what is your opinion about 6 inch barrel 1911's?

Question

i am considering buying the springfield brand. i havent shot it since i cant find one for rent. anyone shot a long barrel .45 1911? what's your thoughts on those? thank you.

Answer 1

You are only gaining an inch over the standard .45acp 1911 barrel. Of course it is going to add a bit more velocity to the bullet, which will help, as the standard 230 grain .45acp bullet moves at between 900 to 1,000 feet-per-second. Someone used to make a .45acp long-slide hard-baller, but I thought it looked too long and ackward.

I intend to order the Glock factory 6" barrel for my Model 20 which will give me an inch and a half more length for hunting. Of course, the .10mm is a lot faster than the .45acp and I'm thinking the increase in barrel length will give me another 50 to 100 more fps.

Let us know how that longer barrel works in you 1911. I am curious.

H

Answer 2

I've shot only the standard "Government" and compact "Commander" Colts. I don't really see much need for longer or shorter barrels than on these two models. Too long a barrel makes the pistol a bit slower on the draw and throws off the balance. What is the tradeoff? You may achieve a bit more velocity with some loads, but others may actually be slower. Getting the optimum load is a tricky matter. It is an oversimplification to say a longer barrel gives more velocity. It does in many cases but not always. A .45ACP is noted for using a wide and heavy bullet at moderate velocity. Any velocity gains from a 6" barrel versus a 5" one are slight.

Answer 3

If you can find a deal on one, I say DEFINATELY go for it. You get a little extra velocity, more sight radius, and it's just all around easier to shoot. The Springfield longslides aren't real cheap, but if you have a lot of gun stores or shows around your area (big retail chains are great, cause most can check all their stores for used inventory) if you can find a AMT Hardballer Longslide, they are a full 7 inches, and LOTS cheaper. They don't make them anymore, so you have to find a used one. Of my 7 1911's, that one shoots the best, and it still has the original crappy sights on it, once I get better sights, watch out. As long as you don't mind the size of it, a longer gun will allmost always improve your shooting.

Answer 4

Absolute beauty. M1911s are not just collector's items, they are classified as the hardiest of the whole lot of .45 ACP generation, never mind those new models present. Recoil handling depends on practice (packs a lot of kick) and familiarity. You may need to "accurize" the gun based on your wrist strength and firing method. Never use reloads, true barrel grooves are hard to come by nowadays, unless you know a competent fabricator.