M1911 for a self defense pistol?
- Thread starter Slamfire
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
It's my first choice.
That, or a S&W 625 .45 ACP wheel-gun that only holds six rounds.
If I can't get-R-done with 6 or 7 or 8 rounds & a reload mag or clip of .45, more of something smaller is unlikely to help.
rc
That, or a S&W 625 .45 ACP wheel-gun that only holds six rounds.
If I can't get-R-done with 6 or 7 or 8 rounds & a reload mag or clip of .45, more of something smaller is unlikely to help.
rc
essayons21
Member
Autoloaders are a passing fad
On the plus side, there is more than adequate power, and a high "fear factor". Most 1911 platforms are reliable, but some are not, so make sure of reliability (at least 200 rounds of the carry ammo out of each carry magazine) before carrying.
On the negative side, the guns are bulky and heavy, a holster is almost necessary, and not everyone can handle the recoil. As with any big and powerful gun, use will attract attention.
I know some folks carry them, and that other folks carry even bigger guns, but to me a concealed weapon should be concealed and that is difficult with a large gun.
Jim
On the negative side, the guns are bulky and heavy, a holster is almost necessary, and not everyone can handle the recoil. As with any big and powerful gun, use will attract attention.
I know some folks carry them, and that other folks carry even bigger guns, but to me a concealed weapon should be concealed and that is difficult with a large gun.
Jim
C-grunt
Member
If you shoot it well it will work well. It might not have the capacity of some of todays autos but it still launches a big slug accurately.
mcdonl
Member
Seems far fatched.
When changing from the Revolver in The Philippine Islands to the .45 Colt ACP, good idea, when you got it to work, now? Too big, too heavy, kicks too much, not enough capacity for all of the above!
Missing the safety catch sucks as well, I did, once, use Glocks now.
Other than that.
Fine.
Missing the safety catch sucks as well, I did, once, use Glocks now.
Other than that.
Fine.
dmazur
Member
While there are other platforms used in IDPA, the 1911 single stack used to be the most common.
If you "buy into" the whole idea of IDPA, course design is supposed to represent self-defense scenarios. The participants shoot the various stages for two reasons - 1) The fun of competition, and 2) To improve their self-defense skills.
Due to the bulk and weight of the 1911, many elect to carry something smaller, even though they use the 1911 in competition.
Others decry this practice, and the mantra "carry what you shoot" is heard.
Personally, I practice for IDPA, though I'm not what would be considered active. (I intend to become more active when I retire...) And I practice with a Commander-length 1911 in .45 ACP.
This is also what I carry, with a spare magazine.
Without actual self-defense experience to back it up, all I have is an opinion that this is not an obsolete or ineffective platform. And, that carrying what you practice with is a very good idea if you expect to be proficient with it under stress.
If you "buy into" the whole idea of IDPA, course design is supposed to represent self-defense scenarios. The participants shoot the various stages for two reasons - 1) The fun of competition, and 2) To improve their self-defense skills.
Due to the bulk and weight of the 1911, many elect to carry something smaller, even though they use the 1911 in competition.
Others decry this practice, and the mantra "carry what you shoot" is heard.
Personally, I practice for IDPA, though I'm not what would be considered active. (I intend to become more active when I retire...) And I practice with a Commander-length 1911 in .45 ACP.
This is also what I carry, with a spare magazine.
Without actual self-defense experience to back it up, all I have is an opinion that this is not an obsolete or ineffective platform. And, that carrying what you practice with is a very good idea if you expect to be proficient with it under stress.
SSN Vet
Member
Just read a post yesterday by a guy who was surprised to see that in the first magazine, he could shoot a friends 1911 better than the G19 he's owned for some time.
Why would a 1911 be irrelevant for self defense?
Self defense goes far beyond concealed carry. And even then, concealed carry decisions are driven by individual circumstances and usually involve some kind of compromise.
irrelevant??
whatever....
Why would a 1911 be irrelevant for self defense?
Self defense goes far beyond concealed carry. And even then, concealed carry decisions are driven by individual circumstances and usually involve some kind of compromise.
irrelevant??
whatever....
WoofersInc
Member
Choice number 1 for me. Carry a 1911 all the time. Only thing I will change will be barrel length since I have guns in 3, 4, and 5 inch.
texas bulldog
Member
wow. an entire thread of sarcasm. was the OP sarcastic too? it's hard to tell.
tomaz45
Member
I find it somewhat humorous that some "expert blogger's" would discount the fact that Clint Smith, Jim Wilson, and the late Jeff Cooper among so many othersall were and are carriers of the 1911. But what they and I carry is of little concern. The issue is "What you're willing to carry, train with, and can make go BANG everytime."
harmon rabb
Member
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i wonder if the military has ever toyed with such a radical concept. 
NMGonzo
Member
Ideally.
Most of my CC time is my Bersa .380 because I can conceal it easier.
The 1911 appeal is that I can use it for self defense without having to actually fire it at close range.
Most of my CC time is my Bersa .380 because I can conceal it easier.
The 1911 appeal is that I can use it for self defense without having to actually fire it at close range.
NMGonzo
Member
You are living my dream.
No, I was interested in what others think of the M1911 as a self defense weapon given the choices on the market.
A single stack 45 carries seven rounds with a standard magazine.
With today's high grip beavertails, lowering the hammer without dropping it, is chancey.
Which means you have to carry the thing cocked and locked. Something I don't like.
Cops and the military have done to double stack. Law enforcement has gone double action only in a lot of departments. Must be problems with the single action.
A fullsized steel M1911 is heavy.
And yet the M1911 is very popular in the civilian market.
Are that many people carrying the thing?
Guillermo
member
the 1911 is not nor has it ever been a reasonable self defense weapon.
darn...I almost got through that with a straight face
darn...I almost got through that with a straight face
essayons21
Member
Oh dear...
Are you sure you are not a troll?
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