Posted: 2/2/2009 7:00:05 PM EDT
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I am no longer truly "1911sforever". I am now carrying an S&W M&P45c. Yes, I still believe in the One True Caliber, but my 1911s are in the safe.
A couple of things drove this decision. First, I was teaching a class and fouled a draw stroke...and missed the thumb safety! That had never happened before. (Which is what I sometimes tell the girls...) Next, I was looking at moving to appendix carry in order to expand my concealment clothing options. Experimenting with the 1911 in that mode led to painful and persistent contact with the hammer. Finally, there was a financial consideration. I would buy a 1911 for $850...and then spend $400 or so on replacement parts. (I don't like MIM.) Then I have to pay a gunsmith to fit my new parts. Eventually my $850 gun would cost over $1500! And then there is maintenance and upkeep. It has been said that the 1911 is an aficiandos gun, and I have to agree. So, all of this led me to the M&P. I only have a few thousand rounds through the gun, but I appreciate the way it points and the reliabilty has been spot on. I am still working past the problem of the gun not having a positive trigger reset...sometimes during rapid strings I short stroke the trigger. Also, I did replace the sights with the Heinie Ledge...better sight picture and far superior for one handed manipulation. Don't get me wrong...I still believe that a properly set up 1911 is a fine defensive firearm, but for now I've moved on with a little melancholy regret. |
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I know quite a few die-hard 1911 guys (and gals) who have been "converted" while attending our intermediate level handgun course. Not being able to disengage the safety when you need to fire NOW is an eye opening experience. Multiple stoppages are easily the number "2" reason.
Thanks for posting your experience. Randy |
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Quoted:
I know quite a few die-hard 1911 guys (and gals) who have been "converted" while attending our intermediate level handgun course. Not being able to disengage the safety when you need to fire NOW is an eye opening experience. Multiple stoppages are easily the number "2" reason. Thanks for posting your experience. Randy There was a lot more going on with that draw stroke. I had changed from an "open" cover garment to a polo shirt that was probably a bit too tight. (Crossfit!) The shirt caught on the butt of the gun and I just fumbled the safety manipulation. (Grip safety is professionally pinned in.) First time in thousands of draw strokes and dozens of courses that happened, but there it is. I'm still experimenting with the beast. (When reholstering my thumb still sweeps up to engage a non-existent thumb safety.) I really need to do some distance work with the M&P to make sure that I haven't just traded one problem for another. |