Well consider that my "regular" gun is a Glock 21 I've owned since 1993. I also get issued a Glock 19. And I want a new Glock 21 with the rail underneath.

I also have a very nice Colt LW Commander that is VERY custom. Maybe I'll take some pics. Quick and dirty: Wilson this and that, custom throating, bevels, etc., Volquartsen finish...

My third handgun is another nice custom SIG P-228 (still German-made). It has the best double-action pull I've ever felt.

As for .45s, there are SO MANY 1911 builders out there. Try some of the guns before you buy - like Choke said, name/rep alone is not enough. I have tried out the DW, so I know I love it. It might take a small file/sanding here/there, but even my Porsche needed breaking in.

 

I have the Glock .45 compact (Glock 30, I think) and its amazingly accurate and I've had maybe two jams out of thousands of rounds.

 

If this is something you are going to use for personal protection the only two words that matter are reliable and accurate. H&K, Sig, Glock would be my first three choices, but I am sure Brian and Chris know a lot more about this.

If you are concerned about home defense, then get a shotgun. If someone broke into your house and you actually had to use a gun to defend yourself chances are you'll be so nervous you would hit everything but the perp. Shotgun with buckshot eliminates that.

 

I've already got a rifle and shotgun collection that fits all my needs, including a compact pump that is locked and loaded, just in case.

I'm looking at my first handgun, I love the feel and idea of a 1911 .45, and I'm looking for personal testimony and opinions on that subject. I'm going to take some time and try out a few different models at the range before making a decision of course, but I figured posting this up was a good start. Lots of knowledgeable people around here . . .

 

Treat your purchase like a car... You're new to .45s so no sense getting a Ferrari as your first car. Buy a stock Springfield Armory 1911 and plink away. You'll find out what you like, don't like, want to "mod", etc. My first 1911 was like that and ended up turning into a race gun.

 

Great point Chris, thank you. It's obvious that no matter what I buy the biggest thing to improve will be my own shooting skill and experience.

Considering my needs, any particular models you like from Springfield?

 

This is great guidance, it really is; I don't think that there is a better way to approach a 1911. For the sake of general discussion: 1911's are such great guns on which to learn what your proclivities are, and what they will be as you get into your groove. Some people don't like a 1911 because it is both simple and complex at the same time. Its not like a Glock that you can just pick up and squeeze the trigger, you've got to have a good grip, and be comfortable gaining that grip, as well as knocking off a safety. Once you get comfortable with that, there is nothing like the crisp feeling of a 1911 trigger breaking.


So much for getting anymore work done today... Thanks Chris...


Great thread Kid!

 

If this is something you are going to use for personal protection the only two words that matter are reliable and accurate.

That statement bears repeating, if for no other reason that discussion on many levels. But for the sake of this thread, it has direct impact on the discussion as it relates to 1911's. To Jarod for the statement.

Obviously, reliable and accurate does not apply to all 1911's, the surprising thing is that on many of the higher dollar 1911's, they get the accurate part; but not the reliable part down.

Chris mentioned race guns, and that is a great example. Some race guns are prima donna's! Not good for most purposes outside of competitions.

 

Yeah I don't think productivity will be present in the rest of my day either. It's Friday, I'll fly down to Atlanta and then we'll go gun shopping! Whoo!

 

DUDE! Hell yes! Bring your ass on down, we'll tear some stuff up!