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. 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.

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 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.

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)).

love the 1911 for it's classic looks and reliability.

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.

 

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

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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

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.

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.

anytime you want to try, you're welcome to try mine.  then you'll end up buying one.

The 1911 trigger comes straight back, without pivoting.  So it's easier to pull the trigger fast without moving the gun.

Not many service pistols can be tuned to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards.

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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.

 
 

 

Not many service pistols can be tuned to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards.

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.

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.

I'd be willing to say this is a much better reason to why i love the 1911

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Quote from: Teichi on October 14, 2011, 09:50:41 PM

Not many service pistols can be tuned to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards.

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.

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.

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