Unimpressed with the 1911... Am I missing some critical part of the experience?

They aren't for everyone, personally I don't like any polymer pistols, it's just a preference.
I have a ruger sr1911 that I love 500+ rounds and zero failures, I also bought a cz shadow (very 1911 like) and love it as well. Polymer guns just don't fit me but large heavy steel guns do.


Shoot what you like and have fun.
 
I actually shoot 1911's better than any of my own guns.
And, I still hate them... lol

They look their age, and feel all wrong in my hands, but that short crisp trigger design is something special. I can certainly admit that.

I don't like external safeties, I don't like consciously forcing my thumbs down off the slide, and I don't like unreliable guns.
My ego LOVES shooting 1911's :D, but I prefer the simplicity and reliability of striker-fired pistols with built in safeties.

I had a lapse in judgement a couple months ago and almost bought myself a 1911 of my own.
In the end I decided to focus more than ever on my trigger press, and all of a sudden my g19 is bringing me similar results as 1911's that I've shot.


In my mind I believe that shooting a glock makes me a better shooter, whereas shooting a 1911 would only make me a better 1911 shooter.
 
Some people just don't like the 1911 platform.

Good thing no one MAKES you use them... There are sooooo many different guns because everyone has their own style, wants, and desires. One of my friends SWEARS by his M&P... I HATE it... Good thing it's not mine!

Don't feel bad; just don't criticize others who do think the sun rises and sets on J.M.B's masterpiece and find what works for you!
 
"...They are far more prone to jams than other handgun designs..." Nonsense. Every pistol will jam with poorly loaded ammo or a shooter who doesn't hang on to it.
"...seems like everyone owns one..." Yep. And sometimes the pistol just doesn't fit your hand or whatever. Personal preference.
"...the Ruger..." Is a copy. Haven't ever liked any Ruger pistols myself. Awkward and too big. Not every firearms maker can make good pistols. And not every one can make a good revolver.
 
I can confirm that my 1911 Remington R1 enhanced works flawless, one...only one jam on 950 rounds and I am pretty sure it was the pro mag fault !!
I like everything on my 1911 except that it would need a trigger job...

The 1911 platform is fabulous, reliable, accurate (My grouping is better than with my 9mm).

I would re-buy that gun anytime!!
 
Larry Vickers suggests that if you aren't willing to become your own armourer, cleaning, tuning and maintaining your pistol by yourself, the 1911 isn't for you. If you just want to shoot, and not worry about wear, and keeping the gun well maintained, there are better guns for you. The 1911's trigger does forgive a whole lot of issues, however.
 
in 2013, there really isnt anything "impressive" about 1911s. the only thing impressive is the history, it was revolutionary during it's time and a solid design that works and stands up even today. however that's just it, prime time for this baby is over. For one to be impressed by a 1911 you need to be into the history of it, or simply revel in the designs longevity. if you're looking to be impressed by functionality, it simply isn't happening. when it comes to function, it sits at the top of the list, but it shares that seat with too many other firearms now to really shine.
 
My thoughts on the 1911:

Those who really like them and they naturally fit seem to have shorter and often stubbier fingers/hands. Those that don't like them like myself tend to have fairly recent European ancestry and have fingers that aren't as thick or short. Yes I know this sounds strange but I noticed it first hand when up North. The guys that swore by them all had sausage hands. Those like myself picked up a glock, HK, Sig etc and it felt like the pistol was made for them. Those same 1911 fans didn't like those pistols as they didn't feel right for them.

That being said there will always be one that seems different. While having some fun with IDPA one of the guys let me try his 1911 competition pistol. Yes it shot well for me. Awesome trigger. Very nice gun and the guy shot it very well.

So just generalities here there is always the exception to the rule.
 
Would some of that"fairly recent European ancestry#" spent some time on the business end of a 1911? Just kidding.

It's got little to do with it being an old design, you like it or you don't, just the same as some like the S&W M&P over a glock or the glock over the M&P, It's preferences, a personal choice and tastes , what feels right to you, this isn't't the gun for you.
The 1911 does have a cult following that tend to make it out to be bigger then life.
 
just go my 1911...and...GASP...it a Remington!!! hmmmm....7 boxes of American Eagle through it...so that's....350 rounds, if my math is right. And no jams. 2 cleanings, but no jams.

Let's see, it shoots a bigass 230 gr bullet, super reliable, drop a mag for another with a quick push of a button, ram another one home, unlock the slide and repeat. Does life really get any better? I dunno, folks can dislike the platform, I could really care less because I know the thing is solid and reliable.
I got over 10 boxes through mine (R1Enhanced).It's a tack driver as well.Gotta love the 230g!!
 
I think my problem with the GSG was the awkward controls (I shot this one more recently, so it's fresh in my mind). The safety was overly large and it was in my way.

Can anyone recommend a more streamlined variation? I don't want to write off the 1911 entirely, since my dislike is vague and ill-defined.
 
I think my problem with the GSG was the awkward controls (I shot this one more recently, so it's fresh in my mind). The safety was overly large and it was in my way.

Can anyone recommend a more streamlined variation? I don't want to write off the 1911 entirely, since my dislike is vague and ill-defined.

The SAM brand 1911's have many variations and are very well priced, have a look at them.

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/products.aspx?brand=SHOOTERS+ARMS+MANUFACTURING

I'm currently working on budgeting funds for this guy.

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/14103/SAM-1911-Thunderbolt-45ACP-Stainless-V2.aspx :D :D
 
Entertaining.
A 1911 was the 1st big semi I ever shot...well for about 6 rounds, then it jammed. But it was a range pistol in West Ed so perhaps that is an answer in itself.
I think I am prejudiced against the 1911 because of all the BS that gets thrown about when they get discussed. John Browning is a god...blah, blah, blah.
The 1st gun I could afford was a Norcinco made Tok ( hence the moniker). Everyone knows they are junk right? Oh but historically they are a simplified 1911 with a racy cartridge, so how do the 1911 boys get away with slagging them. POS even though the caliber can be changed in about 45 seconds; like click, clack, clunk...done. Can a 1911 even be stripped that fast?
That being said my moniker is slightly out of date as I've not shot that pistol in a while.
It just erks me when someone slags all other competing designs because they like a particular type.
Friendly joshing is fine but seriously...hardcore 1911 guys are like hardcore Harley guys, you don't really believe your own BS do you?
The next pistol I but will likely be a real Colt SAA; I've 3 old Colts now, so it can't be said I hate Colts.
If there's one thing I can't stand it's intolerant people, I just want to smash them! A little humour to finish things off with
 
Won't it be boring if there was only 1 type of gun or 1 type of car or 1 type of any thing. The 1911 you like it or you don't, as for me I love them and Smiths, Glocks, Sigs, for that matter all of them.
 
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