You’re so right. I own three 1911s. Kimber 1911 Warrior II in .45 ACP, Kimber Eclipse Custom in 10mm Springfield 1911 .45 ACP They’re wonderful pistols.
I have to believe that you have that right. 1911's have been the best combat pistol in existence. I currently do not own one. but that does not mean that I do not want one. You are doing a fine job with your channel. Primarily because your a straight shooter, and you know what your talking about.
I watched this while working on my Tisas 5" 70 series 1911. A perfect soundtrack to some careful hand-fitting, which is something I really enjoy doing. Thanks for putting this series together.
Hey Mr Fairburn, just want to say I’ve really been enjoying your content. I appreciate your relentless practicality. I’m so glad guys like you, Paul Harrel, GunBlue, & HR Funk have been sharing your knowledge. Things are getting weird out there.
My dad is a 1911 fan. 1911 was the first handgun I ever fired actually. Call me what you will I never liked the recoil of the 1911 in 45. I always perfered the 38 super. I bought a Belgium Military trade in Browning HI Power when I got out of the Navy and still have it. Ive had every platform under the sun, those pistols have come and gone and I always go back to the Hi Power. It just fits my hand like a glove. My absolute go to.
I'm partial to the Defender model myself. Might be why I like my S&W Shield 2.0 in 45 auto so much. The size is very concealable but also easy to shoot.
I Love how you take a DEEP dive into the Design and the problems you encounter with trying to add more bullets to a original design, that was made for 7 with one in the pipe. I was fortunate to have gone through Basic training ( Fort Jackson SC) in 1975, the old standard 1911 was still the Armys training pistol The great explosion view on table with all us new Army soldiers, taking the 1911 apart and putting back together. I shot on a NG pistol team. I was the backup shooter. I got to fly to east coast pistol competition events, held every year. Against other NG teams from around US. The very competitive nature of some of these other men. YES all males. We were even allowed to check out the Standard 1911 US Army pistol from are Armory's to take home and practice with. People would never believe that now, but in the mid 1970s, we got to take a US Army 1911 home with us. The company commander was also on shooting team A very young Captain who was also a County sheriff deputy. My NCO on the 45 foot Tugboat, again YES I was a US Army sailor on a unit filled with LCM-8s. My 45 foot ( ST-2154) was a support vessel for any LCM that broke down, or helped move are ( FMS) around or towing during Summer camp. The ( FMS) was a floating machine shop for all the LCMs we had. It had no power propulsion systems, it was just a big Barge machine shop. We actually GAVE the Navy Reserve unit down the pier are previously ( FMS) as the Navy never budget for there Reserves to have anywhere near the equipment we had. The Navy reserve unit had ONE old WW-2 Mine sweeper as there only vessel at that time. I did see were later the Navy gave them surplus Underseas Torpedo test trials surplus vessel ( the 72 foot Torpedo Retriever for example) as the regular Navy upgraded there test range fleet. Plus the Canadian built these so advanced low noise vessel for sound vessels and a platform for towing a dumby torpedo that made sounds like a sub. This Canadian Navy vessel could go all silent on battery power, so the only noise was from this test torpedoe shaped vessel being towed. So the Canadians built many test range vessel themselves, so US Navy reserves got hand me down as the US test range vessels got older. Some were built in the 1960s. Anyway back to 1911s can anyone answer me why on some of those COLT Commander that came out in the 1970s had a ( HALF COCK) on the hammer, me personally have not seen this design on any other 1911 even clones from other manufacturers. I saw hiccups with a RICK Island clone of 10mm. Not shooting 10mm ronds. Then we put same bullets in a GLOCK 20. Every round fired with NO malfunction, the cartridges cleared the discharge of the slide. The Rock Island was a 1911 conversation to 10mm.
I have 3 1911's... Smith and Wesson E-series, 5 inch and 1911 SC 4.25 inch and a Springfield Emissary... For one of my home defense pistols I have a Rock Island Armory "2011 DS" in 45 ACP... 14+1 is very formidable.
One thing I will say about Arms room JUST standard US Army 1911 45 ACP No modifications at all. When I was back up shooter for our Pistol team. I was very amazed at the SHOT groups of some of the other shooting teams. They made amazing hits on targets. This was after 2 mile run, 5 minutes recovery. Then up to the shooting line. I always remind people when out BAD mouthing the standard US military 1911. Saw with my own eyes, great shooters with this Historic US Military pistol 😊❤😊
I really got a kick out of the old, old timers that referred to semi-auto as "almost automatic". The new technology is amazing, striker fired polymer guns are fascinating however I'll keep my Colt 1911 45 thank you. Thanks Dick really appreciate these videos
I have owned probably 20 1911's over the years and I always sell them simple because of the weight of carrying it. Now I have a few, one in 9mm commander size all steel and it's really nice, especially being made in Turkey. I'll never be without a 1911 again simply because, like you said, they're the best fighting pistol ever designed.
My Para P14 runs flawlessly. The only malfunctions were Reloaded Ammo related. My S&W E-series 1911 is one of my favorite and best looking 1911 that I have. I do have a modern day Plain Jane Colt 1911 that is a well running 45 that does not have the series 80 pin lock. so out of 3 different examples, the 1911's that I have are very reliable. I did have the Colt Mustang a long time ago, but got rid of it. My thumb kept hitting the mag release during the first round. A few years later I found another Mustang at a good deal and it had the same issue. Me and the mustang just didn't get along.
34 years after my first pistol, I bought a Dan Wesson Kodiak last month. Honorable mention; the all steel 4" EMP 40 is sweet! I've owned just about every service pistol: beretta m9, bobcat, tomcat, cheetah, brigadier, sig p226, p229, p239, p245, p320, p365, x5, Bren Ten, Delta Elite, hk P7m8-m10-m13, every glock, every XD, and forgotten pistols. The sweetest pistol I've owned was a Guncrafter 1911 5" Model 1 with both 45 and 50gi barrels. It would touch holes at 25yds.
Nice video, I subscribed. I have two millspec Springfield 1911s, one parkerized or whatever they call their finish and one stainless, love them. I'm the guy you see in Walmart, with a full sized 1911 grip, sticking out of his front pocket.
Hello Me. Fairburn. Thank you the wonderful videos. I just wanted to let you know I own the Browning 1911-380 and I love it. My only complaint is I wish the high end manufacturers like Wilson or Nighthawk would do a version because I think it would be amazing.
Hello Mr. Fudd! You can call me the same. EGW came out with what they call their angle bore bushing meant to clamp the barrel in battery like the 70 bushing. I tried one on my Ruger Commander(steel frame) & it works as intended. The Commander is my favorite variation too. Colonel Cooper also called da/sa's "crunchentickers". First time I saw an article where he said that I laughed for 30 min. Good video, thank you sir.
@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb can't say I agreed with everything he said but he was right a whole lot more than I thought he was wrong. I learned a lot from his articles & laughed a lot at them too.
My wife has a 9mm "EMP". 4" Barrel, its a great pistol even for a man. She chose it for the ambi safety in the 1911 design. It holds 9 in the mag. Its a great gun.
Still Cherise my 70 series 1911 now in use for (me) over 40 yrs just feels nicer and slaps things down unlike a 9mm .. no accuracy issues (very reliable .. don't over clean) after many thousands of rounds with many trophies it's my favourite ..only issues extractors twice.. now she just likes SWC in 200 gn in lieu of FMJ but I happily live with that .. plus I adore single action triggers/exposed hammers whether pistols or lever actions.
There were so many different custom-modified pistols like the Detonics I didn't want to leave one out or make a mis-statement. Custom jobs like the Detonics undoubtedly helped create some of the major manufacturer's variations.
2011 is what some of the manufacturers call them, this may even be some company's trademark. The Star Firestar is pretty much a 1911. The S&W CSX looks to be pretty much a 1911 in disguise. Of course CZ, Dan Wesson and SIG (and maybe others) make single action models that provide 1911 functionality even if they are based on something different. The HK USP DA/SA offers a safety that I think allows cocked and locked carry if you prefer that. A 1911 characteristic that nobody discusses but might be offputting to newer generations is the takedown procedure. With newer plastic guns you basically push a button and it comes apart. I've wondered if this could be adapted to the 1911 design which would mean removing the barrel link in favor of mechanisms on the bottom of the barrel similar to Glock, SIG, etc.
Love my el cheapo RIA 1911 government model. I had a Springfield previously that I modified with aftermarket parts that shot much better than me. Fun to shoot and they really do conceal well. Just heavy. I carry a G23 Gen 4 now with a JX Tactical "fat guy" holster.
I have the same RIA, my ONLY gripes are that I need to have an ambi safety put on it, and the hammer bite. But it's been 100 percent reliable. And we think alike, except I went a shade smaller to EDC the G27.
I guess a lot of this is subject to personal experience. I had a Series 70 in .45ACP that cracked above the slide stop hole. The local gunsmith told me that the frame was ruined and he'd give me $250 off of a new pistol. I fell for it. However, I subsequently learned that when shooting cast bullets in front of FMJ powder charges the slide can batter the frame (similar to a 10mm, I suppose). I finally wound up with a Kimber Custom II and I'm very happy with it. The Colt that I had was unreliable, even with factory FMJ, when it did work, it often threw the brass in my face, and it mangled the brass beyond reloadability. I'm speaking of one specific pistol, not Colts in general. But the platform is my absolute favorite of all my semi autos. But, for personal defense, I use 158 gr lead semi-wadcutter hollow points, for the very reasons you endorse it. Great job.
This video remind me of a time when I had a momentary lapse of reason and sold my Colt Double Eagle in 45 ACP. I wish I had it back. I also had the Colt Government model "pocket lite" in 380. It was nice, but I wasn't a big fan of the 380.
Good stuff. The first centerfire firearm I ever shot was a government model 1911 chambered in .38 Super Auto. It was a family heirloom made in 1929 and an experience I'll never forget. I don't care what anyone says about 1911s, they are awesome pistols and everyone should own at least one of them.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb I think you're right. My Dad always said it was the hottest new thing to have when my great-grandfather bought it-at least until the .357 Magnum came along a few years later. It was in my grandfather's big old school safe when his jewelry and watch store in Marion, IL, burned down. It survived, although it got hot enough that all of the blueing turned to a plain steel color. It somehow didn't cook off the round in the chamber, though. I doubt it has ever had more than a few hundred rounds of ammo fired the whole time it has been in my family.
Great video... Kimber Series II have the Schwartz Firing Pin Safety that works off the grip safety instead of the trigger like the Colt Series 80. Both now make guns in Series 70 and Series 80. No one else that I know of bothers. Titanium firing pins cause ignition problems. An extra power firing Pin Spring works just fine. The aluminum alloy of the Commander, according to Chuck Taylor, is Coltalloy and is aluminum/titanium.
Thanks for covering Colt’s evolution of the 1911. My 1st was a Gold Cup purchased in the 1970’s. I do love the platform and have moved to the double stack variant in later years due to changing times. In my estimation, the commander is the perfect size that gives up nothing to the government size. I have them in both 9mm and 45 ACP that have proven to be utterly reliable with 1,000 of rounds.
I put a half a dozen MkIV's on my Lee Machine Rest and all of them grouped 3" or better at 50 yds, for 5 shots. I had a NM slide group, non-collet bushing slide group that I had to lap onto an Essex frame and it shot a 5 shot group of 3" at 100 yds with Remington 185 gr jswc match ammo. We backed it off to 200 and by having a friend hide behind a tree, calling my shots, got it onto the silouette, 7" group. A gun writer at the time said he got the same with 38 Casull, from a Ransom Rest.
Liked these videos a lot. I'm a 1911 guy. Done the Gambit on pistols in my lifetime. Now at 45 yrs old I settled on the 1911 about 4 yrs ago. Although I still do love the Beretta 92 and HK P7 series. Own a couple of each. I am partial to Wilson Combat and Ed Brown. But plenty of other great makers out there. I subbed!
Ive several 1911's over the years and they all worked. Llama's in 45 acp and 22lr, Norinco 45, Thompson in 45 and 10mm, and even the Star Firestar was close in 9mm.
I recently bought (3yrs) a 3.25 lightweight 45cal bul armory 1911 ultra. It's the original version of the magnum research undercover or "U". Two of the most reliable officer size handguns if ever owned regardless of barrel length. Something to consider if you're looking for a reliable carry 45.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the 1911.i believe with the right instruction on shooting and maintenance the 1911 in .45acp is still a great self defense handgun.they are not hard to maintain,you just have to learn how.
To me, the most amazing thing about the 1911, it was designed without computers. I really don't consider myself as a 1911 fanatic (I only have 3). The 1911 is an amazing design. I wish I could afford a Wilson Combat.
I own only one handgun, and it's a 5" Gov't model 1911A1, for a reason. .45 A.C.P. is tough to beat for self defense aside from the 10mm with a 6" barrel. The .45 A.C.P. is called "God's Caliber" for a reason, apparently. I have a Llama MAX1 L/F with Colt parts built by a retired U.S.M.C. Armorer.
Top +p .45 loads really close the power gap with 10mm. Underwood loads 185 ASPs to 1200 fps. SIGs eliter performance hollowpoints are 180s at 1250. 45 is very underestimated when compared to 10mm. Plus there is always 45 super if you need power.
@@CarolinaRimfire In 1977 I owned a Llama 1911 clone in .45 ACP. I hitch hiked from Cape Town South Africa to Rhodesia. When I crossed Beit Bridge, the Rhodesian authorities welcomed me. I strapped my pistol on my hip and hitch hiked to Salisbury to join the security forces of the Rhodesian civil war.
Wilson told me that the fit of the collet bushing to the slide had to be just right, or the camming forces when the slide went forward would eventually stress-fracture the bushing. I had one break, after 15,000 rds! I'd never carry the govt model anyway. Even the alloy commander is a bit heavy-bulky. If I was going to carry a belt gun, it would be an alloy commander in .460 Rowland and my reloads. If I was going to carry factory ammo, the LWC would be chambered in 10mm and I'd be carrying the 60 gr, 2300 fps Liberty arms solid copper hp, for 770 ft lbs of power.
Thank you, Dick, for this excellent video. I wholeheartedly agree with your basic thesis . . . the 1911A1 remains entirely viable. However, in my experience - and that isn’t a fraction of yours - the complexity (parts count is a meaningful indicator) sometimes makes 1911A1s less reliable to than several more contemporary designs (I’d include CZs based on the 75B and H&Ks based on the USP, but certainly not Glocks). With that said, I still carry my Springfield TRP and Loaded 1911A1s (both with five inch barrels and both cambered for .45 ACP). LtCol Jeff Cooper - certainly a profound, expert and lifelong advocate of the 1911A1 - wrote this in the January, 1980, issue of American Handgunner: “I think the Brunner (CZ 75) is the best of the conventional nines as it stands.”
Great video Sir, I'll be passing a link along to my group. One point though, you said that Kimbers don't have the series 80 type firing pin block, but I have a Kimber TLR II and a Kimber CDP II Pro that both have that firing pin block. I've owned lots of 1911s and 1911ish pistols over the years and I still have my Colt Mustang Plus II. I picked up the SIG P938 a few years ago and a Coonan which is a beast but I have to agree with the reliability issues. You really have to match the load to the recoil spring with that one.
I have a Dan Wesson Valkyrie 45 ACP that is an aluminum frame CCO. It is a great carry pistol. Sadly, they discontinued that model to move to something else.
I'm surprised at no mention of the original Colt National Match pistols made from 1933 until WWII. Verrry nice pistols indeed. Stevens adjustable rear sight and a lot of hand fitting of the barrel, slide and frame components. Sad to see the original MKIV Series 70 collet bushings dropped. What broke a lot of them was owners trying to rotate the collet bushing just as they did with the solid types-push the recoil spring plug in and rotate the bushing while the pistol was in battery. With the pistol In battery using the collet bushing, the increased diameter of the muzzle pressed those collet fingers into some pretty heavy tension against the slide. They were never intended to take the heavy side load that resulted. Even the instruction book told the user to retract the slide an inch or so before turning the bushing, but we being men, "we don't need no steenking instructions!"
Love mine also but i have issues with the safety. AS a lefty although I can draw and shoot right handed as well, I dont like the safety release. If it came with a grip safety like it does and a trigger safety for me it would be better. The rest of the weapon is magic. one question, i have a chrome barrel as mine is a norinco (now banned in the usa). any way to make it tad better with accuracy? I mean I shoot my target but would like a tad better response.
An ambidextrous thumb safety is an accessory you can install yourself with a little work. I am a right-handed shooter but have an ambidextrous thumb safety on all my 1911s in case I need to shoot left handed.
Well done and comprehensive kudos.. Bit of Trivia some might find interesting. A Star PD was used in the Steve McQueen Ali MacGraw movie "the Getaway" when being fired because it worked better firing blanks than the featured Colt 1911 he held in non shooting scenes..The movie also had a lot of great pump shotgun shooting scenes . Am I the only one who considers 1911s eye candy porn? 😍 I agree there's very little more american to own.❤
Never held a Double Eagle in my hand. I love my Series 70 .45 SEECAMP double action conversion. I don't knock anybody 's choice in pistols (Guns, horses, whiskey and women, to each his own) . Except to say that I have a shitty Kimber .45 that came with the wrong caliber extractor (a 9MM) and would not feed ball ammo or any kind of ammo and wore the pot metal frame bright after 22 shots. Wrote Kimber WITH NO ANSWER. Spend your money however you want. If I had it to do over I would try a Smith & Wesson alloy frame. Shot 1911A1s when the chips were down in Vietnam, never a malfunction.
Thanks for the review on my go to handgun Para Ordnance P45 acp 12, 4" barrel , double stack, my big problem is that Para is now, so I have no support group for it. Can you recommend anyone?
The Para is/was a standard 1911 except for variations in the frame and trigger system of some models. A competent 1911 pistolsmith should be able to keep it running, assuming any specific Para parts can be had.
If I knew I'd be in a gunfight and due to circumstances could only have a pistol, it would be a 1911 series pistol likely in .45 ACP. I have a Lt Wt Colt Commander 1971 era in minty condition cal .45 ACP is a personal favorite. I like Commander 1911 guns in general having a .38 Super LW by Dan Wesson and a SIG all steel Commander in .357 SIG plus a Fusion Commander 10mm. I enjoy 5 inch 1911 pistols too in .38 Super .45 ACP AND 10MM. I still consider this the best fighting pistol ever made from my experience and perspective. Guess if we all like the same firearms and calibers, it would be a boring world. But this pick is just what I'm comfortable with and makes me feel most confident. Yes, we own other pistols and carry them as well but some of us older men gravitate to our "roots," and what has been an old friend over many decades. Oh great dogs....at the conclusion of your videos
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb That’s because the pistol that used it was so large and cumbersome. The cartridge case that was used was 29mm in length-same case length as the .38 Special. The modern 9mm Magnum is the 9x23. The 9mm Super Magnum is the 9x25 Dillon.
The point of a pistol is to always have it with you and be superfast into action, while leaving your hands free. I favor a front pants pocket carry, as did Cirillo, Jordan many others. With your hand in your pocket, on your gun, you can beat the drop from CCW, IF you sidestep as you draw. The actual phsyical move, .20 reaction time not part of the time, is sub. .40 second for a chest hit at arm's length and sub .55 second at 10 ft. The former is a one handed point shot from retention, the latter is from the Weaver, but without a sight picture.. The load is a 45 gr hollowbased, hollowpointed pre-segmented bullet (2 frags) at 2200 fps, in 9x21mm case. The powder is Bullseye. No other powder will cycle the slide. Because the bullet is so lw and there's a big conical base cavity, you need more powder than you can BELIEVE. In fact, more than you can imagine being safe is needed just to cycle the slide. I moved it up half a grain at a time, hugging a tree, with heavy gloves, no magazine. When a charge increase showed no increase in velocity on the chrono, I backed off that last half grain of powder as my "max safe" load.. That load blew out cases at the web when fired in a Beretta and would not feed in a P-35, but worked fine in a LWC (seated further out in a regular 9x19 case. I use it in a Sig P938. 500 ft lbs, AP and no more recoil than a Makarov.. At impact the full length segments break-apart and create two diverging wound tracks. Any vital organ tissue that gets "caught' between the permanent wound cavities is destroyed by the temporary gas cavity. The effects from animal tests with this 9x21mm have to be seen to be believed. Youd think that the 40-60 lb critters had been hit with a 180 gr .44 Mag jhp. They are just slain. By comparison, 230 gr jhp .45's let most of them run off, same POI and angle of impact. I was very un-impressed with the .45. The only factory load that ever did impress me was the 165 gr, 1250 fps Corbon JHP. That actually does expand violently and has enough horsepower to get something done, even from 4" barrels. (sub 1200 fps). 500 ft lbs. But it's hell to control it in a LWC. Mag Safe's Joe Zambone found such velocities to be safe to attain, with such lw bullets, even without the advantage of the hollowbase cavity. THV-Arcane came up with the hollowbase factory ammo. I read about the hollowbase testing in Guns and ammo way back in 1968 and the magazine was 3 years old, IIRC. They were getting 600 ft lbs out of 5" 9mm, just by pulling 9mm ball bullets, hollowbasing them and reloading them.I dont recall the details, but it's perfectly safe, if you're careful
The rare Singer production 1911's were melted down by the military. I guess perhaps due to some prewar agreements about not selling the stuff they got super cheap from the industry. I don't know how many are left but one was sold for $414,000 a year or two ago, according to the internet.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb Sorry, my post give the impression its fact. Its something I read it here on the internet. Some guy who claimed he was in the military at the time, wrote that they took the few they had and removed the grip scales before melting them. I do not remember much more from the post.
As much as I love my 1911s, they are heavy and low capacity. Today, there are choices in .45 Auto pistols that are lighter, hold more rounds, are easier to carry and conceal, easier to take-down, require less maintenance, shoot very well, are reliable, and cost significantly less. My criteria is: 4" barrel, 10 round capacity, .45 ACP caliber, 1911 grip angle, night sights, a Pic rail, less than 28 ounces, and concealable. What meets the criteria? The Glock 30... but barrel is getting pretty short at 3.78" and it's Glock's grip angle. The S&W Shield .45 Performance Center... but capacity is less than a 1911 and this model has been discontinued. The Sig Sauer P-320 Compact... 9+1, 3.9" barrel, 26 ounces, night sights, and Pic rail. So... I carry the Sig because it best meets the criteria, it has a great trigger, it's totally reliable, and I shoot it really well. Old Fudd opinion only. Your mileage may vary.
Most modern hollow points will expand over a fairly wide range of impact velocities. But, the short barrels could drop the projectiles below their expansion threshold. Fire one into a row of water-filled milk jugs and the captured bullet will show the kind of expansion you would get in 10% ballistic gelatin. You should use 5 jugs or more to make sure you catch the bullet if it doesn't expand.
The Colt Combat Elite series was just the name of a line of 1911 models (Government, Commander, etc.) with a standard package of added features. Kind of like a "Bighorn Edition" Ram truck.
I personally love the 1911. I own several and daily carry one. But these two videos didn’t seem to state anything about why the 1911 was the Ultimate combat gun. They were more of a reference history and to the different models of them.
I think the long life, long list of variations and variety of caliber chamberings (the next video to come) illustrate how no other fighting pistol can compare.
My 1911 in 10mm runs great, but with the two-part feed ramp there is a little more exposed brass at the base of the case, so it will bulge with some super-hot factory ammo but so will stock Glock barrels. I don't think ammo should be loaded to such high pressures and the small amount of velocity gained in such loads makes no difference in terminal performance. For the value, the Glock 20 or 40 is the best choice for most folks.
I have 4 commanders and 1 defender, all in 45 acp. All pistols are in my carry rotation. The defender requires about 4000 rounds per year to maintain proficiency. The commanders don't require nearly that much training. Only 1 of the pistols has ever produced a failure of any kind. That failure was a main spring failure, and occurred in one of the commanders. The defender is the oldest of the lot, and has never failed me. All springs in all pistols get replaced every other year. One commander is a Ruger, one is a Kimber, the other 2 are Colts. The failure occurred in one of the Colts. Federal HST ammo is the ONLY ammo I carry.
Is it wise to have a carry rotation? I’m NOT attacking you just asking whether it’s best to have one particular pistol that you absolutely know and trust? The familiarity of one particular pistol might just be the pistol that saves your life in a very stressful situation.
@@mtkoslowski Yes. A carry rotation isn't only wise, it's a necessity. As far as familiarity goes, as I said, the defender gets around 4000 rounds per year, each of the others get about half that. That's 12,000 per year training with my carry rotation. As for necessity, I have at least 1 gun down for service at any given time. I'm willing to bet my life and the life of those around me that the one on me will do what's required of it because it's been freshly serviced and trained with.
@@tasunko7672 Well, my hat off to you for commitment. I’ve not fired that many rounds in my life and I’m 66. My philosophy is to stick with one pistol and to be familiar with it and with one backup.
@@mtkoslowski I'm 70, and I've seen the results of a lack of training and maintenance. I'm too old to fight, and too gimpy to run, but I plan to make it to 80.
Lucky you with your Defender. Mine will not make it through 100 rounds with at least four failures to feed even after sending back to Colt and their polishing the ramp.
Mr. Fairburn, sounds like Colt copied the 1911 we carried in AFOSI. The CCO was identical to ours other than it did not have an ambidextrous safety. Ours were very nice to carry concealed and perfectly reliable even though they we 40 years old at the time I carried mine.
The Colt Defender is a nice size. However the .45 is very slow out of the 3” barrel. Which is why I wish they made it in 10mm, but maybe the geometry of the 10mm just doesn’t work in that format either.
@@silverhorder1969 1911s chambered for the .357 Sig are few and far between in my experience. I just told another commenter to fire your hollow point load into a row of water-filled milk jugs to see if it will expand from your weapon. Most major brands will expand, even from 3 inch barrels.
I was in Johannesburg in 1985 when the son of a very well known gun shop owners, Max, climbed out of his car. He was wearing his 1911 firearm in his waistband without a holster. The pistol fell out of his waistband, hit the ground, discharged a round which struck him in the chest causing his death within minutes. Everyone in the gun community was shocked when the news was released. RIP
I Have a Colt Delta Elite in 10mm. Early model Blue STEEL. A lot of people have been trying to buy it. NOPE, I will keep it till the Good LORD calls me Home. KISS ALWAYS and OLD DEVIL DOG
I’ve watched both episodes of this series on the 1911 and still haven’t heard one quantifiable point made in defense of the statement that “the 1911 is the ultimate fighting pistol”. I did hear a lot of stuff about how the 1911 can be almost as good as a Glock, but a Glock is cheaper and doesn’t require gunsmithing. So is this a series advertising Glocks? Because that’s the conclusion to be drawn from the information presented in these videos.
Length of service, variety of models and chamberings, legendary reputation for power and reliability ... and, as CNC manufacturing spreads in the manufacture of 1911s today, less and less need for gunsmithing. I said all of those things, sorry you didn't view long enough to hear them.
@@hookeaires6637 I know that he loved that firearm at the time. Too pricey for my budget back then. I honestly think holster selection now has lessened the need to go to truly micro 1911s. I can carry a Government Model, or Browning Hi Power, all day without any problem.
John Browning was a genius.
Absolutely!
A 1911 just feels right in my hand.
You got that right I've got extra large hands and I don't feel like I'm choked up on the grips.
You’re so right. I own three 1911s.
Kimber 1911 Warrior II in .45 ACP,
Kimber Eclipse Custom in 10mm
Springfield 1911 .45 ACP
They’re wonderful pistols.
Indeed. I have medium hands and it fits fine. My wife shoots the 1911 just fine as well.
I'm a 70 year old Fudd. I'll keep my .45 ACP 70 series Combat Commander, thank you very much.
Thank you, I always learn when I listen to you Dick Fairburn.
The 1911 is indeed the ultimate fighting gun. Mine is 80 years old and still does the job.
I have to believe that you have that right. 1911's have been the best combat pistol in existence. I currently do not own one. but that does not mean that I do not want one. You are doing a fine job with your channel. Primarily because your a straight shooter, and you know what your talking about.
Thanks for watching!
I watched this while working on my Tisas 5" 70 series 1911. A perfect soundtrack to some careful hand-fitting, which is something I really enjoy doing. Thanks for putting this series together.
Thanks for watching - more to come.
The Colt Defender is a great pocket pistol.
Hey Mr Fairburn, just want to say I’ve really been enjoying your content. I appreciate your relentless practicality. I’m so glad guys like you, Paul Harrel, GunBlue, & HR Funk have been sharing your knowledge. Things are getting weird out there.
Thanks for lumping me in with some fine RUclipsrs. Getting weird ... stand by, I suspect it will weirder every day this year.
I agree with that statement. Practical advice for straight shooters.
The best overview of 1911's I have ever seen, thank you. Always watch for your new videos, keep them coming
Thanks, I will.
From one Fudd to another, great views.
Fudds of a feather ...
My dad is a 1911 fan. 1911 was the first handgun I ever fired actually. Call me what you will I never liked the recoil of the 1911 in 45. I always perfered the 38 super. I bought a Belgium Military trade in Browning HI Power when I got out of the Navy and still have it. Ive had every platform under the sun, those pistols have come and gone and I always go back to the Hi Power. It just fits my hand like a glove. My absolute go to.
The High Power is my favorite double-stack 9mm.
I'm partial to the Defender model myself. Might be why I like my S&W Shield 2.0 in 45 auto so much. The size is very concealable but also easy to shoot.
Great series. Please Sir, we want more content like this.
On the way.
I Love how you take a DEEP dive into the Design and the problems you encounter with trying to add more bullets to a original design, that was made for 7 with one in the pipe. I was fortunate to have gone through Basic training ( Fort Jackson SC) in 1975, the old standard 1911 was still the Armys training pistol
The great explosion view on table with all us new Army soldiers, taking the 1911 apart and putting back together. I shot on a NG pistol team. I was the backup shooter. I got to fly to east coast pistol competition events, held every year. Against other NG teams from around US.
The very competitive nature of some of these other men. YES all males. We were even allowed to check out the Standard 1911 US Army pistol from are Armory's to take home and practice with. People would never believe that now, but in the mid 1970s, we got to take a US Army 1911 home with us. The company commander was also on shooting team
A very young Captain who was also a County sheriff deputy. My NCO on the 45 foot Tugboat, again YES I was a US Army sailor on a unit filled with LCM-8s. My 45 foot ( ST-2154) was a support vessel for any LCM that broke down, or helped move are ( FMS) around or towing during Summer camp. The ( FMS) was a floating machine shop for all the LCMs we had. It had no power propulsion systems, it was just a big Barge machine shop. We actually GAVE the Navy Reserve unit down the pier are previously ( FMS) as the Navy never budget for there Reserves to have anywhere near the equipment we had. The Navy reserve unit had ONE old WW-2
Mine sweeper as there only vessel at that time. I did see were later the Navy gave them surplus Underseas Torpedo test trials surplus vessel ( the 72 foot Torpedo Retriever for example) as the regular Navy upgraded there test range fleet. Plus the Canadian built these so advanced low noise vessel for sound vessels and a platform for towing a dumby torpedo that made sounds like a sub. This Canadian Navy vessel could go all silent on battery power, so the only noise was from this test torpedoe shaped vessel being towed.
So the Canadians built many test range vessel themselves, so US Navy reserves got hand me down as the US test range vessels got older. Some were built in the 1960s. Anyway back to 1911s can anyone answer me why on some of those COLT Commander that came out in the 1970s had a ( HALF COCK) on the hammer, me personally have not seen this design on any other 1911 even clones from other manufacturers. I saw hiccups with a RICK Island clone of 10mm. Not shooting 10mm ronds. Then we put same bullets in a GLOCK 20. Every round fired with NO malfunction, the cartridges cleared the discharge of the slide. The Rock Island was a 1911 conversation to 10mm.
All of my 1911s have (and have always had) a half-cock position of sorts.
I have 3 1911's... Smith and Wesson E-series, 5 inch and 1911 SC 4.25 inch and a Springfield Emissary... For one of my home defense pistols I have a Rock Island Armory "2011 DS" in 45 ACP... 14+1 is very formidable.
One thing I will say about Arms room JUST standard US Army 1911 45 ACP
No modifications at all. When I was back up shooter for our Pistol team. I was very amazed at the SHOT groups of some of the other shooting teams. They made amazing hits on targets. This was after
2 mile run, 5 minutes recovery. Then up to the shooting line. I always remind people when out BAD mouthing the standard US military 1911. Saw with my own eyes, great shooters with this Historic US Military pistol 😊❤😊
I really got a kick out of the old, old timers that referred to semi-auto as "almost automatic". The new technology is amazing, striker fired polymer guns are fascinating however I'll keep my Colt 1911 45 thank you. Thanks Dick really appreciate these videos
I have owned probably 20 1911's over the years and I always sell them simple because of the weight of carrying it. Now I have a few, one in 9mm commander size all steel and it's really nice, especially being made in Turkey. I'll never be without a 1911 again simply because, like you said, they're the best fighting pistol ever designed.
My Para P14 runs flawlessly. The only malfunctions were Reloaded Ammo related. My S&W E-series 1911 is one of my favorite and best looking 1911 that I have. I do have a modern day Plain Jane Colt 1911 that is a well running 45 that does not have the series 80 pin lock. so out of 3 different examples, the 1911's that I have are very reliable. I did have the Colt Mustang a long time ago, but got rid of it. My thumb kept hitting the mag release during the first round. A few years later I found another Mustang at a good deal and it had the same issue. Me and the mustang just didn't get along.
34 years after my first pistol, I bought a Dan Wesson Kodiak last month. Honorable mention; the all steel 4" EMP 40 is sweet! I've owned just about every service pistol: beretta m9, bobcat, tomcat, cheetah, brigadier, sig p226, p229, p239, p245, p320, p365, x5, Bren Ten, Delta Elite, hk P7m8-m10-m13, every glock, every XD, and forgotten pistols. The sweetest pistol I've owned was a Guncrafter 1911 5" Model 1 with both 45 and 50gi barrels. It would touch holes at 25yds.
Wow, now I know two people who bought a .50 GI.
Nice video, I subscribed. I have two millspec Springfield 1911s, one parkerized or whatever they call their finish and one stainless, love them. I'm the guy you see in Walmart, with a full sized 1911 grip, sticking out of his front pocket.
I'll watch for you.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb lol
Subscriber here. I think this is one of your best videos.
Thank you
Thanks for the kins words and sub.
Hello Me. Fairburn. Thank you the wonderful videos. I just wanted to let you know I own the Browning 1911-380 and I love it. My only complaint is I wish the high end manufacturers like Wilson or Nighthawk would do a version because I think it would be amazing.
Hello Mr. Fudd! You can call me the same. EGW came out with what they call their angle bore bushing meant to clamp the barrel in battery like the 70 bushing. I tried one on my Ruger Commander(steel frame) & it works as intended. The Commander is my favorite variation too.
Colonel Cooper also called da/sa's "crunchentickers". First time I saw an article where he said that I laughed for 30 min. Good video, thank you sir.
Do you think certain military firearms such as an ar15 should be banned from the general public?
@c-jam6392 the AR15 isn't a military firearm & absolutely should not be banned.
@@bjdog42 then you sir are not a fudd
I had forgotten Cooper's "crunchenticker" description ... he was a funny guy if you paid attention.
@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb can't say I agreed with everything he said but he was right a whole lot more than I thought he was wrong. I learned a lot from his articles & laughed a lot at them too.
My wife has a 9mm "EMP". 4" Barrel, its a great pistol even for a man. She chose it for the ambi safety in the 1911 design. It holds 9 in the mag. Its a great gun.
Yes, the smaller 9mm 1911's are growing on me, too.
Still Cherise my 70 series 1911 now in use for (me) over 40 yrs just feels nicer and slaps things down unlike a 9mm .. no accuracy issues (very reliable .. don't over clean) after many thousands of rounds with many trophies it's my favourite ..only issues extractors twice.. now she just likes SWC in 200 gn in lieu of FMJ but I happily live with that .. plus I adore single action triggers/exposed hammers whether pistols or lever actions.
Dick didn’t you forget about the Detonics .45ACP? Carried one back in the early 70’s. Rather handy, but a little heavy.
There were so many different custom-modified pistols like the Detonics I didn't want to leave one out or make a mis-statement. Custom jobs like the Detonics undoubtedly helped create some of the major manufacturer's variations.
2011 is what some of the manufacturers call them, this may even be some company's trademark.
The Star Firestar is pretty much a 1911. The S&W CSX looks to be pretty much a 1911 in disguise. Of course CZ, Dan Wesson and SIG (and maybe others) make single action models that provide 1911 functionality even if they are based on something different. The HK USP DA/SA offers a safety that I think allows cocked and locked carry if you prefer that.
A 1911 characteristic that nobody discusses but might be offputting to newer generations is the takedown procedure. With newer plastic guns you basically push a button and it comes apart. I've wondered if this could be adapted to the 1911 design which would mean removing the barrel link in favor of mechanisms on the bottom of the barrel similar to Glock, SIG, etc.
Love my el cheapo RIA 1911 government model. I had a Springfield previously that I modified with aftermarket parts that shot much better than me. Fun to shoot and they really do conceal well. Just heavy. I carry a G23 Gen 4 now with a JX Tactical "fat guy" holster.
I have the same RIA, my ONLY gripes are that I need to have an ambi safety put on it, and the hammer bite. But it's been 100 percent reliable. And we think alike, except I went a shade smaller to EDC the G27.
I guess a lot of this is subject to personal experience. I had a Series 70 in .45ACP that cracked above the slide stop hole. The local gunsmith told me that the frame was ruined and he'd give me $250 off of a new pistol. I fell for it. However, I subsequently learned that when shooting cast bullets in front of FMJ powder charges the slide can batter the frame (similar to a 10mm, I suppose). I finally wound up with a Kimber Custom II and I'm very happy with it. The Colt that I had was unreliable, even with factory FMJ, when it did work, it often threw the brass in my face, and it mangled the brass beyond reloadability. I'm speaking of one specific pistol, not Colts in general. But the platform is my absolute favorite of all my semi autos. But, for personal defense, I use 158 gr lead semi-wadcutter hollow points, for the very reasons you endorse it. Great job.
This video remind me of a time when I had a momentary lapse of reason and sold my Colt Double Eagle in 45 ACP. I wish I had it back. I also had the Colt Government model "pocket lite" in 380. It was nice, but I wasn't a big fan of the 380.
Love your videos sir. But just bought a Glock 20 for carrying. I’m good . Stay prayed 🙏 up and loaded up everyone. 🥰
Excellent choice. Just never ever carry it appendix carry.
Bravo. A graduate course. And 1911 does fit the hand.
I love my Micro 9 as well. For extreme low viz EDC It's great. Shoots almost as well as my larger EDCs, and more bite than a .380
Good stuff. The first centerfire firearm I ever shot was a government model 1911 chambered in .38 Super Auto. It was a family heirloom made in 1929 and an experience I'll never forget. I don't care what anyone says about 1911s, they are awesome pistols and everyone should own at least one of them.
Wow, 1929 .38 Super, the first year the 1911 was chambered in that caliber, I believe.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb I think you're right. My Dad always said it was the hottest new thing to have when my great-grandfather bought it-at least until the .357 Magnum came along a few years later. It was in my grandfather's big old school safe when his jewelry and watch store in Marion, IL, burned down. It survived, although it got hot enough that all of the blueing turned to a plain steel color. It somehow didn't cook off the round in the chamber, though. I doubt it has ever had more than a few hundred rounds of ammo fired the whole time it has been in my family.
Auto Ordnance 1911A1 pieces (mine is about 10 years old now) came with the series firing pin safety.
Great videos love history and knowledge that bring to us all
Thanks!
Excellent content as usual 👍😊🇺🇸!
I’ll stick with 5in. Government 70 series
Great video...
Kimber Series II have the Schwartz Firing Pin Safety that works off the grip safety instead of the trigger like the Colt Series 80. Both now make guns in Series 70 and Series 80. No one else that I know of bothers.
Titanium firing pins cause ignition problems. An extra power firing Pin Spring works just fine.
The aluminum alloy of the Commander, according to Chuck Taylor, is Coltalloy and is aluminum/titanium.
Great review. You are a living Guns Digest. Thanks for reminding me about the old Star .45, and the other variations I had forgotten about.
Thanks for covering Colt’s evolution of the 1911. My 1st was a Gold Cup purchased in the 1970’s. I do love the platform and have moved to the double stack variant in later years due to changing times. In my estimation, the commander is the perfect size that gives up nothing to the government size. I have them in both 9mm and 45 ACP that have proven to be utterly reliable with 1,000 of rounds.
A man after my own heart.
I put a half a dozen MkIV's on my Lee Machine Rest and all of them grouped 3" or better at 50 yds, for 5 shots. I had a NM slide group, non-collet bushing slide group that I had to lap onto an Essex frame and it shot a 5 shot group of 3" at 100 yds with Remington 185 gr jswc match ammo. We backed it off to 200 and by having a friend hide behind a tree, calling my shots, got it onto the silouette, 7" group. A gun writer at the time said he got the same with 38 Casull, from a Ransom Rest.
Liked these videos a lot. I'm a 1911 guy. Done the Gambit on pistols in my lifetime. Now at 45 yrs old I settled on the 1911 about 4 yrs ago. Although I still do love the Beretta 92 and HK P7 series. Own a couple of each. I am partial to Wilson Combat and Ed Brown. But plenty of other great makers out there. I subbed!
Thanks for the sub. I carried a P7 on duty for many years.
Ive several 1911's over the years and they all worked. Llama's in 45 acp and 22lr, Norinco 45, Thompson in 45 and 10mm, and even the Star Firestar was close in 9mm.
I recently bought (3yrs) a 3.25 lightweight 45cal bul armory 1911 ultra. It's the original version of the magnum research undercover or "U". Two of the most reliable officer size handguns if ever owned regardless of barrel length. Something to consider if you're looking for a reliable carry 45.
Look forward to the next 1911 custom project video!!!😊
Thanks Dick. Great video.
What a great day, just got back from the range (Nevada desert)…… and your video just loaded. Yee Haw
Glad I could make your day. I just got back from Milwaukee with a cooler full of salmon fillets, fishing with a buddy on Lake Michigan!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the 1911.i believe with the right instruction on shooting and maintenance the 1911 in .45acp is still a great self defense handgun.they are not hard to maintain,you just have to learn how.
Quite right.
Thanks for the vid & content.
To me, the most amazing thing about the 1911, it was designed without computers. I really don't consider myself as a 1911 fanatic (I only have 3). The 1911 is an amazing design. I wish I could afford a Wilson Combat.
I own only one handgun, and it's a 5" Gov't model 1911A1, for a reason. .45 A.C.P. is tough to beat for self defense aside from the 10mm with a 6" barrel. The .45 A.C.P. is called "God's Caliber" for a reason, apparently. I have a Llama MAX1 L/F with Colt parts built by a retired U.S.M.C. Armorer.
Llama made some underrated stuff in years past. It's a shame they're gone. Glad it is serving you well
Top +p .45 loads really close the power gap with 10mm. Underwood loads 185 ASPs to 1200 fps. SIGs eliter performance hollowpoints are 180s at 1250. 45 is very underestimated when compared to 10mm. Plus there is always 45 super if you need power.
@@CarolinaRimfire
In 1977 I owned a Llama 1911 clone in .45 ACP.
I hitch hiked from Cape Town South Africa to Rhodesia. When I crossed Beit Bridge, the Rhodesian authorities welcomed me. I strapped my pistol on my hip and hitch hiked to Salisbury to join the security forces of the Rhodesian civil war.
Beware the man with one gun ... he probably knows where it shoots!
@@rainworks5155😂 no they don’t 😉
Been a fan for a long time. I guess that dates both of us. I fully admit to being a fudd.
Wilson told me that the fit of the collet bushing to the slide had to be just right, or the camming forces when the slide went forward would eventually stress-fracture the bushing. I had one break, after 15,000 rds! I'd never carry the govt model anyway. Even the alloy commander is a bit heavy-bulky. If I was going to carry a belt gun, it would be an alloy commander in .460 Rowland and my reloads. If I was going to carry factory ammo, the LWC would be chambered in 10mm and I'd be carrying the 60 gr, 2300 fps Liberty arms solid copper hp, for 770 ft lbs of power.
Do they make a .460 Rowland on an alloy Commander version? A bit too much stress in my book.
Keep up the great vids.. my grandkids are gonna covet this information! Gotta pass it along.
Teach your grandkids the importance of the Second Amendment, "They" will always try to infringe it.
Thank you, Dick, for this excellent video. I wholeheartedly agree with your basic thesis . . . the 1911A1 remains entirely viable. However, in my experience - and that isn’t a fraction of yours - the complexity (parts count is a meaningful indicator) sometimes makes 1911A1s less reliable to than several more contemporary designs (I’d include CZs based on the 75B and H&Ks based on the USP, but certainly not Glocks). With that said, I still carry my Springfield TRP and Loaded 1911A1s (both with five inch barrels and both cambered for .45 ACP).
LtCol Jeff Cooper - certainly a profound, expert and lifelong advocate of the 1911A1 - wrote this in the January, 1980, issue of American Handgunner: “I think the Brunner (CZ 75) is the best of the conventional nines as it stands.”
Great video Sir, I'll be passing a link along to my group. One point though, you said that Kimbers don't have the series 80 type firing pin block, but I have a Kimber TLR II and a Kimber CDP II Pro that both have that firing pin block.
I've owned lots of 1911s and 1911ish pistols over the years and I still have my Colt Mustang Plus II. I picked up the SIG P938 a few years ago and a Coonan which is a beast but I have to agree with the reliability issues. You really have to match the load to the recoil spring with that one.
I said I wasn't sure about the non-Colts having a firing pin block, and I think the Kimbers use a different system than the Colt.
Glock 22 for me, 15 rounds of 40 SW , no safety to screw with, feels good in my hands. Many good pistols to choose from.
I have a Dan Wesson Valkyrie 45 ACP that is an aluminum frame CCO. It is a great carry pistol. Sadly, they discontinued that model to move to something else.
You forgot to mention the Detonics. I have two and they are great!
I'm surprised at no mention of the original Colt National Match pistols made from 1933 until WWII. Verrry nice pistols indeed. Stevens adjustable rear sight and a lot of hand fitting of the barrel, slide and frame components. Sad to see the original MKIV Series 70 collet bushings dropped. What broke a lot of them was owners trying to rotate the collet bushing just as they did with the solid types-push the recoil spring plug in and rotate the bushing while the pistol was in battery. With the pistol In battery using the collet bushing, the increased diameter of the muzzle pressed those collet fingers into some pretty heavy tension against the slide. They were never intended to take the heavy side load that resulted. Even the instruction book told the user to retract the slide an inch or so before turning the bushing, but we being men, "we don't need no steenking instructions!"
Love mine also but i have issues with the safety. AS a lefty although I can draw and shoot right handed as well, I dont like the safety release. If it came with a grip safety like it does and a trigger safety for me it would be better. The rest of the weapon is magic. one question, i have a chrome barrel as mine is a norinco (now banned in the usa). any way to make it tad better with accuracy? I mean I shoot my target but would like a tad better response.
An ambidextrous thumb safety is an accessory you can install yourself with a little work. I am a right-handed shooter but have an ambidextrous thumb safety on all my 1911s in case I need to shoot left handed.
Well done and comprehensive kudos..
Bit of Trivia some might find interesting. A Star PD
was used in the Steve McQueen Ali MacGraw movie "the Getaway" when being fired because it worked better firing blanks than the featured Colt 1911 he held in non shooting scenes..The movie also had a lot of great pump shotgun shooting scenes .
Am I the only one who considers 1911s eye candy porn? 😍
I agree there's very little more american to own.❤
Now I have to go watch "the Getaway."
Never held a Double Eagle in my hand. I love my Series 70 .45 SEECAMP double action conversion. I don't knock anybody 's choice in pistols (Guns, horses, whiskey and women, to each his own) . Except to say that I have a shitty Kimber .45 that came with the wrong caliber extractor (a 9MM) and would not feed ball ammo or any kind of ammo and wore the pot metal frame bright after 22 shots. Wrote Kimber WITH NO ANSWER. Spend your money however you want. If I had it to do over I would try a Smith & Wesson alloy frame.
Shot 1911A1s when the chips were down in Vietnam, never a malfunction.
I've been carrying 1911's for well over 50 years.
The Star PD was the first gun I ever owned.
Kimber uses the Schwartz system grip safety also pushes up firing pin block
Thanks for the review on my go to handgun Para Ordnance P45 acp 12, 4" barrel , double stack, my big problem is that Para is now, so I have no support group for it. Can you recommend anyone?
The Para is/was a standard 1911 except for variations in the frame and trigger system of some models. A competent 1911 pistolsmith should be able to keep it running, assuming any specific Para parts can be had.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb Thank you for the feed back.
You forgot one variant, my edc the Springfield Armory 911 in .380 or 9mm (mine is a .380). It is an amazing pocket pistol.
Oops, I did miss that.
I am thinking of getting one between tisas B9r carry or a kimber KDS9c what do you guys think
I've shot the EMP in 9mm and it is a very nice little "1911"
If I knew I'd be in a gunfight and due to circumstances could only have a pistol, it would be a 1911 series pistol likely in .45 ACP. I have a Lt Wt Colt Commander 1971 era in minty condition cal .45 ACP is a personal favorite. I like Commander 1911 guns in general having a .38 Super LW by Dan Wesson and a SIG all steel Commander in .357 SIG plus a Fusion Commander 10mm. I enjoy 5 inch 1911 pistols too in .38 Super .45 ACP AND 10MM. I still consider this the best fighting pistol ever made from my experience and perspective. Guess if we all like the same firearms and calibers, it would be a boring world. But this pick is just what I'm comfortable with and makes me feel most confident. Yes, we own other pistols and carry them as well but some of us older men gravitate to our "roots," and what has been an old friend over many decades. Oh great dogs....at the conclusion of your videos
Thanks!
Love all of them! And the Super should just be called the 9mm Magnum. It would sell like hot cakes.
Th actual 9mm Winchester Magnum was a sales dud.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb
That’s because the pistol that used it was so large and cumbersome. The cartridge case that was used was 29mm in length-same case length as the .38 Special.
The modern 9mm Magnum is the 9x23. The 9mm Super Magnum is the 9x25 Dillon.
The point of a pistol is to always have it with you and be superfast into action, while leaving your hands free. I favor a front pants pocket carry, as did Cirillo, Jordan many others. With your hand in your pocket, on your gun, you can beat the drop from CCW, IF you sidestep as you draw. The actual phsyical move, .20 reaction time not part of the time, is sub. .40 second for a chest hit at arm's length and sub .55 second at 10 ft. The former is a one handed point shot from retention, the latter is from the Weaver, but without a sight picture..
The load is a 45 gr hollowbased, hollowpointed pre-segmented bullet (2 frags) at 2200 fps, in 9x21mm case. The powder is Bullseye. No other powder will cycle the slide. Because the bullet is so lw and there's a big conical base cavity, you need more powder than you can BELIEVE. In fact, more than you can imagine being safe is needed just to cycle the slide. I moved it up half a grain at a time, hugging a tree, with heavy gloves, no magazine. When a charge increase showed no increase in velocity on the chrono, I backed off that last half grain of powder as my "max safe" load..
That load blew out cases at the web when fired in a Beretta and would not feed in a P-35, but worked fine in a LWC (seated further out in a regular 9x19 case. I use it in a Sig P938. 500 ft lbs, AP and no more recoil than a Makarov.. At impact the full length segments break-apart and create two diverging wound tracks. Any vital organ tissue that gets "caught' between the permanent wound cavities is destroyed by the temporary gas cavity.
The effects from animal tests with this 9x21mm have to be seen to be believed. Youd think that the 40-60 lb critters had been hit with a 180 gr .44 Mag jhp. They are just slain. By comparison, 230 gr jhp .45's let most of them run off, same POI and angle of impact. I was very un-impressed with the .45. The only factory load that ever did impress me was the 165 gr, 1250 fps Corbon JHP. That actually does expand violently and has enough horsepower to get something done, even from 4" barrels. (sub 1200 fps). 500 ft lbs. But it's hell to control it in a LWC.
Mag Safe's Joe Zambone found such velocities to be safe to attain, with such lw bullets, even without the advantage of the hollowbase cavity. THV-Arcane came up with the hollowbase factory ammo. I read about the hollowbase testing in Guns and ammo way back in 1968 and the magazine was 3 years old, IIRC. They were getting 600 ft lbs out of 5" 9mm, just by pulling 9mm ball bullets, hollowbasing them and reloading them.I dont recall the details, but it's perfectly safe, if you're careful
The rare Singer production 1911's were melted down by the military. I guess perhaps due to some prewar agreements about not selling the stuff they got super cheap from the industry. I don't know how many are left but one was sold for $414,000 a year or two ago, according to the internet.
I've never heard any proof they were melted down. Supposedly, the bulk of them went down on a torpedoed ship in the Pacific in WWII.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb Sorry, my post give the impression its fact. Its something I read it here on the internet. Some guy who claimed he was in the military at the time, wrote that they took the few they had and removed the grip scales before melting them. I do not remember much more from the post.
As much as I love my 1911s, they are heavy and low capacity. Today, there are choices in .45 Auto pistols that are lighter, hold more rounds, are easier to carry and conceal, easier to take-down, require less maintenance, shoot very well, are reliable, and cost significantly less.
My criteria is: 4" barrel, 10 round capacity, .45 ACP caliber, 1911 grip angle, night sights, a Pic rail, less than 28 ounces, and concealable.
What meets the criteria?
The Glock 30... but barrel is getting pretty short at 3.78" and it's Glock's grip angle.
The S&W Shield .45 Performance Center... but capacity is less than a 1911 and this model has been discontinued.
The Sig Sauer P-320 Compact... 9+1, 3.9" barrel, 26 ounces, night sights, and Pic rail.
So... I carry the Sig because it best meets the criteria, it has a great trigger, it's totally reliable, and I shoot it really well.
Old Fudd opinion only. Your mileage may vary.
Sound choices for the "old" .45!
When talking 1911 w/ 4” Or shorter barrel, do you have concerns with hollow point expansion in .45?
Most modern hollow points will expand over a fairly wide range of impact velocities. But, the short barrels could drop the projectiles below their expansion threshold. Fire one into a row of water-filled milk jugs and the captured bullet will show the kind of expansion you would get in 10% ballistic gelatin. You should use 5 jugs or more to make sure you catch the bullet if it doesn't expand.
Use Lehigh bullets. The end.
What about the combat elite? I bought a new 45 amp colt combat elite in 1989.
The Colt Combat Elite series was just the name of a line of 1911 models (Government, Commander, etc.) with a standard package of added features. Kind of like a "Bighorn Edition" Ram truck.
Did you ever come across a Coonan in .357, and what did you think of it?
Held one once at a gun show, thought the difference in size from a standard 1911 was dramatic. Have never fired one.
@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb
Do you think it's a waste of time or just move on to 10mm?
I agree!!!! 👍
Guilty of being an owner of the odd Canadian Para Ordnance P16-40... works wonderfully
Series 90 was the Double Eagle series.
I personally love the 1911. I own several and daily carry one. But these two videos didn’t seem to state anything about why the 1911 was the Ultimate combat gun. They were more of a reference history and to the different models of them.
I think the long life, long list of variations and variety of caliber chamberings (the next video to come) illustrate how no other fighting pistol can compare.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb definitely looking forward to it, and I ware my Lt weight Combat Commander in an inside the waist band holster.
The ser. 70 with regular firing pin has to drop 11 feet on concrete to go bang .
I am trying to decide between a 1911 in 10mm or one of the Glock models. Any advice? Have you had any issues with any of your 10mm 1911?
My 1911 in 10mm runs great, but with the two-part feed ramp there is a little more exposed brass at the base of the case, so it will bulge with some super-hot factory ammo but so will stock Glock barrels. I don't think ammo should be loaded to such high pressures and the small amount of velocity gained in such loads makes no difference in terminal performance. For the value, the Glock 20 or 40 is the best choice for most folks.
@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb thanks for the reply.
I have 4 commanders and 1 defender, all in 45 acp. All pistols are in my carry rotation. The defender requires about 4000 rounds per year to maintain proficiency. The commanders don't require nearly that much training. Only 1 of the pistols has ever produced a failure of any kind. That failure was a main spring failure, and occurred in one of the commanders. The defender is the oldest of the lot, and has never failed me. All springs in all pistols get replaced every other year. One commander is a Ruger, one is a Kimber, the other 2 are Colts. The failure occurred in one of the Colts. Federal HST ammo is the ONLY ammo I carry.
Is it wise to have a carry rotation? I’m NOT attacking you just asking whether it’s best to have one particular pistol that you absolutely know and trust? The familiarity of one particular pistol might just be the pistol that saves your life in a very stressful situation.
@@mtkoslowski Yes. A carry rotation isn't only wise, it's a necessity. As far as familiarity goes, as I said, the defender gets around 4000 rounds per year, each of the others get about half that. That's 12,000 per year training with my carry rotation. As for necessity, I have at least 1 gun down for service at any given time. I'm willing to bet my life and the life of those around me that the one on me will do what's required of it because it's been freshly serviced and trained with.
@@tasunko7672
Well, my hat off to you for commitment. I’ve not fired that many rounds in my life and I’m 66. My philosophy is to stick with one pistol and to be familiar with it and with one backup.
@@mtkoslowski I'm 70, and I've seen the results of a lack of training and maintenance. I'm too old to fight, and too gimpy to run, but I plan to make it to 80.
Lucky you with your Defender. Mine will not make it through 100 rounds with at least four failures to feed even after sending back to Colt and their polishing the ramp.
I've had the Glocks, the HK USP, a FNX 45, but I always come back to a Colt Commander...
Mr. Fairburn, sounds like Colt copied the 1911 we carried in AFOSI. The CCO was identical to ours other than it did not have an ambidextrous safety. Ours were very nice to carry concealed and perfectly reliable even though they we 40 years old at the time I carried mine.
You're the third Air Force guy who put me onto the OSI model. I'd like to learn of their fate, if there is one left to be seen.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb I wish I had taken photos of it!
The Colt Defender is a nice size. However the .45 is very slow out of the 3” barrel. Which is why I wish they made it in 10mm, but maybe the geometry of the 10mm just doesn’t work in that format either.
The 10mm would probably lose an even larger percentage of its muzzle velocity from a 3 inch barrel.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb maybe the .357 Sig should be looked at then..
@@silverhorder1969 1911s chambered for the .357 Sig are few and far between in my experience. I just told another commenter to fire your hollow point load into a row of water-filled milk jugs to see if it will expand from your weapon. Most major brands will expand, even from 3 inch barrels.
Keep up these videos!
I was in Johannesburg in 1985 when the son of a very well known gun shop owners, Max, climbed out of his car. He was wearing his 1911 firearm in his waistband without a holster.
The pistol fell out of his waistband, hit the ground, discharged a round which struck him in the chest causing his death within minutes. Everyone in the gun community was shocked when the news was released. RIP
That proves it can happen.
The Ultimate Fighting Pistol is the one in your hand when the shit hits the fan !
I strongly disagree with your statement. It NEEDS to be more specific because it could be a GROSSLY inadequate or malfunctioning handgun in your hand.
I Have a Colt Delta Elite in 10mm. Early model Blue STEEL. A lot of people have been trying to buy it. NOPE, I will keep it till the Good LORD calls me Home. KISS ALWAYS and OLD DEVIL DOG
I’ve watched both episodes of this series on the 1911 and still haven’t heard one quantifiable point made in defense of the statement that “the 1911 is the ultimate fighting pistol”. I did hear a lot of stuff about how the 1911 can be almost as good as a Glock, but a Glock is cheaper and doesn’t require gunsmithing. So is this a series advertising Glocks? Because that’s the conclusion to be drawn from the information presented in these videos.
Length of service, variety of models and chamberings, legendary reputation for power and reliability ... and, as CNC manufacturing spreads in the manufacture of 1911s today, less and less need for gunsmithing. I said all of those things, sorry you didn't view long enough to hear them.
Nice
Ahhh yes. The good ole 1911. I heard that when the Marines stopped using them the Navy re-purposed them to anchor their boats due to the weight.
Some forms of plastic float, so that makes sense.
I had a range-buddy that owned a few of the Detonics 1911s. He carried one of the minis in 38 Super for his EDC.
I had a Detonics Combat Master Mk IV. Wish i still did, but it wasn’t reliable so I sold it.
@@hookeaires6637 I know that he loved that firearm at the time. Too pricey for my budget back then. I honestly think holster selection now has lessened the need to go to truly micro 1911s. I can carry a Government Model, or Browning Hi Power, all day without any problem.
The Detonics were ahead of their time. They also put out, I believe, the first standard-langth 8 round .45 ACP 1911 magazines. I still have 4 of them.
@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb I found a Detonics 6 round magazine in my gun parts box. It’s sadly homeless, unless I buy a pistol for it.
@@hookeaires6637 That might prove to be a mighty costly accessory for your magazine ... if you can find a good Devel.
And now we have carry model called BOBTAIL 1911s