2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mr. Farknocker on October 14, 2011, 04:23:22 PM

Title: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Mr. Farknocker on October 14, 2011, 04:23:22 PM
I'm a newbie to the sport and recently picked up Glock for starters. Didn't pick it up because it’s better than a Sig or any other handgun in the looks or accuracy. I did it because it seemed to be a decent way to start for the money. While reading up on handguns before I purchased mine, I was intrigued by the cult-like following of the 1911 and wondered what made it one of the most popular models of all time. I mean the design IS over 100 years old and gun manufacturers have surely "improved" on ergonomics, weight, etc. using more "advanced" manufacturing techniques and materials. :P Is it the war history or the endless number of custom parts available? Is it because it’s so tough and versatile that you can hunt with it using one end and do carpentry with the other (all without a single cleaning of course)? Help me understand it. I’d love to become a member of the cult. :D
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Tom_G on October 14, 2011, 04:37:02 PM
The 1911 is, as you mentioned, a time-proven design.  Much like the AK-47, this is a firearm whose design is perfect.  It delivers excellent stopping power, is as reliable as any gun made, is capable of extreme accuracy, and is designed as a combat weapon.  True enough, some manufacturers have delivered "improvements," but they don't really count for much.  The original design is extremely well thought-through.  It can be operated entirely with one hand, can be completely disassembled with no tools (well, you need a screwdriver to get the grip panels off), and can even use en empty .45 case as a recoil spring plug.

I am not one to tinker, but many are, so I should also mention that there are so many after market parts and accessories that Brownell's has an entire catalog (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=23960/Product/1911-CATALOG) dedicated to the 1911.

I have a Rock Island Armory 1911 that I picked up new for about $400.  Love it!  And have outshot people with $2,000 Kimbers and such.  Be happy to let you shoot it some time.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Funtimes on October 14, 2011, 04:49:41 PM
In my experience, the 1911 does not come as "battle ready" as many other firearms.  More parts, less tolerances, imo = more opportunities for failure. Once you spend enough $$ though, you will have a really awesome machine.  I attribute it to be like the AK vs. AR.  Both are great guns for fighting, however, one will cost you  wayyyy more than the other.

FWIW - the military is looking at Glock, Sig, HK for their next handgun replacements.

Rolling back onto topic: I think the 1911 is popular because its a 'tuner' gun, and there are always upgrades when you have 70+ parts in a device (whereas glock only has like 33? (might be off a few)).
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Aegis808 on October 14, 2011, 04:51:53 PM
love the 1911 for it's classic looks and reliability.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Pit808 on October 14, 2011, 06:02:31 PM
Your story sounds very similar to mine....

I started with a 3rd gen glock 19.  I no longer have that pistol, but I do have 3 1911's.  Two in .45 and one in 9mm.  For me, the glock worked and worked well but never felt quite right.  Grip angle was weird, ergo's not that great, stock sights ok.  I bought it because I wanted ultimate reliability and simplicity.  I never shot it as well as I do 1911's (including shorter barreled versions). 

It all started the day I had a chance to shoot a friends 1911 at the 25yd KH pistol range, 7rds and one big ragged hole later, I was hooked.
The grip angle is just about perfect, the single stack fits my hand perfect, and the trigger pull makes these things so easy to shoot.

It took me a little time to accept the fact that I liked a 1911 more than my glock, but it is what it is.
Considering I'm probably not moving to the mainland.  10rd cap, 25yd range, no CCW, ect made my decision to sell my glock much easier.
I also have a M&P 9 now that I like alot more than the g19 I had, but it is not replacing any 1911's of mine.

Will you love the 1911 as much as so many others? maybe not.  But you owe it to yourself to try one out.

 :shaka:

Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: BananaClip on October 14, 2011, 06:20:38 PM
Good question..... I love the look of it.... Not to mention everything you guy's already mentioned.... I think if it was made in Germany or Russia people would still buy it..... 1911-2011 and still going..... It's also got a look that's timeless..... I got a PT1911 45acp, I don't have a "High Quality" one but it doesn't take much to float my boat....hehe ;D

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Teichi on October 14, 2011, 07:23:52 PM
The two reasons I shoot 1911...
1. You cannot shoot the .45 stage of a 2700 NRA course unless you have a .45 that meets the rules
2. You cannot shoot the Presidents Pistol Match at the National Matches at Camp Perry unless you have a service pistol that meets the rules

The 1911 is like a Harley. Glock and HK are BMW and KTM
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: vooduchikn on October 14, 2011, 07:28:34 PM
It has been around for ~100 years. Plenty of time to develop a cult following.

I own a 1911 and other semis. I like my 1911, but my glock has never jammed no matter what I fed it. Cannot say the same for my 1911.

Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: MantisClaw on October 14, 2011, 07:59:06 PM
Another thing to consider is that young shooters, like myself, have seen a proliferation of 1911s in almost every video game involving guns these days.  Same reason why the Desert Eagle remains as hyped among new comers.

I've tried 1911s.  I don't like them.  I much prefer Sig Sauer or Glocks but I'll probably get a USGI 1911 at some point as I can appreciate the history of the design.  Doesn't mean I'll take it to the range often. :P
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: 42itus on October 14, 2011, 08:45:03 PM
anytime you want to try, you're welcome to try mine.  then you'll end up buying one.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: crazy cat on October 14, 2011, 09:46:19 PM
The 1911 trigger comes straight back, without pivoting.  So it's easier to pull the trigger fast without moving the gun.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Teichi on October 14, 2011, 09:50:41 PM
Not many service pistols can be tuned to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards.(http://)

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: 2aHawaii on October 15, 2011, 03:54:08 AM
I gotta admit, I want to get a 1911 too, but it's not high on my priorities. They are kind of like f150 trucks, you can get a cheap no frills model all the way to the high end custom.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Heavies on October 15, 2011, 04:22:27 AM
 :worship: :worship: :worship:
 
(http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af127/heaviescc/photo-82.jpg) (http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af127/heaviescc/photo-82.jpg)
 
:worship: :worship: :worship:
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Kingkeoni on October 15, 2011, 08:38:46 AM
Not many service pistols can be tuned to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards.(http://)

Never been a real big fan of the 1911 platform.

I know there are some great ones but I've personally seen more malfunctions with 1911's than with Glocks.


 I have a Glock 22 that I can shoot 3" groups with at 50 yards.

I take it to the plinking range and knock down the bolts at the 50 yard mark.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Echo5Alpha on October 15, 2011, 09:41:55 AM
It has been around for ~100 years. Plenty of time to develop a cult following.

I own a 1911 and other semis. I like my 1911, but my glock has never jammed no matter what I fed it. Cannot say the same for my 1911.

I'm in the same boat.  My Springfield 1911 SS Loaded was my first handgun, but as soon as I bought my Glock17 Gen4 it became my instant favorite.  There's still hope for my 1911, I've been told I need to perfect my shooting skills.  Some of the elders at the range have offered similar advice.  "Work with a 1911 first and it will improve your shooting with other firearms" is what I've been told.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Aegis808 on October 15, 2011, 05:45:16 PM
I'd be willing to say this is a much better reason to why i love the 1911

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Teichi on October 15, 2011, 05:50:26 PM
Not many service pistols can be tuned to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards.(http://)

Never been a real big fan of the 1911 platform.

I know there are some great ones but I've personally seen more malfunctions with 1911's than with Glocks.


 I have a Glock 22 that I can shoot 3" groups with at 50 yards.

I take it to the plinking range and knock down the bolts at the 50 yard mark.

Talk is cheap. NRA regional is 29-30 Oct at Koko Head. The .45 Match is Sunday morning.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: jc2721 on October 15, 2011, 06:26:22 PM
In the old days before Kimber and Springfield Armory you did have to put a lot of time and $$$ into fixing up a 1911 to make it shoot well.  Now, you can walk into your LGS and buy any number of 1911's that feature and the bells and whistles.  Try one (you've received offers, take them up on it) and you might end up joining the "cult" as you put it.  One of the nice things about the 1911 is that you can pimp it out anyway you want--your budget is the only limiting factor.  You can get lightweight frames, short or long slides, fixed or adj. sights, any finish imaginable, your choice of grips (I'm partial to genuine ivory) and all of the other parts--barrels, hammers, triggers, etc.  You could probably put together thousands of different combinations/configurations and get exactly what you want. 

The Glock is a fine weapon, but there's not much you can do to customize it, as compared to the 1911.  If you shoot the Glock well, and like it, that's fine.  Try the 1911 and see if it's for you.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Tom_G on October 15, 2011, 10:01:29 PM
I've been on the firing line a long time, well over 30 years.  Shot a lot of guns, watched a lot of other people shoot a lot more guns.  And, while I am not disputing anyone's personal experience, I feel I can authoritatively say:  semi-autos malfunction.  Period, end of story.  I've seen Sigs, Glocks, and Berettas malfunction.  Misfeeds, stovepipes, failures to fire, failures to extract, and double feeds.  Yes, I've even seen (and had) 1911s malfunction.  And, based solely on my personal experience, they all malfunction at more-or-less the same rate.  So, if you figure in the whole "Glocks have half as many moving parts" thing, then technically, they malfunction twice as often!  ;)  Honestly, though, I have won a pistol competition because a competitor's Glock malfunctioned.

My point, though, is that all semis malfunction.  Anyone who tries to sell you on a platform with the "it doesn't malfunction" line either hasn't shot enough, is experiencing selective recall, or is trying to sell you a gun. 

Unless, of course, we're talking about revolvers  :)
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Colt808 on October 15, 2011, 10:35:16 PM
I've been on the firing line a long time, well over 30 years.  Shot a lot of guns, watched a lot of other people shoot a lot more guns.  And, while I am not disputing anyone's personal experience, I feel I can authoritatively say:  semi-autos malfunction.  Period, end of story.  I've seen Sigs, Glocks, and Berettas malfunction.  Misfeeds, stovepipes, failures to fire, failures to extract, and double feeds.  Yes, I've even seen (and had) 1911s malfunction.  And, based solely on my personal experience, they all malfunction at more-or-less the same rate.  So, if you figure in the whole "Glocks have half as many moving parts" thing, then technically, they malfunction twice as often!  ;)  Honestly, though, I have won a pistol competition because a competitor's Glock malfunctioned.

My point, though, is that all semis malfunction.  Anyone who tries to sell you on a platform with the "it doesn't malfunction" line either hasn't shot enough, is experiencing selective recall, or is trying to sell you a gun. 

Unless, of course, we're talking about revolvers  :)
Glad you added that part...My 686 has never failed to go bang in the 22 years I've had it.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Tom_G on October 15, 2011, 11:09:33 PM
<snip>
Unless, of course, we're talking about revolvers  :)
Glad you added that part...My 686 has never failed to go bang in the 22 years I've had it.

I can say the same about many of my revolvers.  And none of my semis. 
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Teichi on October 15, 2011, 11:24:40 PM
I prefer revolvers. I shoot autos for work and sport. Rifles are what I do best.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: 230RN on October 16, 2011, 02:26:16 PM
Quote
well, you need a screwdriver to get the grip panels off

Actually, the original design allowed for the rim of the cartridge case to remove the grip panels.  In the original, you will note that those screw slots are curved down inside to allow for the cartridge rim to be used as a screwdriver.  The screw studs themselves are not designed to be removed, and are sort of halfway staked in.  To my knowledge, only the ejector and front sight are completely unremovable, being staked on, as is the trigger to the trigger yoke or bar.  The rear sight is a wringing fit in the dovetail for adjustment.

Quote
In my experience, the 1911 does not come as "battle ready" as many other firearms.

Depends on what you mean by "battle ready."  If you mean it needs to be tricked out with three-dot adjustable sights and tuned up and tightened and cleaned and oiled lovingly every day for your personal "battle" carry arm, it is not. 

If you mean bust open a crate with your machete and take one out of the crate on Iwo Jima, drop it in the salt mud, and fire it as is for weeks on end, it is.

A parts count for the original indicates 62 of 'em, if I counted right.  That includes the mag, spring, and follower of one magazine, and all the parts in the mainspring housing, which is not meant to be field strippable, but rather replaced as one part.

For those having interest, the original factory drawings for all its parts are available at
 
http://www.loesch.org/~arviel/1911.zip (http://www.loesch.org/~arviel/1911.zip) 

This is about a 4 mB zipped pdf file.

One reason bullseye shooters like it is because the bigger bullet results in higher scores.  Consider a 9mm round hitting the target  1/2 of .355" = 0.1775" inches plus 0.0485 inches away from a scoring ring.  It would be counted as the next lower score.  But a .45 hitting the exact same spot would touch the scoring ring and be counted at the higher score.  Sometimes just that one extra point can be a tie-breaker, as you ring-shooters know.

Add 0.001" if you're shooting a .38 at .357" diameter. :)

As a frivolous further illustration, if you hit anywhere on the paper with the center of a 16" naval rifle shell, it would be counted as in the X-ring.  Gives new meaning to the expression "Cleaned the stage," eh, wot?
(http://gunrightsmedia.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)


Terry, 230RN
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Tom_G on October 16, 2011, 04:41:06 PM
Quote
well, you need a screwdriver to get the grip panels off

Actually, the original design allowed for the rim of the cartridge case to remove the grip panels.  In the original, you will note that those screw slots are curved down inside to allow for the cartridge rim to be used as a screwdriver. 


You know, I had noticed that on my Dad's Ithaca (now my Ithaca).  I wondered what the reason was.  Yay!  It's an even BETTER gun than I had thought!!
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Tom_G on October 16, 2011, 04:44:08 PM
Quote
In my experience, the 1911 does not come as "battle ready" as many other firearms.

Depends on what you mean by "battle ready."  If you mean it needs to be tricked out with three-dot adjustable sights and tuned up and tightened and cleaned and oiled lovingly every day for your personal "battle" carry arm, it is not. 

If you mean bust open a crate with your machete and take one out of the crate on Iwo Jima, drop it in the salt mud, and fire it as is for weeks on end, it is.

^^^THAT
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: tundah on October 16, 2011, 05:20:02 PM
Not many service pistols can be tuned to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards.(http://)

Never been a real big fan of the 1911 platform.

I know there are some great ones but I've personally seen more malfunctions with 1911's than with Glocks.


 I have a Glock 22 that I can shoot 3" groups with at 50 yards.

I take it to the plinking range and knock down the bolts at the 50 yard mark.

Talk is cheap. NRA regional is 29-30 Oct at Koko Head. The .45 Match is Sunday morning.

Yo Teichi, I've never shot competitively, nor do I know anything about shooting competitively. How much of winning in competition is dependent on equipment? In other words assuming that I'm a decent shot, could I show up at the .45 match with my no frills sig p220 and expect to make a respectable showing?
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Kingkeoni on October 16, 2011, 05:24:31 PM
Not many service pistols can be tuned to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards.(http://)

Never been a real big fan of the 1911 platform.

I know there are some great ones but I've personally seen more malfunctions with 1911's than with Glocks.


 I have a Glock 22 that I can shoot 3" groups with at 50 yards.

I take it to the plinking range and knock down the bolts at the 50 yard mark.

Talk is cheap. NRA regional is 29-30 Oct at Koko Head. The .45 Match is Sunday morning.
How much of winning in competition is dependent on equipment?

^ This.

The reality if if someone has a scoped pistol vs a bone stock pistol with generally similar skills, the better equipment wins.
Thats why they created classes in shooting competitions.

Talk is cheap, good equipment is expensive.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Funtimes on October 16, 2011, 05:41:40 PM
Quote
In my experience, the 1911 does not come as "battle ready" as many other firearms.

Depends on what you mean by "battle ready."  If you mean it needs to be tricked out with three-dot adjustable sights and tuned up and tightened and cleaned and oiled lovingly every day for your personal "battle" carry arm, it is not. 

If you mean bust open a crate with your machete and take one out of the crate on Iwo Jima, drop it in the salt mud, and fire it as is for weeks on end, it is.

^^^THAT

We can agree to disagree. There are reasons most people and organizations are NOT using 1911's as their secondary. It was good.... it's good when you drop $$$ in it, but for a standard issue gun -- not worth it imo.
Out of the shooting I have done in the last year, EVERY malfunction has been a 1911. (except for my stupid walther p22, which lately likes to FTE *** wtf S&W?? ***)
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Teichi on October 17, 2011, 01:36:45 AM
A bad driver in a Ferrari is still a bad driver. Good equipment can never compensate for bad technique.

My most prestigeous matches are international competitions with rack service rifles and pistols. The winners get to go home alive. I figure that better training is the reason we are not speaking German or Russian. I shoot M16A2 and M9 because they are the weapons that my job says I have to use against all enemies - both foreign and domestic.

Talk is cheap. If a Glock, SIG, HK, and a 1911 all shot 3" groups at 50yards, then the guy with the best skill should win.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Funtimes on October 17, 2011, 02:27:14 AM
A bad driver in a Ferrari is still a bad driver. Good equipment can never compensate for bad technique.

My most prestigeous matches are international competitions with rack service rifles and pistols. The winners get to go home alive. I figure that better training is the reason we are not speaking German or Russian. I shoot M16A2 and M9 because they are the weapons that my job says I have to use against all enemies - both foreign and domestic.

Talk is cheap. If a Glock, SIG, HK, and a 1911 all shot 3" groups at 50yards, then the guy with the best skill should win.

Do units who have unlimited incomes, use 1911?
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Teichi on October 17, 2011, 06:23:08 AM
1911's are still in Army, Air Force, Mariine and Navy inventories. Most are used for marksmanship competition. Some special units still use it as a duty weapon. Not many people know how to fix them anymore. It's easier to replace. Safety levers work different than M9. Down for M9 is SAFE. Down for 1911 is fire. This is why I cringe when a newbie Service Member wants to buy a 1911.

Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Echo5Alpha on October 17, 2011, 07:36:15 AM
A bad driver in a Ferrari is still a bad driver. Good equipment can never compensate for bad technique.

My most prestigeous matches are international competitions with rack service rifles and pistols. The winners get to go home alive. I figure that better training is the reason we are not speaking German or Russian. I shoot M16A2 and M9 because they are the weapons that my job says I have to use against all enemies - both foreign and domestic.

Talk is cheap. If a Glock, SIG, HK, and a 1911 all shot 3" groups at 50yards, then the guy with the best skill should win.

Do units who have unlimited incomes, use 1911?

I know MARSOC uses them.  I'm pretty sure other SOCOM teams use them as well.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: GZire on October 17, 2011, 09:07:03 AM
Some things to think about when looking at a 1911.

Everyone says that you need to put money into them to make them reliable.  Consider that there are just an incredible amount of people who make the 1911.  I'm talking not just large manufacturers, but mom and pop operations out of their garages.  There are 1911's that run from GI to race guns.  How reliable do you think a Sig, HK, Glock would be if you have all these people making parts for them?  How reliable when you don't even use the same parts from a single manufacturer to put the pistol together (so those that talk about AR15's.....those are to a mil spec, the 1911 is not)?

The design is often disparaged because it's old.  The Ma Deuce is old as is the AK47, yet who dings those two designs that are widely used today?  Heck the Glock is getting pretty long in the tooth by that argument as well.

Speaking of these old field guns, lets not forget that you usually take tolerance away to make those guns more reliable.  First thing people do when they get their 1911 is usually try to make the tolerances even tighter. 

I just bought my first 1911 this year.  I got quite a good deal because I think the former owner had more money than time/knowledge.  The magazine was contributing to some issues with the pistol and it was extremely obvious.  These same people will blame the gun when this is the same case with any gun be it a Glock, HK, Sig, AR15, AK47.



Anyhow for me.........I like the 1911 trigger, I feel it's the best out there right now.  I like the 45 acp round and being in Hawaii with the ammo cap, I have no reason to shift from the round.  I've been a Sig guy since forever, but I have issues reaching the trigger, transitioning from the DA/SA at distance for the first shot/follow up, and I wanted something that the grip would be more something I like for size.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: 230RN on October 17, 2011, 09:19:18 AM
<moderately off-topic side note>

Quote
Thats why they created classes in shooting competitions.

Yeah, but.  I quit shooting in Handgun Metallic Silhouette competition "Factory" class because I was using my Honest-To-Gawd-straight-from-the-factory S&W 19 field sidearm per the rules.  Which I actually carried, in a holster, all over the Grasslands and mountains.

I was always in the middle of the pack on the scoring sheet back at the range shack and quit when I realized why.

The "Rules" can always be bent.  Too many of the competitors were using Buck Rogers super-dooper tricked out guns with enhanced sight radii and lapped bores and the like which you couldn't even get into a holster.

Yup.  They were legitimately "factory" guns.  From some little bona-fide "factories" which produced maybe 10 specially-made guns a year.

But they were out of the box "factory-made," hence their guns were "legal" to shoot in the "factory" class.

For a couple of matches after that, I shot only against myself, realizing full well that the trophies would always go to the other "factory" gunners, and that I'd never be able to consistently break the middle-of-the-list barrier against "factory" guns like that. For one or two matches where everything went right and I hadn't had any coffee that morning, I got maybe 3/4 up the list.

<grumble>

I guess Rules are made to be wiggled around.

</moderately off-topic side note>

Terry "Sour Grapes," 230RN <grumble, grumble>

Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Kingkeoni on October 17, 2011, 09:28:53 AM
<moderately off-topic side note>

Quote
Thats why they created classes in shooting competitions.

Yeah, but.  I quit shooting in Handgun Metallic Silhouette competition "Factory" class because I was using my Honest-To-Gawd-straight-from-the-factory S&W 19 field sidearm per the rules.  Which I actually carried, in a holster, all over the Grasslands and mountains.

I was always in the middle of the pack on the scoring sheet back at the range shack and quit when I realized why.

The "Rules" can always be bent.  Too many of the competitors were using Buck Rogers super-dooper tricked out guns with enhanced sight radii and lapped bores and the like which you couldn't even get into a holster.

Yup.  They were legitimately "factory" guns.  From some little bona-fide "factories" which produced maybe 10 specially-made guns a year.

But they were out of the box "factory-made," hence their guns were "legal" to shoot in the "factory" class.

For a couple of matches after that, I shot only against myself, realizing full well that the trophies would always go to the other "factory" gunners, and that I'd never be able to consistently break the middle-of-the-list barrier against "factory" guns like that.

<grumble>

I guess Rules are made to be wiggled around.

</moderately off-topic side note>

Terry "Sour Grapes," 230RN <grumble, grumble>

So what you're saying is in a real life competition, the guys with the superior equipment won?

That's incredible...
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Tom_G on October 17, 2011, 09:49:38 AM
I'm a newbie to the sport and recently picked up Glock for starters. Didn't pick it up because it’s better than a Sig or any other handgun in the looks or accuracy. I did it because it seemed to be a decent way to start for the money. While reading up on handguns before I purchased mine, I was intrigued by the cult-like following of the 1911 and wondered what made it one of the most popular models of all time. I mean the design IS over 100 years old and gun manufacturers have surely "improved" on ergonomics, weight, etc. using more "advanced" manufacturing techniques and materials. :P Is it the war history or the endless number of custom parts available? Is it because it’s so tough and versatile that you can hunt with it using one end and do carpentry with the other (all without a single cleaning of course)? Help me understand it. I’d love to become a member of the cult. :D

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention... the instant you start to talk about the 1911, you start a war.  Welcome to the cult!
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: 230RN on October 17, 2011, 12:34:44 PM
Quote
So what you're saying is in a real life competition, the guys with the superior equipment won?

<grumble grumble>  Yeah, but I'd like to see them try to put those Zoomar guns to use anyplace but on the firing line.... "superior" only there.

<grump> <grouse> <grumble>

At unknown ranges, where yer  makes yer guess as to distance and holds up yer front sight just soooo far...

<growf>

That's a problem I do have with the 1911.  The sights are too small for up-sight-holding for lobbing bullets at longer ranges.  Yeah, it's a close range last-ditch personal protection weapon for battle areas, but you have to sort of center the whole front of the slide on the rear sight and sit the target on top of the almost-invisible front sight if you're going to do any "artillery-type" work with it, which is useless except for just plain ole fun-fun and maybe, stretching it, covering or supressive fire.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: mokeanne on October 17, 2011, 10:02:03 PM
i like it for the trigger and grip as well. i learned on glocks, but once i got to shoot the single stack it was instant love.  :love:

i got to shoot a friend's, after that i knew i wanted one.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: colorado_shooter_dh on October 18, 2011, 01:13:05 PM
I have Glocks, S&W's, Berettas, and more.... Some make me look better than others at practical pistol but it is usually me, the shooter when the target has large spaces b/t the holes, lol. I have 2 1911's, but VERY recently got a Kimber Raptor II (since I moved to Hawaii, btw). I took it back home in July for my mainland trip, and I CCW'd this pistol while back there.... not only does it look good, feel good, smell good, etc but took it out to shoot twice. OMFG, what a nice shooting pistol. Never thought I'd want a big 1911 for CCW but this is my newestest, bestest, most favoritestes pistol I own. 1911 is king in my book, at least for now!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Mr. Farknocker on October 18, 2011, 03:30:32 PM
I think accuracy, looks, weight, feel and number of aftermarket parts is a contributing factor toward the growth of the cult. However, all things considered, if  I  had to guess as to what the most important factor contributing to the 1911's popularity is, I'd have to say that its become as popular as it is because it had tremendous exposure, being the side arm of choice for the military from 1911 to 1985, and the production and distribution of literally thousands of these sidearms over three-quarters of a century .  The US military's use of the sidearm for 75 years has created almost three generations of service members who have been exposed to this firearm. IMO,  familiarity and working knowledge about the gun's design and operation would  naturally create an affinity towards the firearm. If I was in the military and exposed to the 1911, I would certainly have put the 1911 on my short list as a first time buyer. 
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Cougar8045 on October 18, 2011, 03:38:44 PM
^^^This.  It's an iconic and historic design; you can have a functional copy of the gun that fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and elsewhere, and it's a reliable semi-automatic pistol to boot.  It's full of history and tradition without being so outdated as to be a liability in a shootout like a Colt Peacemaker would be, for example.  Added to the reliability is the option of getting an all-stainless model with exotic grip panels, and you've got a hell of a nice full-dress, open-carry-to-a-fancy-restaurant, self-defense gun.  That's a lot for any one other pistol to beat: It's near the top of the list for all of the following- reliability, history, looks, and function.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Tom_G on October 18, 2011, 05:05:16 PM
...and the production and distribution of literally thousands...

Try millions.  Millions, I say!!!
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Mr. Farknocker on October 18, 2011, 05:09:15 PM
...and the production and distribution of literally thousands...

Try millions.  Millions, I say!!!

I stand corrected. As Carl Sagan used to say...."Billions and billions...."
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Mr. Farknocker on October 18, 2011, 05:10:11 PM

Double post.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: JonBones808 on October 20, 2011, 03:08:05 PM
You can do so much with a 1911.  Countless of upgrades and options.
Title: Re: What with the 1911 Cult?
Post by: Vbc on April 14, 2018, 03:30:42 PM
And I’m just a casual shooter...25 yds