.45 ACP not good for a first handgun?

TransAm1991

TransAm1991

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I always liked the 1911 platform.. It's worked for 100 years, so something has to be right about it..

Anyway, I have my restricted, and a few long guns, but would love to delve into the addiction that is handguns..
I have shot a .45, and I have shot a 9mm, both CZ, I found the 9mm easier, but the .45 was pretty intense.

I know most of the 1911 would probably prefer a Colt, but that Remington R1 really catches my eye, and for the price, seems like a nice choice, if anyone has any feedback for me, I'd appreciate it.

So would it be a mistake to go right into a .45? I know most people I talk to say a 9mm is easier, and cheaper to start with.
I would also like to get into that IDPA, damn that looks fun.
 
Go for the 1911 if you want it. Honestly (no disrespect to anyone who started this way) you do not need to start with a .22. 22 may be better if your really recoil shy or do not have a lot of money cause you can shoot more for cheaper, but in the long run your going to get that .45 cause its what you really want.

Do not buy into the "start with a .22 so you can learn proper xyz" line. My first handgun was a colt 1911 in .45 and I never developed a flinch or anything like that. I'm fairly handy with it too (would probably get better if I got out shooting more than 2 or 3 times a year).

As for the remington, I haven't heard much about it so I can't speak to its quality.
 
If you're on a budget, and you want to shoot a lot, you probably should start with a 22 because you'll be able to afford to practice more. 45 reloads are still lots more than good ol 22. You can get dedicated 1911s in 22LR

That said my first handgun was a 1911 in .45 and I have no regrets. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to purchase another handgun and I knew if I could only have one I wanted it to be a 1911. Eventually I did pick up a 22, among others, but there's just nothing like a 1911 in 45.

It's a personal choice really and your budget and range time should be a big consideration in the choice.
 
Before you decide, consider the price of ammo. I reload but last time I looked, commercial 45's were not exactly cheap.
My suggestion would be a .45 but also get a GSG .22 top end conversion unit for it. Then you can shoot inexpensive ,22's and also .45. But that is just my opinion.
 
If you must have a 1911 platform as a first handgun, I suggest you look into 2 pistols, the GSG 1911-22 and the Chiappa 1911-22.

Both are .22 LR handguns that are built much the same as the 1911, and are much cheaper to shoot. They're great little guns for learning how to handle the 1911. My Chiappa is so close to the 1911A1 platform that is uses the same Blackhawk holster I have for my Norc 1911A1 AND weighs just about the same.

Some will recommend that you buy a 1911 in .45ACP and a conversion kit (Kimber makes them for example) that fits on the 1911 frame.
 
If you want to shoot .45 then .22 isn't going to cut it for you. It may be good to hone skills but shooting should be as much fun as possible. Let's face it, most of us shoot for fun not because we expect to be a world champion shot. the .22 conversion mentioned above is a good idea though, best of both worlds.
 
TransAm1991 said:
I always liked the 1911 platform.. It's worked for 100 years, so something has to be right about it..

Anyway, I have my restricted, and a few long guns, but would love to delve into the addiction that is handguns..
I have shot a .45, and I have shot a 9mm, both CZ, I found the 9mm easier, but the .45 was pretty intense.

I know most of the 1911 would probably prefer a Colt, but that Remington R1 really catches my eye, and for the price, seems like a nice choice, if anyone has any feedback for me, I'd appreciate it.

So would it be a mistake to go right into a .45? I know most people I talk to say a 9mm is easier, and cheaper to start with.
I would also like to get into that IDPA, damn that looks fun.
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For a first gun, you want something reliable. A cheap 1911 such as the R1 is not a good gun for a newbie (to get it down to its price point, corners had to be cut, and Remington is not exactly for building high quality products). You'll grow frustrated once it starts jamming on you.

Also, if you're trying to save a buck, .45 is not a good choice period. Ammo cost is nearly twice that of the 9 mm.

By the way, you can get a 1911 chambered in 9mm (STI Trojan is a popular choice fro a 1911 in that caliber). Browning Hi-Power is also an option to consider, as it is quite similar to the 1911 and was developed by the man.
 
The first handgun I shot was 45 acp. Whats wrong with it? I'm not a big guy , nor do I work out. This gun is not too big for the average size adult male. .357 mag is a big gun, 45acp is not.
 
If you're on a budget get a Norinco 1911 and a M93 .22. that way you'll have both.

I started with 9mm and don't regret it (I've been shooting airguns for years before that) second gun was a .44mag and I was more accurate with it actually. I did end up getting a .22 later. and will laways have at least one .22 pistol. If you don't reload (and even if you do) shooting a .45 gets very expensive.
 
fire cheap 22 with either, GSG 1911-22 and the Chiappa 1911-22.
I have a Chiappa and like it, also bought a R1. The R1 is a nice 1911, I can't compare to other 1911s but other people that have shot it on the range like it also. Mine has run without any problems. Picked up both guns at pretty much the same time, new shooter, I warm up with the 22 and then play with the 45 or just head straight for the 45 sometimes.
 
Gunslingr said:
Go for the 1911 if you want it. Honestly (no disrespect to anyone who started this way) you do not need to start with a .22. 22 may be better if your really recoil shy or do not have a lot of money cause you can shoot more for cheaper, but in the long run your going to get that .45 cause its what you really want.

Do not buy into the "start with a .22 so you can learn proper xyz" line. My first handgun was a colt 1911 in .45 and I never developed a flinch or anything like that. I'm fairly handy with it too (would probably get better if I got out shooting more than 2 or 3 times a year).

As for the remington, I haven't heard much about it so I can't speak to its quality.
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+1 on skipping the .22
I'm sure its helped some people but I would say skip it as well.
 
Gunslingr said:
Go for the 1911 if you want it. Honestly (no disrespect to anyone who started this way) you do not need to start with a .22. 22 may be better if your really recoil shy or do not have a lot of money cause you can shoot more for cheaper, but in the long run your going to get that .45 cause its what you really want.

Do not buy into the "start with a .22 so you can learn proper xyz" line. My first handgun was a colt 1911 in .45 and I never developed a flinch or anything like that. I'm fairly handy with it too (would probably get better if I got out shooting more than 2 or 3 times a year).

As for the remington, I haven't heard much about it so I can't speak to its quality.
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+1, you want it? Get it! Get a nice used one on EE. Springfield, Remington, Colt, Kimber, Para, STI...People poo poo Para, but I've been thru 2 GI's and I have no complaints. Also I really enjoyed the STI entry level Spartan.
 
nothing wrong with starting with that if thats what you want i find shooting a 22 boring to be honest i started with a 40 and seem to do ok
 
If you like the .45, get it. My first handgun was a Smith Model 19...because as an invincible 20 year old, I had to have the flash and thunder of a "###iful" 4-inch .357 Even though I now shoot mostly .38s through it and my other .357s, getting it at that time was not a mistake. Get your 1911, shoot and be happy.
 
GSG 1911 is the way to go, for $400 you cant go wrong. After 2 range sessions you'll spend that in .45 anyways. Then get a cheaper .45 1911 and your set.
 
Gunslingr said:
Go for the 1911 if you want it. Honestly (no disrespect to anyone who started this way) you do not need to start with a .22. 22 may be better if your really recoil shy or do not have a lot of money cause you can shoot more for cheaper, but in the long run your going to get that .45 cause its what you really want.

Do not buy into the "start with a .22 so you can learn proper xyz" line. My first handgun was a colt 1911 in .45 and I never developed a flinch or anything like that. I'm fairly handy with it too (would probably get better if I got out shooting more than 2 or 3 times a year).
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I agree 100%. I often hear people say they are interested in a 9mm, or a 40. or something of a larger size caliber like that. Then someone says, oh you should start with a .22,... where does this come from??. If someone said they liked pick-up trucks, or sports cars, would you tell them to start with a smart car to learn to drive? Give me a break.

It's fine to listen to others for advice, but think for yourself. Don't rush into any decision, weigh your options, and go with what keeps you coming back. There is nothing wrong with going with a large caliber right out of the gate.
 
Stainless_smith said:
Get a .22lr to start then upgrade to a .45 after you have been shooting a while.


I sudgest you look for a ruger MKIII
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Argh....

Am I the only one who ####in hates it when people tell the new guy to buy a .22lr pistol? Why? LOL.

Figure out what you want, then buy it. If you like .45 buy it, if you like 9mm, buy it...
 
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