1911 for first pistol?

[PirateSteve]

I picked up a 1911 as my first semi-auto a few months back, and fell in love with it. You might even be able to find a Dan Wesson Bobtail for that price range.

One thing to think about though, when you're shopping around: If you're serious about carrying it (and you have the good sense not to unitl you're 100% confident in it, as you said), concealing the gun is more dependant on the holster you wear, more that the gun itself. Good holsters and belts cost a pretty good amount on their own. I made the mistake of not taking that into account when I got my first carry gun. A really good holster and belt can run close to $150-$200 on their own, but they are well worth it. Don't let that scare you, but just keep it in mind. Good luck Specialist!

[officer64]

All things considered, I believe recon gave you the best advice.

On the other hand, I'm a 1911 advocate myself. I primary carry a Commander and have a custom build 5". There is a very good reason that this is the most popular semi ever made and has withstood the test of time to this very day. Browning designed this weapon for durability and reliability and did it better than most.

One thing that many like for CCW is that the weapon is thin enough not to print heavily like some other semis. There is a great selection of holsters for 1911s by several different manufacturers from cheapos to high quality. Personally, I use a molded Fobus for my Commander and a molded Blackhawk for the 5".

The .45 round will do what is needed to do and do well regardless of the particular bullet or powder charge. If you prefer a particular type of bullet, you likely can get it.

Some look down at the 1911 due to it's capacity, 7+1 as designed. My take is that if you need more, you probably got over your head in something or someplace you never belonged in the first place. Just make sure you have an extra loaded mag or three.

If you have experience with the larger caliber, or if not, take the time to get familiar with the feel, a 1911 is always a good candidate for carry. It'll never let you down.

[ReconLdr]

Originally Posted by officer64

All things considered, I believe recon gave you the best advice.

On the other hand, I'm a 1911 advocate myself. I primary carry a Commander and have a custom build 5". There is a very good reason that this is the most popular semi ever made and has withstood the test of time to this very day. Browning designed this weapon for durability and reliability and did it better than most.

One thing that many like for CCW is that the weapon is thin enough not to print heavily like some other semis. There is a great selection of holsters for 1911s by several different manufacturers from cheapos to high quality. Personally, I use a molded Fobus for my Commander and a molded Blackhawk for the 5".

The .45 round will do what is needed to do and do well regardless of the particular bullet or powder charge. If you prefer a particular type of bullet, you likely can get it.

Some look down at the 1911 due to it's capacity, 7+1 as designed. My take is that if you need more, you probably got over your head in something or someplace you never belonged in the first place. Just make sure you have an extra loaded mag or three.

If you have experience with the larger caliber, or if not, take the time to get familiar with the feel, a 1911 is always a good candidate for carry. It'll never let you down.

This is some good info. (bold) I carry my Glock 32 when I OC and my Colt Commander when I CC. I have never had one issue with my Commander, other than a sticking follower in a magazine. I took it a part and smoothed it a little and never an issue again.

The 1911 platform can take some getting used to considering you are used to the M9. Make sure you are proficient with it before you carry it. Not just shooting but drawing and disengaging the safety and not putting the first round in the dirt. I have seen this happen more times than I can count. When I have a new shooter (new to the 1911) I always have them dry fire a few times to get a feel for the trigger.

[FUNDAMENTALS]

If you have the opputunity to find the following book by Patrick Sweeney,
The Gun Digest Book of The 1911. This just about covers the information
you are seeking. There is no substitute "Training".

[Al-Mumit]

They're not that complicated and there's lots & lots of accessories and modifications you can add to the 1911. I say go for it.

[PirateSteve]

+1 on Patrick Sweeney's book on the 1911. I'm planning on picking up volume 2 this weekend. He goes over all the little details, and probably will show you more than you wanted to know (cause after you see it, you'll want to do it, and doing it costs money!)

[Seventy4Blazer]

not a bad choice at all. knowing what i know now VS what i did when i bought my first pistol i would get the 1911 AND a 22lr conversion kit for it. start out with the 22 to get used to it and then to the 45. also the ammo cost with 22 will keep shooting fun

[SPCjoe]

So I did it. I picked up a beautiful used S&W 1911 PD for $650 yesterday. Came with the box and the extras. I'll post pics when I find my camera, and a range report when I have some free time to go to the range. I'd also like to send a huge thanks to Jim1911 for letting me shoot his lovely Springfield. It really helped me make my decision. Thanks for the input everyone.

[Ppsh41]

I mowed lawns all summer long in 1979 at age 16 so my much older brother could purchase for me a NIB Colt Mk IV Series 70 from Edelman's in Montgomeryville. The price was around $190 and it was my first handgun, still have it. Because it was very expensive to shoot, I learned to re-load and cast my own bullets. I don't think many 16 year olds can do that now.

[Mity2]

Originally Posted by ssom003

My first pistol was a 1911 also... Go with it...

I wish my first pistol was 1911...

I say go with it!