1911 for first pistol?

[Suburban]

Originally Posted by 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".

Save yourself days of surfing the internet, and get the book.

If you need something to carry, like next week, I don't think a 1911 is a very good idea. They run well when built properly, but some guys end up sending theirs back to the factory a couple or more times before they start to run right. That's not to say that some 1911s don't run great right out of the box, I've just heard too many horror stories revolving around modern 1911s.

If that's not the case, then have at it. If you're not going with a striker-fired pistol as your first, then a 1911 should be at the top of the short list.

[edh47]

Several shops are making 1911s in 9mm. They look and feel great but I haven't had the opportunity to shoot one yet. 1911 and 9 mms don't seem right together but I sure wish I could have one to play with for a week. Just to test it out.

[Enfielder]

I'll echo what I'm certain others will recommend- Try to find a range that rents. Expect $10 to $20 to rent plus a $10 to $20 for an hour range fee...and then you'll buy ammo too. By way of example at French Creek Outfitters it is $10 for rent and $12 for the lane(range) [as of Spring 2009]. Your average range should have a 1911 style .45 for rent. Try before you buy.

[crazywolf]

I have two 1911's a kimber desert warrior and a tactical pro.both have run good for me.the 1911 is a great gun and there is no reason for you not to get one as your first hand gun.they do take a little longer to master but worth it.if you get a good holster like a milt sparks vesra max 2 you can carry a full size 1911 with no problem.a plus to the full size is later you can get a 22 long rifle conversion for it.I have one for my desert warrior and it's a blast to shoot.I take it with me to the range and shoot 25 rounds of 45 acp and then put the kit on and shoot a couple of hunderd rounds of 22 then switch back to 45 acp an shoot another 25 rounds.this has worked real well for me.also if you really want to get better at useing your CC gun.go shoot some IDPA matches these are a great way to have fun and learn about your CC gear and gun.best of luck in what ever you get.crazywolf

[phill]

Originally Posted by 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.

You will have to follow Jim1911's example and infect more people with the 1911 bug. The reason that they are still around is the continued spread of the virus by letting others shoot ours.
Seriously you will learn to love your 1911 and will soon need to add friends so that she does not get lonely.

[Shawn.L]

1911 FTW !

wether you decide on a full size 45 or a commander, or a 9mm or 40SW just get it out on the range and run the snot out of it. Run it with different brands, run HP's FMJ's, mixed mags. Then shoot it some more. I dont care if you buy a 1911 or a GLOCK make sure you run it until you are satisfied it runs before you carry it.

Generally, from what we all hear, full size 45ACP is the most reliable design for this platform. That doesnt mean you cant get a 9mm compact that runs..........

[Ronnies111]

Originally Posted by unclejumbo

I think some of the questions you need to ask yourself. Am I going to carry it? How am I going to carry it? Is it small enough for me to carry it comfortably? Am I comfortable carrying cocked and locked?

Agreed on the budget considerations as well. Forty-five ACP is not cheap to shoot in quantity.

Why would anyone feel uncomfortable with cocked & locked? If this is even something they think of? They don't need a 1911.....JMO...May a relvover...it sure will not revolve the wheel by accident...lol BUT..a 1911 will not fire by accident either

[Taz]

That is where I started, but buyer beware they are a addicting gun