1911. Still the best pistol ever made?

[Soulless]

Can't say I've ever had more issues with any 1911 I've owned, or still own... I have cleaned all but my 3" Kimber more than the rest, simply because I believe they deserve it.

My 3" Kimber Eclipse, I had cuts made in the frame rails for debris removal, and honestly have shot over 500 rounds in a day with it, in less than ideal conditions with no problems with any FTF.

Due I believe my XDs, Glocks, and HKs can take more abuse in combat and be reliable? Yeah... But I have no proof backing that up on my own. I do certainly trust my 1911s though.

I'm a cocked and locked person to the core, hence the reason I so eagerly await the new HK45, but still, no weapon will ever have the trigger of a fine 1911. That fact alone, keeps it a head above the competition in my mind. Say what you will about other trigger systems, and as much as I love my SA Custom Shop trigger job on my XD compact 45, it is still not the trigger of the 1911. I'm faster, and more accurate with it, and believe that everyone can be.

Ultimate Pistol? No... But the Glock is far from "Perfection" as well...

The 1911 an overrated, jamming, inaccurate, weapon? Please, I'll buy the ammo, come down to the range with me and I'll let you abuse my 1911s to prove you wrong.

 

[jpwilly]

1911's are by far my favorite pistol but that doesn't mean they are the best or the end all in pistols...here's mine:

 

[BullfrogKen]

These discussions are so subjective.


An understanding of what impact IPSC had on the handgunning world ought to tell you how robust the 1911 design is. A look at today's market, after the heyday of IPSC is gone, ought to tell you how much the 1911 design continues to survive.


At the time when IPSC was THE place for handgun manufacturers to make their mark, those companies tried to make something to compete with the 1911 design. In the 80's Smith and Wesson tried to attract nationally ranked competitors by providing them guns and ammo to use in their matches. New calibers were introduced for their guns (anyone remember 356 TSW?). And by no means was S&W alone in attempts to make their mark in that sport.

There existed significant motivation to switch from a 1911 pattern to using a gun and all the practice ammo provided by a sponsor. The other guns never caught on in IPSC. They were available; they were legal under the rules. They simply couldn't compete, and they couldn't last more than a full season. They quite literally wore out and fell apart from a season's use.


Competitors often remarked that a 1911 platform would last them well over 100,000 rounds. If these guys could find an advantage in another gun to give them the edge, they would have gravitated to it.


Fast forward 25 years. IPSC doesn't have the money, sponsorships, or market influence it enjoyed in the 1980's. All those companies, who could have very easily tooled up to produce a 1911 pattern then chose not to. They are instead doing it in this decade. For years companies that by management decision would have nothing to do with the 1911 are now making it. Taurus makes one now. So do these small, "budget" manufacturers like Daly. Considering that today Sig Sauer and Smith & Wesson tooled up to do it, especially when IPSC is a waning sport, ought to tell you something.


These manufacturers had much more compelling reasons to produce a 1911 then than they do now. They could have done it in the 60's and 70's to compete on military contracts. They didn't. They could have done it when police departments still would arm a cop with a 1911. No large department today would consider arming all its officers with a 1911.


If the gun design was dead, or outclassed by the newer guns, it wouldn't make much sense for these companies to decide to enter into the market. Hold whatever opinion you want about the design, but it takes a conscious effort to ignore how much the market still likes these guns, and is buying them.



This arguement can't be solved. Its a matter of opinion. But I guess if people didn't want to argue over matters of opinion, the internet boards would be lonely places.

 

[stevereno1]

I own a kimber classic custom series 1 and I love it! It is, however, 38 ounces unloaded, holds 7 rounds unless you get the wilson combat mags like me, or the chip McCormic mags. While not often, it does jam sometimes. I keep it clean and lubed, shoot the right ammo, and it jams (rarely). My g-17 has never jammed and I have over 4000 rounds through it. My g-27 never jams and I have 2000 rounds through it. the 1911 has a 2 piece feed ramp, and a weak internal extractor. As if these two facts weren't bad enough, the old magazines were crap. In closing, my opinon that the 1911 is not as reliable remains the same.