My wife, who is from Poland, had never fired a handgun until we visited my family in the US. I took her out and she got to shoot everything from a Single Action Army to the latest and greatest pistols out there. Her best groups were with a 1911 in .45ACP. Her second best groups were with a 1911 in .38 Super. Not only did she shoot the best with the 1911 she preferred the shooting experience of the 1911, even over 9mm pistols. She claimed that the .45ACP 1911 had a “less harsh” recoil than my 9mm pistols. Interestingly, her least favorite pistol to shoot was a PPK in .380. She thought the .380 was the most unpleasant recoil of any of the pistols she shot. She shot surprisingly well with the 1911s and a S&W model 10 (in single action), but her groups really opened up with some modern striker fired pistols. If you ask her which pistol she’d grab if she had to defend herself, she wouldn’t even hesitate to say a 1911 in .45 ACP or .38 Super.
huh yea i couldnt possibly imagine why someone would have a smaller group when shooting 7 shots compared to 15 or 17 in 9mm must be that the 1911 is so good and totally not any other factor at all. although 1911 100% has better stock sights than a glock ill give you that.
@@realyopikechannel And the 1911 has a 100% better trigger, I think that’s the key. The added weight also may make the 1911 more comfortable handling recoil. The smaller grip may be more comfortable for her too. She shot really well with my S&W model 10, that has a smaller grip than even most S&W revolvers.
@@gew1898 ight i wanna get a steel and wood gun for the vibe you know, what 1911's should i look at? ive heard some of them are really expensive and still shit.
@@realyopikechannel My wife was shooting a 1970s Colt in .38 Super and a Dan Wesson in .45 ACP. They are both great. If I were buying a recent production 1911 I’d go with the Dan Wesson.
Imagine being one of those legendary people like John Browning who invented something that is still relevant over a century later. Makes you wonder how people like that became that way. It's like the stars aligned to give one person the intelligence, and the motivation, self-esteem, and the work ethic, and everything else required to not only think about being legendary, but actually doing it. There are a lot of really smart people in the world that are either wasting their talents, or not realizing them at all.
JMB didn't have any computers to model or computer simulate creations. He didn't even have slide rules. He sketched his designs on a piece of paper. Amazing mental capacity to understand and envision mechanical operations. I'm going to drop by SALT LAKE CITY next week and I'll drop bybth3 John Browning museum in Ogden and see his creations. He came from Ogden, was a Mormon, and worked on his farm and delivered so many designs he was the Thomas Edison of firearms. Just a genius.
The 1911 was the first hand gun I've ever shot. Stationed in Alaska, and never shot a hand gun before. I almost smack my head with it but I never shyed away from it. Always loved it!
The 1911 is my favorite hand gun. It was my service pistol when I served in the Army and I’ve owned one ever since. As you might surmise, I’m fond of the M16 and AR15 style weapons as well.
The movie "The Wild Bunch " has all my favorite firearms. Like the knucklehead engine, P51 Mustang and a hand rolled cigar the 1911 always makes you feel like you just smacked a WW2 Pinup on the ass.
Love or hate the design, you have to appreciate the contributions that stood apart in the early 20th century, the tilting barrel, grip angle, and placement of the mag release and slide stop/release are traits found on almost all current handguns.
In my opinion, the same way Glocks have had their basic design and function copied and improved upon, so have the 1911. Both have more desirable modern equivalents that make up for the shortcomings seen in the original designs.
It was cutting edge. But now it's an extremely low pressure cartridge with an unsupported chamber, that can blow cases. It has super high bore axis. They often need tuning and polishing of feed ramp and other parts. It's fine, they were good, just like a horse and buggy was good. But now we have cars. And striker fired guns that don't get clogged from mud and ice, and don't get water into the firing pin channel when it rains. 1911 does suck. It's just, this channel needs content.
@@sasquatchrosefarts you have some good points, but also some bad ones. They’ve been tested and carried by thousands of people for over a hundred years. They don’t suck, however, yes. The .45acp is somewhat an anemic cartridge to todays standards. Yes the bore axis is fairly high, yes the guns usually don’t like pointed ammunition. Yet, they just work.
couple of years ago I was at the range and a group of five young men arrived. one of them had just put an AR together. it wouldn't cycle reliably. he had me look at the gun and I noticed it was dry. we oiled it well and it ran perfectly. I explained they run better "wet". Then they started getting ready to shoot their pistols. they were all carrying 1911s in leather holsters. Ol slabslides ain't going extinct any time soon. there are better handguns for police and military forces but for enthusiast they will always have a place.
Love the 1911. The grip size, ergonomics and trigger just fit my smaller but thicker hands. It also helps that both my grandfathers carried them in the war.
I've owned and experimented with a variety of pistols from revolvers to SA/DA autos to Tupperware varieties. Was big into Glocks until I finally admitted to myself at least that I hated the things. I was in the Army "back in the day" when the 1911 was still the issued sidearm and that's what I grew up on. I finally got rid of my other pistols and have owned only 1911s for years now. My first 1911 was a Remington mil-spec, then I got into Springfields and even bought one of those SDS WWII reproductions you had there- a steal and a quality piece. I carry the 1911 (Range Officer Compact 45acp) because its light and I shoot it very well. I'm 65 and not living out some "operator" fantasy where I need a high-speed high-capacity block of plastic. For defensive purposes I know I will hit the threat exactly where I mean to and it will be a disabling shot, if there's more than one threat the next one gets the same treatment. That's all that matters to me. As an added bonus, yes they handle and hold like a dream and are a joy to shoot.
When I started my military Career in the National Guards, we had 1911 Then I went Active duty in 88, I had 10 years behind the 1911 I hated the Beretta But not the same reason many hated it I hated the M9 because I knew the 9mm round in hardball will go through the enemy combatant and they could keep coming at you. I EDC with the 1911 with hollow points
I went through army officers training and was introduced to thr 1911 in 1980. Never left my affection fir the 1911. Have owned some 10 over my life but now I'm down to 2 kes baers, 1 Ed Brown, 1 colt commander, and 1 Springfield Ronin. Worked my way through law school in a gun shop and in 1992 worked through the Rodney King Riots in the gun shop with my Colt Government on my hip. Did not feel underpinned. A cocked and locked 1911 was behind my pillow during the years I lived in LA from 1990 to 1998 when I moved up north. Now I'm retired and living in a red state, my Colt Commander is my usual CCW packing piece.
As I did my one and only army tour, occasionally I would pull base security as the back up platoon. Once in a while I would get issued the 1911 and an well used leather holster that probably dated from Vietnam War days. Yes I had the old steel helmet. No Kevlar. and I ate my share of C rats. Didn't mind the Lima beans and mutha-fuckers one bit.
@@ms.annthrope415 what's your thoughts on the ronin? I recently got into the world of 1911s and have 2 now. A Kimber lw and a Springfield Ronin. I edc the Ronin. It just feels and shoots better for me anyway.
Rock Island Armory makes a double stack 1911 chambered in 10mm. I got to dry fire one at a gun shop and in terms of trigger and the controls it felt pretty solid. For the money it's definitely worth looking into, and I don't know of any other handgun that holds 16 +1 rounds of 10mm.
The XDM Elite 10mm has a 16 + 1 capacity and it’s great, I got the original OSP version that has a 15 + 1 capacity, but it’s a great shooter and is absolutely my handgun choice for self defense/hunting/combat. A double stacked 10mm 1911 isn’t a bad choice either as long as it’s got a rail underneath for a light/laser which is a must have nowadays, every handgun I have from small to large has got to have that pic rail so I never have to worry about handling a light to see at night, a green laser to assist the aim isn’t a bad thing to have neither. 10mm is just a far better choice than a .45acp, that is unless it’s a threaded barrel and you’re surprising the .45 with all ammo being subsonic. But that’s not somethin I need to worry about when I can always throw a mag of subsonic 9mm in my Glock when I need to. But there’s something timeless about a 1911 and one day when I got splurging money why not get a double stacked 10mm 1911, there’s actually a few options a man can decide on, I’ve always heard good things about the RIA 10mm 1911 though, it’s definitely on my list to check out. Give the XDM a look, a lot of guys love theirs over say a Glock 20, myself included.
I have the RIA 10mm double stack, but it's currently at Armscor's shop in Nevada because it has a serious feed problem; every damn round would jam into the top of the chamber, I'd have to slightly pull the rail back to allow the round to drop into the chamber. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a double stack 10mm when you have to slightly pull back on the slide to get every round to chamber. Hopefully they can figure their shit out and fix the problem because it actually shoots really well.
@@bubbicus I had the same problem for a bit when I first got mine. But with a little polish, patience and break in....it cleared up. Still love it, it's a freaking tank to carry but I still do sometimes. Hope they get yours squared away.
I own the model you describe with a threaded barrel and it's pretty cool. It has over 100 rounds fired through it so far, but the only problem with it is that the slide doesn't lock all the way forward every time so I'm hoping it's still in a break-in period. However, the ria single-stack .45 1911 I have was good to go right out the box
As a 1911 owner for many years and yes, in 45acp, I can honestly say that the 1911 is a platform (Like the AR Riffle) that can be customized to the aesthetical likings & ergonomics of the operator. Multicaliber platform 22Lr, 380acp, 9mm, 40SW, 45acp, 45 Super, 10mm.....Milti-grip options, sights, trigger lengths & shapes , main spring housings shape, frame shapes & Materials, Magazine Wells, Slide shapes, multi-finishes available......Single stack magazines, double-stack magazines, different barrel bushings or even bushingless.........you name it....the 1911 platform will continue to evolve over and over again.
Absolutely love the 1911. So much to appreciate. Grip angle is right for me, slim profile is easy conceal, the trigger has in my opinion, no equal (not even close). But the thing I love the most is how natural presentation is for me. Just naturally on target - all of which translates to hits on target, and that’s the bottom line for any pistol shooter. Jumped into the DS 1911 market a few years back with a Wilson X9, and found that I shoot it better than any else I’ve ever tried. Its been my daily carry now for about 4 1/2 years. Long live the 1911, and praise and respect for John Moses Browning!
Yep I never have problems concealing either Disproving the lie you cannot conceal it They will say ... Well you are a big guy Well...back in the 80's When I was 155 lbs @ 6'1", I stilled concealed a TZ75, based on the CZ75 which is actually bigger than the 1911 And if I could then, most anyone can conceal now Some need to quit listening to myths
I love my 1911. Bought a “cheap” Rock Island 1911 full size, for my first ever semiauto. Shoots like a dream and easy to disassemble and clean. My only “meh” is the grip safety. Not a fan of it. But man do I love every aspect after that. Lighter than my revolver (.357 magnum) and still easy on recoil. Cannot dote on the 1911 trigger enough. Absolute butter.
My Grandfather was in Army Air Corps durring WW2 and Korea, he was often deligated to do patrols and other protective details durring his time when the aircraft was serviced. Due to his stature he carried a Browning Automatic Rifle, however the 20 round capacity was noted to be trouble so field armorers learned to adapt two magazines into one and soldiers learned to tape the two together (wasnt formally adopted, my gramps carried one set taped together for a quick reload and exchange of heavy support fire), when he "Ran out of ammo" he would pull his 1911s and wait for an ammo bearer to come. He never spoke of his time in the service due to the long list of horrors he saw and wished he could forget. He used the 1911s plenty of times in defense of himself and unit members. Durring the Guada Canal Campeign he was part of the B-25 landing force for "Henderson Fields" just after the metal strip was applied. He was switched to ground detail and fought in defense of the field till US forces completely gained control of the area. several times his unit was over run to the point that even with withering point blank fire from US Marines and supporting forces the enemy still broke into there lines, the 1911s he had were scratched up from knife hits, the trigger wells were some what bent (lord knows why), and with all this his time in the service accumulated him an award for 35 hand to hand kills confirmed which attested him with his nose being 1 inch shorter then it was when he enlisted (was broken 14 times)! Those guns were confiscated when he was returned state side cause he was deemed a bit too dangerous with such firepower let alone his bare hands. Those pistols took a beating and with basic maintnance served him well. Generally the Browning designs are all rugged and ment to last and take a beating with the owner thick or thin. You treat it with propper care, tune it according to your needs, and the gun will run like a bear always as a tool for the job at hand. I personally hope to try one of the classic WW2 1911s out to see what kind of an animal was being fired by my Grandfather. I'm sure there are plenty of people with simmilar reasons if there watching this video in particular. On a seperate note I'd love to see you cover .45 as a pistol caliber carbine round. Most people choose 9mm, but I rarely see anything else, is there a particular reason for this I'm not understanding? I understand a low velocity can be difficult but a trained shooter can work with almost anything cause at the end of the day, the optics and features are nothing but math to calculate and that's our job, not the gun itself. (guns just set the limitations while ammo sets the boundaries, as far as I know, this is a basic rule to understand in this and is often either overlooked or glossed over cause its a natural understanding for a gun owner)
I think the 200 grain ball is mostly over looked in the 1911. It has higher velocity and slightly less felt recoil. Most people dont know that John Browning designed the 1911 to shoot a 200 grain bullet and not the 230 grain bullet. The performance to me between the two are about the same tho. One big hole in whatever gets shot.
I bought one when i joined the Army, the unit switched to the Beretta recently when I joined. I was issued a 1911 when the unit deployed and I was stuck on rear D for desert storm because I wasnt MOS Q yet. I finished MP school and someone was hurt downrange so I rotated in and was issued an M9. I transferred to CID when I aged to allow it (Had to be 24yo) did that for a while and carried an M11. Transitioned out during RIF. I came back in as a Counter intel Agent and deployed 4 times. The last time I asked if I could carry something larger because the m11 was small. I was embedded with a JTF and Marines specifically, I asked for a 1911 and was issued one. The Luger was proven to be a descendant of the Browning design and Browing took Luger to court over it. Browning invented the toggle link design and demonstrated it publicly. Luger admitted to being there and was photographed next to the demonstration signs. Its in the Book "The Guns of John Moses Browning, The remarkable story of the inventor who changed the world."
I currently own four 1911’s. Each are in a different chambering. For self defense I usually carry a Browning 1911 380. It is adequate for self defense but the important thing is that I can shoot it very accurately. Accuracy has been the main reason why I prefer the 1911 over other models of handguns.
I carried a 1911 for years. Loved it because it was not only an American classic, but because it has an incredibly slim profile that lends itself to concealability really well. A year or two ago I switched it out for a CZ-97 on my permit. The CZ-97 is a phenomenal gun. Pleasant to shoot, accurate, reliable, but it is also much bigger and heavier. I almost never carry the thing and would like to switch back to the 1911. Of all the handguns I own, something about the 1911 in particular just feels right in the hand.
20:35 Rock Island already offers double-stack 10mm 1911s for at least 5 years already ... 16+1 rounds. They come with threaded barrel or no threaded barrel for around $700. But, they are hard to find since they keep getting sold out.
I CCW a TRP Operator 10mm with a Trijicon RMR and Viridian Gen 3 green laser/light/camera combo everyday and I absolutely love it! I carried Glocks for years in professional and personal life and swore by them, that is until somebody handed me a 1911 and I have never looked back. Everybody wants to argue about the mag capacity and I won't bother adding to it. All I have to say is that I have NEVER felt underarmed carrying my pistol with a 10 round Cobra mag one in chamber with a couple back up mags. Love it and I will never ever go back to plastic guns. Love your videos MAC, keepem coming!
I will always keep a 1911 in my collection just because I love how they shoot. Currently have a Kimber Eclipse Custom II in 10mm. Been solid so far but Kimber really hurt their reputation awhile back so it won't be a carry piece until I shoot it more.
@@will-uz3sn I don't think it's too bad but I'm also a fan of 44mag revolvers so maybe I just don't think it's bad in comparison. I did also recently pick up a Sig X-Ten and it is the best shooting gun I own. Idk what magic they worked with the grip shape but it really is incredible
My 4'10 wife and 5'4 daughter both shoot 45 and 10mm with no problems. In our family, we love our 1911s. They just feel perfect in everyone's hands here. From my wife's little baby hands, to my XXXL size glove hands. Of all the guns I have, it's become my favorite platform to shoot. As far as capacity goes when carrying, just carry a few extra mags. Very few of us regular citizens will ever have to reload a mag in a self defense situation unless the mag in the gun fails, but there's a slim chance so carry a few extra.
I confess that I have a Philippines 1911. I shot it until the recoil spring needed changing. At the time I could not afford a high end 1911. By the time (years later) that shot the recoil spring out of tolerance, I was making more money. I had it gutted by an old 1911 gunsmith (only 1911 did he work). Had all the springs changed out with Wilson combat parts. Custom fit bushing , trigger , hammer, barrel, safety, grip safety, etc. The only thing that remains original is the slide and frame. I wanted to see what could be done. It is extremely accurate.
The very first center fire pistol I ever shot was a Colt 1911 that belonged to a buddy. My first shot was a bulls eye at 15 yards at an indoor range. That gun just fit right. I was surprised how it settled in my average size hands, pointed naturally and the recoil was a lot lighter than I expected. John Browning was a true genius.
The 1911 was the second pistol I fell in love with after the Beretta 92F, back in 1990 at the age of 15. Since then, it’s been a love-hate relationship in terms of reliable vs. unreliable specimens; hate for my “90s Edition” (pre-bankruptcy) Springfield, Charles Daly, and Colt Series 70 Combat Commander for being jam-prone; love for my post-bankruptcy (purchased in 2003) Springfield stainless Mil-Spec and genuine WWI-era (made in November 1918) Colt M1911 for being reliable and delightfully accurate.
My groups tighten up when the Marines went from the .45 to the 9mm Beretta. Probably due to the old Colt .45 I had. It would rattle when shaken empty. Tolerances were long gone by the time I got it.
@@davidmilisock5200 I fired expert with an old rattly 1911 in the reserves first time I ever shot one, then shot the grease gun all rounds in chest area- the purpose of these was to function each and every time you pull the trigger they worked then they work now
Yeah Most in service were worn out before we even were old enough to join Even though I preferred the 1911 Because I have seen people shot with ball ammo in 9mm and keep shooting or going at the shooter The only way I carry a 9mm, is to church, with hollow point ammo Otherwise I carry my 1911 EDC
Staccato, back when they were still STI, made a pretty cool 10mm named the “Perfect 10” as well as one of the regular DS models in 10mm. I know that Triarc still makes double stack 1911s in 10mm as does Cosaint Arms. There are probably a few other custom shops that will make a double stack 1911 in 10mm. With Springfield jumping into the 1911 double stack market I would love to see them offer something in 10mm because their prices are more accessible to the common gun buyer. The STI/Staccato 10mm magazines are available and with Duramag making the 9mm mags for the Prodigy it shouldn’t be hard for them to come out with a 10mm version as well.
Rock Island has been making a double stack 10mm 1911 ($650) for awhile. Springfield isn't doing anything new here. In fact, it's overpriced. I operate a range and have already had one in. Trigger was good, frame was partially plastic, and I couldn't see why I wouldn't buy a Dan Wesson.
@@sammiches6859 dan Wesson doesn't have a double stack 1911 out yet. The rock island double stack 1911's aren't comparable to the prodigy. They feel, and handle completely different. The prodigy feels alot nicer then any rock island ive handled. When Dan Wesson finally produces the DWX I think that'll be a sweet setup, but its getting up to STI type of money.
@@toomanynamestaken I would know, as I regularly handle all three options. Dan Wesson is still preferable, because the quality is superior, and if not that, Rock Island is such a massively lower price, that you could customize it for the difference. Aside from some of the finish work, the only real difference is weight. They otherwise don't handle that much differently, as the Springfield has a weird polymer hybrid frame. If Springfield released it for $1,000, it would actually be worth looking at.
And the true beauty of the 1911 design... It's now popular in the mainstream newer gun guy crowd as the 2011. A damn good design that survived the 9mm double stack wave and then joined in! It's a true masterpiece of handgun design.
As a Retired Army Guy! When I Joined in 1975 the M1911 was the side arm of the U'S' Army(Military). I have shot many other pistols before and after the M1911A1 and I always return to a M1911A1!! I currently own 3! Love the damn things! The first time I held one(1975) I fell immediately in love with the way it felt in my hand! Have many hand Guns, but for Home defense and Range fun it will always be the M1911A1 in 45 Acp!
1911's are just cool, usually have awesome triggers, and are easy to shoot accurately. Doesn't bother me that capacity is 7, 8, or 10 rounds in a single stack 45ACP. I love shooting the .45ACP out of a 1911, and if I carried one, I could easily carry extra mags, although I probably wouldn't need it. A thought... Do you need a lot of capacity, when accuracy comes so easy? Love 1911's.
That is the real issue of most whiners is capacity But I have 8+1 with 3 extra 8 rd mags on my belt Good shot generally only need 1 Unless multiple targets bring up a running gunfight, this I have 3 extra mags
@@genroc2005 Capacity is useful, but not so critical when your shots count. Every full size 1911 I've shot, has been very easy to shoot accurately, both near and far. I'd whine about carrying the weight, but the weight is useful, a good belt and holster will do fine. I'd not conceal carry one, unless it could stay holstered under my coat. I think people that complain about the capacity, don't know anything else about the gun, and definitely have never shot one... I used to be one of those guys...
I was always a Beretta m9 guy myself, then I shot a staccato c and fell in love, now I have 2 rock islands a 9 and a 45 and my staccato. It's a great shooting platform.
My buddy had an RIA 1911 he had some work done to it.. I shot that thing better than any other handgun... shooting quarters at 20 yards multiple times! I don't own a 1911 but they are pretty cool guns...
My ww2 era Ithaca 1911A1 was modified by a reputable local custom shop. It was upgraded before I purchased it. It has ran perfect for years, never malfunctioned, even with wadcutters. Just a easy gun to shoot.
Love 1911 and (apart from the ridiculous price) I'd have an M45 in a heart beat... when I met my wife I introduced her to the world of shooting and now she carries everyday... when we stated her pistol shooting (Glock 42, 43 and 19) she shot more like a 12g than a SA pistol. Then I got her a 1911... improved dramatically...
I don't know. Do you think the Tupperware will work in 100 years? Not very long ago I got to shoot a buddies uncle 1911. It was a 1918 dated colt. It ran perfectly. And no it wasn't a rebuild gun. I don't think it was shot that much in its working life.
@@tbjtbj4786 I've seen glock trade-ins from the early 80s still in use. I've also seen M16a1s from the Vietnam War in service in SE Asia with original furniture. Many Inuit have used Nylon 66 .22 caliber rifles from the 60s until the present day. Meanwhile, I've also seen steel and wood rifles rotted and pitted into almost nothing. I've also seen nearly every self defense expert, police force and military in the western world replace their old wood and steel firearms. Rust and rot takes place a lot faster than polymer degradation, and it's more expensive to remedy.
@@dashikashi4734 80's are not 18 And its surprising that the m16 didn't have replacement hand guards those triangle ones seemed to brake looking at them.
Don’t forget those Turkish made “tisas” 1911s. In the $400 range and run great out of the box and beyond. I have one because I don’t want to shoot my ww2 era 1911s, and it runs flawless and looks/feels like my old ones.
I have carried a number of 1911 pistols over the last three decades. In fact, my Kimber Tactical Pro II, which I have completely gone through and customized, was my concealed carry pistol for 20 years, until more recently I switched to a Glock gen 5 FS with a Streamlight TLR7.
I have 6 different 1911s. Some military issue(WWI,WWII era, m45a1 decommissioned) and some modern ones. My favorite gun to shoot and I’m 28. My state has a 10 round limit so kinda draws me to it more. Colt CCU 1911 with a sure fire x300ub, 10 round Wilson mag with hornady critical duty is my bedside gun. I still like the beretta 92 series better.
Same. I Carry an officer sized 1911 most of the time with 8+1 because my state has 10rd limit and i shoot it the best. If I ever move or something changes, I'll look in to a double stack to carry. Until then it's pointless to get a gun designed for 15+rds when you're limited. I got rid of my glock 17 and 19 because they were pointless with 10rds and went with a 43 for when I need more concealment.
"Soylent Green is PEOPLE!" After living in Kommiefornia for 15 effing years, I finally semi-retired to Vegas. Hella hot here but FREE! Bought my first suppressor two years ago. Today, after clearing yet another Form 4473 background check, I just came back from the the New Frontier Armory store down road with six of their complete AR poly lowers (three for 300 blackout builds and other three for attempts at 4-lbs AR carbines), a Sig M17, a Sig M18, and a Tippmann M4-22 AR pistol to put my can on for some plinking. That's 9 pieces of freedom for just one day ... back in Kommie-land, they are capped to 1 piece per month. Poor bastards ... I feel their pain and YOUR pain too!
I agree with you that the 1911 isn’t going away. I love 1911s. I own six and a Staccato C2. My 10 year old Les Baer Classic shoots as accurately as my C2 and my Ruger is not far behind. That was a great discussion about my favorite handguns.
I hated shooting my first Colt Government model for the first 19 years I owned it. The recoil bothered me so much. Then when I got my CCW permit and had to practice with it much and often. Shortly thereafter manage fall in love with it. Years later I still carry a 1911 when I'm not at work or sleeping. I still practice much and often.
Just got my first 1911, Kimber Stainless 2, .45 of course. Completely tore it down before i ever fired it. I was fascinated with how it worked. First 50 rounds. flawless.
I think that’s the problem… hand fitting may be necessary. Yes it’s an excellent result, but it struggles to compete with modern designs that don’t require as much attention to be successful / reliable / capable. Not that there aren’t 1911s that are awesome… but they’re more niche than mass market. And through no fault of their own. We’d be failing as humanity if we couldn’t create something better after 110yrs.
I agree. In the competition world where high round counts and maintainance/parts replacement is commonplace, the need of some smithing is definitely a detriment to its popularity/success.
Gun enthusiasts love 1911's the same way car guys love classic's and muscle cars. Sure, modern technology is better, but there's just something cool about old school things.
That is like saying bolt action rifles from WWII are still relevant. The 1911 is only relevant in the hobbyist market, since nobody but third world nations use it anymore.
@@Andrew_NJ actually they ARE STILL relevant, they are accurate and can reach distances the AR's and AK's cannot reach You young bucks with your backwards thinking are irrelevant
@@Andrew_NJ bTW, that hundred year old design will be Relevant and operational when that 40 year old Glock is irrelevant and in the junk heap of the police by backs Those like you think the 60 yo veteran is irrelevant Until the clowns try to attack us, or rob us Then they find out just how relevant we, and our 100 year old design pistols are One shot Not multiple like the 9mm Not as hard to shoot as the 10mm This that makes your statement irrelevant
The 1911 will forever be my favorite. I sold my Colt 1911 to my Pops because he loved it so much and I bought my Staccato 2011. As far as the Sig X-10, I recently bought one, only had one issue with it. The spring edge pushed out over the end of the guide rod and got stuck in the guide hole of the slide. Only happened once so far, other than that, it's been an awesome firearm.
My dad has a stainless steel colt government model 1911 he got back in the 80s or early 90s but I love that pistol it is an extremely high quality pistol I've never even seen another one that is like it
At 79 I just got my second Colt 1911 - the first went bye bye around 1965. Now it shares room with a P220. Best of both worlds👍 Great video - thank you!!
The last time I shot a 1911 was well over 10 years ago. Back then, I thought they fit my hands pretty well. Will have to hold one again to make sure that is still true, probably is. You can get "extended" single stack magazines that hold 10 rounds. Wouldn't mind also trying one in .380 but that might be too small.
I used to be a 1911 hater because the design was dated and it only held 8-9 rounds, but then i got one in hand and i shot it and fell in love the 1911 is my favorite pistol I own.
You laid out the reasons why I still love my 1911 very well. Ergonomics, trigger, accuracy, and nostalgia. 1911's maybe just ask a little more attention from the end user. If you put in that effort and attention however the experience is worth it. I liken it to the experience I've had owning a Ducati motorcycle, or that other people have with classic cars. In the current state of our world finding something with character that engages your soul is a valuable thing.
I like the Springfield 1911 Milspec, if you’re looking for a budget gun with classic design. The slide and frame are forged. My shoots pretty good, but they’re definitely is a spectrum of quality. I’ve shot a different one that didn’t shoot good
I completely agree with you I have a milspec and it runs 100% I think the only people who have a problem with the 1911 are to lazy to maintain their guns they probably wait a year to give their car a oil change lol but what do I know I don't have enough facial hair or tattoos to be a gun expert
@@afigueroa1969 i agree 1911 is an awesome gun, my mil spec is one of my favorite guns, wish I got the ss version but the black is classic. It takes more work to love 1911 pistols. The extractor adjustment is the thing that always worries me. I can take just about any modern gun apart, but things like that I am hesitant to do.
I wish Springfield Armory still made the GI version of that. I still have mine and love it. Inexpensive but top notch and is a great knock down drag out semi auto.
The 1911 is a design that has aged incredibly well. Certainly, there are those who could make valid arguments for more modern designs that are lighter, and hold more ammunition. But, for those who understand that the ability to quickly and accurately place bullets right where you want them is key, the 1911 has no peers. It is a pistol that can be used with precision, under stress, and when properly built it does so with a degree of reliability that can be counted on provided that the user does their part in properly maintaining the gun. The 1911 is not the pistol of a novice. It is not something that you load, holster and forget about until someday when you might need it. It requires periodic lubrication, and proper cleaning after use. For those willing to invest the time and effort though, it is a weapon that will do everything reasonably asked of it and do it better than most.
The one you showed first was the first one I purchased. Didn't want to spend a lot on my first, and this one made by Tisas is very good. About 500 rounds without any malfunctions. I would get it for a range toy or if you want to get introduced into the 1911 world.
Perfect truck gun or woods gun if you tromp around the woods. So who cares if you get a scratch or a dot of rust. Just buff it out. You won't get a heart attack if you ding or dent it. TISAS and ROCKs have their place.
Well, I guess im the odd man out. I love everything about the 1911, except it does not fit, it does not naturally aim, its off to the left, and those that would say practice more, think about that in an emergency situation. I traded in my kimber for a CZ 97b. Natural point of aim for me.
The CZ97B is simply sublime. 👌🏻 A friend brought his to the range and I swear I was cheating. I felt like I couldn’t miss. I wish they’d bring it back, but with some modern additions.
I disagree on fit and aim, the rest is you or your particular gun. The 1911 grip angle is something to be desired (imo). I like and own all of the above, but the 1911 just fits me better. That said, none of the above are something I carry very often anymore these days. For “duty” use (I’m not mil or leo), I’m still using a g19.
I’m honestly trying to convince myself to carry one again because I’ve had to sell and let go of plenty of my prized possessions because of financial. One of the only handguns I have left is a 45 specialist and she is the love of my life she protected me from a few poisonous situations out in the brush and I have no problem carrying it on my hip for two consecutive days or more
The Ruger SR1011 is also a huge winner. I bought one in 10mm and it's one of my favorite 1911's. I build them and for a street price of $650 you get a stainless pistol with all the bells and whistles and a really sweet shooter, also available in 9mm and 45acp. A great first option that won't break the bank and MUCH easier to handle than a 2011.
Love the 1911 for a host of reasons. First, the nostalgia of my early years in the USMC. But more importantly, for the accuracy and knockdown power provided.
I've added a couple more 1911's to my want list thanks to this video, lol. Love them even though I haven't carried one in years, I may have to try out that little Alpha Foxtrot model though!
In 2011, I did a custom 1911 build, having never done it before. It came out amazing, and it's a really nice gun to shoot. I went with a classic 2 tone look (black frame, silver slide) with wood grips, but with modern things like a light rail and red dot optic mount. I really learned a lot about how a 1911 works during the process.
1911 is my FAVORITE handgun period. I have 2 colts and 1 Wilson Combat in production now. The 1st pistol i bought was a 1943 Walther P38. The SECOND PISTOL i bought was a series 80 Colt. I do carry glocks JUST BECAUSE, even a g20. BUT... nothing... NOTHING compares to a 1911 in shootability. NOTHING.
I bought my Para P12 new in the 90's. I don't have large hands and the Para's just fit, conceal well, and I shoot them well. The bluing ain't great but it hasn't rusted because I take care of it. Factory trigger is outstanding and I hit what I aim at with double taps tight on target at 10 yds all day long. Biggest plus for me is being able to point it at my full length mirror and seeing a 230 grain Hydra-shock looking back at me which always puts a big smile on my face and imaging the motivation it inspires to run the other way vs the slight loss in fps of a shorter barrel...Well, it's my preferred carry option that I trust my life to. The skill I have honed using it over the years of shooting it along with the 99.9999% reliability of it going bang with the right ammo, never has let me down...EVER, so what else is there! Now I have two just in case. Two is one and one could well be none. (Clint Smith). Best iteration of John Moses Browning's genius of KISS...Keep It Simple Stu... Always feel I can use it well enough to get to my long gun if required. Never felt under gunned. Shooting stats reveal that to stop an assault is pretty much 2.5 well placed shots in any caliber (over .25), so shoot what works for you. Anything else is just a sales pitch for your money.
My dad is a Vietnam vet. Two tours. He carried a 1911. A Remington Rand. He smuggled that gun home with him and I grew up shooting it. It’s still his home defense gun to this day. So when it comes to 1911’s I like the original mil spec guns more than the newer modern versions.
There's something I don't understand. In 1911 they developed this trigger. It's by far the best trigger of any pistol at the time it was made, and that's still true today. So then, why aren't all triggers 1911 triggers? I don't understand. It boggles my mind. If a superior design has been around for over 100 years, why haven't we adopted this trigger in all guns?
The same reason why Glock took so many years to remove parts of their original design, despite everyone saying how much they hated them (finger grooves, the hump, etc.)-everyone thinks they have a better way and that way is the only way. Also, striker fire and single action are two different animals. There are plenty of internal hammer (non-striker) guns, but it cramps things. People not wanting a safety means heavier triggers. It’s just the mechanics of it all.
@@jackjohnson291 This may be the case, but it didn't have to be this way. Manufacturers have had over 100 years to take the 1911 trigger design, tweak it for modern guns, and have a superior product that revolutionizes the gun industry in the same way the 1911 changed things. But they choose not to? Are they stupid?
Because it's well known that single action only pistols are not advisable for concealed carry defense... Because the weapon has to be carried cocked and locked with an external safety or with the chamber empty. Two things that you don't want to have to worry about during a self-defense incident.
@@napalmstickylikeglue well, that's completely wrong. A single action only pistol carried with the safety on and a round in the chamber is perfectly safe and easy to bring into action.
Great video, and, about time I must say. I've been a 1911 fan since a teen and I'm way over the hill now and I still love shooting them. You mentioned that you've never shot a 460 Rowland 1911 pistol and I've mentioned often in response to your enthusiasm with the 10mm in a 1911 that the 460 Rowland exceeds the performance of the 10mm and you can create one with certain quality 1911's with just a barrel swap and maybe a comp if you need it. Johnny Rowland sells a great spring system that can eliminate the need for a comp. Mine is the Clark version which uses a comp and fitting the 24# spring can be a challenge for some. My pistol was a standard loaded Springfield and I've never had issues with excessive recoil, muzzle flip, or any issues with ammo, including my own reloads, and performance exceeds the 10mm. My preferred loading is with 185gr bullets but could easily increase to 230 or more and I don't see that in 10mm. I definitely stress that you need a forged 1911 to shoot the 460 Rowland so it isn't suitable on lighter frame/slide versions that aren't forged. Even the Norinco models can be converted as their steel is super tough.
They stove pipe once every few hundred rounds. It might be because the ejection port isn't big enough. The hi power has the same problem despite being a classic. Undersized ejection port.
The 1911 basically was the first modern pistol. It's action is the template for all your Sigs H&Ks and even Glocks. The 1911 has the advantage of being thin with a great for most hand sizes grips which helps it's accuracy. The 45 ACP is a powerful cartridge but has some kick in a polymer frame pistol. The low bore axis and all steel construction of the 1911 really helps tame the recoil of the 45 ACP. There's another reason for the popularity of the 1911. In 10 round limited magazine states like here in Massachusetts the 1911 in 45 is still a great choice for self defense compared to a 9mm Luger pistol that looses its major advantage by only having 10 round magazines. 45 in my opinion is still more effective than 9mm Luger against bad guys.
@@ViktoriousDead yeah I was gonna say the fn1900(also a browning design). First pistol with a slide and forward thinking of the barrel being inline with your hand. Wish browning would’ve tried that concept again. He could’ve came up with a laugo arms alien type gun.
For her college graduation I gave my daughter a Cajunized CZ 75 SP01. The gun is gorgeous and shoots great. She likes it but still insists on shooting her Springfield Armory Range Officer with 185 grain cartridges. My EDC is an Ed Brown Kobra Carry(Commander style). The trigger is superb. Two weeks ago even with the safeties I was able to score a ten yard precision shot from the draw in under two seconds. Dont ask me to do it again, though. Lol. I use the EB as my church security detail gun. I got an EB for the daughter for her law school graduation. We love the 1911.
So cool that you and your daughter have shooting together. Tried to get both my daughters into guns, but their liberal , evil, bitch of a mother scared then into believing they would die if they touched ones. Still trying and hope to succeed one day before they need one to protect themselves or my grandbabies that will be in the near future. Love you girls, but don't like your mother or the ground she's destroyed by standing in it!!! Still married after 27 years++.
I view classic guns like the 1911 similar to how I view classic cars. It would be nice to have one in the collection. I'd take it out and enjoy it every once in awhile. But I wouldn't daily drive it.
Great vid, honest evaluation of a great design. My dad (a WWII heavy combat veteran, S. Pacific with the 112th Cav) taught me the 1911 in my mid teen years. That particular model was worn badly and shot poorly, but still a fun, comfortable arm to shoot. Some year later, after I was introduced to a very accurate one (paint buckets at 50 - 75 yards), I was hooked. Never shot one I didn't like! Thanks for a wonderful vid!
The 1911, for me, is the last of the old world standard of firearms design. Things have to be precise and many of it’s components hand made to make sure it’s operation is sound. Love the craftsmanship John Browning put into this pistol. I truly do love how far we have come in firearms design in the over hundred years since, but the 1911 is still in many ways timeless. As a wise old man once said: “An Elegant weapon….from a more civilized age”.
While I was overseas from June 09 to June 10, there were two things that I saved my money for so I could purchase them when I got home. 1. Mustang cobra. 2. A quality 1911. I bought the exact 1911 referenced in this video. A Springfield Armory TRP Operator. I love it and it's never failed me anytime I've pulled the trigger. To this very day, it's the first one I'll reach for when something goes bump in the night. But the equipped surefire x300 also helps to make that choice easier. P.s. bought it from Blythes with Kyle's very appreciated knowledge and guidance. 👍
Considering it is still one of the best selling handgun platforms in existence, I don’t think anyone buys such an argument. Its still excellent. It comes in every material that there is. It had benefited from every advancement in technology in existence. It still dominates the competition sports. A double stack 1911 is still a 1911. A scandium 1911 is as light as you would want it to be. It comes in my nearly every caliber from 22 to 460 Roland. It is thin for caliber. It is easy to shoot well. Every time I lets someone shoot multiple pistols, one of the 1911s is usually their favorite. I just don’t get the modern nonsense. There is nothing not modern about it. It is the evolution of the handgun defined. The takedown isn’t the easiest, but it’s not a big deal. I have a pistol over 100 years old that is striker fired. News flash, it’s not a new thing. My first pistol, outside of the military, that I carried for work was polymer. Yep, that one, as was my first dedicated concealed carry pistol. That was decades ago. There is absolutely nothing new about it. In fact, it is now fallen way behind on too many levels to mention. The world has grown weary of cheap, plastic, striker fired, 9 mm pistols. Talk About boring. They are the new Fudd guns. Metal guns or metal infused pistols are the future. Look around. It’s happening everywhere.
I don’t know about the last part. It depends on what we’re talking about. Duty guns? Carry guns? Competition guns? Or maybe just range toy guns? There’s a wide swath of uses, and not one gun that best fits any of those categories fits them all just the same. The obvious trend I see is smaller, lighter, and more capacity. But that’s for the mainstream of carry guns, not competition guns, etc..
I like them too, but most fans do not carry them as they were issued from 1911-1985. They would not even consider the match guns Uncle Sam issued to me. I remember Q scores going up, not down, when the M9 replaced them, even with that longer, heavier DA first shot. Imbel, Girsan, Tisas, and RIA make 1911s that are good enough for a more reasonable price than the Pachmayer and Clark custom carry jobs I threw money at then (70s and 80s). I would bet my life on a foreign clone today and sleep like a baby.
Glock perfection GEN one, perfection GEN two, perfection GEN three, perfection GEN four, perfection GEN five, John Browning perfection 1911 GEN one, nailed it! Mic drop!
I love the 1911, but if some pundits claim the G19 is "outdated", if you hold the .45 single stack 1911 to the same set of standards, its basically a flintlock. It's all about application and what the user is proficient and comfortable with.
I am currently working on machining my own 2011 frame out of 7075 barstock using a S&W 1911PD donor gun for the parts. It's going to be a .45ACP.... and SA just dropped the Prodigy on the market out of nowhere. Now I have to buy an SA-35, Prodigy, AND I have to finish out my own DiY 2011. Life is good.
My 1911's are ALWAYS the first thing to go when trading for a new/better gun. Never been too fond of the ergonomics or trigger, but mine have at least been functional. IMO nostalgia is one hell of a drug, and it makes people overlook the shortcomings of an 111 year old design that was on its way out in the 30's let alone now.
I was amazed that the Brixia/Chiappa Firearms 1911 series wasn’t mentioned. They’re made in Italy and really beautifully put together. I have the GI/Field model and I love it to pieces.
They have held and shot Dan Wessons. They probably wouldn't describe a $500 gun as "beautifully" put together when they can feel the difference between a handfit and polished gun vs a gun made as economically as possible. I've sold several Brixia guns, and they do feel better than most of the Phillipine equivalents, but they pale to guns just $200 more.
@@thesickhorseranch Had to answer to upvote this. The p07 did marvelously on the gauntlet test even though MAC forgot to pull the trigger again on the light primer strike rounds.
Until fairly recently , the 1911 was associated ONLY with the 45 ACP round. I think that is more a factor of it being considered obsolete than anything other than weight and capacity. So many experts out there push the 9mm is as good as 45 mantra.
I have matured in the opposite direction. When I was a newer shooter I was all about 1911s and thought my cheap Turkish one was the best thing in the world. Now that I’ve progressed miles past where I started I would take my Glock over even a more premium 1911 like the cold m45 or Springfield TRP
I love 1911's for range/competition shooting. However, for "serious" shooting, I think improvements to JMB's original innovations found in more modern designs lend themselves to greater reliability which is my #1 concern for a gun I might actually entrust my (or others') lives to.
If I were to pick any one thing about a 1911 that I would change, it would be the barrel link, and how it pivots on the slide stop. I believe that Browning's later use of the beefy steel cross pin and the ramp on the bottom of the barrel that engages it that he used on the FN Hi Power is a mechanically superior system
Btw the reliability issue Two problems happen to cause the 1911 to miss Bad mags And limp wristed Pu$$ie$ If the reliability happens to be the mag Change mags and it will fire flawlessly If it is limp wristing They need to buy a revolver Because even the others will stove pipe on them It is that simple!
@@ramonandrajo6348 little boy It isn't about being a fanboy It is about having something ALL STEEL, and RELIABLE Not many weapons you can say that about Most today, are not all steel, or not reliable Many are not either!!! So with that If there is a fan boy, it sounds like it is you Go ahead and be a fanboy for your little toy!!!
I carry a Glock 19, but my favorite gun to shoot is a 1911. I currently own two. A Full size 5 inch , and a 4 inch compact. I mainly carry my 1911's to the range and BBQ's, only because I wouldn't want to lose them after a defensive use. Glock's are a dime a dozen in the real world. Like many others, my first experience with the 1911 was in the Military, USMC, but even those worn out workhorse pistols proved what an exceptional firearm that design is.
The problem I see is there are no advantages a 1911 has over the `1980s CZ-75 derived double stack "wonder 9s" We can argue about polymer frames all day, but a CZ-75 is a more practical firearm in every way than a 1911. Period.
Yes, I'll take my CZ 75B (any of my CZs actually) over my 1911s/2011s any day of the week. I also really like Beretta 92s. I like 1911s, but I don't love them.
There are advantages a double stack 1911 has over a CZ-75. Much better trigger, easier to make accurate, the ability to use the thumb safety as a "shelf" to ride on and help further mitigate recoil, natural pointability of the grip angle, etc. Plus in any caliber aside from 9mm, like .45ACP, the CZ-97B tops out at 10+1 rounds while my double stack 1911 has 15+1 rounds. Main disadvantage of the 1911 is capacity, but that's been fixed for decades now ever since Para Ordnance. And there is also the fact that a single stack is much thinner which makes it a bit easier to carry than girthier guns.
