gelatinous alcohol
WHY YOU DELETIN MY BUDDIES COMMENTS. DAGUMLIBRULS SENSORIN US. JUST MADE HIM LAYER DOWN HOSS. LIKE THE GAWD DAMN CLIBBINS
Loud noises
Glock
one piece backstrap is best.
💪😎🇺🇸
It is not a “HANDLE” little stutter buddy
No. No it’s not. There are dozens of designs out there better than the 1911. If someone were to give me a 1911 I would sell it and buy something else and buy ammo and an optic with the change.
Grip safeties sukkkkkk