| Author | Message | ||
     Firebolt020283 |
So inlight of the recent events I have decided when I get back from my deployment I want to start carrying again. I know there are alot of gun enthusiast here on bad web so i figured I would ask this here. I have been looking at what type of pistol I would like to buy and i have been looking around and at first I wanted a beretta p92/or the Taurus variant but then i decided i want something more than a 9mm so then i was thinking about tauruses pt100 which is the same pistol but uses 40S&W. But then i was thought that I might as well get a 45 acp well to me there is only one style of pistol to get if you are going to get a 45acp. and that is a 1911. Well my question is which 1911 is a good one to get since there are so many different companys making them nowadays. I looked at colt and to me they seem a bit on the expensive side, so I looked at springfeild and they seem to have some really nice ones with decent prices. And some other companys also had some better prices and then others were outrageous. In the end who makes a really good reliable 1911 without a huge price tag. this is thee one I found that i like so far http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?versi on=19  | ||
| Circusninja |
Guns are purty. That being said, the Springfield 1911s are great. I want to bring your attention to the FN .45s and of course the H&K USP .45. Important backstory, years ago, my right hand was crushed in a nasty car accident. This presents a few issues with me and pistols. I found my father's cheap 9mm hurts my hand after 2 magazines. So I was reluctant to get a .45, after research I discovered that quality makes up for caliber. I can single hand fire +p ammo out of either of those two weapons (The FN and the H&K). Both have service lives rated at 50,000+ rounds with +p. They are lighter and easier to maintain than the 1911, and due to advancements in technology, offer a little edge on accuracy. Please consider this when purchasing a firearm. Most importantly, it is how the weapon feels in your hand, and which one you are more comfortable with. Nothing wrong with a 1911, but there are more choices out there to consider. Happy shooting!  | ||
| Reepicheep |
A friend of mine has a Springfield XD in .45 ACP, and did the CCW thing. He is very happy with it. I got (many years ago) a stock Colt 1991A1 in stainless. It's fine, but in hindsight I wish I had spent a little more and gotten a Kimber (the well sorted gun at the time). These days, there are lots of good "tuned" 45 acp options. I'd choose a 45 if I was going to carry, I just like the caliber, never cared for the 9mm. But stock 1911's can have significant reliability problems, so more money is well spent. That being said, I bought a CZ-52 surplus for $129, and I wouldn't hesitate to carry that. Reliable, durable, accurate enough, goes ban every time. So there are credible and cheaper options. Looks like the place I got it is out of them, but they have CZ-82's which are even nicer and shoot an easier to find caliber, for $220. http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Czech_CZ-82_9x1 8_Pistol.html Also, they aren't as "cool", but a simple revolver might be the best choice. They just work, always work, every time, and they are a bit thick but can pack a lot of punch in an overall small package. Thanks for your service! I'll sleep better knowing there are trained and armed US vets walking the streets that me and my family frequent. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Check out the Springfield XDM series. They are light, the 9mm has a 19 round mag, the 40 has a 15. Accurate as all get out. Super easy to maintain and clean. A few weeks ago up at my neighbors cabin, we did some side by side shooting. We lined up a Wilson 45 ACP, a Springfield XDM 40, a XDM 9mm and a Ruger 9mm. We did 5 rounds through each one shooting at the same target down range. Pick up the Ruger, 5 shots, pick up the XDM, 5 shots, etc. in quick succession. Very eye opening. The difference in recoil was very noticible between each gun. So was target acquisition and accuracy. The 40 kicks noticeably harder than the 9, the Ruger 9 more than the XDM. The Wilson was like a Porsche vs a Ford. A REAL precision machine. Neat little experiment, very enlightning. | ||
| Daves |
I find that a full size 1911 is a little cumbersome and heavy to carry concealed. A compact model will serve you better and as said there are many options to choose from. Pick quality, not price. Handle and shoot as many as you can before making your choice. Make sure the rig you will carry it in has a way to carry extra clips. Like the one armed guy in the movie Unforgiven(just watched it again last night) said, "I don't want to get killed for lack of shooting back". Good advice. 1 in the pistol and 2 spares. | ||
| Aesquire |
Usually you can find a good bargain on a used Kimber, which, depending on model, had most of the bells & whistles added in the aftermarket. Extended slide release, beavertrsail, etc. Popular for competition shooters, most around here come with about a dozen shots fired through them. ( most "used" .454 casulls have been shot once ) New, The premium jobs like nighthawk & Les Brown are good bangs for the buck, but it's a large buck. Springfields are good, & Taurus has a good rep. Paraord moved from Canada to the U.S. and they have both High cap models, and the LDA version that has no cocked & locked mode, but fires DA each shot. But a really smooth light DA, feels like a 50's Smith & Wesson Revolver. The polymer framed pistols are worth a glance as well. My Bro-in-law shoots IPSC with a Glock. I figured they were tupperware, not a real gun, till I tried his. Most important is to fondle them each & pick the one that points most natural in the hand. Pick a spot on the wall, close the eyes, point at spot & open eyes to check sight picture. The gun that naturally aims in YOUR hands is the one you want. If you are set on a 1911, it's a classic choice, and battle proven for nearly a century, try flat back strap & curved, and for concealed carry consider a Bob job on the butt. | ||
| Chadhargis |
If you're going to carry, especially concealed, events like the ones that happened this week cause people to fear people with guns. It's sad, but true. I've got a small .380 Auto, and even it's too big to carry comfortably concealed. The weapon I'd choose would be a small hammerless .38. They are typically no bigger than the palm of your hand, and since they are hammerless, you don't have to worry about the hammer catching on anything should you have to draw it. You can keep it in a jacket or pants pocket. And even fire it from that location if you had to. Keep your hands in your pockets walking across that dark parking lot. No one would know you had a weapon on you. You won't win any target shooting contests with it, but most shootings occur at close range. If someone is 100 yards from you, they probably aren't a threat. As you all know, drawing your firearm should only be a last resort. Never used to threaten or scare someone. If you pull it, you use it. | ||
| Dcc46 |
I'm looking to pick up a kahr pm45, to carry when i retire in a few months. i've been carrying their k9 as a backup for almost 15 years now and i love it.the .45 is about the same size and i figure 5+1 is plenty since most gunfights occur within 8ft http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_45acp_pm.html http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/dcc46/mdtl_pm4544.jpg (Message edited by dcc46 on November 07, 2009) | ||
| Daves |
Great advice Chad Wish I didn't dislike DA revolvers so much | ||
| Arnhold |
I picked up a Kimber Tactical Ultra II a couple years ago for concealed carry. I was set on a 1911 but found the full size models a bit bulky since I was quite slender at the time. The "Ultra" offers the 3" barrel and slightly shortened magazine well, as well as ambidextrous thumb safety and tritium night sights. I have pretty large hands but it still fits and shoots comfortably despite the small size. Recoil is a bit harsh due to the small size and lightweight aluminum frame. All in all I am very happy with it. It is a very accurate pistol and perfect for concealed carry.  | ||
| Odie |
I'm very happy with my Taurus PT-145 Millenium Pro and carry it everywhere. A friend just picked up a S&W M&P .40 and he loves it. Very nice gun. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
When you make your decision it is vital to take your 1911 to the range and make sure it is 100% reliable with your chosen carry ammunition (minimum 100 rounds w/o failure). Having been in the firearms business for years I learned that any 1911 design must be proven reliable with a specific ammo design before I will stake my life on it. Currently I carry a Colt Series 80 Lightweight Commander loaded with Federal Expanding Full Metal Jacket (165gr EFMJ).    | ||
| Jstfrfun |
I didn't know about Rock Island Armory till I found a 1911 of theirs at an auction and picked it up for 400 bucks...new in the box! Of course I couldn't resist, even though I had recently purchased a Springfield XD45. The R/I shoots very nicely but is a pain in the ass on the range, where the XD is a pleasure to use on the line and in drills. So I carry the 1911 (exposed), and range drill with the XD. Being strapped up with a .45 on your side in public causes some strange looks and comments, but as my range captain says "an armed society is a polite society". | ||
| Nillaice |
i hope you haven't chosen the 1911 only because it has that iconic look. there are many more factors that should weigh into your choice. i'd say to go to a gun range and see what you like. what feels good in your hand and aims naturally. just cuz someone likes ______ gun, doesn't mean it will be your handgun of preference. | ||
| Nillaice |
and the kimber nighthawk is my favorite handgun i've fired. but the pricetag .... | ||
| 4cammer |
Firebolt020283, I'd take a look at some of the compact 9mm that are available. The 9mm using ball ammo might not be the best stopper, but using quality defensive ammo will take care of that. I have more than my fair share of pistols, a Kimber Custom Target being one of my favorites, but if my socialist state would allow me to legally carry it would be my CZ75 Compact loaded with 15+1 rnds of hollow points. | ||
| 4cammer |
Oh, and if you are bent on getting a 1911 (and who could fault you for that?) I'd stick with a platform that is true to the design and does not have any needless additional trigger safeties. That would leave out any Kimber w/ II in its name, S&W pattern 1911's and some others I am sure. I'd also stay away from any offshore made guns as you can get a US made piece for not much more $$. Kimber, Springfield (frame/slide is from Brazil) Dan Wessson(CZ), and most all of the custom house guns are made here. Some use cast frames and many do not like that, but contact Caspian if you have any concerns. Or Ruger for that matter. http://forums.1911forum.com/ This is an excellent resource for 1911's, and like badweb the smart guys on board do not suffer fools so you will be spared the mall-ninja BS that many gun forums are seeded with. All said, the next 1911 I buy will be from CZ. And this model: http://cz-usa.com/products/view/dan-wesson-rz-45-h eritage/ | ||
| Bhillberg |
Everyone thinks that 9mm is not powerful enough, that is just untrue. One thing I found long ago is you must shoot the weapon regularly to be good with it. If you are going to use it as a concealed carry you are going to want to be damn good with it since if you ever have to use it you will be in a life or death situation possibly with innocent bystanders in the area. I absolutely love 1911's and the 45 round in general. It is pretty expensive to shoot though, at least compared to 9mm. When I bought my concealed weapon (Glock 26) I decided that being able to shoot it economically to practice and the extra rounds are worth going with it. I know Glocks are not the favorite of a lot of people either. I actually hated them before this one. I thought they were ugly, uncomfortable guns. I like the fact that the safety is on the trigger since, again, in that situation you don't want to fumble with anything. I know that with a M16 or M249 I always kept the safety on and took it off when the target presented itself but lets be honest, I carried those day after day after day and I will never be that comfortable with another weapon ever again. Also, the Glock does have a very reliable reputation, it is slimmer than the XD's (I know not by much but in concealed situation every little bit helps) AND they offer a manufacturers discount to Military/Police (I heard fire/ems as well) After weighing all my options I went with the 26. I stand by my decision as it is a fine pistol. It is small but straight out of the box I was hitting a paper plate at 10 yards with 95% of the rounds. As said before, most situations you will/could be in are within that range and a paper plate is smaller than a chest. Long story short, yeah, a 45 punches a huge hole. It will not do any good if you miss though since a lot of people (at least me) are not willing to pay for the ammo to get good with it. I personally witnessed a well placed 9mm single shot kill a man. (Message edited by bhillberg on November 07, 2009) | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
I have A Springfield ported 1911 and it's been good to me. Though I wouldn't want to carry A 1911. To hard to concel IMO. I saw An ad for A fully loaded Taurus 1911 very cheap. I've read good things. on another note. If on the base does the average soldier have the option to carry? I know little about military bases other than Coast Gaurd, and I know the average CG soldier almost never carries on base. | ||
| 4cammer |
Here is a good, no BS resource for ammo performance: http://www.theboxotruth.com/index.htm Get a few beers chilled, as this site is a time stealer. | ||
| Reepicheep |
.45 ACP and 9mm both have more the lethal ballistics. I just prefer the feel of the 45 recoil over the feel of the 9mm, and the 1911's fit me like the gloves, while the 9's generally feel awkward. But I could be happy with anything reliable... | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
ok every one Fist I am not much of a fan of polymer pistols so all who have recommended those im sorry but they are not my bag. I like the way the 1911 feels in my hand and the ones I have fired I liked the way they felt when shooting them. I realize they are not a gun to carry all the time but my 38 is good for those situations. the question was asked about being able to carry on post, well the rules are pretty much like this you one have to register it with the provost marshal and two have you conceal license from what ever state your post is at. Now if you live in the barracks (possibly on-post housing as well) you have to turn it in to your arms room but if you live off post then you can keep it. Now I am sure these rules are subject to change since this incident. I have nothing at all against 9mm at all in fact I have a 9mm that i carry every were i go here in Afghanistan. I trust that thing with my life. I just like the 45acp better than the 9mm. | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
What about the Para Warthog? very small 1911, | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Hot load, 38, 38, 357, 38, 38 2 Speed Reload I figure if I cant get it done in 15, I am over my head anyways. Pistol, last result, close in support, immediate action; for everything else, there is Twelve Gauge Mossy | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
I've got a rock island 1911 - if you want a cheap, functional, reliable weapon without the flash and price tag of the other brands, they are great. Also picked up a taurus pt145 a few months ago, and I'm not impressed. I guess it does what it needs to as a large caliber yet still concealable handgun, but i'm not nearly as comfortable with it as with the 1911. The next gun I buy will most likely be a short barreled 1911 model. And I'll probably trade the taurus in on it. RIA, colt, and kimber all make 1911 models with a 3.5" or shorter barrel - there may be other brands available as well. btw, I paid $400 for my full size RIA 1911 brand new. Since then I've only seen a couple priced in the $600 range but I'm sure if you do some searching you can find one cheaper than that. | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
What about the Para Warthog? very small 1911 Awesome unit. Not for people with small hands, but 10+1 of 45ACP is a whole lot of bad medicine.... That's my next one. R | ||
| White79bu |
I carry a Kimber Custom II everyday. The only thing I didn't like about the gun when I first got it was the break in period. It took like 400 rounds before it started running smooth. Once you go 1911 you won't go back. | ||
| Bhillberg |
1911's are great weapons. I wasn't meaning to say that they aren't, just trying to persuade you to REALY think about what you want to carry as a concealed weapon. I may have misunderstood the initial post but I thought that was what you were looking into and I thought I could shed some light on alternatives. It is still my opinion that a 1911 is NOT the best weapon for concealed carry. The fitment in your hand is only one part of the puzzle. Fitment in you waist is another. I know they are slim so that's good. However weight in your waistband (or wherever you carry) they are not the best. I stand by my thought that if you can't afford to shoot it regularly (not at all a personal attack, just saying that I won't pony up the money to shoot a 45 regularly) then you shouldn't carry it in public. I too had to get over the hatred of polymer but it is the way to go in my personal opinion. The only other thing I would caution against is that guns are like tattoo's, you don't want to bargain shop too much. Don't look for the cheapest, look for the best deal. You could buy a HiPoint cheap, but I wouldn't rely on it with my life | ||
| Nik |
I have some experience with a RIA GI style 1911. Definitely bare bones, and not as accurate as a Kimber, but with factory ammo I can hit the target every time. It's never jammed with factory either. Cheap range reloads are another story.. Something I haven't seen mentioned here is mags. 1911s are really sensitive to mag quality, and different makes work well with different mags. There's a lot of gunshow cheap crap out there.... I've had good experience with ACT-MAG (aka Novak) and MEC-GAR mags, YMMV. | ||
| Jpl9sx |
I first carried a Springfield XD Sub-compact 9mm but it was difficult to conceal and uncomfortable in a car. I switched to a Ruger LCP .380 and it is great for concealed carry. I use a front pocket holster and take it with me everywhere even when wearing shorts. I know a .380 doesn't pack the punch of the 1911 but its better to have the gun on you when you need it instead of in the car or at home because it is a pain to carry. http://www.ruger.com/products/lcp/index.html?r=y http://www.shooterssupply.com/html/pocket_holsters .html |
