Ultimate Fighting Pistol - Part 1 Military
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- I discuss the introduction of the US M1911 military sidearm and the variations from the 1911A1 through the M45A1. The 1911 series has lasted longer and been adapted to more variations than any other fighting pistol in history.
Many of those who like to bash the .45 ACP as a caliber for Fudds are overlooking the fact that the 9mm(typically their favorite caliber) is actually the older one.
I'm an old dude retired law enforcement one of my first off duty pistols was a Colt Combat Commander 1911 .45. The 1911 series pistols remains my personal favorite sidearm for personal defense to this day. I have various guns in .38 Super, .357 SIG, A compact 3" in .40, several in .45 ACP and in 10mm as well. If I had to fight with a pistol and could pick any firearm it would be a 1911 in one of the cartridges listed. I was one of six or seven out of then 1200 troops allowed to carry a 1911 .45 and I used a Colt 2 tone Combat Elite and the Sheriff at the time packed a Colt Gold Cup. Never felt better armed. Had real stag grips added too.
The standard length 1911 .45 Auto is my all-time favorite semi-auto handgun. Im 37 going on 77. My daily carry is a Colt 3rd gen 1860 Army, however. Dont judge me. it's all i have and everything i need. Had a drug problem when i was younger and caught a few felony charges in NC in 2017. I was released from prison in May of 2020 and have been a clean, highly productive citizen since. I will be petitioning the court to restore my firearm rights soon. In the meantime, I bought this Colt, and I realized that just because it's obsolete, it doesn't mean it's ineffective. I have learned to be most proficient with my chosen arm, and i firmly believe that it will serve me well in nearly any circumstance. Thank you Dick for the excellent tutorials and videos, i enjoy history, especially concerning firearms, so between Mike Beliveau and yourself, I get plenty of good information. Take care.
I've been thinking of Wild Bill Hickok as my next segment of "what would he be carrying now?" He carried cap & ball revolvers well after the cartridge revolvers were on the scene and did pretty well for himself. Don't let anyone get behind you when you're playing poker.
I believe many convicted felons have changed their lives and deserve their gun rights restored. A dear friend found out a drug conviction he had at age 19 was a felony, not a misdemeanor as his attorney had promised, when he applied for a CCW license in his state. He applied for a pardon from the governor and asked me to write a letter on his behalf. I told the governor what kind of man he was now, knowing nothing of the youth he had been. When he received the pardon the governor's office said my letter was very convincing. Gladdened my heart.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb Yessir, Hickok carried a pair of .36 caliber 1851 Navy Colts and was well known as a dead shot while he was a scout for the Army and later on town marshal of Abilene Kansas. His duel with Dave Tutt in Springfield is often cited as one of the first "fast draw duels" of their kind and apparently Hickok poked him right in the heart at 75 yards (if you believe the measurement) with one of those 36s. The old cap-and ball pistols are absolutely deadly and though most bad guys carry the almighty Glock now (or any semiautomatic they can get ahold of), I don't feel undergunned or outclassed by anyone. Everyone slips now and then and I'm glad the individual that you mentioned above, did an about face and turned his life back towards the sun. Not everyone learns or appreciates second chances but I certainly know their value. I look forward to seeing that Bill Hickok video (similar to your very cool TR video, he is my favorite president as well). I'll guess Hickok maybe would like a Beretta 92 in keeping with his .36 caliber preferences which are actually. 375 because they measured the caliber from the lands back then instead of the grooves I'm told. Thanks Mr Fairburn for the reply and I look forward to seeing many more videos in the future.
I do not like the way our government and society in general never allows people to move past their mistakes. People go to prison and serve their time, and then when they get out… they are treated like criminals for the rest of their lives. In my opinion when someone serves their time… They should have a clean slate and have their rights restored. Unless it was a violent crime or sexual of course. We need to quit punishing people for the rest of their lives, and making things very difficult for them. Give second chances. So many corrupt politicians and leaders get away with horrible crimes , and look down on average people who made a mistake. I hope and pray you get your rights back, and can move on past the mistake you made and already paid for. God bless you and yours.
A Remington Rand brought my father home from the Pacific Theater in ww2 it hung on his bed post my entire life
I would not ever get rid of my 1911's or 2011's, I am lucky enough to have my Grandpa's Colt Commander in 38 Super and even though I have 4 2011's I think my Grandpa's Commander in 38 Super the best 1911/2011 I have.
Like I said I would NEVER, EVER get rid of any of my 1911's and even 2011's but I still carry a Glock 17 daily. It ain't because I dont trust my 1911's its because of my Daddy. Daddy took me into the Gun Shop so I could see the first G17 that he had ever seen when i was 10 years old back in 1987. My Daddy bought that so-called "Plastic POS" (thats what the Gun Shop owner called it) & I am still lucky enough to have my Daddy's Glock 17 first gen.
Basically, to me, that G17 was like the 1911 was to my Grandpa and Daddy. I don't have my Grandpa or Daddy around anymore, they have gone to be with there Maker. I however do have there Firearms and I am teaching my Daughter about these old and newer Firearms. Funny how things come full circle. My 16 year old Daughter loves Shooting Great GrandPa's Colt Commander 😀
This channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Good stuff!
Took my 35 year old Norinco 1911 out yesterday and was again amazed how well it performed. It eats everything from 185 - 255 grain, including ball, JHP, and hard cast. I did install some Wilson combat parts years ago but haven't changed anything since except for replacing Shok Buffs. I just wish the OEM GI sights were easier to change but they are pinned to the slide. The only (centerfire) handgun I shoot better is my CZ Shadow 2...and that is a 9mm.
Great overview of the 1911, looking forward to Part 2.
1911 Colt series 70 Gov. Model was my first pistol. Since then I have purchased 4 more 1911. Springfield R.O, TRP. My favorite is my Les Baer.
Hi Dick.
We must be about the same age, or close, because I carried a Colt series 70 for a long time getting my cc license when I was 21 back in like 1981. I'm 63 now and I still love the 1911 and believe it is a great carry gun / self defense forearm. I went in the Army in 1979 because I was 18. The delayed entry program. I still use the weaver stance. I believe it's the most natural and solid stance there is.
I also love revolvers and even hunted with a 1911 for varmints and with model 13 Smith and Wesson as well as carry the same for defense. That . 357 k frame with a Tyler t grip and nice gun smithed trigger and I could shoot a long way. I killed ground hogs with it.
I just found your channel and really like it. ❤
Good stuff. Thanks for sharing all the stuff you share❤. Appreciate it. ❤
Proud to be a Fudd too, with a Government Model chambered in 45 AARP, the way God and John Moses Browning wanted it to be! Keep up the great work, Sir! 👍
Actually, JMB wanted to use a .40 cal projectile for this pattern, but the military insisted that it be .45 or nothing.... the rest is history.
45 AARP. I’m gonna remember that 😂
@@moreme40 Again, I proudly advocate the 45 ACP, no matter what the "experts" choose to say is better!
I have 1911s in 38 Super, 40 S&W, 10mm and 45 ACP. All are very reliable, Rock Island and Tisas.
👍
I picked up a cheap rock island 1911 5 years ago becuase i always wanted a 1911 but couldnt afford a 1500 colt, dw, sig, etc etc. I wasnt expercting much... but let me tell you.. this thing eats hollowpoints, russian steel cased, $9 usgi mags, $8 korean mags, mec gar, wilson mags, Cm power 10s... ive super impressed with it. These cheap USGI rock island and tisas 1911s have saved the 1911 and made it even more popular. Before i never would have even considered a 1911, especially when i could get 3 glocks for the price of one... but now that ive fallen in love with the 1911 platform i would consider spending whatever it takes to upgrade to a custom or semi custom. That never would have happened without these cheap reliable 1911s
I think when you combine the ageless design of John Browning with modern CNC manufacturing, we have only begun to see what the 1911 design can become.
I was issued a S&W E series at an SO I was previously with. I had well over 5k rounds through it with only one malfunction, a failure to feed due to a failed recoil spring.
As a young man, 19 years old, I snapped the extractor claw in exactly the way you demonstrated. It was on a Llama 1911 clone. This was in South Africa.
I didn’t know any better. It was one of life’s many lessons that I have come to learn.
My first "1911" was a Llama, but it was never reliable.
Did you have it throated to take hollow points. A lot of those had to fire FMJs to function without it.@@Paladin1873
A maglite and a Rock Island GI 45 was my first home defense setup. A long time ago now, but I still have it.
For a gun that’s been produced for over 100 years should tell ya something!
Been waiting for this video. I was issued a 1911 as an MP. No problem qualifying, but it definitely had the same "shake, rattle and roll" you've described! My Dad had a Colt made in 1913. If my info was correct, it was the first year for civilian 1911s. It had a 4 digit serial preceded by a "C."
I’m really enjoying your latest series. That’s for putting in the time.
I shot my first 1911 in 74 and started using one in 77 (Army-11B). Bought a Colt Mark IV Series 70 in 83 (personal use), and a Springfield 1911-A1 in 91. The 1911-A1, I replaced the factory trigger with a Videki trigger, stoned and polished the feedramp, been carrying it off duty (retired 2017) in a paddle holster & sometimes shoulder holster since the day I purchased it. To this day, I’ve never one malfunction.
The 1911's on-line reputation of being unreliable is contrary to the experience of MANY of us.
I agree 100% with everything you said sir. A 1911 and dare I say, a Browning Hi Power, are the best fighting handguns ever made.
A 1911a1 was what I cut my teeth on in the military back in the mid 80’s shooting military combat matches as well as bullseye. We had Gold cups for bullseye and regular “rack” grade for the combat matches.
As far as reliability issues, it was always a bad magazine, not the guns. Other than that, they just ran through thousands of rounds without an issue.
As far as the jacka$$ who bad mouths the 1911 and the Weaver Stance, he’s a fool, I still use both today 😊
Thank for the video and well done.
Thanks for the kind words. I don't have a lot of trigger time on a High Power/P35, but it is my first choice for a double-stack 9mm.
Sorry, but the Glock is by far the greatest combat/fighting handgun ever created. The 1911 was dethroned by a shower curtain ring maker. The 1911 has served very well, but the capacity and reliability is less than that of a Glock, and that's a fact. I love the 1911, but if I'm gonna be required to get in a gunfight, and can only take one handgun with me, it will be without a doubt a glock. I'll take any full size or sub compact Glock in any caliber over any 1911. If we include 2011's, well then we get capacity of a glock, but the reliability is still not as good. Then there's the ease of cleaning, replacing parts, etc of a Glock, and there's no debate that the Glock is by far the greatest handgun ever made.
That’s a strong claim. Sig Sauer, FN Herstal, etc. have all made fantastic combat pistols. Sig Sauer has replaced Colt, Beretta, and Glock in military service and largely in police use. Glock is probably the least innovative company in the firearms market. And it shows in sales and contracts from the last 10 years.
Sig 1911 is my home defense pistol when I'm not using a long gun. They're great for states like California with magazine capacity limits.
You know what’s great for Kalifornia ? U Hauls
@@moreme40 No kidding. We have an additional 11% tax for all G&A coming on July 1st.
But we have the prettiest gals and the fastest horses
Hard to pass up your videos. They're always very informative and interesting. Thanks!
I have a Colt Delta Elite in 10mm. It shoots everything I put in the mags. Hp's, FMJ'S, lead SWC. Blue Steel. KISS ALWAYS and OLD DEVIL DOG. 70 and Still Going Strong.
I’ve got four Delta Elites. 1st Gen, 2nd gen and two 3rd gens. Love ‘em all.
I guess I'm a fud.
Have always loved the 1911, and always shot them well. My most cherish hand gun is a Colt from the CMP.
Love the history and Charlton gun has a soul.
Thanks for making these videos.
I, too, cherish my CMP acquired service grade 1943 Remington Rand/Colt M1911A1. I have an RGN for Round 3. I bought a Tisas G.I (WG) .45ACP for a range/PDW.
My first semi automatic pistol was a 1911. I’ve owned several at a time. Both of my sons have 1911’s. We love them.
The reason fudd is so derogatory in the gun culture isn’t because they like 1911s and bolt action .22s with a 3-9X scope. It’s because they many times don’t like magazines over 10 rds ! It’s that sort of thing. “Just buy a shotgun”
I find that stereotype quite rare these days in the gun culture. Those folks have pretty much died out or are anti-2nd Amendment to start with. There tends to be a reverse snobbery in the other direction. Hence anyone not shooting with the latest and greatest tactical accoutrements and weapons, and not doing the latest shooting positions popular in competitive shooting is labeled a Fudd.
It is very hard to watch a video like this about 1911's without holding one. Waiting on my "fun shop" to get a Bull armory 5 inch in.
As usual great job.If ammo laying on the ground was predominantly 45ACP my end of the world gun would be without question My 1911s. I trust my (4 )1911s with my life on my way to my long gun. My favourite is my modified Colt limited GI. I love the conceal ability . Yep I carry ISW (Milt Sparks) and I never have to adjust or fiddle with. My 1911s only problems have been magazine related and rare at that. My only other issue is the grip safety which is my hand related and rare if it happens. My absolute most carried is my Sig p229 SAO 9mm but as I said when the end comes the ground will be littered with bodies and more importantly 9mm ammo so there you go.
Over two decades ago I shot about a half dozen pistol types at a local indoor range that had rentals because all the gun magazines kept having one article after another declaring 1911s were dead on the ash heap of history. I was so unimpressed with all those "cutting edges modern" pistols, I just kept on buying 1911s and never looked back.
Man's gun !
The 1911 Is Supreme In My Opinion and Col Jeff Cooper and Gunsight Is The Best Teacher of The 1911 😀😊😀❤️
Unfortunately we can’t even buy a Colt in California anymore. Colt changed something (L hook, C hook?). I’m not sure what that even is. We still have a few Springfield, Kimber and Rock Island Armory. None of the new Turkish 1911’s or anything else. Enough bitching. I’d move if I could. Another great video sir.
Glock 17/19/19x is the best combat/fighting pistol of choice made today. But that's just my opinion. The 1911 chambered 45 ACP is still an excellent firearm though. 👌🏻
I know about them gun shop/concrete commandos. Mostly, they need to concentrate on holding their water. I love my Series 70 .45, Seecamp Double action conversion. I am a Fud. Mossback. People should not disparage us. Some of us have seen the elephant.
Good video. Love a 1911. They fit my hand better (single stack). I shoot them better . But my Glock goes bang every time. Holds twice the ammo . I can clean it in 3-5 minutes. I can drag it around in the woods . On the water, kayak etc etc. And still good to go. Be safe out there all ! 🙏🥰
I love my 1911s. I have a Para in 38 Super, full 90s race gun! A modern Ruger, and a nice mid 2ks Performance Center. My first, and first handgun was a Kimber Desert Warrior... It was a total pos... Very accurate, but also very unreliable. Kimber gave me my money back at least. 😊
Nothing beats the trigger of Brother Browning’s design. Nothing. Even sub $500 1911s will have as good and probably better triggers than highly tuned other designs. And he got the grip angle right too. Don’t you find more people new to guns naturally point a 1911 quicker? Can’t say that about a Glock
Even though I am a revolver guy and kind of favor DA/SA for autoloaders I really do hope to have a 1911 45 some day. It is just a classic.
I got me a Colt commander in 1980 for 450. The most unreliable pistol, i ever owned Sadly because I liked trigger and the way it felt in my hands. Now I own a fnx 45 Reliable and fifteen round mag.😅
Springfield mil spec with some 10-8 and Ed brown upgraded parts is my favorite full size carry piece.
My favorite are still the Colts. It’s what I carry. I find that the modern CZ/Colt ones are still well made but out of the box you need to tune the extractors as they just drop them in at the factory without any tension. My experience, sample size of 4
I heard somewhere that the sights were small to avoid getting bumped around enough that they leave the pistol. It wasn't perceived as a problem because 19-24 year-old eyes could still see them well enough.'
The pistol was still intended to be fired one-handed in the old days, so the arched mainspring housing helped keep the wrist locked at a sturdier angle for follow-up shots (supposedly). The elongated beavertail was to prevent hammer bite; too bad they didn't go all the way with that. The modern configuration works much better, but General Patton would probably have renamed it the "ducktail."
None of the above is submitted as a correction to your outstanding video - it's just stuff that old soldiers told me over the years. If you have corrections for me, I welcome them. Not a single change was made to the inner workings of the pistol for reliability or accuracy, just as you say.
In 1972, at Fort Ord, CA, I was in BCT. My M-16 A-1 was manufactured by Hydra Matic Division, General Motors. When war breaks out, everybody gets in on it.
Keep up the great work, sir!!
Great video, Dick, and I thank you. As a nearing-80 Fudd, I began shooting in the late-1950’s (and early-1960’s) with Smith K and N Frames and with 1911A1s. I agree with virtually all your comments in this video, but I would respectfully suggest that the reliability of the CZ 75 series, the Sig P220/226 series, and the H&K USP series is fundamentally equal (and occasionally marginally better) than the 1911A1. This certainly is NOT a criticism of Browning’s genius or his superb design; rather, it is only one guy’s considered opinion. FWIW, I have not found Glocks to be as accurate or as reliable as any of the aforementioned autoloaders.
We all have our personal experiences with different designs. There are MANY great pistol choices out there, but arguing Ford/Chevy/Ram is still fun!
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb
Yes, indeed.
Virtually all auto pistols today use a slightly modified Browning design, if it weren't a solid design it wouldn't be in common use.
The capacity is too low. Unless you buy a new 2011 double stack, which are HUGE and do not make a good carry gun.
I think the standard extractor in the 1911 design is sensitive to tuning, if it is a bit off it can be a problem for feeding. I also wonder if an extractor with marginal tuning would have more problems with variations in brass dimensions considering all of the different ammunition manufacturers there are. I also have a theory that the lower priced manufacturers don't spend much time tuning extractors and this explains why various youtube influencers have reliability problems with guns that they get for making videos.
thank you for your channel, I enjoy IT . GREAT INFORMATION.
I served in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations [AFOSI) during the 80s into the early 90s. We carried a customized 1911 until the late 80s. Mine was a Remington Rand. I am not sure if all of them were or if there were some from the other WWII manufacturers. A 3/4" section of the slide was cut out making them a Commander length and of course the barrel shortened. The grip was cut down to an Officer's model size. A right side ambidextrous safety tab was added. It was a rather thin strip of steel that was loose, but worked. We carried a 6 round magazine with 1 in the chamber cocked and locked in a leather pancake holster with 2 spare 7 round magazines for a total of 21 rounds of ball ammo. In our academy, we did extensive malfunction drills before ever going to the range. I don't remember ever having to put that training into use as I don't believe I ever had a malfunction with my Remington Rand in the thousands of rounds that I put thru that pistol. I did not want to give mine up when we transitioned to the Beretta. Wonderful video Mr. Fairburn!
I never heard about your customized Air Force 1911s. There is no end to the unique variations of this pistol!
Bought a Rock Island GI model back in 2017 or 2018, and no lie - Several hundred rounds - ball and hollowpoint, and have literally had ZERO malfunctions. Hammer bite, hell yes. But no malfunctions, and accuracy at 25 yds is better than the idiot behind the trigger - I've stacked holes with it more than a few times, and usually I can do less than 2-in groups without trying hard. I don't carry it regularly, it's awfully heavy, and I'm left-handed. I really just need to get it made ambi. But I have had it as a bedside gun several times and have absolutely no concerns that it will do its job.
I’m pretty sure I know who you’re talking about, and if I’m right, that was just one of many such statements he’s made…
I carry a Ruger 1911 in 10mm when elk hunting, hiking, etc. A S&W 1911 in .45 ACP was my carry piece as a young man (I'm only 42, btw). Now, my Kimber in .38 Super...became my first true gunsmithing project. Total lemon but I've steadily worked it into a solid beast.
Ones. On my hip now sir
I have never had a problem with any of them. Im 60 about to hit 61. Had one since 21 if that tells you how many rounds i have fired through them.
I carried a Ultracompact 1911 for two years. The recoil springs expired far quicker than I understood. I broke that poor gun twice. That's when riots and highway blockages were common. I switched back to H&K. I may yet go back to a 1911. They're so easy to shoot well!
45 auto in general is easy to shoot well, not snappy like a 9mm.
I am not a big believer in the concept of ultimate but if there is such a thing as an ultimate fighting pistol it would seem to depend on what you are fighting among other variables. 😊😇
Call me a Fudd...1911s all the way...that is what I mostly own ..
Bought a new 1911 made by a manufacturer in ‘Bonkers’, Noo Yawk and it was an unreliable POS outta the box. Took it back to the dealer and it was returned to the factory for repair. When I got it back it had a laundry list of issues observed and remedied. If I recall it had 9-10 fixes it needed to run reliably. It went from loathed to loved. Don’t know how it excaped the factory initially, but they stood by their warranty.
There are so many 1911 makers out there the quality varies from sublime to ridiculous. The top tier makers are pretty well known and like most things, you get what you pay for. However, some of the Phillipino and Turkish 1911s are building a solid reputation for quality and reliability.
The 1911 is a fine platform. It is NOT the ultimate fighting pistol. In its day i would take the 1911 over any other platform but not a chance today. Glock, SW, Canik and the list goes on and on for modern striker fired platforms. Btw gentlemen, the 1911 did NOT win two World Wars. Both of my grandfathers and multile great uncles used rifles and grenades to close with and destroy the enemy, supported by armor, artillery and air power. The 1911, in its day, was the best pistol ever designed. To say its the finest now? That is hyperbole and nostalgia.
I did an article for PoliceOne.com before I left them and called the 1911 an "expert's sidearm." They cost more, require some gunsmithing from time-to-time and need more training time than a more simple design like a Glock. Either pistol platform will give excellent service, but gun-oriented officers (who are declining in numbers every day) tend to pack a 1911 when they have a choice.
My ultimate fighting pistol happens to be the one I have on me at that time. But I am a fan of the 1911 especially in .45...
Other than a colt , what brand 45 acp would you go with . I’ve been looking at a Smith & Wesson 2.0 m&p 4 inch barrel. Thanks
Obviously the Nighthawks, Wilsons, etc. custom guns are excellent but expensive. In factory guns, S&W, Sig, Kimber are all pretty good any problems will be fixed with a quick factory return. Some guys I respect think the Tisas pistols from Turkey are good quality and an excellent value.
You make some of the best educational firearm videos I've ever seen. You are a very good teacher. Highly appreciate it
The instructor you might have been talking about was Daniel Shaw. I offered to send Shaw a Kimber 3inch 1911 that I have had thousands of rounds through it without an issue. I offered to send him the gun if he supplied the ammo, and he refused to do it. I then shot a video where I put 350 rounds through the gun consecutively without cleaning or oiling and it ran without an issue. A lot of new age trainers today don't know as much as they think they know. Not all 1911s are built well but when you have one that runs it runs well.
Nope, not Shaw.
I have family members that bought 45 caliber 1911s made by a company called ATI out of the Philippines for less than $400. They are really nice pistols.
My Tisas was $319. Never had an issue. Made in Turkey.
When you know, you know. 🇺🇲
So here’s the thing that 1911 guys never seem to notice about their defense of 1911s (btw I do have one and I like it). The tone of the conversation always seems to take the direction of “well the 1911 can be *almost* as reliable and as durable as a polymer frame striker fired pistol, as long as you leave it stock, don’t do a,b,c,x,y, or z, use Wilson Combat magazines, and use ball ammo with the proper bullet ogive"(Ken Hackathorn’s words, not mine).Meanwhile, it’ll still be heavier, hold less rounds, and have more potential points of failure, due to its inherent design. You know what gun I’ve never heard a list of what normal operations to not do in order to keep from breaking the gun? A Glock or a Smith & Wesson M&P. So that’s the crux of the matter. Not many people actually think the 1911 is an objectively *bad* platform. There’s just much more durable and reliable stuff available now. So why artificially handicap yourself by choosing a 1911 when you can buy something that is equal or cheaper in price, without all the aforementioned drawbacks, considerations, and caveats?
The 1911 is not for novices, compared to what's available. It requires more from a user compared to modern pistols such as maintenance and training.
Now if a person only has one firearm and it's a 1911 they inherited, it's not really a problem. The user just has to do their part and the 1911 would serve them well.
Cheap guns break more than expensive ones, regardless of platform. Once a 1911 is made well enough to last several lifetimes and never fail, it's hard to argue that there are things "much more durable and reliable" available now. A 1911 made that way is expensive . . . but so is a Maserati or a Bentley. Yes, one could shoot a Glock that's reliable and (reasonably) durable, so long as you like ugly, janky-feeling guns that have shitty triggers. Besides, nine or ten rounds of .45 (ACP, +P, or Super) or of 10mm (with 775 ft. lbs.) isn't exactly a "handicap."
@kevinmarrett9532 Maybe because I like the way it feels and shoots…? Just because it’s not a Glock or M&P doesn’t mean I’m “handicapping” myself. Why are all you “polymer guys” so ignorant. Carry what you like and I’ll carry what I like and mind my own business. And btw I also carry a Glock 26 from time to time too. Variety is the spice of life I suppose.
The 1911 is Americas pistol.
Rock Island Armory, they make a 1911 45 ACP with a 3.5 inch barrel. Are there issues with the shorter barrel 1911s?
I have seen the shorter (than a Commander) pistols produce more malfunctions (usually feeding issues), though they generally worked fine for me. During my interview with Dick Heinie yesterday, he felt the short 1911s were just as reliable WHEN the shooter used a firm grip/stance. That makes a lot of sense with other experiences I have and I will be developing a separate video on the topic.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb Looking forward to the next video. Thank you for your time.
The 1911's that I've seen had the most issues have been those with really tight tolerances...
I had to work/machine my Kimber custom II CDP for the first 400-500 rounds or so. Was having issues with failure to eject or failures to feed. But after the “break-in” it’s been flawless. The slide operates extremely smoothly and feels great in my hands. A few thousand rounds since with zero issues. I can trust my life with this thing. I have a Glock and an XD 45 but I carry theKimber 1911
I think 1911s are the most attractive looking handguns. I just don’t like only having 8 rounds of .45 acp …when I can get a pistol with way higher capacity. I personally am not a big fan of the velocity of .45 acp. I’m not slamming the caliber because I respect it… I just don’t get why anyone would carry a large pistol with only 8 rounds that has low velocity and needs to be fairly clean and lubed to work. Maybe I’m thinking of things wrong. I would love to carry the best looking pistol… I just see so many advantages to other firearms. Also if I get a weapon taken from me ( by police) due to having had to defend myself / family… Would I be more upset about losing an expensive 1911 or a polymer handgun?
If I'm not wrong didn't the qualifications for the 1911 go 8-10K rounds with out a failure during the 1911 qualifications? Not bad wouldn't you say? Also they tested the 45ACP cartridge using pigs, cattle and human cadavers and were satisfied with it's performance. To my knowledge no current pistol/caliber combination has been tested using those paramitors. In my case I own a model Colt series 70 1911. I bought it back in 1980. I fired 50-100 rounds a month through that pistol until I retired from the Army in 1989, without a failure. Over the years I have had a total of one, yes one, failure. That was do to a cheap magazire I had purchased for use in training. I am careful to not use my carry magazines in training as training requires them to be droped on a concrete floor. The bottom plate of the range magazine broke free after decades of this use. I use my carry magazines, but I don't drop them on the concrete. I would say I have had pretty good reliability from that pistol and I don't feel anyone can say the 45ACP isn't adequate. Hell one guy shot an aircraft down with one shot for God's sake (Documented). Just saying!...
After retiring from the Department, I shot USPSA limited class for 7 years. Counting practice and matches, I have over 100,000 rounds through my Para Ordnance P-16 Limited stainless .40 sw. So 1911's are junk, according to opinionated know-it-alls.
I too love the 1911 and own 8 of them (all Colts and one Ithaca). The 1911 was my first gun my dad gave me at age 12. It was an Ithaca 1911 from WW2, which I still own. But, all of my 1911’s lie in the back of the safe now in “moth balls.” Now I’ve converted into a Browning Hi Power fan boy. It’s become my all time favorite metal pistol to collect now and I own 9 genuine “Brownings.” The Glock 17 and Glock 22 are my favorite polymer “first responder” combat pistols that I grab first before any other pistol.
I won't own a Glock. Many years back a Dallas P.O. told me that he had to slap a perp. with his Glock and the slide went bouncing across the pavement. I'll stick with my Colt '80's series Commander. I've had three f.t.e.'s because of weak charges in the cases. I haven't purchased that ammo (40 years ago) since then but I have about 30 rounds left. I just don't have a hankerin' to use it.
I guess I'm a Fudd that's my edc Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 45 Government or Commander size.
I’ve been carting one around for about 35 years and ten where I wasn’t actually carrying it. Shot bullseye with one and had it save my bacon on a couple occasions. My Commander got the nickname, “Ol’ Q-tip” after one of those.
My first was a brand new Colt mk IV series 80 purchased in ElPaso Tx, 1989. Seems to me you get a Colt, or a Springfield (when Sprnfld was owned in the USA). One was 600 ish the other was 400 ish.. The old Springfield was like the old A1 you speak of. The colt was a gorgeous blue with walnut grips.
First pistol I fired was a 1911 at Fort Knox Kentucky. I own three and they are quite reliable.
In my opinion the phrase Fudd is absolutely ignorant: my choice of firearm has nothing to do with my support for the 2A
My first pistol was a Colt Combat Commander, 45 ACP. My Dad gave it to me after gunshots were fired in front of our house. I’ve always loved the way it handled and shot but it wasn’t reliable after about 50 rounds or so. Turns out the extractor was defective. It runs like a top now. Later, I bought a Kimber 5” Stainless. This gun shoots amazingly and it’s always been reliable. I think the 1911 has been given a bad reputation by individual guns with mechanical problems. Its long history and widespread use has led to many anecdotal accounts of reliability issues. It’s kinda hard to look like a know-it-all if you aren’t pointing out “problems” with other people’s equipment. To use a quote from an old Christmas cartoon, “You eat what you like and I’ll eat what I like!” Anybody remember that one? 😂
I had a poor opinion of 1911s from when I was about 18 in probably 99. My brother got one on trade or something, it was a horribly abused colt. Probably pretty old. Now I'd know what to do with one like that. Back then I thought wow look how these things get after a lot of shooting. I've never owned one but probably will some day.
If you have a "good" 1911, it will run reliably.
Notice the "good" part...
How about if you have a Glock, not a "good" one, just any one of the shelf, it's gonna run reliably, and far more so than a 1911. I've see. 1911's choke too many times, and I love the 1911. The cold hard truth is that the Glock is a more reliable, higher capacity, more durable fighting pistol. The fudd stereotype is for a reason. Just accept that the 1911 is great, but not the greatest.
I see your point. I guess that is why 1911 sales are falling off so dramatically ...
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb correlation doesn't always equal causation. The 1911 sales are not up due to them being the most reliable guns on the market. The reason the 1911 is selling as well as it is, is because your generation is the generation that loves the 1911 the most, and your generation is the one that has the most disposable income to buy them, and the most free time to enjoy them. Militaries aren't buying them. Police departments aren't buying them. Most younger people aren't buying them. That leaves the boomers, right? 🤔😉
@@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x28 A modern 1911 is a pistol for an expert, not an "average" shooter. When someone asks me for the best self-defense pistol, I say "get a Glock." For those who are willing to invest the time and training to be a cut above, a 1911 will give them that edge. If it's not your cup of tea, great. Don't begrudge those of us who strive for excellence.
@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb I get it. You like the 1911, and you will move the goalposts as far as they need to be moved to justify your opinion. I like 1911's better than glocks myself. They have better triggers, better looking, more accurate, etc. They are not however the best fighting handgun. They are also less reliable, have less capacity, are heavier, harder to repair, more complicated, require hand fitting of parts quite often, and are objectively worse as a self defense, combat handgun. I'm not begrudging anybody. I'm just stating the facts. What did I sat that wasn't true?
Paul Harrel did an excellent video on the 1911 called 1911s don't suck. He pointed out that there's some budget priced foreign made 1911 clones that tarnish the 1911s reputation.
1911’s also make excellent platforms for hunting deer and other medium/large game. They are heavy enough to absorb the recoil of high powered rounds such as 10mm, 45 super, and 460 Roland. Also their steel construction will handle the punishment of these loads. Currently companies are also milling them for optics as well.
I took my manly gun out to the range today. A Springfield TRP full-rail Operator. Damn I like that gun.
Great video by the way! Thank you! And when you started mentioning certain practices to avoid, immediately thought about one of the Wilson Combat videos recently about those things, and the fight that ensued in the comments. I'll just say you can really see generational differences in the shooters. Even arguing over oiling and dropping the slide on an inserted cartridge. It was unreal.
Mr. F. Thanks for the detailed information about firearms and their history. Thanks for helping promoting classic handguns and not just plastic wunder nines.
I type this with a DW 1911 on my hip but to me I attribute increasing reliability of the 1911 platform over the years to people like Mr. Bill Wilson who's magazines, parts and knowledge have helped substantially. Though I personally don't believe the 1911 to be as reliable as a modern day striker gun but that may be in part due to maintenance requirements and people neglecting their firearms.
They typically use Starline brass which is premium brass in 45 auto cartridges.
1911s are awesome, I love the triggers the most! If I were trying to modernize one, I'd probably increasee grip size to the size of xdm elite and swap it to 10mm.
I have a rock island GI double stack 14+1🤘
Those are cool Pistols! I have a old Para Ordnance Wort Hog double stack 1911.
You must not live in Commiefornia. 😊
That's what I'm talking about, love the P14
@@Kinetic.44 Man they are so friggin cool especially back in the day when a 2011 wasn't even a thing yet.
Young guys in the 90s convinced me to try Glock I was resistant now it's the only gun I will carry by my side that being said I'm subscribed to your channel I appreciate it
Thanks, we don't all have to agree all the time.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb much content and knowledge you have that is appreciated served my time in the US Army infantry 6 years your law enforcement resume and knowledge is very impressive I'm an old man now but always open to learning new things and hearing other opinions
@@gdmofo I'm old, too. If I have any wisdom at all, it comes from the miles, not the years, and I've been down a LOT of unpaved roads!
Thanks for your wisdom on topic .Eyes opened by you lol.
Kimber Warrior For Me Sir!!!
👍🏻👍🏻
I believe the 45auto cartridge used in M45A1 was actually sourced from the Israeli Military Industry and head stamped TZZ and used during the War on Terrorism. That round was the most modern US military issued version of the 45 auto cartridge and loaded to approximately 900fps from a 5” barrel 1911.
.45 Ball was still in the US Military inventory, the last I knew ... when was still with the ISP the local FBI SWAT team used it in training. I told them not to worry about picking up their brass and with a few hours of brass picking I have a lifetime supply. I've used some IMI ammo over the years and it is all first rate.
If I am buying a 1911, I am buying it from Gun Sight Pro Shop to buy one.
Hi Dick, I have a Tisas 1911 D10, a 10mm gun. It’s fantastic. Top quality for around 7 bills.
Love your videos.
Thanks for the kind words.
I have a Essex frame, the rest is colt. It shoots ammo that chokes a glock.
Mine cycles empties as well
I own a Colt 1911 Gold Cup. Who in their right mind would not want to own a 1911 if they can afford one? Feels great in the hand, very accurate, reliable, historical, wood & steel work of art, and a ton of fun. While still useful for self defense, and a reasonably good choice, I would not agree they are still the very best choice . There are newer designs that are arguably better, even if marginally. Believing that does not make you an 'idiot'.
When I referred to "idiots" I had in mind those who completely dismiss the 1911 as antiquated and ineffective. Your comment shows you don't take rank with those folks.
Or…you could buy any of the modern striker fired guns and not have to worry about tinkering with them. Regardless of what some gun writers or RUclipsrs say…the budget 1911s…while better than ever…just do not have the QC necessary for an out of the box combat handgun. Once tuned…yes, they are nice, but even higher end factory guns still often require tuning. The M45A1 was retired in 2023. I don’t know of anyone issuing a 1911 in US Military at this time…doesn’t mean there aren’t some still floating around an arms room somewhere…but it was retired for a reason.
I filmed my interview with 1911 expert Dick Heinie yesterday. He thinks with modern CNC manufacturing techniques, the day of the custom 1911 builder is about over. The new 1911's, even those made overseas, are becoming no-gunsmithing drop-in-parts pistol much like the Glocks. I defer to his expertise. The last video in this series will be Dick's interview.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb have several 1911s from overseas…all required tweaking…as well as my Dan Wesson. While I agree machining is better than ever…no one seems to agree on specs…bottom line…1911s are not guns you can trust out of the box…regardless of what an “expert” wants to believe.