Which gun would you chose ? A 1911 or a Striker fired design ?

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I always say with these types of questions, if you have to ask if a 1911 is the right gun for you, then it isn't.

The S&W is lighter and will carry more rounds.

The 1911's advantages are that it typically will have a better trigger, shoots the .45ACP round, and is a fairly slim gun. If those are not the things you value, the S&W would be a much better choice.
 
Ruger just put up an economy version of the SR9 on their site. It will probably retail for just a bit more than the SD9VE, and might also be worth considering.

Between the two in the OP, I'd go for the SD9VE, but keep in mind that what's right for one person may not be what's right for the next. This is particularly true with handguns. I'd shoot the 1911 better, but overall the SD9 offers lighter weight, higher capacity and probably higher reliability (reliability can be iffy even on much more expensive 1911s). The ammo cost is also a factor. None of those things may matter as much to you, though.
 
Have you had your hands on both guns? If so, how do they feel to you? It would be even better if you could rent both to compare for yourself.

I have a Sigma, the forerunner or the SD9VE. While it has been reliable, it is sloppy.

1911's tend to be tighter than the polymer pistols. But can be pickier on the ammo fed through it.

RIA seems to have a decent name out there.

If you want a budget 1911, do a search at 1911addict.com for the 1911 buyers guide. The guy goes through from $450-2500+ 1911's.

Hope you get the gun that suits you. :)
 
Striker fired with a 1911ish thumb safety gets my vote.

Currently carry an M&P 45c with thumb safety. That new HK VP9 would be the cats meow with a thumb safety.

JB
 
It's not as much "1911 or a Striker fired" as comparing those two guns for EDC in that price range. In all sincerity I would wait on the Ruger SR9E or go with a used Glock 19, M & P 9C, or Ruger SR9C. I suspect if you hunted you could find any of those three in the same price range and they all offer a much better reputation for reliability. But if I had to chose between those two individual weapons it would be the SD-9. Which is not a bad gun, but a bit limited. Both of those guns are guns you will replace if you get serious about shooting.
 
For your money, S&W Gen-3 and use the leftovers for ammo to practice with.

It's more about what you are proficient with than the platform. There are both good and bad striker-fired and hammer-fired guns.
 
I have an acquaintance who once said, "You show your 1911 to your friends, you show your Glock to the bad guy."

It resonates with me.
 
I just fired my friend's Dan Wesson CBOB. I hated it. The recoil impulse with frontstrap checkering was obnoxious. Frankly, I am done with 1911's and prefer lightweight, meltable tupperware pistols. I dislike the S&W pistols mentioned, but I would choose one of those over a 1911.
 
I own a SR 1911, an XD-40 and a Kel-Tec P-11 (hammer fired DAO). I like my SR 1911 & it gets carried sometimes on the weekend but daily carry chores fall to the XD or the P-11 depending on how I'm dressed & where I'm going. The XD ( striker fired) is easier to conceal, lighter & very corrosion resistant. If you have not shot the guns you are considering buying it might be helpful for you to rent or borrow some of them & spend time at the range with them. I know that means spending more money but it could be the difference between having something you really like & something that it good enough but I should have waited & got that one.
 
I don't want my EDC to be a budget gun. I would not break the bank, but my pick would be a Colt Commander XSE all stainless. I've got the Colt Defender 3" officers and I have full size Colt. The Commander just fills a gap and a very bad itch I have.
 
I don't quite understand the problems people have with the SD9VE. The only negative I can see with this handgun is that it is relatively new on the market and not time tested. Most reports have been quite positive and glowingly so.

It is NOT a Sigma or a SW9, its an offspring of sorts, in short, a different gun. This gun is more like a Glock but with better ergonomics. The trigger is vastly better than the Sigmas (Not that the Sigma's were horrible, just heavy). If you have experience with a DA revolver's trigger system this would be no problem to master.

I wonder how many folks who decry the SD9 have actually fired one, let alone own one. I own it and its a fine pistol, in many regards...and I have firsthand experience to go along with my opinion.
 
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I would chose to not carry a 1911 for personal defense. I like polymer frame, double stack, striker fired carry guns. More capacity, better reliability, lighter weight, more reliable feeding ammo options, easier on the stuff I bash it into. (I own a fab shop and also do restoration work on vintage Lotus and Ferrari racing cars, steel framed guns make dents in stuff far too easily!) I also like grip safeties and prefer no manual ones. I carry an XD45C. Money was not a factor in what I decided to carry.
 
I'm old school, I've tried several polymer strikefire pistols and didnt care for any of them... All metal handguns for me , so the choice is obvious for me 1911 for sure.
 
While I have no issues with Glock and similar, (I did carry an XD45 for a while) much prefer metal guns. I also like 1911s and BHPs better than other autos. I also have a soft spot for quality wheelguns.. :neener:
 
I carry an SR9c, 1911 and one of my j-frames depending on how I'm dressed. I just picked up an SR45 and will probably carry that after it has been broken in.
One thing to remember is to practice with what you're carrying. I hit the range at least once a week and shoot the heck out of one of the carry guns.
-mike
 
I love 1911's because they fit my hand better than anything out there, therefore I shoot them the best. But I have 3 XD's including a XDS and love those also. I'm torn.... :)
 
Walther

I carry a Walther PPQ M2. I believe it's in your price range. It has great ergos, great accuracy, and reliability.

To some, it's shortcoming is it's superb trigger.:) While the trigger pull weighs in at 5lbs it feels lighter to critics and therefore it's too light for carry.

I have no concerns about carrying the PPQ.
 
Used glock 26. Keep shooting. Reload. Keep shooting. Reload. Keep shooting.
 
If those were the only two options, I would go with the 1911 ten times out of ten. I had a S&W 40VE and would never recommend it to anyone. I've heard the newer ones are better, but I still wouldn't risk it. The 1911 is going to have such a better trigger and will be much easier to shoot accurately.

However, I was on a budget when I chose my full size auto and I didn't go with 1911 or striker fired. I picked up a Sig 2022 in .40 and let me just tell you the difference in it and that 40VE was like daylight and dark. If someone were looking to spend in the neighborhood of $400, I always tell them to handle one and see how they like them. And you can get them in desert tan now too, which I think is cool.
 
I own 1911's and striker fired pistols. Don't have with problem with either but my EDC is a 1911. I like the feel of shooting an all metal gun with hammer, and carrying cocked and locked. I am also more accurate with the 1911.
 
As much as I love 1911s I wouldn't want to carry a full size all steel gun everyday, the Smith is a nice carry size and weight so if it worked I'd have no problem carrying it. I really like carrying my SR9 and would look at them also as they're in the same price range.
 
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