1911 vs ?the world? Why do you like it?

Well, the bikini girl may have class, but me looking at her... not so much :p

I'm going to do some test handling before I end up with something I can tell I won't like (the 1911, not the bikini girl (I'd like that :D )) but I don't know if I'll be able to test fire anything.
So I'll handle any 1911 as they'll all feel similar, I care more about function and reliability than fit & finish etc.
If I really dig the 1911 I can always buy another and sell the first, if I don't like it I'd rather not have a 1000+ gun that I'll regret.
Plus a cheaper gun leaves money for ammo.

The bad habit comment about the .22 I just have a feeling with it being my first handgun that with nothing larger I'll get too used to the .22 and not be able to adjust as well to a larger center fire. I'd rather have both and be able to feel the center fire and then bang out on the .22

Anyhow, long post.
I'll feel a 1911 see if I like the feel especially vs a glock/sig/etc if I like it I'll make some moves for one at a good price. I'm already seeing Norinco & SAMs on the EE.

I hope I like the feel, a 1911 would be a great start to a collection no matter who makes it.
 
My "real" gun is a Browning HiPower. Like the fit and feel better than a 1911. I do own and use 1911's because they are fun to build, rebuild, customize and are generally quite accurate after they have been worked over.
 
44Bore said:
My "real" gun is a Browning HiPower. Like the fit and feel better than a 1911. I do own and use 1911's because they are fun to build, rebuild, customize and are generally quite accurate after they have been worked over.
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I have a Hi-Power, there is a hell of a difference between it and the 1911. Frankly I can't shoot the Hi-power worth a dam but the 1911 is manageable. The 1911 is better in larger hands the Hi-power in smaller hands I think. The Hi-power has a gritty trigger, I think that is my problem, it is repairable but not as easy as a 1911, basically remove the clip safety.

I have read and just now re-read Patrick Sweeney's books called "The Book of the 1911" Vol #1&2. First time I thought the second book was a waste but it has a lot of good chapters in it that I am enjoying. In the books he tests lots of 1911s but all are mid to high end guns so not that relevent if your talking $500 guns. There is a lot of good basic info for a gun owner and lots of tips as well. For example a 1911 will favor certain ammo and shoot it better. He goes into details about different calibers as well.

JimmieA.
 
Cool I may need to look for that book sometime.
I'm hoping it feels right in my hand because I wouldn't say I have large hands just 'normal' size. I'm hoping to make it to Wholesale sports or maybe Cabelas this weekend or within the next week.
If I had more cash to play with I'd consider something mid range but I can't, the funds just aren't there and it would blow my expected budget to only end up with one gun rather than my projected two.
 
JimmieA. said:
To handle the fire arm you should have your RPAL in hand. They are not supposted to let you handle a gun without RPAL.
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Yet you can shoot without one if a pal holder is near by?
No matter I've been waiting till I had my pal in hand (from post time, about 2 hours away) just to not have any issues. Seems not being a member of a club, and not being in my home town maybe my next issue though.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7419135&posted=1#post7419135
 
- great to shoot
- nice trigger, even if stock, only thing I have done is light polish
- nostalga - great piece of history
- 45acp is interesting to reload
- carries OK, can conceal my 5" as well as my 4" BHP or 4" XD

I got into 1911 because of my start with the old Inglis Hi-Powers back when I served - Browning was a genius in both his designs of 1911 and latter the BHP
JimmieA. said:
I have a Hi-Power, there is a hell of a difference between it and the 1911. Frankly I can't shoot the Hi-power worth a dam but the 1911 is manageable. The 1911 is better in larger hands the Hi-power in smaller hands I think
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I think same - always enjoyed shooting HPs and pretty good with one, but I enjoy my 1911 more and seem to shoot it better, especially under the clock in matches. Have shot SR1911 almost always at USPSA matches past year. I still carry my BHP, but SR1911 has been taking over that role quite often.
 
CdnInAz said:
- carries OK, can conceal my 5" as well as my 4" BHP or 4" XD
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Cheater :p I had to check your location, your a sneaky one. Concealed carry...
Ok enough silliness, what do you mean by interesting to reload? Is the 45 not like others? I don't reload (since I don't shoot yet) but it may be something else to look into.
Or just get a 9
 
James Howlett said:
... what do you mean by interesting to reload? Is the 45 not like others? I don't reload (since I don't shoot yet) but it may be something else to look into. Or just get a 9
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with 45 I have loaded all the way from bunny farts to +p type loads. Both FMJ and lead. Yes, can do all that with 9mm, but for me just seems more interesting with 45. I sort of think the band is narrower for 9mm, if that makes any sense. I wound up with only one FMJ load I like for 9 in either of my guns. I am still experimenting with 45. Last night I shot a fun match with a new load at only 140 power factor - very nice, almost no felt recoil. That power factor is already well above min 125 for minor in a 9mm.

ETA - just noticed your status re getting your PAL - congrats on that. Man, there are things I miss about Canada, but gun control bullsheet is not one ;)
 
JimmieA. said:
To handle the fire arm you should have your RPAL in hand. They are not supposted to let you handle a gun without RPAL.
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BULLS**T!!

You don't need a PAL to handle firearms. You need a pal to possess and/or acquire a firearm. And no handling a firearm is no possessing it. I'm sure glad so many of you feel safe(r) with a useless piece of plastic in your pocket after taking a ridiculous and pointless government created "training" course.:rolleyes:

TDC
 
1911 vs Glock

Mr Howlett,

First, congratulations on taking the step to becoming a responsible firearms owner.

Second, I am a 1911 shooter, a Para-Ordnance ( when they were still made in Canada) and I have a pair of them. Para haters can run with this at their leisure, as I care not a tinker's wit about harsh opinions.

Both are identical, sequentially serialized factory match PXT745s made for the few of us to commemorate our roto to Afghanistan in 2008. I have the factory installed Trijicon night sights and both guns are rail frames for lights. The only modification I made is to replace the factory plastic grip scales with some G10 golf-ball scales to better grip the gun with gloves.

I have never fired the second one, but the first one has eaten over 1400 rds since new, with only the occasional FTF/FTE, usually because of powder fouling after a long range session before I realised grease is better than oil in these beasts.

I have fired a Glock, and they are the way of the future, but they are not the be all, end all. They fill a niche in an ever expanding market for firearms, and ask any shooter, real shooter... the research and development never ends. The 1911 had a rough start, was made into the 1911A1, ad then the 1991 and A1. Look now and you will find polymer framed 2011s!

The Glock was the same. When it came out, most people were looking at it and calling it a 'toy' and wondering if it would be picked up in airport metal detectors! Now the Glock is in its 4th iteration, not the best work, but improvements are always trial and error based. It may very well come down that I will own one, but I am still on the fence.

If you really want to get a handgun that will be fun to shoot and yet serve as a 'go-to' for the day things start to splatter, you will have to start by shooting what you have available to you. Try a friends system. Try a dealers demos, don't be shy, ask before you buy.

Whatever you end up with, remember to maintain it and practice often. I cannot stress the practice part enough, shooting is a skill that if not exercised, will fade fast.

And lastly, whatever you end up with, reloading is way cheaper than buying fresh fodder for the gun. I am loading my .45 with 200gr ball, but when I buy some 230 gr ball for the brass, I find little difference in felt recoil.

Have fun with your choice, and play safe. Maybe someday, I will see you on your range and we can then see what each other is using.
 
For those noticing my sig I now finally have my RPAL in hand! It's been in the mailbox/house for weeks but I actually have it now. Issue date was mid June. The road was not too hard but has been long, I passed my R challenge April 1st.

I'd like to test shoot but we'll see if that can happen, I don't know anyone with guns in town or at the range I will be joining so that will be up to the shops if they offer it or not.

Anyhow back to the topic, I do plan on getting a 22 soon so the practice will be there, but I want a center fire too. I'm not sure how the 45 will feel since I'll be new and will possibly have only shot the 22, or not shot a handgun at all.
If I go 45 I'll look into reloading at the same time, if I go 9 I doubt I will put the effort into it. I'll need to dig around the reloading section and see whats what.

I plan on doing a ton of shooting (hence the 22) as this will be my first true hobby in a long time, and my membership fees should be low so more money for ammo & guns (is it copyright infringement if I said guns & ammo?)

I'd love a Canadian made Para if they are good, the talk on the site here isn't in their favour though. When I first heard about the company I wanted a Canadian made gun just for pride, I won't buy an american para though, cuz why bother?

Back to 1911s since I'm leaning quite hard as having one for my first guns, any difference in barrel that I should be concerned with or just grab whatever. Any extra options I should consider now or will bare bones keep me happy till I'm interested in them more?

ps TDC I don't think it's us who feel safer or that 'we did the right thing' its the general public who feels safer knowing who we are and that we're on a list somewhere. I've heard a non-pal gun owner tell me in case of emergency your on a list they'll be knocking on your door. Anyone think I may have responded with something along the lines of cold dead hands?... ;)
I've never had trouble with the law, I'm currently obeying the law, and will continue to do so, plastic in my wallet, steel/polymer in my hand and throwing lead at feet per second won't change that.
 
James Howlett said:
If I go 45 I'll look into reloading at the same time, if I go 9 I doubt I will put the effort into it. I'll need to dig around the reloading section and see whats what.

...

Back to 1911s since I'm leaning quite hard as having one for my first guns, any difference in barrel that I should be concerned with or just grab whatever. Any extra options I should consider now or will bare bones keep me happy till I'm interested in them more?
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While ammo tuning is definitely useful, I think the big thing about reloading for the 45 is that it is much cheaper than even remanufactured ammo. With my setup I save about $10-$11 per box of 50 with the 45, versus only around $4-5 per box of 50 for 9mm.

Difference in barrels for the 45? Not quite sure what you mean. If you're talking 5" (Government) vs 4.25" (Commander), then it's probably mostly personal preference. Some pretty good objective reasons to go with the 5", though. If you mean bushingless or something like that, I suggest getting your first in the classic 1911 format. The original design works exceedingly well. For the same reason, I would personally advise against any extra options at the start. Unless you're a leftie, in which case you should mount an ambi safety.

I suppose extra magazines count. Reliability is HIGHLY dependent on these items, and there is no guarantee that the mags that come with your new 1911 will work well. Only one way to find out... For extras, try buying a pair of something that generally has a good reputation and try them out (ACT, Dlask, Wilson 47d, Chip McCormick, Tripp, others?). Resale on lightly used mags tends to be pretty good.
 
I had a few 1911's over the years, still have one - Sig 1911 Carry in stainless. Great looking pistol, nice size too (I like it better than full size), very accurate. But for some reason I don't shoot 1911's that much probably due to cost tho.
 
TDC said:
BULLS**T!!

You don't need a PAL to handle firearms. You need a pal to possess and/or acquire a firearm. And no handling a firearm is no possessing it. I'm sure glad so many of you feel safe(r) with a useless piece of plastic in your pocket after taking a ridiculous and pointless government created "training" course.:rolleyes:

TDC
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:agree:

But you forgot "error ridden".
 
enefgee said:
:agree:

But you forgot "error ridden".
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enefgee, are you referring to the safety course? :agree:

I have always felt that rule 4 of the Canadian safety rules (See that it is safe, PROVE it) is just absolutely horrific. I'm sure this wasn't the intent, but to me, making that the last step in a way negates the first 3 rules. It's like,"Assume this gun is loaded... check. Don't point it at anything I'm not willing to destroy... check. Finger off the trigger until sights on target with intent to fire... check. See that it is safe... oh good, this gun is perfectly safe derp herp (forgets first 3 rules)." I know none of us are silly enough to feel that way but I just feel like Colonel Cooper's rule 4 (be sure of target, its fore/background) is MUCH better. It still applies within the confines of Canadian shooting and takes away that crutch to make people feel too at ease.

I also look at the PAL course like a Learner's Drivers License. It doesn't mean you know how to drive/shoot nor that you can be trusted yet with a car/gun. More like you are now allowed to start learning what to do.
 
Sambaru said:
enefgee, are you referring to the safety course? :agree:

I have always felt that rule 4 of the Canadian safety rules (See that it is safe, PROVE it) is just absolutely horrific. I'm sure this wasn't the intent, but to me, making that the last step in a way negates the first 3 rules. It's like,"Assume this gun is loaded... check. Don't point it at anything I'm not willing to destroy... check. Finger off the trigger until sights on target with intent to fire... check. See that it is safe... oh good, this gun is perfectly safe derp herp (forgets first 3 rules)." I know none of us are silly enough to feel that way but I just feel like Colonel Cooper's rule 4 (be sure of target, its fore/background) is MUCH better. It still applies within the confines of Canadian shooting and takes away that crutch to make people feel too at ease.

I also look at the PAL course like a Learner's Drivers License. It doesn't mean you know how to drive/shoot nor that you can be trusted yet with a car/gun. More like you are now allowed to start learning what to do.
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I agree and it was one of the points I brought up during the course, my instructor understood what I was saying and said we just need to prove it was clear (ie a rod is fine, in which case I pretended to use one, 'Now I would put the rod down the barrel...'). He didn't make me look down the business end, with my own gun I may or may not but I didn't want to be forced to in a safety course.

Hmm saving $10 per 50 rounds of 45 vs saving $5 off a box of 9mm may make it pretty competitive as a choice then. Go big or go home right? And since I'll know what I'm getting into I can make a plan on how to tackle everything.

If I do go 1911 I think I'll focus on mags (clips :HR: lol) for it since I've heard this is a weak point on most 1911s.
And I was talking barrel length I should have been clearer, if it's personal preference more than anything we'll see what I find and what price, and of course the feel in hand.

Easyrider I may take you up on that sometime, I haven't been to Van since a trip there about 6-8 years ago but I'd love to go back, plus I'm not all that far now.
 
Since it is Sat. night and the dealer involved is closed I can only state the experience I had. I was at a small gun show where the people were handling the hand guns with a salesman in attendance, no FAC asked for. I went to the main store a while later and was asked to show the PAL and they looked at the back of it to see the RPAL part. I was told they got in trouble for allowing people to handle the guns with out seeing the RPAL first. This is in N.B., Canada. Since this is the internet there is all kinds of bad info out there. Best to double check any info you get off the internet. Would be nice if people on here were polite but little man syndrom is rampant from behind a keyboard.
 
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