Sticking to their guns: Marines place $22.5M order for the Colt .45 M1911

[josh7328]

So here's the real question: 9mm VS. 45?

[spqrzilla]

Imagination is not data.

[spyder]

I think the HK45 would have been a much better choice but who am I to talk.

Extreme reliability, durability, and accuracy for a lot less than a comparable 1911. Keep talkin.

Heresy!! The H&K is a fine weapon, but it was not handed down from on high by John Moses Browning.

If you tear apart a USP, you will see how similar they are to the 1911 (well, till you get to the back).

I think it's good that they are keeping the dollars state side.

Besides, just about anyone can effectively handle a 1911, but some of the women or guys with smaller hands may have difficulty handling a hk45.

The size difference between a 1911 and Hk's of the 45 version, are not that different:

1911 with a straight mainspring housing

USP Compact

USP full size

Hk45 with small backstrap


The 1911 is 5 3/8" around and the Hk45 is only 5/16" bigger. The main reason why people dislike the USP line is because the grip is kinda square. The 1911's grip is more oblong, oval in shape, big difference in comfort. THe Hk45 is a good change up for Hk here because the grip is a lot like that of the 1911 vs the USP grip shape wise. You can also change out the back strap of the Hk45 if you have bigger hands. Oh, and with the Hk45, you get a highly accurate, and highly reliable gun right out of the box for much less than a comparable 1911.

Personally, I'd say reliability is king. And keep in mind it's very easy to get 11 rounds in a single stack 1911 if you (or the military) chooses to go with 10 round mags. That's only a few less than the combat Tupperware guns out there.


I think it's an excellent choice. From a completely nostalgic viewpoint, I think it's fantastic.

If reliability is king, I hope they would go with STI or something that is actually reliable in a 1911... Out of the box, the RIA's are reliable, shoot them enough though without cleaning, and you run into problems. Same with most 1911's. Their dependability goes down hill fast unless they're maintained. At least mine all did (RIA, Kimber Raptor II, SA), my Nighthawk was like a champ, but the cost of the damn thing...... You could buy two Hk45's and you are getting the same reliability and accuracy.

...I have a 1911, I like it, but as many have stated the capacity is not even half the M9. Takedown is the most complicated, accuracy is good, eats fmj flawlessly. Not my choice for battle though.

XD Yes made in croatia. mine has been 100% minus 1 reload that I suspect had an unseatd primer. Tighter action than the M9 , durble stainless mags this would have been a better choice.

Glock. Why not? safety? reliable, decently accurate, high capacity.

HK ,the weapon I'd have with me if I was given the choice. Cheaper than the 1911 too. The only one I don't have to change my grip to drop a mag. I'm plagued with short thumbs.

I don't have an M&P yet.


Nostalgia I guess. Of the guns listed the 1911 is the last one I would choose to go to war with.

You think it is easier to take apart your M9 than a 1911? I just had to ask.


I'm an Hk lover all the way of course. I figure though when you are shopping for a carry gun that you carry because your life might have to depend on it, why settle? I think that is one thing you wouldn't settle on, your life. I've owned a ton of guns (kinda a gun whore), and the Hk's (for me) have shown the best reliability. Any gun should run clean, it's when you get into the rounds when you start to see the flaws that gum guns up. If you are in the military, or anywhere that your gun might get grime in it.... well, you had better not have a finicky gun on your hip. I want one that has proven to go bang every time and so far, that has only been a few. There has been a 1911 in that mix also, but like I said, it was pricy as hell. Oh, and my FNP did nice also.

[Guylee]

That's interesting, seeing as the army appears to be leaning towards the glock 17. I wonder if the difference between services will cause problems.

[Ah Pook]

This quickly turned into "your gun is poop par deux".

[Goodburbon]

You think it is easier to take apart your M9 than a 1911? I just had to ask.

I'm talking field level strip to clean up and oil. Something you'd trust a grunt to do, not 100% takedown. Yes,with the beretta I can do it blindfolded with one hand.

[Troublco]

I was never particularly fond of the M9, although I always qualified expert. I like the M11 I qualify with now better than the M9, but I'd rather have something more than a 9mm. If things get ugly enough that I really need to be using a pistol, I'd rather have the .45...unless I could have a 10mm.

[tmckay2]

I'm talking field level strip to clean up and oil. Something you'd trust a grunt to do, not 100% takedown. Yes,with the beretta I can do it blindfolded with one hand.

1911 takedowns are incredibly easy. It's one pin and requires no tools.

[Scanker19]

I'm just curious on what people think it take to Field strip an M9? The M9 has no pin to lose, M9 can be taken down in a few seconds.

[bigun1962]

Like the old boy said, "when you get down to your pistol you could be in a world of hurt". I will take my chances with the Colt 45 any day over the 9mm. Been there done that. Got the t-shirt and very thankful for the Marines that rolled up and especially the one with the big 50.