Buying a Single-Stack 1911, but What Caliber?

[9mmepiphany]

David E -

Funny you should mention that. The M&P Pro is the pistol that I have now, and that I can't get acceptable accuracy out of.

Thanks to all who chimed in so far.

-C

You should have said something before

Drop a e-mail or call Randy or Scott at Apex Tactical

They even have an order into Bar-Sto for M&P barrels. They also have new some parts you might be able to talk them out of

 

[wsuguy04]

I've decided to go ahead with my plan to purchase an STI Trojan singlestack 1911. This won't be quite my first 1911, but it'll be the first one I plan to put a lot of rounds through.

Whatever gun I get, I plan to shoot it in USPSA Single Stack division, IDPA ESP or CDP division, Steel Challenge, as well as practice. I'll probably put close to 30,000 rounds through it in the first year. I'm buying the STI because I wasn't getting the accuracy I want out of my previous competition pistol, so I'm looking for 2" @ 25 yard mechanical accuracy as a minimum...

Where I'm hung up, is in selecting a caliber. I'm torn between getting a Trojan in 9x19, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP.

Option 1 - 9x19 shooting USPSA SS Minor, IDPA ESP
Pros: Cheap ammo, cheap reloading components. 9mm 1911s are wonderfully easy to shoot. I'm already set up to load 9mm, dies installed in the press, brass and bullets in the feed hoppers, load data well sorted out.
Cons: Can be tricky to get to run. In USPSA Single Stack, I'd have to shoot Minor PF (but I get two extra rounds in the magazine...)

Option 2 - .40 S&W shooting USPSA SS Major, IDPA ESP
Pros: Still very easy to shoot. My Limited gun is an STI .40, so it's likely that the two guns could share loads. I'm mostly set up to load .40, although I'd have to get a conversion kit for my bullet feeder. Major PF in everything.
Cons: Can still be tricky to get to run. More expensive ammo, to the tune of ~$950 for 30,000 rounds (over and above 9x19.) I've heard some conflicting reports about inadequate accuracy in the .40 1911s.

Option 3 - .45 ACP shooting USPSA SS Major, IDPA CDP
Pros: The most reliable cartridge in the 1911. Probably the most accurate cartridge, too. Major PF in everything.
Cons: Much more expensive ammo, to the tune of ~$2000 over 30,000 rounds (over and above 9mm.) I find the .45 ACP to be somewhat less shootable that the 9x19 or the .40, although 30,000 practice rounds will probably help with that.

Option 4 - Get a Glock 34. Seriously.
Pros: All the pros of the 9x19 STI, plus it's cheap and reliable as a stone axe.
Cons: No USPSA Single Stack (but I can shoot Production instead, which is fine.) Let's face it, the Glock isn't quite as nice to shoot as the 1911. Accuracy is a big ol' question mark.

So, I open this one up to the floor. I'm especially interested in accuracy and competition reports from people who already own 9x19 and .40 1911s.

Thanks all,
Chris

Option 5: 10 mm auto
- same capacity as a 40, near 41 mag power
- there are more ammo manufacturers these days (500 rounds of BVAC for $175)
- you'll get a lot of looks at the range!

 

[RobMoore]

You only need so much power to get through a cardboard target or knock down a popper.
10mm is overkill for the stated purpose from the post you quoted.

 

[Jed Carter]

I have both option 1 and 4, a Trojan STI Custom shop 9mm and a Glock G34. The Glock is an incredible shooter, cheap tough magazines and will outshoot all of my 9mm pistols except the STI. The only change I have made to the Glock was change the front and rear sights to Dawson Precision adjustable fiber optic with a .285 front. The STI is the softest shooting pistol I own, more accurate than I can imagine (I've shot many perfect stages with it since I got it in Sept.). The G34 is easier to do tactical reloads and the Wilson Combat 10 round ETM mags for the STI are around $32 each, if the trigger was as good as the STI the Glock would probably out shoot the Trojan. The only thing I've done to the Trojan is add a Wilson Combat magwell and I am testing the Wilson Shock Buffer (it seems to have way less recoil, if such a thing was possible). The Custom work was all cosmetic except the fiber optic front sight, I had STI delete the front serrations, and all the Trojan and STI graphics. A plain Jane steel and cardboard hosing monster, if I could only have one it would be the STI Trojan 9mm. With the ramped barrel it has run perfectly with close to 2K rounds since Sept.

 

[Ludlow]

Maybe one in .40 so you can swap it out with 357 SIG?

 

[One-Time]

its a 1911, the only answer is .45, otherwise theres plenty better option for 9mm and 40 cal in modern pistols

 

[wsuguy04]

that's what i get for skimming the post... in that case 45 is all i can recommend. the cost for the 40/9mm 1911's is not worth it, you might as well go polymer and get a HK, Glock, springfield, etc...

 

[Jed Carter]

Chris, Looks like not every poster read your requirements for an IPSC / IDPA pistol. Follow your gut, and go with your first choice. The only real benefit in competitions with the larger calibers is the grease ring may make a borderline miss a hit. As far as power factor is concerned, if you shoot all Alpha's the scoring is the same in IPSC! Let us in on your decision, and post some pictures.