A 1911 is like a mechanical watch. It's outdated, expensive, and impractical for modern life. But what a wonderful machine it is. Edit: Outdated doesn't mean bad, it's just old tech. And impractical doesn't mean useless, it just means you have to love it enough to put up with its shortcomings. Which I do. Now go to bed, Grandpa. The scary words can't hurt you.
If we want to be brutally honest Browning made it obsolete when he started the development of the High Power. Saive finished making it obsolete when he finished Browning's idea.
@@bmstylee I mean, the only thing the Hi-Power added significantly was a double stack magazine, which can be backported to the 1911. Really, most modern handguns still use a tilting barrel, short recoil system and even the controls are very similar. The 1911 persists solely because technology hasn’t evolved all that much in the last century and the only advancements are features. Many of which can be backported, as I said.
There's more to it. You'll have to keep them lubricated, give them the right ammo, clean them regularly, replace the recoil springs proactively, periodically check the extractor and plunger tube to make sure they're on tight.
They make wadcutter specific mags?? Interesting! I’ve shot a ton of competition and I would say probably 80% of the jams I’ve seen in 1911s was them choking on semi-wadcutter bullets.
You forgot Number 4&5; buy a 1911 from a reputable manufacturer that actually cares about consistent QC if you want it to work right out of the box, and check to make sure the feed ramp on the barrel and frame is smooth/polished if you want it to feed JHP ammunition reliably. Last one is literally the most common corner cut by most budget 1911 manufacturers that tell me their target market is casual shooters buying a range gun instead of folks looking for a reliable self-defense pistol.
As silly as "pride of ownership" is, I really wish all modern technology manufacturers, from guns to cars to cell phones, understood this and took it more seriously. If I'm going to give a company a grip of my cash, I want the product to be excellent in every way. I understand with planned obsolescence being the rule of the market these days it's not "realistic", but it still matters to me.
In the firearms world unless you're buying something custom or building yourself mass makers don't care. Look at the crap Sig puts out for example. They use the consumer as a beta tester.
@@bmstylee Ian McCollum over has a video discussing this topic in detail, Sig Sauer isn't "letting consumers do the beta testing", that's just part of bringing a new mass manufacture product to the market, a firearm or otherwise. ruclips.net/video/iE6Jk1r7aUI/видео.html
@@Tuton25 I will respectfully disagree with him. The 320, 365, Cross all say otherwise. All of those had design issues Sig didn't find. Once I can give a pass on. But 3 is just negligence and shotty engineering.
@@-V-_-V- I hear you on the efficiency. The problem today isn't that most guns are beautiful and ineffective. It's the opposite. Gun shop counters go for miles with extremely efficient, boring, polymer pistols that all do about the same thing very effectively and look similar. We have no shortage of that. If you want a new, handsome gun you pretty much just have the 1911.
A 1911, a mechanical watch, a zippo lighter..there’s something about the solidity and feel of metal in your hands. There’s also something to be said about proven durable time-tested designs. They generally require a bit more upkeep, but they get the job done and become well known trusted companions. I have a Glock and a 1911. I like the way polymer guns slide in and out of Kydex. I like the dependability and magazine capacity of my Glock. But I prefer the weight and feel of the 1911. There’s just something about the presence of a government model 1911. It feels like an extension of your hand and has the smoothest of actions. Aside from that, it’s an American design that served our country faithfully in far off places, and by extension is a symbol of Americas own durability and greatness.
I never quite understood the mystique of the 1911 until I shot one, then I immediately got it. I think that the most impressive aspect of the 1911's history is: when John Moses Browning began work on the design that would be adopted in 1911, Wilbur and Orville sold bicycles. Before it left service with the US Army, mankind had walked on the Moon and the Space Shuttle was in service.
I thought that the 1911 was an old man's gun, featured in gangster movies. Then I won one in a raffle, and I loved it! Much easier to shoot accurately than my fighting Tupperware.
A second, heartfelt AMEN! I grew up - and have long been shooting (for 60+ years) - with Smith K and N Frame revolvers and top quality, five inch barrel, .45 ACP 1011A1’s. I still own, love and shoot many of these superb sidearms. And like many experienced marksmen, I find them to be highly accurate, very durable, with enduring quality. Yes, a Glock or an M&P works, and in some individuals’ hands they are as accurate as a top-tier S&W or Ruger service-size revolver or a non-striker fired full-sized autoloader. However, the large capacity of contemporary, double stack, striker fired semiautomatics brings essentially nothing to the lawful concealed carry arena that isn’t also conveyed in older - highly accurate and durable - reduced capacity designs. Please tell me how often an armed, non-LEO, confrontation requires more than five proficiently aimed and fired rounds to be successfully concluded? In fact, the answer is it’s exceedingly rare. Moreover, with handguns only CNS and center mass hits count in rapidly terminating a firefight (other than the frequent “psychological stops”) , and many civilian shooters simply are more accurate with a 1911A1, a buttery smooth DA revolver, or a traditional SA/DA autoloader (Beretta, Sig, CZ, H&K, etc.), than with a striker fired “polymer wonder.” This is truly a “golden age” for firearms - so many excellent, fine quality, accurate, reliable and durable designs are now marketed - so exercise your freedom, purchase and use whatever you prefer. BUT understand that new is not axiomatically synonymous with better.
@@roykiefer7713 Agreed. I want to hit what I'm aiming at, and a good 1911 does the job. I disagree with Chris, Kimbers can be had for 7 or 8 hundred, and mine work perfectly.
I think the ergonomics of the 1911 deserve a bit more recognition. The thin profile and "1911 grip angle" make for a comfortable gun to handle. I have brought a lot of first time shooters to the range with my collection of different handguns and I've repeatedly seen these new shooters perform well with the 1911 over all of the other modern handguns they try. Of course this is all anecdotal and ergonomics are a very subjective thing, so it is naturally a topic that others may disagree with. I am not afraid to admit that the 1911 is large, heavy, and has poor ammo capacity compared to more modern designs. It is definitely a gun that has limited practical application nowadays, but I can't help but want a really nice one at some point in the future. It's one of my favorites.
Depends on the person. A 1911 is one of the most UN-ergonomic pistols I’ve shot (as far as main stream guns), they are just all kinds of wrong for my mitts. Were as a Glock is much more comfortable for me, not withstanding their short comings.
When I started shooting the first pistol I was able to accurately hit with was a budget Auto Ordnance 1911A1 Repro. The other pistols I had fired previously were the Glock 19 and the S&W SD9. This was about 10 years ago.
Both CZ-75s and M&Ps copied 1911's grip angle (18 degrees). Since I consider CZ-75s even more ergonomic than 1911s, the fact that it copied 1911's grip angle means that 1911 got it right!
In my experience another thing the 1911 has going for it is its grip index - unlike a lot of modern polymer "wonder 9s", which are each trying to lower the bore axis as much as possible, the 1911 puts your trigger finger and the webbing of your hand in line with the barrel. This means you can hold a 1911 and point your index finger forward, and it will be pointing directly at your target (rather than downwards at a slight angle). This seems to lead to easier instinctual pointing. I say this as someone that isn't much of a 1911 fan, but I appreciate grip index and bore axis as much as the next guy. This is also why stuff like the old Walther P99 / PPQ point so naturally for so many people - they have grip indexes very similar to that of a 1911.
For me, the biggest reason for owning one, without a doubt, was the history. I couldn't care less about how it stacks up to a modern handgun. I wanted to own what is arguably the most American pistol ever made. It served in two world wars and was designed by the man responsible for laying the framework for the modern firearms market. When you said "pride of ownership" this is what I thought you were going to touch on. For me, the pride in owning a 1911 comes from my respect and reverence for its history.
@@timc46440 Historical items can be important. I am pretty confident that if my 1911 needs a part, I can pretty much find a replacement at just about any gun shop. Extractors, barrels, bits and pieces. I was at a range in Illinois, my extractor broke, not the guns problem it was my reloads. I went to the counter and told the owner what my problem was and he pulled out a box of parts and rooted around for a minute and pulled out a milsurp extractor and $3 later I was back on the firing line. I have built several 1911s from parts picked up at my local gun shop. So many forearms today just aren't built to replace components like the 1911. There is a trigger assembly, not a trigger, sear, springs and the rest of the bits like a 1911. The 1911 can be completely disassembled and maintained with no special tools, you don't have to have a toolbox to polish a trigger. I have a Glock and other polymer firearms. They are great for what they are for but they aren't the answer for everyone.
Sure I would own one for the history, and to shoot for fun from time to time. But would I prefer it over modern models? No. And I'm sure Mr. Browning would think the same.
They are just as good or better modern guns like glocks are overpriced/hyped plastic garbage many police stations have and or in the process of getting rid of glocks. Even places like the LAPD replaced them.
My first time qualifying in the ARMY was with a 1911. Never seen one before then. It was SN 00549. Had no rifling left and the stipling on the grips was gone. Rattled like it was going to blow up, but i qualed expert with it.
I remember trying to qualify on a gun just like that. Some of the rifling was gone and it had a slight bulge in the barrel. I was shooting curve balls with it
Gary: I bought an RIA/Armscor rack grade 11A1. First thing I actually did before plunking down the $ was to pick it up and shake it. It didn't rattle and after serving in the military ('64-68) I thought there was something wrong with it.
As a motorcyclist, the 1911 reminds me of the Harley-Davidson. On paper, it's got nothing on a Honda. It's for people who enjoy the aesthetic and experience of an American classic.
Yes kind of like classic muscle cars or vinyl records. There is better technology available but they just scratch an itch that digital tech and plastic firearms can’t.
@@WALTERBROADDUS I have a Honda, Triumph and a Harley. The Harley is by far the least capable machine, but it's the one I use the most, because it's just the most enjoyable.
I inherited my great grandfathers colt government model 1911 A1. It was the first handgun I EVER pulled the trigger on…so obviously I was spoiled with a WW2 relic as my first gun ever and I could not ask for anything else. Because I started with this, got used to shooting it, and fell in love with it, I am a 1911 man. It’s in pristine condition. My favorite part is definitely the trigger.
I carried a 1911 while in the Military Police in the 70's. In that time I probably put over 7,500 round through it (thank you tax payers) and never had a misfire shooting govt ball ammo. I loved the comfort of it and purchased a Colt Govt 1911 when I became a civilian. I now own a couple of others, 9mm but always rely on my 1911 for that safety feeling. I can also say that nothing matches the accuracy of a well maintained and handled 1911. Great video Chris.
The military went to the 9mm because women and limp wristed males couldn't handle the 1911. They should have been an early indicator as to where we where headed militarily speaking.
Yes, you can't reliably shoot an M1911 without a strong grip on it or the slide will not cycle properly. It is also fairly heavy, but so is the Beretta that replaced it. The USMC trains men and woman separately, and not sure who get's pistol training. The Army ends up with anyone who enlists.
Slow Turtle they went to 9mm bc it’s essentially just as effective but for the same weight you can have more ammo. My CZ weighs less than a GI 1911 and has 21 rounds in the magazine. 21+1 of 124gr 9mm +p (how I carry it) will outdo 7+1 of .45 ball ammo (since 1911s don’t usually run well with JHPs)
I was Air Force Security Police in the 70s and our sidearm at the time was a 38. Hated it. We were jealous of the other services that had the 1911. I have a Springfield 1911 now , not very reliable as a go to self defense gun but love shooting it. Very accurate.
Soon as I saw the vid had to watch! I currently carry a 2011 professionally on duty and a 1911 (TRP) off duty. I get the arguments against it, but a well tuned and reliable 1911 isn’t hard to find, just stay with the well known brands and a few good range sessions will show you if the hun needs any work. The reward is worth it in my opinion. As far as cost, that’s relative. I have coworkers balk at the price of a 1911 while driving around in a new F250 or Tesla. We prioritize our money how we want, and if you really want a top shelf 1911 you’ll make the necessary means to get one. I hope to see more 1911 videos soon!
Massad Ayoob and Bill Wilson have a great vid on the benefits of carrying a 1911 if you haven't seen it. Granted Wilson's endorsement might be a tad self serving, but Massads points are fantastic.
Best carry for me is Staccato C2. Compact 9mm 2011 (1911 Double Stack) perfection. Small enough to conceal and deadly accurate, of course the trigger is phenomenal.
The first pistol i purchased was a 1911 5”. Still have it and it’s still my favorite handgun I own. I finally decided to give the polymer guns a try and bought a G19 MOS. I’ve put quite a bit of money into that pistol to get it somewhat close to shooting like my 1911s. It’s still not there but it’s OK. I think the draw to the 1911 was handled pretty well in the vid and with other’s comments. For me, it fits my hand better than any other pistol or revolver. There is no comparison…that I’ve found anyway. After 1000’s of rounds through the pipe, it’s what I know and trust. Yes, the 1911 is what I carry. I look at polymer pistols like an economy car. They’re efficient and will get you there…reliably. The 1911 is like a classic muscle car. Fun to drive, sucks gas, and is a maintenance pig. But, it’s still worth owning and driving with a smile.
I love that comparison you made... Just like the cheapo economy cars the polymers get run until they wear out or something else newer and better comes along, then it gets tossed aside for the next generic piece of plastic to take it's place. The 1911 might not be a "daily driver", but it gets cleaned and taken care of, you bring it out to show it off, and when your time on earth has passed and the polymers are all long gone the 1911 goes home in the hands of a son or grandson who'll cherish it.
I've been shooting 1911's since I got my first one 50 years ago. I think based on that, you've done a pretty decent analysis of why people love them or hate them. As a 1911 lover, it's mostly in my head. Back in the day when I first started with the defense handgun, as you've noted, the "rank and file" pistol was the K-frame revolver with the cops I grew up around. It was pretty much what you were going to be issued if your job came with a gun, and your only way to make it "yours" was going to be fancy grips, or a Magnum chambering like the Model 19 or a Python. Those were great guns, but if you wanted to really stand apart from the crowd you would carry an automatic. For us, that meant a 1911 marked "Colt" and not some Nancy-Boy 9mm. At least that was how we felt about it at the time. To us, anyone could drive a wheelgun. If you studied the 1911, you soon saw its advantages and what you needed to do to one to make it work as a fine combat or target sidearm. We laughed at guys who couldn't make their pistols work, or keep their 1911's lubed, or make their loads function properly. As soon as we got off duty and put away our issued six shooters, we couldn't wait to show our 1911's off. This all started to get silly in the 80's as we could choose to tote a Browning, a Beretta. a SIG, an S&W auto, and the most mysterious of all, a squeze cocking HK. Then came the Glock, the combat handgun designed to float in the bathtub. This was all pretty silly, but there was no doubt that the 1911 in .45 just threw off more attitude. Those who also competed with them still had reasons to cling to them, mostly the trigger, and we smugly told ourselves that 8 rounds was enough. To ne honest, for my life as it is now, 9 shots are probably enough, with a spare mag on my other side. Today I have fewer 1911's than I used to, and mine are made looking prettier than they used to as well. They are what used to be called Barbecue Guns. I love to brag about the groups mine would hold, as if I could still do that now at my age. Most days I'm carrying smallish Tactical Tupperware, and it is usually a 9mm. But when I put on a good 1911 in .45 of course, I can remember when it was the only game in town and I was hot shit with mine. I don't carry a 1911 that much any more but when I do it is a pleasant trip down memory lane. And I figured how to make one work 100% a long time ago, so why not enjoy it? I'll probably be buried with my two-tone Colt. Maybe in a photographer's vest and a bush hat to complete the look. Oops, pants. I'll definitely need pants.
Either way, I agree. However a 1911 is more like a 69 charger, or a Shelby Cobra. Yes they are more work, but are so fun to drive. Personally, if it puts a smile on your face then it's worthwhile. 🍻
Did my first "gun smith class" on the 1911A1 using a GI parts kit from Auto Ordinance. It took a whole lot more custom fiitting than I expected to make it work, but after a Black Badge day and nearly 600 rounds without a malfunction I figure I passed that gun smith course. Pride of ownership - you bet!
The first center fire pistol that I ever fired was a 1911. When I was a boy, my dad brought me to a range with a work friend and he let me fire his Colt Gold cup 1911. Holding that 1911 felt like holding a bar of gold and I made a respectable group and had that target on my wall for years. When I was a young man, I bought one the first Kimber 1911's and to this day, my adult son refers to it as "his" Kimber. Please do more videos on the 1911. They remind me of the day when a boy got to hold gold in his hands.
I bought a Remington 1911 for $500. I installed the beaver tail grip, Wilson combat sear, extended slide release, etc. all on my own. I've never worked on a gun prior to this. It's my favorite gun I own, not only is there the history, but also I put my own work into it and the trigger pull, accuracy. It feels amazing to shoot. It's the last gun I'll ever give up
“Pride of Ownership…” I always wanted a 1911 in 45acp, but found myself getting other guns and letting the 1911 slide down on my list. I thought I wanted to find a certified combat-used (WWII/Korea/VN) model, and I still do, but then, five months ago, I saw a used Ed Brown Executive Elite in my LGS case. The price was high, but still $800-1000 less than several Colts, Wilsons, and Nighthawks available in the nearby ‘new’ gun case. Running the slide on the Ed Brown was the finest I’ve ever felt. Run side by side with a Colt Gold Cup and a Nighthawk (both costing north of a grand more), the Ed Brown was far and away tighter and smoother (zero ‘maracas’ shake)…and the trigger on THAT gun helped me to finally, fully understand what having a “good trigger” actually means. So, I dumped a few thou I hadn’t planned to, and took it home. On its first range trip, it kept blowing out the bullseyes so easily, that I kept pushing back the targets until at 20yds, in a shadow of lighting on my lane, I began to lay hits just outside the bullseye, not because of the gun, but because of MY EYES! Going all the way back to 25, the light was better, but not my vision. I believe that, somehow, by sheer chance, I got a a really good one…from a maker who only builds VERY good ones. I was in the right place at the right time…one of the very few times I’ve been that lucky with a gun purchase. After about 300 rds of FMJs, still no problems, at all. There are three holster-wear “dots” of lost bluing, but otherwise it’s perfect. Is the 1911 better than newer designs, no. But it’s AT LEAST as cool as ANY other gun you can name, and it is incredibly accurate for an average shooter (me). I can only imagine what my gun would do in the hands of a skilled shooter! So the Ed Brown sits in my safe as my most favorite gun, the one I have to pick up and run the slide, nearly every time I open the safe, and the first one I take out to show friends. @LuckyGunnerAmmo, please do a few more videos on the 1911. The haters just don’t appreciate quality, history, or reverence for their elders. Thanks!!
@Handyman1911 . . . Thank you for the awesome story. If it were any shorter (ya know, so it'll fit on a cell phone display better), it wouldn't have been the same story. I personally have not had the pleasure of owning a 1911, yet. I'm glad you got a good one. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Cheers from Alaska. 🎄🎅🍺
"I kept pushing back the targets until at 20yds. . ." Wow, that far? Your expectations were too low based on other firearms. The usual testing distances for 1911s and their ammo are 25 and 50 yards. Then ring the gongs at 100 yards.
Chris' point about how pride of ownership motivates practice deserves more attention. The best, safest, and most effective gun your arsenal is the one you train with the most. For those of us (read: most of us) who don't tailor our entire life around the defensive use of firearms, a 1911 we dig so much that we shoot it twice a month IS a superior tool to an M&P we feel "meh" about and shoot once a year.
This is a good point. My Canik TP9sf is the first pistol I ever enjoyed shooting enough to get even half decent with it. Prior to that I only ever really practiced with Shotguns and Rifles. You have to like the gun enough to practice so you are not a danger to yourself and others.
I feel attacked by this OP. 😂 Really though, your point is one that is glossed over by many. I hate training with my Glock. But it works and I’m not more accurate than it, so I stay with it. I’m saving for a double stack 1911, until then I get to hate training.
If you want to develop that emotional attachment to an M&P, put an Apex flat/forward trigger kit in it. My M&P 2.0 was just a tool... an appliance... until the Apex went in it. Now I have pride of ownership and an emotional attachment to it. Everyone who picks it up shoots it better than any pistol on the table. ruclips.net/video/ZiSrQtTJD0w/видео.html
Funny you say that. The M&P is my personal carry and I train with it often. If you need aesthetics to motivate your training then there are some major issues you need to contend with
I bought a used Colt 1911 back in the early 80's. It has worked well all of this time. I've had to do a few repairs. I also put 700 to a 1000 rounds a year through it. It's my normal carry gun, with a 10 round extended mag. Where I live we can open carry almost everywhere. I love it.
Wonderful. I've owned everytbing from POS AMT Hardballer to Colt to Springfield to Sig to 2 Les Baers and an Ed Brown SF. My usual carry gun is a Les Baer Commander size 1911. I live in a constitutional carry state but I have a CCW as it covers me in so e 37 states. Thr irony is that the place with gun friendly laws has much less crime, and the most anti gun places have thr most crime. Not a coincidence.
@@Peppersquads what's it to you what I carry when? Depending on where and why is why sometimes it's a 357, sometimes a 44, or a 380, or 9mm or the 45. Why do you wear briefs instead of boxers, personal choice that's why.
@@Peppersquads Wait, what? Glocks are lighter but larger and have crap triggers. As well, I can't think of the last time I heard of a 'kaboom' happening with a 1911. The Block? More than once, which is too often. The great thing about a 1911 is, you have a far better chance if hitting what you aim at. And since you're using 45 instead of 9, you can shoot HARDBALL and you're more effective with less rounds downrange. Refer to the Florida FBI shootout for how useless high cap 9mm can sometimes be...then refer to Sgt York for the efficient effectiveness of 7 rounds of 45.
The reason I love my 1911 so much is because of its unmatched ergonomics. To be fair, I do have smaller hands, but it just fits my hands like a glove and that trigger pull is unlike any other gun I've shot. They're really works of art and I have yet to be let down by a 1911.
It really depends on the 1911 from my experience, some od them you have to really deathgrip the grip safety to just shoot it. Some of them are great, some are just duds, but I think that could be said about any platform.
I love that "pride of ownership" is an argument that made it into the same video as the logical analysis of opportunity costs. I do view my CCWs as tools primarily. Whatever pride I have invested in them is directly tethered to the level of competence I've gained with them. My 1911, however, remains in the collection primarily for the sake of pride of ownership. What feeling of pride I have invested in my Government 1911 is imbued by its symbolic and cultural gravitas.
The 1911 is a "right" design. Imagine a world where everyone had living relatives from the Civil War, 99% of rifles were bolt action, and the revolver had just "won the west." Enter a semi-auto handgun with clean angular styling that looks modern in 2021. Any honest person alive today will admit to being shocked when they learned WHY it is called the 1911. It was a masterpiece of industrial design with few peers outside of firearms, and none within. This is true and your or my opinion of it matters zero. It has affected every handgun since. It was a triumph of design, when new, in a way that takes it out of the hands of gun enthusiasts and passes it into the gallery of great designs made real by the human hand and mind. Only the 1911 is the 1911. That opportunity came once and won't come again. Respect for the 1911 isn't really optional unless one knows nothing.
1911 is already a hybrid of design calibration between browning and the us army, with 10 years of development in to what we have today, and when others could not compete they made useless safety laws to sell there products. But still in compatition the 1911 is the winner 🏆.
Firearms of all types have always been owned by civilians and the military alike until unconstitutional infringements were passed within the last 100 years in the USA. Bolt actions have been used since their inception, you obviously need to get your facts straight before making claims for all US Civilians without making sure your assumptions don’t make an ass outta yourself
I think it's a real testament to the popularity of the 1911 design that you had an entire handgun industry spring up out of the desire to customize the standard grade Colt pistol. It is the '57 Chevy of the handgun world.
The history behind the 1911 alone makes me love it. Also as he said, having a gun made entirely out of steel and wood is just really nice. I really don’t like polymer guns but that’s all there is in this day. I won’t deny modern firearms are just better but the style and build of a 1911 is just an art and engineering marvel.
What always impressed me about the 1911 is the fact its a design that is well over 100 years old but it's still used and works well enough to see competition pretty widely. For what it is that is actually rather impressive.
Just turned 40 this year. Been carrying the 1911 for almost twenty years. My V-Bob just recently was milled for a Red dot using the trijicon sight plate. For me, that helped bring my carry gun into the twenty first century. I have tried carrying other guns, carried a Glock 19 and a Sig 228 for a while. Always end up with that “heavy, limited capacity, unreliable” dinosaur in 45 acp on my hip. I have been to combat and was in the Infantry, things I have learned are that shot placement is important but physics is also. Guys didn’t get back up that often being hit with a large heavier caliber like 7.62 from a CS hit, despite what she might tell you, bigger is better. It’s why I like the 45 Acp, yeah modern ammo & HP make the 9mm similar to 45acp. At the end of the day, if I only had FMJ, I am taking the 45acp. I also am a big believer of carrying what you can comfortably get first shot hits with, regardless off gun. For me it’s a 1911. What about capacity? Well, shot placement, and reload drills. Not facing 100 pissed off jihadist in Sadar City, so I am good with 8+1. Even then, I would carry a 1911 into combat over a Glock in 9mm. Reliability, I have been to number of pistol courses, a 1911 needs to be maintained, it needs to have recoil springs and firing pin springs changed often. It’s like that 68 “ your dream muscle car.” If you don’t find pleasure in maintaining a car you won’t find pleasure in maintaining your 1911. That being said, I haven’t had a 1911 fail me yet due to the gun. Not trying to sell anyone on the 1911, it’s not for everyone. I also won’t knock you for what you choose to carry. Software is more important than hardware.
I disagree with the cheaper 1911's being less quality. I have owned a RIA for about three years now with several thousand rounds through it and it is still going strong. Read the reviews they are very dependable guns. Technically the 1911 is a simple design, there isn't much to go wrong with them.
@@muznick same here. Had some feeding issues at first then after 700 rounds, when I loaded the factory ACT mag into the pistol, it shot all 8 rounds and the magazine spring through the open ejection port. I then swapped the ACT mag for Wilson combat, Kimber, and even surplus Colt GI mags and never had problems after. I can run my RIA 1911A1 dry, dripping wet with oil, or dirty after sitting uncleaned for a few weeks after my last range day and it still works flawlessly, and it eats any type of ammo I feed it, hollow points and all.
2nd that. The Rock series is the sweet spot I think. Great value, good shooters and a joy to shoot. (And was fun to see the reactions of my Filipino friends who shot 'em, loved 'em and learned they were made in the Philippines.)
Agree with this. I've had one in 9mm and it ran flawlessly. Sure, they aren't as pretty as some of my other 1911's, but probably the best value out there.
I agree. I own a $400 High Standard GI made by Armscor, a Canadian made Para Ordnance SSP that was $850 and a $1,800 Dan Wesson Specialist. ALL three have been reliable and accurate pistols.
I'm 37 and LOVE the 1911 and 2011 platform. It shoots great and looks great. Range toy yes, carry gun, no. There are better options for capacity and weight out there now. I have over 10 1911/2011's ranging from Springfield Armory to Cabot Guns. I love them all and will never stop buying them. I remember reading Guns & Ammo as a kid and falling in love with the looks, mechanics and overall nostalgia of the 1911 platform. I was hooked then and I'm hooked now!
Like a GTO or an old Vette - yes, there are cars with cameras and video screens, that can park themselves and run on electricity, but not one of them is as cool as the Goat or the Vette.
You can find capacity if you are willing to pay for it. Wilson Combat makes some that carry double stacks with 15+ in 9mm. The EDCx9 or the SFX9 both are 1911 platforms with 15-18 round capacity. But they are out there. I just got used to not having a manual safety in my daily carry or I’d carry one. Since I train with the idea of muscle memory that extra step of snapping of the safety was hard to get used when my other guns were striker fire. Still won’t trade my 1911 though cause it’s proven and reliable default if all hell breaks loose.
The 1911 is a fantastic handgun to shoot. I came across some Star BMs a couple years ago that are based on the 1911. They are very affordable and in 9mm. Mine has been very reliable. It’s a good option for someone who wants to try out a 1911 under $300
People like the 1911 for the same reason everyone wants a sword rather than a spear. Sure the spear is easier to get, more practical and historically did all the killing but the sword has an allure that resonates in the hearts of men. The 1911 gives that same feeling.
Our local PD went from revolvers to 1911’s in the 70’s. They used them to great effect until the Glock came along. They switched to those in the late 80’s. I still own one of those trade-ins. The officers had the option of still using their 1911’s and you saw quite a few for many years. Now, it’s all plastic. They’re still very, very effective. My favorite.
The first pistol I bought was a 1911, a Double Star match grade. I currently have three 1911's, two government and a commander. They are all more accurate than the striker fired pistols that I have.
Same here. But it's probably not that it's more accurate, it's that you are more accurate using it. The lighter single action trigger makes a difference
The 1911 has character, which is something that modern polymer pistols are lacking. While advances in technology without question make polymer guns better in so many ways, they are without a soul, and that is important to many of us.
For me, polymer firearms are bullet launchers. Mostly they do a very good job of that, and they're easily replaceable. My steel and alloy guns, on the other hand, are like precision cabinet-making or watchmaking tools that also happen to launch bullets. My heirs will someday appreciate my all-metal guns far more than they'll appreciate my Glocks.
@@DzinkyDzink A Glock is a great tool. However, it will never have the character, or the heirloom quality that a beautiful 1911 has. Great grand pappi Nicks gen 5 Glock is not going to inspire the same feeling of reverence as great grand pappi Caleb's Colt series 80 will.
With all do respect to everyone, I love my 1911's, but I don't see how polymer guns don't have character. 1911's are now viewed as classic cars, with tons of character and charm, and are a joy to shoot. Polymer guns are looked at as serious use, the same way the 1911's used to be. My CZ P10F in 45 acp has a crap load of charm, being chambered in my favorite caliber, but also having all the cool modern innovations. Its like a modern sleek chassis, with a high performance V8. Also it shoots damn good, and I bet all of you would agree.
This gun was a game changer. Who could hate such an incredible game changer gun. It’s such a revolutionary gun that it looks virtually unchanged from 1911.
I have to disagree with your point about cost and reliability for the 1911s. I have seen the rock island 1911s on the lower end cost around $400-500. Which is a bit lower than say an HK. Cycling everything including steel cased with no issues. The 1911 is a piece of American history and everyone should have one in their collection.
When I bought my first handgun in around 2006, I bought a Springfield Arms Mil-spec 1911 because it was the cheapest pistol in the gun store. 15 years later, after using only the cheapest and crappiest of ammos (including a decent percentage of steel-cased Wolf), I don’t think I had a single misfire. (To be fair, I did clean it pretty regularly).
I'm no 1911 fan boi but I will say I have never had a problem with any of my or my dad's rock island 1911s. We've got 3 between us I have never once had a failure. I dont have a round count but at least 1k through mine. My dad also bought a kimber a few years back and I can't go through a box of ammo without it malfunctioning. Rock Island is a great out of the box 1911 imo. You can probably find em for around 500 nowadays.
I'm north of 4k rounds through my RIA I've had for...IDK, before my oldest was born. Doesn't like steel cased but runs very solidly with 230 grain JHPs from Federal. If I'd planned on it becoming my go to for the house I'd probably have gone for a 9mm just for the capacity and easier shooting.
Got my first Army surplus 1911 at age 15 at a local hardware store in 1962 in Chicago. Carried one for 25 months in Vietnam and for twelve years thereafter working as a contractor… among other firearms. Carried one exclusively and illegally as a civilian till the early 1980’s when I went to a Sig 220. Can’t count the number of times I fought with a 1911 without a note pad. Also carried a Browning HP as back up during those days. The trick to the 1911 is to clean it about every two hundred rounds. I’ve owned as many as eleven 1911’s at a time… down to three. When your first manual of arms includes placing your thumb atop the the thumb safety as you draw then a 1911 is no problem. Haven’t regularly carried a 1911 for years. My current carry faves are Sig 226 in .357 Sig and H-K in 45 ACP. I’ll be 75 in February. My last gun fight was in a foreign country at age 60… beat a couple of guys with Berettas with a five shot S&W snubbie. It’s not the gun!
You talked into getting a 1911, then you talked me out of it, then you made me rethink that hold darn thing, but it was certainly entertaining! Always love the content.
For those who are new to guns and looking to buy a cheap and reliable 1911, the Rock Island is a good choice. Rock Island is based out of the Philippines, they are known for making guns reliable and cheap. Just don't expect a nice looking finish on their guns. They usually use parkerization, which is a dark green color and made to prevent rust. They are barebones, so they don't come with any features other than a beaver tail. I've seen them retail from $300-$400. I've put about 700 rounds through mine with no failures and with it not disagreeing very much with my ammo choices. Monarch brass ammo seems to be the most accurate for mine so far, and so happens to be one of the cheaper and more available options. Hope this helps.
I’m 21 years old and my experience with 1911s is pretty sour but turned good. When my dad was 21 he bought two Kimbers, a Custom and a Raptor II back in 1999. Both don’t run to save a life and he has a RIA officer that’s very picky. He immediately said that it was the manufacturers end not his. So I stayed away from 1911s for a while until I got to shooting at matches and such and seen 1911s actually work from the cheap to the high end. Decided to do research and felt that what Ruger offers is damn good and is widely available in my area so I got a full-size SR1911 and I do enjoy it though I still prefer my Gen 3 Glock 19 or Sig P320. Mind you i shoot all my stuff stock with only enhancements to aid me in being a lefty. I feel the 1911 is really frowned upon especially in Gen Y to my generation of Gen Z due to how a lot of inexperienced shooters handled 1911s. I always asked “if it’s such a bad handgun then why did we use it for 75 years in service and why do people still like it now”. I feel a lot of newer shooters are just so use to light weight polymer 9mms that when they handle a much heavier handgun like a 1911 and don’t shoot much 45 ACP they can limp wrist it which is possibly 90% of the reliably issues there. If you ask me the 1911s hate is just shooters who are not use to the handgun
I love my 1911 CMD, but try shooting several thousands through it without cleaning it and then report back on if it's still never failed. My Glocks and Sigs can do that, but not my 1911. After 500-800 rds it starts having reliability issues.
I don't shoot more than 1 or 2 hundred rounds in a day and I always clean my weapons after shooting them. Kids these days are too busy tick tocking to clean their dang weapons smh. You're all dabbing and flossing, why don't you dab your dang gun with some hoppes number nine and then floss it clean you whippersnappers.
I find this cost and reliability argument of the 1911 confusing and in my experience unfounded. I have a Ruger 1911 in 45 as a commander model and I've had zero problems with it. Even feeds spent brass with no bullet. And I've done absolutely nothing for it to do that. And it wasn't nearly as expensive as these other flashy 1911s. I've been doing drills and taking classes with it with zero issues. Saying all of that. I also would like to get a striker fire pistol as well since I only have a Beretta 92 and a Ruger GP100 when it comes to pistols. I don't count my AR pistol.
@Lurch7861 I've heard from veterans I know say they've had their fair share of M9s that were falling apart. One of which absolutely hates them because of his experience with them after every M9 he was issued was complete junk. From that in my opinion the M9 definitely isn't the holy grail compared to a 1911. Like I said I own both a SR1911 and a Beretta 92FS so I'm not ragging on either of them since I've had zero issues with either of mine. I'm ragging on how the military maintains their sidearms in that example. So you're going to hear mixed info depending on how long they recycled old pistols.
Although I like modern style pistols, I still find the 1911 to be extremely "pointable." I feel like I acquire targets quickly with one and the grip angle is basically perfect for me. If the SHTF, I would take a Glock 17 any day, but I have always shot 1911 pistols with good accuracy even on the first magazine.
Mr. Chris, I really appreciate your content & the delivery. The effective transmission of info is admirable; matched only with the method and means. Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah to all of the team that makes these videos possible.
Began 1911 association/use when age 15, am 74 now. A 1911 is an old and trusted friend, one that can be relied upon to lend a helping hand if needed to be called upon. I have a couple of poly-frame pistols and enjoy them. Lighter in weight and smaller in size, they also have their place. A few revolvers are also used n' enjoyed. But ya know, there's just 'something' that can only be felt when picking up a 1911...
@@bmstylee Yeah, but most of the extra features for added practicality can be added back to the 1911 anyways. We’re in a technological plateau when it comes to handgun operating mechanisms.
@@bmstylee Sometimes a gun purchase isn't about what the most practical option is. I love taking my 1911 to the range. It's without a doubt my favorite pistol to shoot and I shoot better with it than any other handgun I own. It's comfortable and easy to use, and has such a cool aesthetic (in my opinion). Do I concealed carry it though? Hell no! Like you said, there are more practical options. However, that doesn't mean that the 1911 should receive the hate it does in some circles.
Love these talks. 1911’s are from a period of time when people took care of their firearms, cleaned them often, and understood them. There are plenty of firearms this day that can out do them, but if you want a full steel well balanced pistol with the best trigger, look no further. Kinda like comparing a 67’ Chevy to a 2019 Z06. Just my two cents. Cheers all.
1911s make fantastic range gun but are terrible choices for carry just due to the size and weight combined with horrible capacity. For less weight and similar size I can carry my p09 with 21 rounds of 9mm, or for less weight & size there’s any number of very compact 9s. Just as effective due to modern ammo, but way better.
Icanhasautomaticcheeseburger those areas also punish defensive use of a firearm, so any argument that isn’t about making holes in paper is moot. But for the free parts of the country, I’ll stick to 21+1.
The size and weight ride fine with a proper holster. I’m terms of capacity, true, 15-21 rounds is better, although I can’t think of a situation where I would need to utilize up to 21 rounds in a CC engagement. Also, carry ammo has come along way and say a 124 grain 9mm XTP will get it done, but also a 200 plus grain .45 XTP will do it even better. At the end of the day, what you choose or prefer is a personal choice, and I carry a G19 due to its reliability and ruggedness, but my house gun is a 1911. Whichever you prefer, know it and train with it often and it will never let you down. Also, the ergonomics of the 1911 are simply fabulous. Cheers y’all.
I’d like to see more 1911 content, there beautiful, there fun, and if you want to go straight practical about defensive capability, your practical off the shop shelf defensive weapon is cost effective enough to justify also having something considered purely sport or recreational like a 1911 as well as a Practical self-defense tool. As long as you take care of the business side first.
As a guy who has 4 glocks, multiple and various other plastic frame handguns, and multiple revolvers, I have found my four 1911's from my 10mm and 45's to the 9mm, everyone of them has been flawless. They have run every type of ammo, from hand loads to almost every type of factory ammo except the steel case stuff. I have 2 Remingtons, 1 RIA, and 1 Kimber and they have all been perfect with not 1 malfunction that I can recall in YEARS of use and are all factory, non customized guns with the exception of the addition of night sights on all but the Kimber. I'm not sure where these guys got their guns from or how they are shooting them but, damn...you guys have some bad luck out there.
I was first exposed to the 1911 back in the 1970’s early in my Naval career. The in again in the latter part of my career in the late 80’s early 90’s as a MP. That’s when I mastered it and got a real good understanding of it. In so much I bought two Blue combat commanders, one in 45 ACP the other in Colt Super 38 Auto . The love affair continues to this very day
Part of the mystique for me was the time (and trips to the range) it took for me to learn to shoot it. After four years enlisted in the Coast Guard In was still hopeless. Then, in OCS, we had a Warrant Gunner who was actually an excellent instructor and I went straight to “expert”. The quotes are because “expert” on the Navy standard course was nothing like, say, an NRA expert. Get almost all the rounds somewhere on the target. . .
Before covid I purchased my first and inexpensive 1911 (Tisas) for around $300 after seeing very positive reviews. First shot was dead center of the bullseye at 7 yards with zero malfunctions using 200 rounds of Winchester ball, something I never experienced with other pistols I own except a revolver. It is heavy but it's well balanced weight. It does require a little more cleaning and lubrication than modern pistols. For.45acp it's surprisingly thinner than most other pistols on the market, even those in .380. Ammo capacity is not a big deal to me because reloading is fast. The magazines are thinner than Glock magazines, even the small .380 Glock 42 model.
Ive had my Tisas for almost 9 years now it has been great ,first couple years of it i sadly didnt maintain it well and had a corrosion spot inside the barrel but a 80 dollar barrel and 30 dollar spring and trigger upgrade i ordered online have made it a amazing budget pistol
I have owned 1911 pistols since the early 80's. One of the biggest problems with a 1911 is magazines. If you use crap magazines, then it will not run well. Wilson, Shooting Star, Colt Branded and Mec Gar are the best. Most 1911 pistols coming from S&W and SIG have MecGar as standard equipment. Another thing is lubrication. It is not polymer and it needs more lube than a Glock, an M&P or any of the other polymer guns. As far as cleaning, yes, they run better clean, but I was shooting USPSA in the 80's and 90's and rarely cleaned my Colt. Still ran fine even using the lead reloads I shot in competition. I currently own S&W, Colt and Sig 1911 pistols. My SIG has NEVER malfunctioned, the S&W have run flawlessly. My old Series 70 is a bit finicky but guns from that time were not that good. Colt was having issues at that time. So if you get a quality 1911 and maintain it, you should have no issues. I agree, that it is a gun for more experienced shooters.
I wish I bought a High Power before FN killed them off. The CZ 75 is in the same category. Their competition guns are down right amazing. The Shadow 2 is probably one of the best guns you get at any price.
I’ve always thought the Hi Power was a superior pistol, sans the trigger and mag safety disconnect, (which goes hand in hand.) I’ve owned at least two Colts and shot others, and honestly, they’re old hat for me. I’ve been trying to get into more guns that are far more practical for me than guns I’ve just wanted. I’ve had to retire my EDC Beretta 92 of about 7 years due to my hip problems inherited from my time in the service. The 1911 falls into the same category for me, while a cool and neat gun, it just doesn’t serve me practically anymore.
@@Vares65 Don't think you understood the comment. The Hi-Power is a good "compromise" because it has the style and design of the 1911, along with the single action trigger, but with the higher capacity and functionality of the 9mm. I agree with you that technically speaking, both designs are probably considered outdated by now and something like a Glock or equivalent is probably ideal
@lit sci i have owned one. They sent me a gun with an overthroated barrel, where three times of brass was exposed over what is acceptable. The barrel didnt have chamfer cuts, slide to frame was old colt loose, trigger was loose, marks on the finish when I received it, extractor too long (sporadic ejection). Slide stop was hitting the barrel legs. Waited 9 months and spent close to $5k, what they sent me was shit.
Curious about the intimated failure rate of the 1911. My SA 1911 (mil spec) has digested everything I've put in it. Shoots smooth, and is very accurate. Never had a hiccup. Is my experience unusual? Sincere question.
It has a higher failure rate than pistols designed in this century… but when that number is 300-600 rounds between failures, it doesn’t necessarily mean all that much. Clean and lube after shooting and it will be fine for quite a while. Depending on lubricant choice and environment, you might want to lube it once a month regardless.
A lot of it comes from poor or inconsistent QC from manufacturers. Most common issue I’ve seen is many budget priced 1911’s fail to reliably feed hollow points due to an unpolished/rough feed ramp on the barrel or frame. That doesn’t matter much for a range gun but if intended to be used as a self defense tool with hollow points, that doesn’t inspire much confidence right out of the box when you get failures to feed/double feeds the minute you swap from FMJ to JHP.
My Colt 1911 80 series has never let me down. I dont feed my 1911 nothing but ball ammo. If i ever feel the need to use JHP i can always use my M&p45 or my HK45 for that.
I don't think I've shot a real 1911, but I've shot a replica of the old USGI single-stack and I really enjoyed the ergonomics. I'm not a huge dude: the relatively narrow grip, distance to trigger, and general orientation of the grip to the bore axis of the gun were all pleasantly spot-on. The gun just fit nicely in the hand and seemed to always point where you wanted it to point when aiming. Not sure to what degree airsoft gun triggers mimic real ones at all, but it also had that same light/short/clean break feeling compared to other airsoft and real pistols I've used. They also look great. I can definitely see why people can be extremely fond of their 1911s.
Great video--thanks. One factor of the "pride of ownership" is that you will enjoy the routine maintenance a .45 requires. It was designed before engineers learned how to make things cheaply, and all of those sliding, interlocking pieces of steel are a rare feature in an age of throw-away plastic. Glocks are great, but I prefer my Colts. --Old guy
I carried one in the Army in my younger days, so I was familiar with the manual of arms. I still carry one now because I've only ever seen one polymer handgun (the P365) that can hold more ammunition with a smaller grip circumference. I have small hands and have a very difficult time getting a good grip on many standard/compact polymer handguns. I've never owned a Glock because their grip circumference added in to the blade safety in the trigger means that I frequently have a difficult time actually getting enough of my index finger onto the trigger to deactivate the blade safety. The 1911 is much more forgiving. Put thin grips and a short shoe'd trigger in it, and it Just Fits.
This is the second time I’ve seen someone mention how this gun makes men illogical. There’s just some nostalgic and impressive about this handgun that I can’t shake. Been doing a lot of research and know that this isn’t the first gun I should get, but I want it all the same.
As an old boomer, (is that redundant?) I avoided Glocks until last year. I like metal in my gun frames, but eventually I came to the conclusion that for my end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it pistol, I wanted something with the best reputation possible for simplicity, parts availability, reliability (etc) and so now I have a G41. I have grown to like it and shoot it pretty well but it doesn't appeal to the industrial-design nerd in me like a stainless 1911.....I am haunted by John Browning. And that's ok with me.
I'm right handed-and left eye-dominant. Drill sergeants in the 80's helped me open up a new world by switching the rifle to my left hand, but I never got there with handguns. The trigger of the 1911 is still the biggest draw for me - providing the only platform that allows me to generally hit the broadside of a barn or two. Great vid on one of my favorite controversies.
I think you nailed it. People complain about 1911s because they *do need* more maintenance than the modern polymer guns like a Glock for example. Personally I don't mind cleaning my guns. I always clean them after I use them anyway so...
I own a variety of firearms - rifles and handguns including several 1911's. I enjoy shooting the 1911 and agree ergonomics of firing this weapon is quite comfortable. Knowing the 1911 must be attended to and clean to assure reliability is simple thing. The ones I shoot have proven extremely reliable and do not fail. I keep them always clean and ready and cleaning them, to me, is part of the pleasure of having the firearm. I clean all my firearms and keep them in good condition. The 1911 with its thin profile and with a 4 inch barrel is quite easy to carry concealed. The weight of the gun is not a problem.
I grew up with the mindset that .45acp was the Lord's caliber... My dad and grandpa both instilled in me that if it wasn't a .45acp (or a .44 mag, or .357 mag) then it was a gun meant for a woman, a child, or a pansy commie/European. With that in mind I strolled into Scheels on my 21st birthday and bought a used Springfield 1911 GI, in no frills black with tan grips. I've owned that gun for close to 18 years now, gotta be over 10,000 rounds through it without any hiccups. Well no hiccups other then my dumb early 20s self trying to run one of them cheap "promag" looking 15 round mags that stuck a foot and a half out the bottom, lots of feed failures with that piece of crap... Unlike my elders I've learned to accept the 9mm in all it's greatness. On any given day there is a Hellcat, an XD mod 2, or an XDS at my four-o-clock while the ole 1911 sits in my drawer at home. Modern polymer pistols are fantastic no doubt, but I doubt any of em will stand the test of time like the 1911. I like to think in 2111 my grandson will be at a range putting my antique 1911 to work, the same way I take the revolvers that my grandpa left to me.
Pretty much the same for myself. My dad, my uncles, my grandpas, all of them had 1911s. I was the little kid at the range learning how to shoot with a 1911 since that was the smallest caliber firearm anyone in the family owned lol.
Yup! My first handgun was a Smith and Wesson 1911 and I learned the hard way about Promags. As soon as I ditched those stupid things and got a few decent Chip McCormick mags, everything was good!
I can name my 3 personal reasons why I love 1911s. 1:I'm a history nut. 55 Chevys, old Gibson Les Paul guitars, and 1911s, all have the historic cool factor that kinda overrides modern practical doctrine, at least to some degree. 2: I learned to shoot with one. The 1911 was the very first pistol I ever fired, and I just got so used to the feel of it that everything else just feels foreign. 3: Effectiveness. I pray to the good lord every day of my life that I never even have to raise my voice to anybody, but God forbid if I ever had to shoot somebody in self defense, I would want them to stay shot, and not keep coming. The 45 ACP has over a 100 year reputation for meeting that requirement if, God forbid, it was ever necessary to do such a thing. 3 things worry me. 1:Single action. If it became necessary to carry a pistol for self defense. I'd be hesitant about having a single action gun with a round in the chamber. If something bumped me, it could blow my leg off or possibly harm somebody nearby. 2: limited capacity. Bad guys have at least 15 round mags these days, and in a life or death situation, the 1911's 7 rounds might not be enough. How fast could I get another mag in and ready to go under stress? 3:Readiness. How quickly could I draw, rack the slide to chamber a round and get on target? I'm not sure. By the time I was ready, the other guy might put 5 or 6 holes in me. All said and done, perhaps a more modern weapon makes better sense in a self defense situation. The 1911 is a fine and wonderful thing, just like an old Flathead Ford. They're both something you can own and enjoy. But just like you wouldn't try to run a Flathead on the NASCAR track today, it might also be equally impractical to trust your life to a 1911 in today's world.
@@zzygyy Excellent choices. If you were around in 1969, you would have had a chance to see Jimi Hendrix. I was 10 when he died, so I basically missed being a part of that era, but I did have all the records.
I like my plastic wonder pistols but works of art they are not and there is just nothing like a high-end 1911. If I ever had to use a handgun in a life-or-death event I would want my SV Infinity double stack 40 S&W. It's reliable, fast, and accurate which is everything I want as long as I don't have to try to carry it around all day.
One of the most impressive aspects of the 1911 is it's accuracy. A gun with lousy accuracy is a boat anchor or a book end or something else. My .02 cents. 😎
Great discussion. One of the most well-rounded discussions of the 1911 I have seen. I have used a number of different firearms for concealed carry. I have returned to using a full size 1911 for concealed carry. The heavy weight of the large all steel pistol, and the recoil of the .45 ACP that could be described as energetic but slow rather than snappy, and the trigger that is easy on the arthritis in my trigger finger, as well as being easy to shoot accurately, make for a gun that is a pleasure in my weekly range practice. The weight is a factor for concealed carry, but I have found concealed carry solutions that work for me. So the design that I carried on duty 50 years ago is now my every day concealed carry tool. It is like coming home.
I've liked 1911s since the 70's show "The Manhunter", with Ken Howard. The main character carried dual .45s and my 12 year old self thought that was awesome. As an adult I tended to the more practical, but finally got a Sig 1911 when Turner's had them for a sale price I couldn't resist. I liked it until I got it out to the range, then I fell in love with it. Yeah, 1911s are cool. I totally get that you may not want to do more 1911 stuff Chris, but I think Manny would love to. Maybe see if there's something in the old vault?
1911 definitely needs to be practiced with. Lots of good comments below. I still use Zippo lighters. Same same. Imagine being a Jedi and carrying a lightsaber. Kinda like that.
A 1911 is like a mechanical watch. It's outdated, expensive, and impractical for modern life. But what a wonderful machine it is.
Edit: Outdated doesn't mean bad, it's just old tech. And impractical doesn't mean useless, it just means you have to love it enough to put up with its shortcomings. Which I do. Now go to bed, Grandpa. The scary words can't hurt you.
Excellent comment.
If we want to be brutally honest Browning made it obsolete when he started the development of the High Power. Saive finished making it obsolete when he finished Browning's idea.
My BB GUN could run CIRCLES around any 1911! Especially cuz the people who own 1911s cant shoot for shit
True except for my Staccato 2011. Love it!!!
@@bmstylee I mean, the only thing the Hi-Power added significantly was a double stack magazine, which can be backported to the 1911.
Really, most modern handguns still use a tilting barrel, short recoil system and even the controls are very similar. The 1911 persists solely because technology hasn’t evolved all that much in the last century and the only advancements are features.
Many of which can be backported, as I said.
How to get a reliable 1911.
1. Don't buy cheap magazines
2. Buy Chip McCormick,Wilson Combat, Mec-Gar magazines. (Preferably wadcutter feedlips or hybrid feedlips)
3. DON'T BUY CHEAP MAGAZINES
Done.
Mags make all the difference!
There's more to it.
You'll have to keep them lubricated, give them the right ammo, clean them regularly, replace the recoil springs proactively, periodically check the extractor and plunger tube to make sure they're on tight.
They make wadcutter specific mags?? Interesting! I’ve shot a ton of competition and I would say probably 80% of the jams I’ve seen in 1911s was them choking on semi-wadcutter bullets.
You forgot Number 4&5; buy a 1911 from a reputable manufacturer that actually cares about consistent QC if you want it to work right out of the box, and check to make sure the feed ramp on the barrel and frame is smooth/polished if you want it to feed JHP ammunition reliably. Last one is literally the most common corner cut by most budget 1911 manufacturers that tell me their target market is casual shooters buying a range gun instead of folks looking for a reliable self-defense pistol.
Also, a firearms company that has the word "Combat" in its name is something to look out for. Just sayin'.
As silly as "pride of ownership" is, I really wish all modern technology manufacturers, from guns to cars to cell phones, understood this and took it more seriously. If I'm going to give a company a grip of my cash, I want the product to be excellent in every way. I understand with planned obsolescence being the rule of the market these days it's not "realistic", but it still matters to me.
In the firearms world unless you're buying something custom or building yourself mass makers don't care. Look at the crap Sig puts out for example. They use the consumer as a beta tester.
@@bmstylee Ian McCollum over has a video discussing this topic in detail, Sig Sauer isn't "letting consumers do the beta testing", that's just part of bringing a new mass manufacture product to the market, a firearm or otherwise.
ruclips.net/video/iE6Jk1r7aUI/видео.html
@@Tuton25 I will respectfully disagree with him. The 320, 365, Cross all say otherwise. All of those had design issues Sig didn't find. Once I can give a pass on. But 3 is just negligence and shotty engineering.
I would prefer a gun that's cheaper and just as effective in most circumstances. Not every gun should be made with looks in mind.
@@-V-_-V- I hear you on the efficiency. The problem today isn't that most guns are beautiful and ineffective. It's the opposite. Gun shop counters go for miles with extremely efficient, boring, polymer pistols that all do about the same thing very effectively and look similar. We have no shortage of that. If you want a new, handsome gun you pretty much just have the 1911.
A 1911, a mechanical watch, a zippo lighter..there’s something about the solidity and feel of metal in your hands. There’s also something to be said about proven durable time-tested designs. They generally require a bit more upkeep, but they get the job done and become well known trusted companions. I have a Glock and a 1911. I like the way polymer guns slide in and out of Kydex. I like the dependability and magazine capacity of my Glock. But I prefer the weight and feel of the 1911. There’s just something about the presence of a government model 1911. It feels like an extension of your hand and has the smoothest of actions. Aside from that, it’s an American design that served our country faithfully in far off places, and by extension is a symbol of Americas own durability and greatness.
Honestly a beautiful response.
Awesome way to say it! Cheers steve!
Nailed it!
I have a Springfield Armory A1 Mil Spec 1911 .45 and a Ruger SR1911 .45 and I absolutely love both of them. Total perfection
A maglite with incancescent bulb...
I'm always extremely impressed with how fair you are to stakeholders. It's rare to find an unbiased opinion these days. Keep up the great work!!
Except his 357 sig video where he trashed it and refused to acknowledge the facts.
I never quite understood the mystique of the 1911 until I shot one, then I immediately got it.
I think that the most impressive aspect of the 1911's history is: when John Moses Browning began work on the design that would be adopted in 1911, Wilbur and Orville sold bicycles. Before it left service with the US Army, mankind had walked on the Moon and the Space Shuttle was in service.
Even more impressive is that it's still popular today with the same basic design even after over a century and it still keeps up just fine.
Agreed except we never landed on the mood
@@henryc7548 Glenn Miller did:
ruclips.net/video/_CI-0E_jses/видео.html
@@henryc7548 Agreed, we never landed on the mood.
@@henryc7548 mood landed on us
I thought that the 1911 was an old man's gun, featured in gangster movies. Then I won one in a raffle, and I loved it! Much easier to shoot accurately than my fighting Tupperware.
Amen. I've only owned one "real" handgun, and that was a nickel-plated Colt Trooper. Like you mention, it was shockingly accurate and easy-shooting.
Fighting Tupperware I love it!
A second, heartfelt AMEN!
I grew up - and have long been shooting (for 60+ years) - with Smith K and N Frame revolvers and top quality, five inch barrel, .45 ACP 1011A1’s. I still own, love and shoot many of these superb sidearms. And like many experienced marksmen, I find them to be highly accurate, very durable, with enduring quality. Yes, a Glock or an M&P works, and in some individuals’ hands they are as accurate as a top-tier S&W or Ruger service-size revolver or a non-striker fired full-sized autoloader.
However, the large capacity of contemporary, double stack, striker fired semiautomatics brings essentially nothing to the lawful concealed carry arena that isn’t also conveyed in older - highly accurate and durable - reduced capacity designs. Please tell me how often an armed, non-LEO, confrontation requires more than five proficiently aimed and fired rounds to be successfully concluded? In fact, the answer is it’s exceedingly rare. Moreover, with handguns only CNS and center mass hits count in rapidly terminating a firefight (other than the frequent “psychological stops”) , and many civilian shooters simply are more accurate with a 1911A1, a buttery smooth DA revolver, or a traditional SA/DA autoloader (Beretta, Sig, CZ, H&K, etc.), than with a striker fired “polymer wonder.”
This is truly a “golden age” for firearms - so many excellent, fine quality, accurate, reliable and durable designs are now marketed - so exercise your freedom, purchase and use whatever you prefer. BUT understand that new is not axiomatically synonymous with better.
@@roykiefer7713 Agreed. I want to hit what I'm aiming at, and a good 1911 does the job. I disagree with Chris, Kimbers can be had for 7 or 8 hundred, and mine work perfectly.
2WW 2WW 2WW (joking aside, I love pistols, but the 1911 will always be top 5)
I think the ergonomics of the 1911 deserve a bit more recognition. The thin profile and "1911 grip angle" make for a comfortable gun to handle. I have brought a lot of first time shooters to the range with my collection of different handguns and I've repeatedly seen these new shooters perform well with the 1911 over all of the other modern handguns they try. Of course this is all anecdotal and ergonomics are a very subjective thing, so it is naturally a topic that others may disagree with.
I am not afraid to admit that the 1911 is large, heavy, and has poor ammo capacity compared to more modern designs. It is definitely a gun that has limited practical application nowadays, but I can't help but want a really nice one at some point in the future. It's one of my favorites.
Depends on the person. A 1911 is one of the most UN-ergonomic pistols I’ve shot (as far as main stream guns), they are just all kinds of wrong for my mitts. Were as a Glock is much more comfortable for me, not withstanding their short comings.
I couldn't agree more. I love how a thin, single stack grip feels in the hand and the 1911 style just feels perfect for me.
When I started shooting the first pistol I was able to accurately hit with was a budget Auto Ordnance 1911A1 Repro. The other pistols I had fired previously were the Glock 19 and the S&W SD9. This was about 10 years ago.
Both CZ-75s and M&Ps copied 1911's grip angle (18 degrees). Since I consider CZ-75s even more ergonomic than 1911s, the fact that it copied 1911's grip angle means that 1911 got it right!
@@r64g I've got a CZ SP-01 along with a 1911, so I definitely agree that the CZ is a comfortable gun too.
In my experience another thing the 1911 has going for it is its grip index - unlike a lot of modern polymer "wonder 9s", which are each trying to lower the bore axis as much as possible, the 1911 puts your trigger finger and the webbing of your hand in line with the barrel. This means you can hold a 1911 and point your index finger forward, and it will be pointing directly at your target (rather than downwards at a slight angle). This seems to lead to easier instinctual pointing.
I say this as someone that isn't much of a 1911 fan, but I appreciate grip index and bore axis as much as the next guy. This is also why stuff like the old Walther P99 / PPQ point so naturally for so many people - they have grip indexes very similar to that of a 1911.
For me, the biggest reason for owning one, without a doubt, was the history. I couldn't care less about how it stacks up to a modern handgun. I wanted to own what is arguably the most American pistol ever made. It served in two world wars and was designed by the man responsible for laying the framework for the modern firearms market. When you said "pride of ownership" this is what I thought you were going to touch on. For me, the pride in owning a 1911 comes from my respect and reverence for its history.
Right on, I just got my first firearm and as an American I couldn’t think of a better gun to be my first
Do you also drive a Ford Model T? "That's not practical" neither is your 1911... "BuT mUh HiStOrY"
@@timc46440 Historical items can be important. I am pretty confident that if my 1911 needs a part, I can pretty much find a replacement at just about any gun shop. Extractors, barrels, bits and pieces. I was at a range in Illinois, my extractor broke, not the guns problem it was my reloads. I went to the counter and told the owner what my problem was and he pulled out a box of parts and rooted around for a minute and pulled out a milsurp extractor and $3 later I was back on the firing line. I have built several 1911s from parts picked up at my local gun shop. So many forearms today just aren't built to replace components like the 1911. There is a trigger assembly, not a trigger, sear, springs and the rest of the bits like a 1911. The 1911 can be completely disassembled and maintained with no special tools, you don't have to have a toolbox to polish a trigger. I have a Glock and other polymer firearms. They are great for what they are for but they aren't the answer for everyone.
Sure I would own one for the history, and to shoot for fun from time to time. But would I prefer it over modern models? No. And I'm sure Mr. Browning would think the same.
They are just as good or better modern guns like glocks are overpriced/hyped plastic garbage many police stations have and or in the process of getting rid of glocks. Even places like the LAPD replaced them.
My first time qualifying in the ARMY was with a 1911. Never seen one before then. It was SN 00549. Had no rifling left and the stipling on the grips was gone. Rattled like it was going to blow up, but i qualed expert with it.
I remember trying to qualify on a gun just like that. Some of the rifling was gone and it had a slight bulge in the barrel. I was shooting curve balls with it
Damn you're old.
Sounds like the Remington Rand 1911 I carried while in the CG…sounded like a rock in a 55gallon barrel but I shot Ex with it every time.
@@jimwest1967 That bulge means at some point in its lifetime, someone shot a squib and then fired a round after it.
Gary: I bought an RIA/Armscor rack grade 11A1. First thing I actually did before plunking down the $ was to pick it up and shake it. It didn't rattle and after serving in the military ('64-68) I thought there was something wrong with it.
As a motorcyclist, the 1911 reminds me of the Harley-Davidson. On paper, it's got nothing on a Honda. It's for people who enjoy the aesthetic and experience of an American classic.
Good comparison, I'd agree with that one
Yes kind of like classic muscle cars or vinyl records. There is better technology available but they just scratch an itch that digital tech and plastic firearms can’t.
Actually that's a very good comparison. Good and bad I've never like Harleys or 1911's much.
@@WALTERBROADDUS I have a Honda, Triumph and a Harley. The Harley is by far the least capable machine, but it's the one I use the most, because it's just the most enjoyable.
I was going to make the same comparison. I would only add that in similar fashion as a Harley they are customizable.
I once saw a space war documentary in which something was said that brought the 1911 to mind.
" An elegant weapon for a more civilized age."
I know what you mean in terms of the design aesthetic but I'm not sure we can really call WW1 a more civilised age!😀
@@harryspeakup8452 Of course we can call it a more civilised age. Have you seen the moustaches British officers were sporting?
👍👍👍👊
👍👍👍👍👊
Yeah there was that movie about those star wars... what was that called...
I inherited my great grandfathers colt government model 1911 A1. It was the first handgun I EVER pulled the trigger on…so obviously I was spoiled with a WW2 relic as my first gun ever and I could not ask for anything else. Because I started with this, got used to shooting it, and fell in love with it, I am a 1911 man. It’s in pristine condition. My favorite part is definitely the trigger.
1911 forever and always lol I'm that guy 🤣
If there was only 1 of my 9 guns that I could keep, it will always be my 1911!
And what is wrong with embracing who you are?
I carried a 1911 while in the Military Police in the 70's. In that time I probably put over 7,500 round through it (thank you tax payers) and never had a misfire shooting govt ball ammo. I loved the comfort of it and purchased a Colt Govt 1911 when I became a civilian. I now own a couple of others, 9mm but always rely on my 1911 for that safety feeling. I can also say that nothing matches the accuracy of a well maintained and handled 1911. Great video Chris.
The military went to the 9mm because women and limp wristed males couldn't handle the 1911. They should have been an early indicator as to where we where headed militarily speaking.
Yes, you can't reliably shoot an M1911 without a strong grip on it or the slide will not cycle properly. It is also fairly heavy, but so is the Beretta that replaced it. The USMC trains men and woman separately, and not sure who get's pistol training. The Army ends up with anyone who enlists.
@@loboheeler you dont know what you dont know.
Slow Turtle they went to 9mm bc it’s essentially just as effective but for the same weight you can have more ammo. My CZ weighs less than a GI 1911 and has 21 rounds in the magazine. 21+1 of 124gr 9mm +p (how I carry it) will outdo 7+1 of .45 ball ammo (since 1911s don’t usually run well with JHPs)
I was Air Force Security Police in the 70s and our sidearm at the time was a 38. Hated it. We were jealous of the other services that had the 1911. I have a Springfield 1911 now , not very reliable as a go to self defense gun but love shooting it. Very accurate.
Soon as I saw the vid had to watch! I currently carry a 2011 professionally on duty and a 1911 (TRP) off duty. I get the arguments against it, but a well tuned and reliable 1911 isn’t hard to find, just stay with the well known brands and a few good range sessions will show you if the hun needs any work. The reward is worth it in my opinion. As far as cost, that’s relative. I have coworkers balk at the price of a 1911 while driving around in a new F250 or Tesla. We prioritize our money how we want, and if you really want a top shelf 1911 you’ll make the necessary means to get one. I hope to see more 1911 videos soon!
Massad Ayoob and Bill Wilson have a great vid on the benefits of carrying a 1911 if you haven't seen it. Granted Wilson's endorsement might be a tad self serving, but Massads points are fantastic.
m.ruclips.net/video/GPC0mmKlBrE/видео.html
Me too.. I want more 1911 and 2011 Vidz
Any Dan Wesson is leagues better than literally every striker fired handgun ever made.
Hense the 3 to 5 thousand pricetag
Best carry for me is Staccato C2. Compact 9mm 2011 (1911 Double Stack) perfection. Small enough to conceal and deadly accurate, of course the trigger is phenomenal.
The first pistol i purchased was a 1911 5”. Still have it and it’s still my favorite handgun I own. I finally decided to give the polymer guns a try and bought a G19 MOS. I’ve put quite a bit of money into that pistol to get it somewhat close to shooting like my 1911s. It’s still not there but it’s OK.
I think the draw to the 1911 was handled pretty well in the vid and with other’s comments. For me, it fits my hand better than any other pistol or revolver. There is no comparison…that I’ve found anyway. After 1000’s of rounds through the pipe, it’s what I know and trust. Yes, the 1911 is what I carry.
I look at polymer pistols like an economy car. They’re efficient and will get you there…reliably. The 1911 is like a classic muscle car. Fun to drive, sucks gas, and is a maintenance pig. But, it’s still worth owning and driving with a smile.
That last paragraph is just a thing of beauty ! Dead on
I love that comparison you made... Just like the cheapo economy cars the polymers get run until they wear out or something else newer and better comes along, then it gets tossed aside for the next generic piece of plastic to take it's place.
The 1911 might not be a "daily driver", but it gets cleaned and taken care of, you bring it out to show it off, and when your time on earth has passed and the polymers are all long gone the 1911 goes home in the hands of a son or grandson who'll cherish it.
Could not have said it better myself! I am looking around for one right now.
1911's are so aesthetically pleasing that even with their flaws I can't help but love them. They're just too cool
They are beautiful guns. They also have the perfect trigger
@@adamshaw8214 Indeed, and I also find the safety ergonomically located and engaged/disengaged. It is, for me, the most intuitive safety ever.
The triggers are what made me fall in love
Indeed, way cool!
I've been shooting 1911's since I got my first one 50 years ago. I think based on that, you've done a pretty decent analysis of why people love them or hate them. As a 1911 lover, it's mostly in my head.
Back in the day when I first started with the defense handgun, as you've noted, the "rank and file" pistol was the K-frame revolver with the cops I grew up around. It was pretty much what you were going to be issued if your job came with a gun, and your only way to make it "yours" was going to be fancy grips, or a Magnum chambering like the Model 19 or a Python. Those were great guns, but if you wanted to really stand apart from the crowd you would carry an automatic. For us, that meant a 1911 marked "Colt" and not some Nancy-Boy 9mm. At least that was how we felt about it at the time. To us, anyone could drive a wheelgun.
If you studied the 1911, you soon saw its advantages and what you needed to do to one to make it work as a fine combat or target sidearm. We laughed at guys who couldn't make their pistols work, or keep their 1911's lubed, or make their loads function properly. As soon as we got off duty and put away our issued six shooters, we couldn't wait to show our 1911's off. This all started to get silly in the 80's as we could choose to tote a Browning, a Beretta. a SIG, an S&W auto, and the most mysterious of all, a squeze cocking HK. Then came the Glock, the combat handgun designed to float in the bathtub. This was all pretty silly, but there was no doubt that the 1911 in .45 just threw off more attitude. Those who also competed with them still had reasons to cling to them, mostly the trigger, and we smugly told ourselves that 8 rounds was enough. To ne honest, for my life as it is now, 9 shots are probably enough, with a spare mag on my other side.
Today I have fewer 1911's than I used to, and mine are made looking prettier than they used to as well. They are what used to be called Barbecue Guns. I love to brag about the groups mine would hold, as if I could still do that now at my age. Most days I'm carrying smallish Tactical Tupperware, and it is usually a 9mm. But when I put on a good 1911 in .45 of course, I can remember when it was the only game in town and I was hot shit with mine. I don't carry a 1911 that much any more but when I do it is a pleasant trip down memory lane. And I figured how to make one work 100% a long time ago, so why not enjoy it? I'll probably be buried with my two-tone Colt. Maybe in a photographer's vest and a bush hat to complete the look. Oops, pants. I'll definitely need pants.
dont forget the aviators
Always check you re still wearing the pants before leaving the house
A 1911 is like driving a vintage manual transmission car. They are more work but oh so classy and timeless. There's nothing like popping the clutch.
No a single action revolver is more like a manual transmission. ;)
@@iloveNgany no that’s a geo metro
Either way, I agree. However a 1911 is more like a 69 charger, or a Shelby Cobra. Yes they are more work, but are so fun to drive. Personally, if it puts a smile on your face then it's worthwhile. 🍻
@@iloveNgany Single action is a manual box, with straight cut gears, with dog clutches. A 1911 is like a manual with syncros.
Did my first "gun smith class" on the 1911A1 using a GI parts kit from Auto Ordinance. It took a whole lot more custom fiitting than I expected to make it work, but after a Black Badge day and nearly 600 rounds without a malfunction I figure I passed that gun smith course. Pride of ownership - you bet!
You missed the biggest reason that 1911's are so loved. Many of us carried them in combat.
Since when in this century?
@@WALTERBROADDUS Youth is wasted on the young.
@@WALTERBROADDUS I carried a 1911 as recently as Grenada.
@@WALTERBROADDUS Every day for a year in Vietnam. 1970 - 1971. I still have a few.
Welcome home, Roger.
The first center fire pistol that I ever fired was a 1911. When I was a boy, my dad brought me to a range with a work friend and he let me fire his Colt Gold cup 1911. Holding that 1911 felt like holding a bar of gold and I made a respectable group and had that target on my wall for years. When I was a young man, I bought one the first Kimber 1911's and to this day, my adult son refers to it as "his" Kimber. Please do more videos on the 1911. They remind me of the day when a boy got to hold gold in his hands.
I bought a Remington 1911 for $500. I installed the beaver tail grip, Wilson combat sear, extended slide release, etc. all on my own. I've never worked on a gun prior to this. It's my favorite gun I own, not only is there the history, but also I put my own work into it and the trigger pull, accuracy. It feels amazing to shoot. It's the last gun I'll ever give up
“Pride of Ownership…”
I always wanted a 1911 in 45acp, but found myself getting other guns and letting the 1911 slide down on my list. I thought I wanted to find a certified combat-used (WWII/Korea/VN) model, and I still do, but then, five months ago, I saw a used Ed Brown Executive Elite in my LGS case. The price was high, but still $800-1000 less than several Colts, Wilsons, and Nighthawks available in the nearby ‘new’ gun case. Running the slide on the Ed Brown was the finest I’ve ever felt. Run side by side with a Colt Gold Cup and a Nighthawk (both costing north of a grand more), the Ed Brown was far and away tighter and smoother (zero ‘maracas’ shake)…and the trigger on THAT gun helped me to finally, fully understand what having a “good trigger” actually means.
So, I dumped a few thou I hadn’t planned to, and took it home. On its first range trip, it kept blowing out the bullseyes so easily, that I kept pushing back the targets until at 20yds, in a shadow of lighting on my lane, I began to lay hits just outside the bullseye, not because of the gun, but because of MY EYES! Going all the way back to 25, the light was better, but not my vision.
I believe that, somehow, by sheer chance, I got a a really good one…from a maker who only builds VERY good ones. I was in the right place at the right time…one of the very few times I’ve been that lucky with a gun purchase. After about 300 rds of FMJs, still no problems, at all. There are three holster-wear “dots” of lost bluing, but otherwise it’s perfect.
Is the 1911 better than newer designs, no. But it’s AT LEAST as cool as ANY other gun you can name, and it is incredibly accurate for an average shooter (me). I can only imagine what my gun would do in the hands of a skilled shooter!
So the Ed Brown sits in my safe as my most favorite gun, the one I have to pick up and run the slide, nearly every time I open the safe, and the first one I take out to show friends.
@LuckyGunnerAmmo, please do a few more videos on the 1911. The haters just don’t appreciate quality, history, or reverence for their elders.
Thanks!!
Here is hint, if you type a long comment,its better if you break up it. It really is hard to read, especially on a cell phone.
@Handyman1911 . . . Thank you for the awesome story. If it were any shorter (ya know, so it'll fit on a cell phone display better), it wouldn't have been the same story. I personally have not had the pleasure of owning a 1911, yet. I'm glad you got a good one. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Cheers from Alaska. 🎄🎅🍺
Hint is stories this long are almost always made up for Internet approval to fit in with the other comments
@@RANDOMNATION907 Didn't say not to give the whole story. But you know, separate paragraphs.
"I kept pushing back the targets until at 20yds. . ." Wow, that far? Your expectations were too low based on other firearms. The usual testing distances for 1911s and their ammo are 25 and 50 yards. Then ring the gongs at 100 yards.
Chris' point about how pride of ownership motivates practice deserves more attention. The best, safest, and most effective gun your arsenal is the one you train with the most. For those of us (read: most of us) who don't tailor our entire life around the defensive use of firearms, a 1911 we dig so much that we shoot it twice a month IS a superior tool to an M&P we feel "meh" about and shoot once a year.
This is a good point. My Canik TP9sf is the first pistol I ever enjoyed shooting enough to get even half decent with it. Prior to that I only ever really practiced with Shotguns and Rifles.
You have to like the gun enough to practice so you are not a danger to yourself and others.
I feel attacked by this OP. 😂 Really though, your point is one that is glossed over by many. I hate training with my Glock. But it works and I’m not more accurate than it, so I stay with it. I’m saving for a double stack 1911, until then I get to hate training.
If you want to develop that emotional attachment to an M&P, put an Apex flat/forward trigger kit in it. My M&P 2.0 was just a tool... an appliance... until the Apex went in it. Now I have pride of ownership and an emotional attachment to it. Everyone who picks it up shoots it better than any pistol on the table.
ruclips.net/video/ZiSrQtTJD0w/видео.html
Funny you say that. The M&P is my personal carry and I train with it often. If you need aesthetics to motivate your training then there are some major issues you need to contend with
@@HalfCrazy520 Can confirm. Apex barrel too, much nice.
I bought a used Colt 1911 back in the early 80's. It has worked well all of this time. I've had to do a few repairs. I also put 700 to a 1000 rounds a year through it. It's my normal carry gun, with a 10 round extended mag. Where I live we can open carry almost everywhere. I love it.
Wonderful. I've owned everytbing from POS AMT Hardballer to Colt to Springfield to Sig to 2 Les Baers and an Ed Brown SF. My usual carry gun is a Les Baer Commander size 1911. I live in a constitutional carry state but I have a CCW as it covers me in so e 37 states. Thr irony is that the place with gun friendly laws has much less crime, and the most anti gun places have thr most crime. Not a coincidence.
@@Peppersquads why is it any of your business?
@@Peppersquads what's it to you what I carry when? Depending on where and why is why sometimes it's a 357, sometimes a 44, or a 380, or 9mm or the 45. Why do you wear briefs instead of boxers, personal choice that's why.
@Raw Because we want to. Don't need to eat pie for breakfast but it doesn't hurt you if I do.
@@Peppersquads Wait, what?
Glocks are lighter but larger and have crap triggers. As well, I can't think of the last time I heard of a 'kaboom' happening with a 1911. The Block? More than once, which is too often.
The great thing about a 1911 is, you have a far better chance if hitting what you aim at. And since you're using 45 instead of 9, you can shoot HARDBALL and you're more effective with less rounds downrange. Refer to the Florida FBI shootout for how useless high cap 9mm can sometimes be...then refer to Sgt York for the efficient effectiveness of 7 rounds of 45.
The reason I love my 1911 so much is because of its unmatched ergonomics. To be fair, I do have smaller hands, but it just fits my hands like a glove and that trigger pull is unlike any other gun I've shot. They're really works of art and I have yet to be let down by a 1911.
It really depends on the 1911 from my experience, some od them you have to really deathgrip the grip safety to just shoot it. Some of them are great, some are just duds, but I think that could be said about any platform.
Agreed, sir. Ergonomics of 1911 is wonderful. I own both Colt and Kimber. Same evaluation.
@@rwinga01All depends on the user, of course. I have large hands and cannot stand the short trigger reach of a 1911.
I love that "pride of ownership" is an argument that made it into the same video as the logical analysis of opportunity costs. I do view my CCWs as tools primarily. Whatever pride I have invested in them is directly tethered to the level of competence I've gained with them. My 1911, however, remains in the collection primarily for the sake of pride of ownership. What feeling of pride I have invested in my Government 1911 is imbued by its symbolic and cultural gravitas.
One of my favorite guns to shoot is a 1911 in 10mm. No, it wasn't cheap, but its almost like driving a 65 GTO instead of a Camry. It's the experience
Planning on getting the Rock Island Tac Ultra in 10mm
@@Bartlebeee I've put hundreds of rounds through a 10mm, single stack, 5inch, Rock Island. Great pistol for the money.
Check out that Springfield range officer Elite it only comes in 10mm
Thats where my interest in the 1911 platform is, if a 9mm wont due I'll skip the 45 and get that spicy 10mm
@@TheRealZJE313 I haven't got my hands on the Springfield. The Dan Wesson Bruin is my favorite right now
The 1911 is a "right" design. Imagine a world where everyone had living relatives from the Civil War, 99% of rifles were bolt action, and the revolver had just "won the west." Enter a semi-auto handgun with clean angular styling that looks modern in 2021. Any honest person alive today will admit to being shocked when they learned WHY it is called the 1911. It was a masterpiece of industrial design with few peers outside of firearms, and none within. This is true and your or my opinion of it matters zero. It has affected every handgun since. It was a triumph of design, when new, in a way that takes it out of the hands of gun enthusiasts and passes it into the gallery of great designs made real by the human hand and mind. Only the 1911 is the 1911. That opportunity came once and won't come again. Respect for the 1911 isn't really optional unless one knows nothing.
1911 is already a hybrid of design calibration between browning and the us army, with 10 years of development in to what we have today, and when others could not compete they made useless safety laws to sell there products. But still in compatition the 1911 is the winner 🏆.
Bolt action was mostly a military weapon at the time. Not really a civilian owned firearm, same as the 1911
Military did the M1911A1 change Browning wasn’t alive
Firearms of all types have always been owned by civilians and the military alike until unconstitutional infringements were passed within the last 100 years in the USA. Bolt actions have been used since their inception, you obviously need to get your facts straight before making claims for all US Civilians without making sure your assumptions don’t make an ass outta yourself
I think it's a real testament to the popularity of the 1911 design that you had an entire handgun industry spring up out of the desire to customize the standard grade Colt pistol. It is the '57 Chevy of the handgun world.
Then Glock is the Honda Civic!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🥺
The history behind the 1911 alone makes me love it. Also as he said, having a gun made entirely out of steel and wood is just really nice. I really don’t like polymer guns but that’s all there is in this day. I won’t deny modern firearms are just better but the style and build of a 1911 is just an art and engineering marvel.
What always impressed me about the 1911 is the fact its a design that is well over 100 years old but it's still used and works well enough to see competition pretty widely. For what it is that is actually rather impressive.
1911's see competition because the rules favor or require them.
@@TigerDude333 nope
@@StuninRub no one runs a 7 shot mag unless the rules say things like "max 5 shots per mag"
@@TigerDude333 ??? 7 shot mag? You have a learning disability?
Just turned 40 this year. Been carrying the 1911 for almost twenty years. My V-Bob just recently was milled for a Red dot using the trijicon sight plate. For me, that helped bring my carry gun into the twenty first century. I have tried carrying other guns, carried a Glock 19 and a Sig 228 for a while. Always end up with that “heavy, limited capacity, unreliable” dinosaur in 45 acp on my hip. I have been to combat and was in the Infantry, things I have learned are that shot placement is important but physics is also. Guys didn’t get back up that often being hit with a large heavier caliber like 7.62 from a CS hit, despite what she might tell you, bigger is better. It’s why I like the 45 Acp, yeah modern ammo & HP make the 9mm similar to 45acp. At the end of the day, if I only had FMJ, I am taking the 45acp. I also am a big believer of carrying what you can comfortably get first shot hits with, regardless off gun. For me it’s a 1911. What about capacity? Well, shot placement, and reload drills. Not facing 100 pissed off jihadist in Sadar City, so I am good with 8+1. Even then, I would carry a 1911 into combat over a Glock in 9mm. Reliability, I have been to number of pistol courses, a 1911 needs to be maintained, it needs to have recoil springs and firing pin springs changed often. It’s like that 68 “ your dream muscle car.” If you don’t find pleasure in maintaining a car you won’t find pleasure in maintaining your 1911. That being said, I haven’t had a 1911 fail me yet due to the gun. Not trying to sell anyone on the 1911, it’s not for everyone. I also won’t knock you for what you choose to carry. Software is more important than hardware.
I'm disappointed this video wasn't hosted by "Manny" Mansfield. Will we ever see him again?!?!
I disagree with the cheaper 1911's being less quality. I have owned a RIA for about three years now with several thousand rounds through it and it is still going strong. Read the reviews they are very dependable guns. Technically the 1911 is a simple design, there isn't much to go wrong with them.
I have a $400 RIA 1911 and the only issue was the magazine it came with did not seat and caused jamming. Trashed the stock mag and it's been great.
@@muznick same here. Had some feeding issues at first then after 700 rounds, when I loaded the factory ACT mag into the pistol, it shot all 8 rounds and the magazine spring through the open ejection port. I then swapped the ACT mag for Wilson combat, Kimber, and even surplus Colt GI mags and never had problems after.
I can run my RIA 1911A1 dry, dripping wet with oil, or dirty after sitting uncleaned for a few weeks after my last range day and it still works flawlessly, and it eats any type of ammo I feed it, hollow points and all.
2nd that. The Rock series is the sweet spot I think. Great value, good shooters and a joy to shoot. (And was fun to see the reactions of my Filipino friends who shot 'em, loved 'em and learned they were made in the Philippines.)
Agree with this. I've had one in 9mm and it ran flawlessly. Sure, they aren't as pretty as some of my other 1911's, but probably the best value out there.
I agree. I own a $400 High Standard GI made by Armscor, a Canadian made Para Ordnance SSP that was $850 and a $1,800 Dan Wesson Specialist. ALL three have been reliable and accurate pistols.
I'm 37 and LOVE the 1911 and 2011 platform. It shoots great and looks great. Range toy yes, carry gun, no. There are better options for capacity and weight out there now. I have over 10 1911/2011's ranging from Springfield Armory to Cabot Guns. I love them all and will never stop buying them. I remember reading Guns & Ammo as a kid and falling in love with the looks, mechanics and overall nostalgia of the 1911 platform. I was hooked then and I'm hooked now!
I always thought my SA 1911-A1 did just fine as an EDC. Mostly because that is the one I shot the best.
Like a GTO or an old Vette - yes, there are cars with cameras and video screens, that can park themselves and run on electricity, but not one of them is as cool as the Goat or the Vette.
Now, I can respect comments like this. Giving an opinion without disrespecting other people's opinions.
@@poppys3728 1
You can find capacity if you are willing to pay for it. Wilson Combat makes some that carry double stacks with 15+ in 9mm. The EDCx9 or the SFX9 both are 1911 platforms with 15-18 round capacity. But they are out there. I just got used to not having a manual safety in my daily carry or I’d carry one. Since I train with the idea of muscle memory that extra step of snapping of the safety was hard to get used when my other guns were striker fire. Still won’t trade my 1911 though cause it’s proven and reliable default if all hell breaks loose.
The 1911 is a fantastic handgun to shoot. I came across some Star BMs a couple years ago that are based on the 1911. They are very affordable and in 9mm. Mine has been very reliable. It’s a good option for someone who wants to try out a 1911 under $300
I like modern handguns, but the 1911 is definitely my favorite. I’d love to see a few more videos about it.
So the 1911 is the Harley Davidson of the gun world.
I like that!!
not a bad analogy
People like the 1911 for the same reason everyone wants a sword rather than a spear. Sure the spear is easier to get, more practical and historically did all the killing but the sword has an allure that resonates in the hearts of men. The 1911 gives that same feeling.
Our local PD went from revolvers to 1911’s in the 70’s. They used them to great effect until the Glock came along. They switched to those in the late 80’s. I still own one of those trade-ins. The officers had the option of still using their 1911’s and you saw quite a few for many years. Now, it’s all plastic. They’re still very, very effective. My favorite.
Where was this?
@@adamshaw8214 Hey Adam, this was in the Central Valley here in California. About five years ago the also went from 40S&W to 9mm.
@@maxmccain8950I haven't heard of any PDs actually using 1911s that's cool.
Probably my favorite firearm of all is the Springfield Professional. So $$$ and hard to find though. But man theyre beautiful perfection!
Ironically enough, a 1911 was the first semi-auto handgun I owned that functioned reliably.
The first pistol I bought was a 1911, a Double Star match grade. I currently have three 1911's, two government and a commander. They are all more accurate than the striker fired pistols that I have.
Same here. But it's probably not that it's more accurate, it's that you are more accurate using it. The lighter single action trigger makes a difference
Those striker fired pistols are probably more accurate than you are, actually. You just shoot the 1911 better because it's easier to.
The 1911 has character, which is something that modern polymer pistols are lacking. While advances in technology without question make polymer guns better in so many ways, they are without a soul, and that is important to many of us.
For me, polymer firearms are bullet launchers. Mostly they do a very good job of that, and they're easily replaceable. My steel and alloy guns, on the other hand, are like precision cabinet-making or watchmaking tools that also happen to launch bullets. My heirs will someday appreciate my all-metal guns far more than they'll appreciate my Glocks.
A Glock has as much soul as much time you're willing to spend on a range with it.
Like a Hellcat Redeye versus a Tesla blob: the blob is faster but a child could drive it fast and it has no soul.
@@DzinkyDzink A Glock is a great tool. However, it will never have the character, or the heirloom quality that a beautiful 1911 has. Great grand pappi Nicks gen 5 Glock is not going to inspire the same feeling of reverence as great grand pappi Caleb's Colt series 80 will.
With all do respect to everyone, I love my 1911's, but I don't see how polymer guns don't have character. 1911's are now viewed as classic cars, with tons of character and charm, and are a joy to shoot. Polymer guns are looked at as serious use, the same way the 1911's used to be. My CZ P10F in 45 acp has a crap load of charm, being chambered in my favorite caliber, but also having all the cool modern innovations. Its like a modern sleek chassis, with a high performance V8. Also it shoots damn good, and I bet all of you would agree.
This gun was a game changer. Who could hate such an incredible game changer gun. It’s such a revolutionary gun that it looks virtually unchanged from 1911.
I have to disagree with your point about cost and reliability for the 1911s. I have seen the rock island 1911s on the lower end cost around $400-500. Which is a bit lower than say an HK. Cycling everything including steel cased with no issues.
The 1911 is a piece of American history and everyone should have one in their collection.
When I bought my first handgun in around 2006, I bought a Springfield Arms Mil-spec 1911 because it was the cheapest pistol in the gun store.
15 years later, after using only the cheapest and crappiest of ammos (including a decent percentage of steel-cased Wolf), I don’t think I had a single misfire.
(To be fair, I did clean it pretty regularly).
I'm no 1911 fan boi but I will say I have never had a problem with any of my or my dad's rock island 1911s. We've got 3 between us I have never once had a failure. I dont have a round count but at least 1k through mine. My dad also bought a kimber a few years back and I can't go through a box of ammo without it malfunctioning. Rock Island is a great out of the box 1911 imo. You can probably find em for around 500 nowadays.
Use good quality magazines and check if the Kimber still malfunctions.
I'm north of 4k rounds through my RIA I've had for...IDK, before my oldest was born. Doesn't like steel cased but runs very solidly with 230 grain JHPs from Federal. If I'd planned on it becoming my go to for the house I'd probably have gone for a 9mm just for the capacity and easier shooting.
Got my first Army surplus 1911 at age 15 at a local hardware store in 1962 in Chicago.
Carried one for 25 months in Vietnam and for twelve years thereafter working as a contractor… among other firearms.
Carried one exclusively and illegally as a civilian till the early 1980’s when I went to a Sig 220.
Can’t count the number of times I fought with a 1911 without a note pad. Also carried a Browning HP as back up during those days.
The trick to the 1911 is to clean it about every two hundred rounds.
I’ve owned as many as eleven 1911’s at a time… down to three.
When your first manual of arms includes placing your thumb atop the the thumb safety as you draw then a 1911 is no problem.
Haven’t regularly carried a 1911 for years.
My current carry faves are Sig 226 in .357 Sig and H-K in 45 ACP.
I’ll be 75 in February. My last gun fight was in a foreign country at age 60… beat a couple of guys with Berettas with a five shot S&W snubbie. It’s not the gun!
Tell me more about the gun fight when you were 70.
You talked into getting a 1911, then you talked me out of it, then you made me rethink that hold darn thing, but it was certainly entertaining! Always love the content.
For those who are new to guns and looking to buy a cheap and reliable 1911, the Rock Island is a good choice. Rock Island is based out of the Philippines, they are known for making guns reliable and cheap. Just don't expect a nice looking finish on their guns. They usually use parkerization, which is a dark green color and made to prevent rust. They are barebones, so they don't come with any features other than a beaver tail. I've seen them retail from $300-$400. I've put about 700 rounds through mine with no failures and with it not disagreeing very much with my ammo choices. Monarch brass ammo seems to be the most accurate for mine so far, and so happens to be one of the cheaper and more available options.
Hope this helps.
Indeed. I have one that's 10mm
Completely agree.
Agreed. I own a citadel. Same company. Best big boy I've ever owned.
I've said this for years. "Tell a guy his truck sucks, and he'll say, 'Yeah, I know'. But tell a guy his gun sucks, and watch his head explode."
1911/2011 seem to still dominate the competition game and many manufacturers continue to make them and sales are high, so they must a great option.
No one but collectors would buy them if they did not run...my Ruger sr1911 Officer 9mm has been flawless for 2k rounds so far.
I’m 21 years old and my experience with 1911s is pretty sour but turned good. When my dad was 21 he bought two Kimbers, a Custom and a Raptor II back in 1999. Both don’t run to save a life and he has a RIA officer that’s very picky. He immediately said that it was the manufacturers end not his. So I stayed away from 1911s for a while until I got to shooting at matches and such and seen 1911s actually work from the cheap to the high end. Decided to do research and felt that what Ruger offers is damn good and is widely available in my area so I got a full-size SR1911 and I do enjoy it though I still prefer my Gen 3 Glock 19 or Sig P320. Mind you i shoot all my stuff stock with only enhancements to aid me in being a lefty. I feel the 1911 is really frowned upon especially in Gen Y to my generation of Gen Z due to how a lot of inexperienced shooters handled 1911s. I always asked “if it’s such a bad handgun then why did we use it for 75 years in service and why do people still like it now”. I feel a lot of newer shooters are just so use to light weight polymer 9mms that when they handle a much heavier handgun like a 1911 and don’t shoot much 45 ACP they can limp wrist it which is possibly 90% of the reliably issues there. If you ask me the 1911s hate is just shooters who are not use to the handgun
That's not true, every Zoomer wants a Staccato right now, they just can't afford it.
@@StuninRubjust depends. I think they’re cool but doesn’t mean I want one
My RIA 9mm 1911 has never failed. I did buy 3 Wilson Combat mags for it.
Used for my LTC. Scored 100 💯
I love my 1911 CMD, but try shooting several thousands through it without cleaning it and then report back on if it's still never failed. My Glocks and Sigs can do that, but not my 1911. After 500-800 rds it starts having reliability issues.
@@Prepare2Survive Good point.
I never run that many without a good cleaning. Just a bad habit of mine !
I've bought 3 Rock Island 1911's, they work as well as pistols twice or three times as much.
@@MarkAndrewEdwards Amen !
I don't shoot more than 1 or 2 hundred rounds in a day and I always clean my weapons after shooting them. Kids these days are too busy tick tocking to clean their dang weapons smh. You're all dabbing and flossing, why don't you dab your dang gun with some hoppes number nine and then floss it clean you whippersnappers.
The 1911s are the guns you show to your friends. Glocks are the guns you show to your enemies.
I find this cost and reliability argument of the 1911 confusing and in my experience unfounded.
I have a Ruger 1911 in 45 as a commander model and I've had zero problems with it. Even feeds spent brass with no bullet. And I've done absolutely nothing for it to do that. And it wasn't nearly as expensive as these other flashy 1911s. I've been doing drills and taking classes with it with zero issues.
Saying all of that. I also would like to get a striker fire pistol as well since I only have a Beretta 92 and a Ruger GP100 when it comes to pistols. I don't count my AR pistol.
@Lurch7861 I've heard from veterans I know say they've had their fair share of M9s that were falling apart. One of which absolutely hates them because of his experience with them after every M9 he was issued was complete junk. From that in my opinion the M9 definitely isn't the holy grail compared to a 1911. Like I said I own both a SR1911 and a Beretta 92FS so I'm not ragging on either of them since I've had zero issues with either of mine. I'm ragging on how the military maintains their sidearms in that example. So you're going to hear mixed info depending on how long they recycled old pistols.
Although I like modern style pistols, I still find the 1911 to be extremely "pointable." I feel like I acquire targets quickly with one and the grip angle is basically perfect for me. If the SHTF, I would take a Glock 17 any day, but I have always shot 1911 pistols with good accuracy even on the first magazine.
Because they don’t make a 1912.
Mr. Chris, I really appreciate your content & the delivery. The effective transmission of info is admirable; matched only with the method and means. Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah to all of the team that makes these videos possible.
Happy Holidays
Began 1911 association/use when age 15, am 74 now. A 1911 is an old and trusted friend, one that can be relied upon to lend a helping hand if needed to be called upon. I have a couple of poly-frame pistols and enjoy them. Lighter in weight and smaller in size, they also have their place. A few revolvers are also used n' enjoyed. But ya know, there's just 'something' that can only be felt when picking up a 1911...
I have a couple of Tisas 1911s a Government and a Commander. Both have been dead nuts reliable and both under 400 bucks.
Same here, not an issue (except some really bad hammer bite with the 1911A1 clone, but a Dremel took care of that).
Going in I’m guessing everyone loves it because it’s a classic piece of history and hates it because of single-stack capacity.
That and there are more than enough options that are more reliable and more practical.
@@bmstylee Yeah, but most of the extra features for added practicality can be added back to the 1911 anyways. We’re in a technological plateau when it comes to handgun operating mechanisms.
@@bmstylee Sometimes a gun purchase isn't about what the most practical option is. I love taking my 1911 to the range. It's without a doubt my favorite pistol to shoot and I shoot better with it than any other handgun I own. It's comfortable and easy to use, and has such a cool aesthetic (in my opinion). Do I concealed carry it though? Hell no! Like you said, there are more practical options. However, that doesn't mean that the 1911 should receive the hate it does in some circles.
Love these talks. 1911’s are from a period of time when people took care of their firearms, cleaned them often, and understood them. There are plenty of firearms this day that can out do them, but if you want a full steel well balanced pistol with the best trigger, look no further. Kinda like comparing a 67’ Chevy to a 2019 Z06. Just my two cents. Cheers all.
more like comparing a 67 chevy to a 2021 honda civic.
1911s make fantastic range gun but are terrible choices for carry just due to the size and weight combined with horrible capacity. For less weight and similar size I can carry my p09 with 21 rounds of 9mm, or for less weight & size there’s any number of very compact 9s. Just as effective due to modern ammo, but way better.
@@calebnation6155 Well, a third of the country's population has magazine limits, so the 21-round capacity argument doesn't hold water for them.
Icanhasautomaticcheeseburger those areas also punish defensive use of a firearm, so any argument that isn’t about making holes in paper is moot. But for the free parts of the country, I’ll stick to 21+1.
The size and weight ride fine with a proper holster. I’m terms of capacity, true, 15-21 rounds is better, although I can’t think of a situation where I would need to utilize up to 21 rounds in a CC engagement. Also, carry ammo has come along way and say a 124 grain 9mm XTP will get it done, but also a 200 plus grain .45 XTP will do it even better. At the end of the day, what you choose or prefer is a personal choice, and I carry a G19 due to its reliability and ruggedness, but my house gun is a 1911. Whichever you prefer, know it and train with it often and it will never let you down. Also, the ergonomics of the 1911 are simply fabulous. Cheers y’all.
I’d like to see more 1911 content, there beautiful, there fun, and if you want to go straight practical about defensive capability, your practical off the shop shelf defensive weapon is cost effective enough to justify also having something considered purely sport or recreational like a 1911 as well as a Practical self-defense tool. As long as you take care of the business side first.
As a guy who has 4 glocks, multiple and various other plastic frame handguns, and multiple revolvers, I have found my four 1911's from my 10mm and 45's to the 9mm, everyone of them has been flawless.
They have run every type of ammo, from hand loads to almost every type of factory ammo except the steel case stuff.
I have 2 Remingtons, 1 RIA, and 1 Kimber and they have all been perfect with not 1 malfunction that I can recall in YEARS of use and are all factory, non customized guns with the exception of the addition of night sights on all but the Kimber.
I'm not sure where these guys got their guns from or how they are shooting them but, damn...you guys have some bad luck out there.
I was first exposed to the 1911 back in the 1970’s early in my Naval career. The in again in the latter part of my career in the late 80’s early 90’s as a MP. That’s when I mastered it and got a real good understanding of it. In so much I bought two Blue combat commanders, one in 45 ACP the other in Colt Super 38 Auto . The love affair continues to this very day
Part of the mystique for me was the time (and trips to the range) it took for me to learn to shoot it. After four years enlisted in the Coast Guard In was still hopeless. Then, in OCS, we had a Warrant Gunner who was actually an excellent instructor and I went straight to “expert”.
The quotes are because “expert” on the Navy standard course was nothing like, say, an NRA expert. Get almost all the rounds somewhere on the target. . .
Before covid I purchased my first and inexpensive 1911 (Tisas) for around $300 after seeing very positive reviews. First shot was dead center of the bullseye at 7 yards with zero malfunctions using 200 rounds of Winchester ball, something I never experienced with other pistols I own except a revolver. It is heavy but it's well balanced weight. It does require a little more cleaning and lubrication than modern pistols. For.45acp it's surprisingly thinner than most other pistols on the market, even those in .380. Ammo capacity is not a big deal to me because reloading is fast. The magazines are thinner than Glock magazines, even the small .380 Glock 42 model.
Ive had my Tisas for almost 9 years now it has been great ,first couple years of it i sadly didnt maintain it well and had a corrosion spot inside the barrel but a 80 dollar barrel and 30 dollar spring and trigger upgrade i ordered online have made it a amazing budget pistol
Great video. I love my 1911s, but I would never carry one unless I had very few options.
I have owned 1911 pistols since the early 80's. One of the biggest problems with a 1911 is magazines. If you use crap magazines, then it will not run well. Wilson, Shooting Star, Colt Branded and Mec Gar are the best. Most 1911 pistols coming from S&W and SIG have MecGar as standard equipment. Another thing is lubrication. It is not polymer and it needs more lube than a Glock, an M&P or any of the other polymer guns. As far as cleaning, yes, they run better clean, but I was shooting USPSA in the 80's and 90's and rarely cleaned my Colt. Still ran fine even using the lead reloads I shot in competition. I currently own S&W, Colt and Sig 1911 pistols. My SIG has NEVER malfunctioned, the S&W have run flawlessly. My old Series 70 is a bit finicky but guns from that time were not that good. Colt was having issues at that time. So if you get a quality 1911 and maintain it, you should have no issues. I agree, that it is a gun for more experienced shooters.
I bought a Colt 1991 A1 Series 80 Government in 1992 ($400) and it worked flawlessly until I sold it in 2020. I sure miss that pistol.
Yes Chris please more 1911 content. Thank you.
Browning Hi-Power is always a good compromise between your 1911 and typical wonder nine
I wish I bought a High Power before FN killed them off. The CZ 75 is in the same category. Their competition guns are down right amazing. The Shadow 2 is probably one of the best guns you get at any price.
I'll snatch up a Springfield SA-35 as soon as the price goes down. Dealers want $1200-$1400 for a $600 HP clone.
I’ve always thought the Hi Power was a superior pistol, sans the trigger and mag safety disconnect, (which goes hand in hand.) I’ve owned at least two Colts and shot others, and honestly, they’re old hat for me. I’ve been trying to get into more guns that are far more practical for me than guns I’ve just wanted. I’ve had to retire my EDC Beretta 92 of about 7 years due to my hip problems inherited from my time in the service. The 1911 falls into the same category for me, while a cool and neat gun, it just doesn’t serve me practically anymore.
Why compromise? Just buy the nine.
@@Vares65 Don't think you understood the comment. The Hi-Power is a good "compromise" because it has the style and design of the 1911, along with the single action trigger, but with the higher capacity and functionality of the 9mm. I agree with you that technically speaking, both designs are probably considered outdated by now and something like a Glock or equivalent is probably ideal
1911: the manual transmission of handguns.
Don't own one, but I want one.
Revolvers are the manual transmission of handguns. 1911s are the classic muscle cars that you only wish ran as reliably as your 2008 Prius.
@@LuckyGunner should buy from quality makers.
Staccato or Dan Wesson. Avoid Nighthawk and Triarc.
@@LuckyGunner 2008 Prius. Slow and cheaply made. Not what I would be comparing a decent 1911 to.
@@LuckyGunner And that goes really fast... BUT only in a straight line! Had four muscle cars from the '70s growing up and your assessment is spot on.
@lit sci i have owned one.
They sent me a gun with an overthroated barrel, where three times of brass was exposed over what is acceptable. The barrel didnt have chamfer cuts, slide to frame was old colt loose, trigger was loose, marks on the finish when I received it, extractor too long (sporadic ejection). Slide stop was hitting the barrel legs.
Waited 9 months and spent close to $5k, what they sent me was shit.
Curious about the intimated failure rate of the 1911. My SA 1911 (mil spec) has digested everything I've put in it. Shoots smooth, and is very accurate. Never had a hiccup. Is my experience unusual? Sincere question.
My RIA 1911 just runs and runs. Very smooth and accurate.
It has a higher failure rate than pistols designed in this century… but when that number is 300-600 rounds between failures, it doesn’t necessarily mean all that much. Clean and lube after shooting and it will be fine for quite a while. Depending on lubricant choice and environment, you might want to lube it once a month regardless.
A lot of it comes from poor or inconsistent QC from manufacturers.
Most common issue I’ve seen is many budget priced 1911’s fail to reliably feed hollow points due to an unpolished/rough feed ramp on the barrel or frame. That doesn’t matter much for a range gun but if intended to be used as a self defense tool with hollow points, that doesn’t inspire much confidence right out of the box when you get failures to feed/double feeds the minute you swap from FMJ to JHP.
In my experience, 1911s fail most often from bad ammo and crappy magazines. Those were the only times I've had issues with my Smith and Wesson 1911.
@@redaethel4619 what? Did you just copy and paste that info from somewhere?
My Colt 1911 80 series has never let me down. I dont feed my 1911 nothing but ball ammo. If i ever feel the need to use JHP i can always use my M&p45 or my HK45 for that.
I don't think I've shot a real 1911, but I've shot a replica of the old USGI single-stack and I really enjoyed the ergonomics. I'm not a huge dude: the relatively narrow grip, distance to trigger, and general orientation of the grip to the bore axis of the gun were all pleasantly spot-on. The gun just fit nicely in the hand and seemed to always point where you wanted it to point when aiming. Not sure to what degree airsoft gun triggers mimic real ones at all, but it also had that same light/short/clean break feeling compared to other airsoft and real pistols I've used. They also look great. I can definitely see why people can be extremely fond of their 1911s.
Great video--thanks. One factor of the "pride of ownership" is that you will enjoy the routine maintenance a .45 requires. It was designed before engineers learned how to make things cheaply, and all of those sliding, interlocking pieces of steel are a rare feature in an age of throw-away plastic. Glocks are great, but I prefer my Colts. --Old guy
I carried one in the Army in my younger days, so I was familiar with the manual of arms. I still carry one now because I've only ever seen one polymer handgun (the P365) that can hold more ammunition with a smaller grip circumference. I have small hands and have a very difficult time getting a good grip on many standard/compact polymer handguns. I've never owned a Glock because their grip circumference added in to the blade safety in the trigger means that I frequently have a difficult time actually getting enough of my index finger onto the trigger to deactivate the blade safety.
The 1911 is much more forgiving. Put thin grips and a short shoe'd trigger in it, and it Just Fits.
This is the second time I’ve seen someone mention how this gun makes men illogical. There’s just some nostalgic and impressive about this handgun that I can’t shake. Been doing a lot of research and know that this isn’t the first gun I should get, but I want it all the same.
It was the first handgun I owned at the age of 21. Today the variety of handguns can make the first purchase time consuming with research.
Haters can’t handle a big one. And don’t forget, that’s what she said.
As an old boomer, (is that redundant?) I avoided Glocks until last year. I like metal in my gun frames, but eventually I came to the conclusion that for my end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it pistol, I wanted something with the best reputation possible for simplicity, parts availability, reliability (etc) and so now I have a G41. I have grown to like it and shoot it pretty well but it doesn't appeal to the industrial-design nerd in me like a stainless 1911.....I am haunted by John Browning. And that's ok with me.
The great John Moses Browning made such a beautiful design with the 1911 that you can find it in a variety different calibers, and that's impressive.
I'm right handed-and left eye-dominant. Drill sergeants in the 80's helped me open up a new world by switching the rifle to my left hand, but I never got there with handguns. The trigger of the 1911 is still the biggest draw for me - providing the only platform that allows me to generally hit the broadside of a barn or two. Great vid on one of my favorite controversies.
The trigger is my favorite part of the 1911. Make it so easy to shoot accurately.
Just hold it right hand and aim with your left eye
I have a Remington 1911 R1S in 45acp and I love it. Never had any issues with it and it shoots great!
Springfield 1911 10,000 rounds since 2010 never cleaned still runs no malfunctions
By every metric the 1911 is so outdated. But once one gets in your hand it’s hard not to feel a certain way with a chunk of steel in your hand.
I think you nailed it. People complain about 1911s because they *do need* more maintenance than the modern polymer guns like a Glock for example. Personally I don't mind cleaning my guns. I always clean them after I use them anyway so...
I own a variety of firearms - rifles and handguns including several 1911's. I enjoy shooting the 1911 and agree ergonomics of firing this weapon is quite comfortable. Knowing the 1911 must be attended to and clean to assure reliability is simple thing. The ones I shoot have proven extremely reliable and do not fail. I keep them always clean and ready and cleaning them, to me, is part of the pleasure of having the firearm. I clean all my firearms and keep them in good condition.
The 1911 with its thin profile and with a 4 inch barrel is quite easy to carry concealed. The weight of the gun is not a problem.
I grew up with the mindset that .45acp was the Lord's caliber... My dad and grandpa both instilled in me that if it wasn't a .45acp (or a .44 mag, or .357 mag) then it was a gun meant for a woman, a child, or a pansy commie/European. With that in mind I strolled into Scheels on my 21st birthday and bought a used Springfield 1911 GI, in no frills black with tan grips. I've owned that gun for close to 18 years now, gotta be over 10,000 rounds through it without any hiccups. Well no hiccups other then my dumb early 20s self trying to run one of them cheap "promag" looking 15 round mags that stuck a foot and a half out the bottom, lots of feed failures with that piece of crap...
Unlike my elders I've learned to accept the 9mm in all it's greatness. On any given day there is a Hellcat, an XD mod 2, or an XDS at my four-o-clock while the ole 1911 sits in my drawer at home. Modern polymer pistols are fantastic no doubt, but I doubt any of em will stand the test of time like the 1911. I like to think in 2111 my grandson will be at a range putting my antique 1911 to work, the same way I take the revolvers that my grandpa left to me.
Pretty much the same for myself. My dad, my uncles, my grandpas, all of them had 1911s. I was the little kid at the range learning how to shoot with a 1911 since that was the smallest caliber firearm anyone in the family owned lol.
Yup! My first handgun was a Smith and Wesson 1911 and I learned the hard way about Promags. As soon as I ditched those stupid things and got a few decent Chip McCormick mags, everything was good!
I can name my 3 personal reasons why I love 1911s.
1:I'm a history nut. 55 Chevys, old Gibson Les Paul guitars, and 1911s, all have the historic cool factor that kinda overrides modern practical doctrine, at least to some degree.
2: I learned to shoot with one. The 1911 was the very first pistol I ever fired, and I just got so used to the feel of it that everything else just feels foreign.
3: Effectiveness. I pray to the good lord every day of my life that I never even have to raise my voice to anybody, but God forbid if I ever had to shoot somebody in self defense, I would want them to stay shot, and not keep coming.
The 45 ACP has over a 100 year reputation for meeting that requirement if, God forbid, it was ever necessary to do such a thing.
3 things worry me.
1:Single action. If it became necessary to carry a pistol for self defense. I'd be hesitant about having a single action gun with a round in the chamber. If something bumped me, it could blow my leg off or possibly harm somebody nearby.
2: limited capacity. Bad guys have at least 15 round mags these days, and in a life or death situation, the 1911's 7 rounds might not be enough. How fast could I get another mag in and ready to go under stress?
3:Readiness. How quickly could I draw, rack the slide to chamber a round and get on target? I'm not sure. By the time I was ready, the other guy might put 5 or 6 holes in me.
All said and done, perhaps a more modern weapon makes better sense in a self defense situation.
The 1911 is a fine and wonderful thing, just like an old Flathead Ford. They're both something you can own and enjoy. But just like you wouldn't try to run a Flathead on the NASCAR track today, it might also be equally impractical to trust your life to a 1911 in today's world.
When I was 21 it was colt combat commander, 1969 mustang 351w and rock and roll. 😆
@@zzygyy Excellent choices. If you were around in 1969, you would have had a chance to see Jimi Hendrix. I was 10 when he died, so I basically missed being a part of that era, but I did have all the records.
I like my plastic wonder pistols but works of art they are not and there is just nothing like a high-end 1911. If I ever had to use a handgun in a life-or-death event I would want my SV Infinity double stack 40 S&W. It's reliable, fast, and accurate which is everything I want as long as I don't have to try to carry it around all day.
One of the most impressive aspects of the 1911 is it's accuracy. A gun with lousy accuracy is a boat anchor or a book end or something else. My .02 cents. 😎
I can shoot my 1911's so much better than my Glocks.
Great discussion. One of the most well-rounded discussions of the 1911 I have seen. I have used a number of different firearms for concealed carry. I have returned to using a full size 1911 for concealed carry. The heavy weight of the large all steel pistol, and the recoil of the .45 ACP that could be described as energetic but slow rather than snappy, and the trigger that is easy on the arthritis in my trigger finger, as well as being easy to shoot accurately, make for a gun that is a pleasure in my weekly range practice. The weight is a factor for concealed carry, but I have found concealed carry solutions that work for me. So the design that I carried on duty 50 years ago is now my every day concealed carry tool. It is like coming home.
I've liked 1911s since the 70's show "The Manhunter", with Ken Howard. The main character carried dual .45s and my 12 year old self thought that was awesome. As an adult I tended to the more practical, but finally got a Sig 1911 when Turner's had them for a sale price I couldn't resist. I liked it until I got it out to the range, then I fell in love with it. Yeah, 1911s are cool.
I totally get that you may not want to do more 1911 stuff Chris, but I think Manny would love to. Maybe see if there's something in the old vault?
1911 definitely needs to be practiced with.
Lots of good comments below. I still use Zippo lighters. Same same. Imagine being a Jedi and carrying a lightsaber. Kinda like that.
Hickok45 once said ”It’s all about grip, sights and trigger”. That’s exactly why I love the 1911.