[Stan]

I'm new here and new to pistols in general. As soon as my permit clears I plan in buying a 1911 for target and self defense. I like the light single action trigger and the basic design. I've shot 4 different pistols and was surprised at how far superior the pull was on the 1911. The double actions seem much too difficult for target practice or competing. Since I admittedly know practically nothing about pistols in general I have a basic question.

If the single action 1911 is so popular for target shooting because of the single action design, why aren't more pistols available in this configuration? Am I missing something here? or are they available and I just don't know enough about what is out there. Should I be looking at other models as well?

 

[darkgael]

The popularity of the 1911 as a target gun has to do with more than the single action trigger. That fact that it was a successful military firearm, especially after WW2, when a lot of GIs came home and started to shoot didn't hurt. That was about the time when target shooters began the big transition from revolvers to autos.
Browning's design is easy to work on. As nice as the trigger that you experienced was, chances are that it can be made better; it was probably a stock trigger. It is a relatively easy gun to accurize - make the lockup of parts repeatable - as well as durable. A well done 1911 will put ten shots into two inches at 50 yds. if the shooter is up to the task.
Time has allowed for a truly vast number of aftermarket parts for the 1911. Virtually every part in the gun can be upgraded - though that is not needed as the original design was superior (Years ago, I sent my 1911 to the late George Madore, along with a new "match" barrel to install when he was accurizing the gun. He tested the stock barrel before installing the new one. His advice, which I took, was to send the match barrel back, it was not needed.).
Since the military switch to the Beretta 9mm years ago, the Army Marksmanship gunnies have done wonderful work getting that piece to shoot well in competition but the 1911 still dominates.
Pete

 

[Stan]

Thanks for the info. The aftermarket was another reason that I was interested in the 1911. To be honest though, the main reason I was interested in it was because I don't really know that much about pistols yet, and it doesn't like like I could go wrong with a 1911. I am already impressed with it's operation. I figure as I get more experienced I will be able to better assess other models. I'll keep my eye out for a Beretta 9mm to try.

Thanks

 

[huntswithdogs]

Stan,
I don't think I can add much to the other reply. A 1911 is one of the best feeling and pointing handguns out there. If you liked the feel of it, you'll judge al others by it. If you try one of the Berettas, you may find what I don't like...That fat grip just doesn't suit me. Therefore I won't own one.

Best advice is to get what feels best and fills your needs. If ya try to compromise you'll not be satisfied.

HWD

 

[wwb]

Plus, the Beretts has a DA/SA trigger.... and, due to the design, the SA trigger can not be made as good as the 1911.

When in SA mode, you need to release the trigger and allow it to travel about a quarter mile forward... then you have that quarter mile (okay, maybe I'm stretching things a little) of take-up.

Then, the SA release is not too bad... a little creepy, and with a fair amount of overtravel. Not sure what can be done about it.

 

[harper]

Then, the SA release is not too bad... a little creepy, and with a fair amount of overtravel. Not sure what can be done about it.

If this is the trigger you're talking about, the issue of over-travel would be rather simple to remedy. You could add a block inside of the trigger assembly that would prevent the linkage from moving beyond a certain point. Also, you could get a crisper trigger out of it by replacing the trigger linkage with one milled with the trigger pin hole forward of it's normal position. The crispest trigger you're going to get though, would be an electronic one, though you'd have to design an entire firearm around it...

 

[Stan]

huntswithdogs, your right, I’ve already been judging other guns by it. I was in the shop today and looked at a few. I must say I was surprised at how different every pistol felt. I would have thought that by now all the manufacture’s would have crept toward some common ground.

The 1911 still looks best for me. If all goes well in my life the only time I'll pull it out is at the range so that's going to control my purchase. I have found a local range that had a list of about 20 different guns to rent and I plan on trying them all before I buy. But, admittedly, I've already got my heart set on that 1911.

 

[robert]

Stan let me start by sayin this if your heart is set on the 1911 then buy it because if someone talks you into another weapon no matter how good of a weapon it is you will always tell yourself "Man I wish I would've bought a 1911" and you wont be able to appreciate your other guns One thing I've noticed around the range is that buying a weapon alot of times is not driven for what we need (cause lord knows most of us have enough guns to supply a whole company with firepower) Its all about what we want Trust me if you shoot any at all once you buy your first 1911 you will probably buy at least one more and then after a while you'll buy a polymer and you'll buy another one. You are about to embark on a journey that will of course cost you alot of money Of course then theres the wife "When did you get that gun? or Why do you need another gun?" and you'll say "OH! This gun? I've been having this one for a while. " but anyway all that said get a 1911 everyone who shoots has to have one you won't be disappointed.

 

[john1911]

Go ahead and buy a 1911. Save yourself the time and frustration of trying the other, inferior designs.

 

[Bunnyman]

You're all a bunch of Kool-aid drinkers.

Err...

1911s are indeed awesome. Just remember: there is a (albeit loose) correlation between level-of-customization and reliability, and the latter is paramount for self-defense. If you do something to it, make damn well sure it won't break at the wrong time or keep the gun from doing what it's supposed to.

So get two - one to play with, and one to leave stock for the nightstand/waistband. :twisted: