1911 Pistols: Myth vs Reality And My Experience

[Bailey Guns]

OK...I'll be controversial. I don't think Kalashnikov was a top 25 firearms designer. His only real claim is the AK-47 and later variants of the same gun and the idea of an intermediate cartridge was already widespread. I'll give him credit for designing a gun from ideas already in use that worked well, was easy and cheap to manufacture and that inspired a nation.

[TFOGGER]

OK...I'll be controversial. I don't think Kalashnikov was a top 25 firearms designer. His only real claim is the AK-47 and later variants of the same gun and the idea of an intermediate cartridge was already widespread. I'll give him credit for designing a gun from ideas already in use that worked well, was easy and cheap to manufacture and that inspired a nation.

Maybe not one of the top designers, but certainly one of the most influential: The AK is found in every theater of war since WWII. You can't argue with the success of the design, even though it's dogshit simple. Kind of the same principle as the 1911, simple, elegant, reliable, and effective for its intended use. The problems with either arise when people try to make them something they're not.

[Zundfolge]

Ok, so for all you guys that have not had problems with your 1911s how many of you have one of the many inexpensive rebranded Armscor 1911s? You know, Rock Island, Citadel, Charles Daly, ATI, STI Spartan, etc.

I like the idea of a CCW 1911 (I still think a CCO chambered in 10mm would be about as perfect as one can get), but for what one costs from a "guaranteed to work flawlessly" manufacturer, I could have a pretty nice non-1911 type gun (plus leather and ammo).

[sroz]

Ok, so for all you guys that have not had problems with your 1911s how many of you have one of the many inexpensive rebranded Armscor 1911s? You know, Rock Island, Citadel, Charles Daly, ATI, STI Spartan, etc.

I like the idea of a CCW 1911 (I still think a CCO chambered in 10mm would be about as perfect as one can get), but for what one costs from a "guaranteed to work flawlessly" manufacturer, I could have a pretty nice non-1911 type gun (plus leather and ammo).

Got an RIA GI compact & a Metro Arms commander. Never had a malfunction with either one. Not up to the quality of most American made 1911s and heavy, but I've come to rely on them. Occasionally carry the RIA and they both make good range guns.

[<MADDOG>]

Ok, so for all you guys that have not had problems with your 1911s how many of you have one of the many inexpensive rebranded Armscor 1911s? You know, Rock Island, Citadel, Charles Daly, ATI, STI Spartan, etc.

I like the idea of a CCW 1911 (I still think a CCO chambered in 10mm would be about as perfect as one can get), but for what one costs from a "guaranteed to work flawlessly" manufacturer, I could have a pretty nice non-1911 type gun (plus leather and ammo).

While I myself haven't had issues, the 35% of owners on this thread have.

I'll spend the money on a pistol that is known to work (lemons aside), and spend the money saved from buying a non-1911 platform on ammo. And while I can understand the historical and accuracy perspective of the platform, I just can't see the advantage of a 1911 versus the newer Glocks, S&W's, XD's, Sigs, etc for "serious" use. I'd even venture to say I like the High Power more-so than the 1911, but that's my opinion.

Also, in my opinion, the non-disputable crown of Mr. Browning's invention/design is the Ma Deuce. The only weapon that comes close is the MG42/MG3.

[Zombie Steve]

I just can't see the advantage of a 1911 versus the newer Glocks, S&W's, XD's, Sigs, etc for "serious" use.

Points naturally, doesn't have a mushy trigger like the Glocks, S&W's or XD's, and SAO unlike the Sig's SA/DA nonsense. Feeds semi-wadcutters (Glocks won't)... the guns you mention all have a capacity advantage on old slabsides, but IMO it ends there. Glock's reliability has sure taken a kick in the crotch since Gen 3's...

I've owned Glocks and Sigs. I like the XD of the bunch, but the M&P is just another Glock. Still carry a 5" 1911.

To each his own.

[Aloha_Shooter]

While I myself haven't had issues, the 35% of owners on this thread have.

I'll spend the money on a pistol that is known to work (lemons aside), and spend the money saved from buying a non-1911 platform on ammo. And while I can understand the historical and accuracy perspective of the platform, I just can't see the advantage of a 1911 versus the newer Glocks, S&W's, XD's, Sigs, etc for "serious" use. I'd even venture to say I like the High Power more-so than the 1911, but that's my opinion.

Also, in my opinion, the non-disputable crown of Mr. Browning's invention/design is the Ma Deuce. The only weapon that comes close is the MG42/MG3.

The bars I see show 28% of owners on this board have had problems from minor to severe, not 35%. The point of this thread is that the 1911 IS known to work when you get past the myths and FUD and the cheap knock-offs. I'll grant you including the cheap knock-offs if you can find me similar homebrew and knock-off clones of the Glock, M&P, XD, etc. I'm glad you like your Glock, that's at least one less person competing for 1911s. To this day, I find the 1911 to be the most comfortable, natural handgun to use. The only disadvantage I have experienced is the tendency to pull my pants down when I'm losing weight.

[Walker2970]

Ok, so for all you guys that have not had problems with your 1911s how many of you have one of the many inexpensive rebranded Armscor 1911s? You know, Rock Island, Citadel, Charles Daly, ATI, STI Spartan, etc.

I like the idea of a CCW 1911 (I still think a CCO chambered in 10mm would be about as perfect as one can get), but for what one costs from a "guaranteed to work flawlessly" manufacturer, I could have a pretty nice non-1911 type gun (plus leather and ammo).

I own 3 Rock Island's other that a cosmetic issue and a mag issue ( have one that dose not like the Wilson mag's) i have never had any issues with them. Rock Island makes a 10mm 1911 and it carry's the same lifetime warranty they all have, you don't have to send it any where but Nevada for repairs or replacement. I also own a Colt and a Kimber but still find myself carrying my rock , I just love it.
The Rock Island guys are stand up guys and stand behind there products.

[Bailey Guns]

I've heard really good things about the PI-made guns from Armscor (and other brands) but I've never owned one.

I think I'd spend a few extra dollars and buy a Remington R1911 if I were looking for an entry-level 1911 that wasn't going to break the bank. I've seen them new in high $500s. Pretty hard to beat in my opinion.

[Bailey Guns]

Absolutely. His one design was a homerun, that's for sure.