I am not a big fan of the 1911 and i know that does not make me very popular among some of you. However i went to the gun shop the other day and saw a S&W 1911pd black with the crimson trace grip. I was not too impressed with the laser but the feel of that gun i liked alot. I guess they come in different set up's. The one i saw was the commander size and i just fell in love. So this brings me to my question. I am a huge glock fan and was there to see the 21sf but the S&W gave me second thought's. I know what you are going to say "do not compare a glock to a 1911". But being the huge glock fan i am i have to ask myself which one would i be happier with? I am not rich by any means and would like to have both one day but for now what should i get? And if anyone has any pictures of theres please share. I love them both.
The only 1911 I ever liked?
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Well, I prefer blondes, but I met this really cute brunette, I realize you can't compare blondes and brunettes, but the feel of that brunette I liked *alot*. I guess they come in different setups. The brunette I saw was commander sized, and I just fell in love. SO this brings me to my question. I'm a huge blonde fan, and really enjoy looking at blondes, but can those of you who don't know me or anything about me tell me which I will be happier with?
And you can't have pictures of my blondes or brunettes...
Hmph.
And you can't have pictures of my blondes or brunettes...
Hmph.
I think he meant something to the effect of:
Try them both out (no one will think any less of you
) that's really the only way you'll know which you like better. Hum..unless you take some video of you using both, then post it here and then ask which video you look happier in. (NOTE: I don't recommend this method for the blond/brunette thing)
If that's not what MRCPU meant, I failed as a soothsayer. However, I'd tell you that.
Try them both out (no one will think any less of you
) that's really the only way you'll know which you like better. Hum..unless you take some video of you using both, then post it here and then ask which video you look happier in. (NOTE: I don't recommend this method for the blond/brunette thing)If that's not what MRCPU meant, I failed as a soothsayer. However, I'd tell you that.
ugaarguy
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Please allow me to repeat myself and others. Which gun fits your hand?
Go back to the gun shop and get them side by side. Is one gun too big or too small for your hands? Can you reach the controls easily with minimal shifting of your firing grip?
Now, triple check that chambers are empty. Find something on the wall that's safe to point them at. Grab gun #1, close your eyes, point at target, open eyes. Repeat for gun #2. Which gun's sights were aligned, or most closely aligned, on the target when you opened your eyes? If one was really close to on that's the gun you want. If both were way off, repeat the process with other guns until you find one that fits and points naturally for you.
Both are great guns, but they are entirely different in grip angle, and overall grip size. If the Glock grip angle points naturally for you but the G21SF's grip is still too big, stick with or go to a full or mid size 9mm/40/357 Glock. If the 1911 points naturally but the grip is too small change grips to fit, look at double stack 1911s, other double stack autos with similar grip angle, etc - you get the idea.
I've done this drill under advice of other members here and it's lead to guns that work very well for me. Have fun with the selection process.
Go back to the gun shop and get them side by side. Is one gun too big or too small for your hands? Can you reach the controls easily with minimal shifting of your firing grip?
Now, triple check that chambers are empty. Find something on the wall that's safe to point them at. Grab gun #1, close your eyes, point at target, open eyes. Repeat for gun #2. Which gun's sights were aligned, or most closely aligned, on the target when you opened your eyes? If one was really close to on that's the gun you want. If both were way off, repeat the process with other guns until you find one that fits and points naturally for you.
Both are great guns, but they are entirely different in grip angle, and overall grip size. If the Glock grip angle points naturally for you but the G21SF's grip is still too big, stick with or go to a full or mid size 9mm/40/357 Glock. If the 1911 points naturally but the grip is too small change grips to fit, look at double stack 1911s, other double stack autos with similar grip angle, etc - you get the idea.
I've done this drill under advice of other members here and it's lead to guns that work very well for me. Have fun with the selection process.
hemiram
Member
I would take the Glock, but it's not a gun I would ever buy, I'm not a fan of poly guns anyways, but the Glocks don't "grab" me any more than 1911s do.
Besides, the 1911 grip doesn't fit my hand at all. a CZ 75 type grip is much better.
I don't get the prices on 1911's at all. My friend has several $1500+ 1911's and they all have some issues with feeding hollowpoint ammo, grip, etc. My feeling is I can buy 3 really nice used guns for the price of one of his touchy toys. If one of those guns is picky about how it's held, or has F2F issues, it's gone. Right now, I would trust my life to all but one of my guns, and that one isn't really broke in yet, so I reserve judgement on it at this point. My 2 Dan Wesson revolvers are totally reliable of course, and my "cheap" Eaa Witness 45 and really "cheap" used Astra A-75 have been absolutely rock solid. The witness has about 1000 through it, with zero misfires, with all kinds of ammo, and the Astra has had about 250 rounds through it, and it's running everything. Neither of them care about grip, and since both are solid steel, they have less felt recoil than polymer or alloy framed pistols, and would make a decent club if ever needed.
Besides, the 1911 grip doesn't fit my hand at all. a CZ 75 type grip is much better.
I don't get the prices on 1911's at all. My friend has several $1500+ 1911's and they all have some issues with feeding hollowpoint ammo, grip, etc. My feeling is I can buy 3 really nice used guns for the price of one of his touchy toys. If one of those guns is picky about how it's held, or has F2F issues, it's gone. Right now, I would trust my life to all but one of my guns, and that one isn't really broke in yet, so I reserve judgement on it at this point. My 2 Dan Wesson revolvers are totally reliable of course, and my "cheap" Eaa Witness 45 and really "cheap" used Astra A-75 have been absolutely rock solid. The witness has about 1000 through it, with zero misfires, with all kinds of ammo, and the Astra has had about 250 rounds through it, and it's running everything. Neither of them care about grip, and since both are solid steel, they have less felt recoil than polymer or alloy framed pistols, and would make a decent club if ever needed.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
the Smith~!
jad0110
Member
I voted S&W, but if an "other" option was available, I would have picked the Springfield Mil-Spec (on my wish list).
I've got absolutely nothing against Glocks. They just don't feel right in my hands. On the other hand, 1911s fit me like a glove - they point so naturually to me.
Good luck in your decision.
I've got absolutely nothing against Glocks. They just don't feel right in my hands. On the other hand, 1911s fit me like a glove - they point so naturually to me.
Good luck in your decision.
robctwo
Member
I have that S&W
I also have Glock 17 & 34. They do feel different. The S&W is a very good 1911. Great trigger on mine. Reliable, accurate and a good weight for carry.
I also have Glock 17 & 34. They do feel different. The S&W is a very good 1911. Great trigger on mine. Reliable, accurate and a good weight for carry.
That is a nice 1911 robctwo.
I wet to the gun shop and held them both. The Glock fits nicely but then again so did the original full size. The Smith is just so nice and fits as as well. They both look so nice and are great gun's. I never owned a 1911 before. I never felt to intrigued by them. I alway's heard that you have to replace to guide rod every couple of thousand rounds. Is that true?
I wet to the gun shop and held them both. The Glock fits nicely but then again so did the original full size. The Smith is just so nice and fits as as well. They both look so nice and are great gun's. I never owned a 1911 before. I never felt to intrigued by them. I alway's heard that you have to replace to guide rod every couple of thousand rounds. Is that true?
ugaarguy
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Not at all. Many folks replace recoil springs every few thousand rounds, and not just on 1911s. Both of the 1911s I currently own came from the factory with full length guide rods. One has a GI style short spring guide and plug, and the other will soon. The advantage of the GI style short guide setup is that you dont need a bushing wrench to field strip the gun.
It sounds like you really like that S&W 1911. You already know you like Glocks. Why not buy the S&W and see how you like 1911s after owning and shooting one for a while? If the new wears off and isn't true love you can always trade it. If you fall in love with it you'll have another great pistol in the collection. Give it a try.
robctwo
Member
That is my second 1911. I resisted the 1911 call for a number of years and finally succumbed. The S&W is great for carry and I have it next to the bed. Love the laser in the dark in the house. My full size all steel guns are better for a 400-500 round session at the range, but the S&W is good for 200-300 at a time. Lighter frame gives me more felt recoil after a while. The S&W had a much nicer trigger out of the box than the Springfield Armory loaded I bought at about the same time. The 1911 is a lot of fun to detail strip as well.
I haven't heard many folks posting regrets about getting this particular gun, or any of the S&W 1911 family. Oh, I reload so my rounds are about ten cents each, and I run a lot of soft target loads. A lot.
I haven't heard many folks posting regrets about getting this particular gun, or any of the S&W 1911 family. Oh, I reload so my rounds are about ten cents each, and I run a lot of soft target loads. A lot.
longeyes
member
I have that S&W (minus the laser) and the Glock 21's little brother, the G30 (Glock's version of the Commander, in my opinion). Both, frankly, are superb handguns, reliable and uber-accurate, and good choices for carry weapons. Glocks are easier to maintain as carry weapons; that might be important. My G30 has yet to have a malf in almost three thousand rounds fired. The PD had a few bobbles on day one, nothing since, and we are at almost the thousand round mark.
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denfoote
Member
If you are already used to the Glock, then by all means, get the G21.
By "already used to" I mean do you have Glocks already??
After you get it, we expect pictures and a range report!!
By "already used to" I mean do you have Glocks already??
After you get it, we expect pictures and a range report!!
Working Man
Member
Redhead!
I agree with best-fit approach. Looks are only "skin-deep". Don't forget too the best fit for concealed carry. I suspect that in the end, the 1911 will serve you best. I do agree with you that both pistols are excellent. I used to say to people buy both. But, there is a problem with shooting both. To the extent that you desire to develop extraordinary shooting ability, firing an assortment of pistols will hold you back. Case and point.
When I walk into Target Sport for an afternoon of shooting, unpack 12 or 13 pistols and begin to fire them, switching back and forth. On one day, the workers at Target Sports observed of me, and to my Advanced Tactical Shooting Instructor, “...he shoots everything well! He can shoot Glock, Browning, 1911s...doesn't matter. You can give him any gun, a gun he’s never seen and he can shoot it equally well!" The instructors looked to me and commented, "If you really want to develop perfection, shoot only one pistol or revolver, and only one! Do not even hold any other pistol! Handle and fire only one! You will develop perfection with that one."
I know for fact that this concept is true. I have known it for years, and learned it from experience. I used to own only 1 pistol, and thus shoot only one…a Kimber 1911 Custom Classic Target .45 ACP (series I). Since beginning to fire many different pistols, I shoot worse, even though I practice more. If park all of my other pistols, and fire only one, within a week or two, I shoot that pistol significantly better.
And, so I now face the dilemma you have, but in reverse. Do I retain all, or sell all but one class of pistol? If so, which to sell? I like my Glocks, my BHP, my 1911s, and true enough, I shoot all pistols equally well…until I revert to exclusivity. Then, I fire one pistol better than any other. In the end, when shooting exclusively, I shoot a 1911 the best. So, do I sell all of my other pistols, retain only my 1911s, and shoot them exclusively? Probably not, first, because I am not a competitive shootist. If I were to take up professional, competitive shooting I would.
But, there is a deeper issue. Not all 1911s have equal fit and feel. Some 1911s are true to the Mil Spec meassurements and some are not. Even my Colt 1911 reissue is different from my Colt Series 70 reissue and that is different than my two Colt XSEs. In the end, I am not prepared to sell all except literally 1, single pistol.
Sorry for the long response, but I do take this topic so very seriously! No other person’s opinion than your own means diddly! If you are comfortable and confident with your firearm, you will do better. In the end, fit is king.
When I walk into Target Sport for an afternoon of shooting, unpack 12 or 13 pistols and begin to fire them, switching back and forth. On one day, the workers at Target Sports observed of me, and to my Advanced Tactical Shooting Instructor, “...he shoots everything well! He can shoot Glock, Browning, 1911s...doesn't matter. You can give him any gun, a gun he’s never seen and he can shoot it equally well!" The instructors looked to me and commented, "If you really want to develop perfection, shoot only one pistol or revolver, and only one! Do not even hold any other pistol! Handle and fire only one! You will develop perfection with that one."
I know for fact that this concept is true. I have known it for years, and learned it from experience. I used to own only 1 pistol, and thus shoot only one…a Kimber 1911 Custom Classic Target .45 ACP (series I). Since beginning to fire many different pistols, I shoot worse, even though I practice more. If park all of my other pistols, and fire only one, within a week or two, I shoot that pistol significantly better.
And, so I now face the dilemma you have, but in reverse. Do I retain all, or sell all but one class of pistol? If so, which to sell? I like my Glocks, my BHP, my 1911s, and true enough, I shoot all pistols equally well…until I revert to exclusivity. Then, I fire one pistol better than any other. In the end, when shooting exclusively, I shoot a 1911 the best. So, do I sell all of my other pistols, retain only my 1911s, and shoot them exclusively? Probably not, first, because I am not a competitive shootist. If I were to take up professional, competitive shooting I would.
But, there is a deeper issue. Not all 1911s have equal fit and feel. Some 1911s are true to the Mil Spec meassurements and some are not. Even my Colt 1911 reissue is different from my Colt Series 70 reissue and that is different than my two Colt XSEs. In the end, I am not prepared to sell all except literally 1, single pistol.
Sorry for the long response, but I do take this topic so very seriously! No other person’s opinion than your own means diddly! If you are comfortable and confident with your firearm, you will do better. In the end, fit is king.
Magnumite
Member
I was not a 1911 fan many moons back. Now I have bought and built more than I need - well, maybe not, more 1911's is cool .
I have handled the SW1911's and like the way they feel.
.I have handled the SW1911's and like the way they feel.
longeyes
member
He may be right, but that's a high price to pay for "perfection." How about combat accuracy at short range?
longeyes:
I agree completely and strongly at that. I shoot plenty accurate for CCW purposes. I am not willing to sell off all of my wonderful pistols and revolvers just to better my groups.
I heard through the grapevine that Rob Leatham went through this quandary when Springfield brought out the XD pistols and had him compete against the public...anyone who could out-shoot him got his pistol. As I heard it, he adamantly resisted, asserting the argument that was presented to me about shooting any other pistol. Is it true? I don't know.
Doc2005
I agree completely and strongly at that. I shoot plenty accurate for CCW purposes. I am not willing to sell off all of my wonderful pistols and revolvers just to better my groups.
I heard through the grapevine that Rob Leatham went through this quandary when Springfield brought out the XD pistols and had him compete against the public...anyone who could out-shoot him got his pistol. As I heard it, he adamantly resisted, asserting the argument that was presented to me about shooting any other pistol. Is it true? I don't know.
Doc2005
SoCalShooter
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