1911 single stack vs. double

walther

walther

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
4   0   0
So I've been trying to figure out the differences between a single and a double stack. I know the obvious ones, such as double is wider, holds more shells, etc, but I am slightly confused as to the rest.

The way i figure it, correct me if i'm wrong, is this:

1) The slide and slide internals are the same?
2) The frame is bigger, but are the parts, such as the mainspring housing or grip safety the same size, or are they wider too? They would need longer pins either way.
3)The trigger is different, you need a double stack trigger to fit around the double stack mag

I'm being tempted (or should I say still, this seems to be a never ending process) by the np 28 as a cheap starter handgun, and wondering if, later on, I decide I want to upgrade parts, what is going to work and what isn't.
 
A friend of mine had a double stack, had nothing but feeding problems with it, took it to a gunsmith , spent over 300 on it to get it good to go for ipsc. and it still feed bad, and jammed, i have the single stack, fits good in my hand, and one can get 10 rounds mags for it no problem.
 
Both should feed properly with good ammo. Double stack mags hold the rounds in
staggered position, rather than atop one another. You can only load 10 rounds plus one
in the chamber in Canada, so single stack is the way to go.
 
I've been down the 1911 road before.
Single stack and double stack.
The lips on the double stack mag just don't work reliably.
This was true with my Para in .45 and 9mm. It would feed the round half way.
Single stack felt nice but the double was enormous.
As for most of the parts, other than the trigger, (I not sure)...they are all the same.

For the the most part, I've sold all my 1911's.
If I were to buy one right now.....single stack.

Good luck.
 
Get the original 1911 the way John Moses Browning designed it. Single Stack.

More compact, proven reliability, cheap cheap magazines available anywhere.

No advantage to double stackers because we are limited to 10 rounds and as previous posters have said, you can obtain 10 round single stack mags anyway.
 
Last edited:
easyrider604 said:
Get the original 1911 the way John Moses Browning designed it. Single Stack.
Click to expand...

+1 for me, too.

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
Yea I figured most things would be the same. I do much prefer the look and feel of the single stack, but i can still easily manage the double's. I had not heard of the feeding problems before, thats definately something to stay away from because pretty much all it would get from me is cheap ammo, i'm a student. I hadn't even thought of looking for ten rounds mags though, thats a really good idea. Thanks for the advice guys (and gals??...)
 
walther said:
I'm being tempted (or should I say still, this seems to be a never ending process) by the np 28 as a cheap starter handgun, and wondering if, later on, I decide I want to upgrade parts, what is going to work and what isn't.
Click to expand...


Since you mentioned cheap, get a Norinco 1911 single stacker, in any configuration. Keep looking on the EE for one with beavertail safety/ring hammer. That's the only mod I really find essential for the 1911. The other mods are just for those who like pretty guns or those who compete in shooting games...I am not one of them.

You don't even have to have the trigger done. Practice with the stock trigger. Dry fire much even before you fire your first live shot, follow all safety rules even when dry firing as all guns are always loaded (sorry...you know that already).

Spend the 100 bucks saved by not getting a trigger job, on reloading components or ammo. You'll be a better shooter for this...and if you do get to shoot a tuned 1911, you will find it so easy and satisfyingly accurate. That's because you have become a good shooter after learning on the crappy stock trigger. This is a proven theory...my good shooting buddy did this and shot 2.5 inch groups at 15 meters with his bone stock Norkie Commander, standing two-handed. Then we swapped out his stock mainspring for a 10 buck aftermarket. His groups went down to 2 inches.
 
buuuut

a 10-rounder will put you in open division if you ever decided to jump into ipsc one day :(
good reason to buy another gun :D
 
walther said:
So ...differences between a single and a double .........tempted ...by the np 28.......starter handgun, and wondering if, later on, I decide I want to upgrade parts, what is going to work and what isn't.
Click to expand...

Like a few who posted answers, I can speak from first-hand experience having both single and double stack 1911's. After having a trigger job done on the Para P14, its a joy to fire. Got it used from the EE and it'll take all ammo including my home molded lead SWC 200grn. heads. Never had a FTF with factory ammo.
Since none of my guns are safe queens, they are used regularly, both at the range and for IDPA events. Having the double-stack puts her in the ESP division (10 round single stack mags are not allowed - only in IPSC).
My two cents - get what you like and feel comfortable with (np 28) and don't think about upgrading anything until you have fired (a lot). By the time you figure out your firearm, you'll be like most of us in CGN, one will never be enough!!!!!!!! Don't forget to post what you finally decide on. Happy shooting!!!!!!!!
 
All great advice, thanks a bunch. As I said, i would prefer the np 29, and my gf would be able to shoot a single stack a lot easier as well. Either way, this is pure speculation at this point unless I am magically bestowed with a paper gift :D
 
Single stack is best for me, I have medium sized hands but short fingers, the extra width would spoil my grip placement.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom