Posted: 9/6/2004 1:46:01 PM EDT
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Currently I have standardized all handguns on 9mm and .22. 1 Walther P22, 1 Ruger 22 pistol, 1 Beretta 92fs, 1 Glock 26, 1 HK P7M8. I've noticed the Marines, LAPD, and several other organizations have been purchaseing .45 1911's. Is this something we should all pay attention to? I look at what is available from Glock, HK P2000, Sig, nice guns, yet those organizations chose a technologically updated version of an old pistol design. What are your thoughts? Keep all the 9's. Get rid of one 9 and replace with a .45? Keep all the 9's and add a .45? Thanks, |
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I wouldn't get too worked up over it. You have a good selection of guns, I think practice and training with what you have should come before running out and getting the latest greatest gun that some super ninja military/swat team uses. A lot of the big shot gun trainer guys recommend 1911s because of the effectiveness of 45acp and easy to use single action trigger, despite that I don't own one and mostly carry a glock. My pistol shooting (and I would guess most people below the Seal super commando types) has a long way to go before the difference between a Glock 21 and a 1911 (if any) comes into play. PERSONALLY the 1911s I have seen still lack in the reliability department compared to Glocks, and other more modern designs. I still see guys at the range clearing jams etc. |
| I've owned a number of different 1911's of various makers and most have been reliable. My Colts have all been very reliable and are one of the few makes of pistols that I've never had to send back for repair due to failure. On the other hand, my Glock 17 had to go back to the factory twice due to failing to fire when the trigger was pulled rendering the gun useless. The 1911's I've had the most trouble with and seen others have problems with have been the souped up guns. The closer to stock you stay, the more reliable they seem to be, at least for me anyways. |
| If you have the money to purchase a semi custom or proven custom 1911, worries about reliability should be a non issue. If you purchase a factory pistol, upgrades or not, your chances are good with the top shelf brands but you still might get the lemon. Within the last two weeks of shooting I've seen more glocks fail than any other gun. To be fair I have seen more glocks being shot than any other gun with the 1911 running a close second. Find one you like and practice with it. Glock, 1911, whatever, and if it will not run reliably, sell it and start over. |
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Don't sell any of your 9mm's. You'll probably regret it. Not because you'd be unhappy with a .45 but if they are guns you like, you'll never replace them for the kind of money you sell them for. I'd strongly recommend a Colt model 1991A1. They are damn good, and no more expensive than the Glock. Mine has been superbly reliable, and every bit as accurate as my much more expensive kimber cutom II gold match. If you have more money to spend, and you like the polymer guns have a look at the HK USP45F. I certainly like mine. A Springfield Mil Spec might be a good way to start as well. |
You may want to consider a SIG P220 then...and consider selling the Beretta. |
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If you are referring to BRAND of .45 (LAPD SWAT Uses Kimber) vs HK or whatever, then Kimber is a fine brand to go with in a 1911. But if you are referring to which LEO Agencies use .45s, then yes, HK, Glock, and Sigs are all also used by LEOs. Here in Fla, the County Sheriff's office where my brother lives (Clay County) issue weapon is a Glock 21 (.45 cal). They originally used the Glock 10mm but the county switched due to cost of ammo. But there are also LEO agencies that issue/approve HKs and Sigs too... they just dont get the press that the Kimber 1911 has gotten. The Kimber 1911 is a very fine choice... but so is an HK USP .45, Glock 21, and Sig P220. All full size .45s. Personally if this is your FIRST .45, I would reccomend the Sig P220. |
You will do what you practice. If you don't practice your draw then you are correct you are not going to remember to do it. |
I only have Glocks for carry guns, but I wouldn't worry about the hammer and safety on a 1911. Most rifles and shotguns are carried in the same condition as a 1911, with the hammer cocked an safety on, but you can't SEE the hammer, I guess. I've (knock on wood) never shot at anyone, but I've shot (or at least shot at  ) just about every other creature you can legally blow holes for nearly 30 years and personally I have never failed to swipe the safety off on a gun before firing, even guns that I had borrowed. I have seen it happen a few times with other people, but I honestly don't think a "gun guy" (i.e. someone who posts here) who is going to fiddle with and draw/dry fire the gun 1000s of time for fun, er practice, is going to fail to disengage the safety.I still say the difference between glocks/1911s from a practical standpoint is exaggerated, though I have seen guys who have trouble with double action/single action guns like Berettas and Sigs. |
Uh, I dont have a berettahave |