Opinions on 1911's?

Question

I'm considering many guns for concealed carry and all ways had the 1911 in the back of my mind but never really considered it until now. The only drawback is the mag cpacity of only 7 or 8 rounds. I know you're going to say that it doesn't matter if you hit your target but i like at least 10. Is the 1911 a practical idea for concealed carry? If i land up getting a 1911 i'm going to get a wilson or a kimber. Any suggestions on anything i should do to them or are they pretty much good out of the box? Opinions are appreciated.

Also considering sigs 1911's

i know they're too big if i get one it'll be a compact version

Answer 1

I carry a Springfield Armory 1911 A-1 as a duty weapon and love it!

As for concealed carry, it can be done, but the 1911 is a large weapon no matter what and it is hard to conceal even in the bulkiest of clothes. There are high capacity (12-14 rounds) 1911s made by Springfield, Para-Ordinance and Kimber. But there's the weight and bulk problem again.

There are the compact pistols by Springfield, Para-Ordinance, and Kimber that are all very nice! good fit and finish as well.

Don't get hung up on the magazine capacity. Yes, 10 is a nice number. But 7-8 well placed shots will beat out 10 wild shots any day. Marksmanship is the key. You can always carry an extra mag or two.

Answer 2

That question will get you as many different responses as people responding. I own a Springfield Armory Champion 1911. Excellent firearm. But it is a bit heavy for all day carry.
If it's the design of the 1911 that draws you to it, consider a Kimber (aluminum frame). Although I've heard some horror stories about fit and finish...

If it's the .45 cal that your drawn to, consider a Springfield XD in .45 cal. I believe they hold 14 rounds, and as a polymer framed weapon, much lighter than a 1911.

But that's just my opinion.

Answer 3

Personally, I like the original Colt Pocket Hammer, I just like the name. And the ammo can be used in a Thompson Machine Gun as well.

You may want to consider the Pocket Hammerless model, cause it doesn't have a hammer to hang up in your pocket when you pull it out, hence the name.

Always glad to meet a fellow gun enthusiast

Answer 4

I have a S&W 40 cal I have 14 rounds and has just as much stopping power as a 45 cal.

Answer 5

I USED IT AS MY WEAPON IN THE MP'S AS AN OFFICER IT WAS MY ISSUE PISTOL. VERY TRUSTWORTHY, DROP IT, DIRT IN IT, WATER IN IT AND IT FIRES. IF YOU ARE GOING TO NEED 10 SHOTS TO TAKE SOMEONE DOWN OR OUT THEN YOU NEED TO BE ON THE PISTOL RANGE A LITTLE BIT MORE. MOST SHOOT OUTS ARE WITHIN THE 7 - 15 YARD LINE. YOU CAN THROW ROCKS AT THIS DISTANCE.
AT AGE 60 CAN PUT 10 OF 10 AT 7-15 YARDS INTO 10 SQUARE.

I LIKE THE 40 CAL TAURUS AS A WEAPON. AS A BACK UP I USED A 22 LONG RIFLE BERETTA. MY PISTOL HAS BEEN A TROOPER MARK IV WITH FRONT AND REAR SIGHTS ADJUSTABLE. MY BEST WEAPON FOR ALL AROUND USE IS THE DAN WESSON KIT WITH .357 /.38 CAL, WITH 2", 4" AND 6 IN BARRELS. CARRIED THIS WEAPON ALWAYS UNDERCOVER (2")ON PATROL (4") PISTOL TEAM (6")
THE BEST PISTOL I SHOT AND EX-WIFE SOLD WAS A 9MM BROWNING HI POWER AUTO. SMOOTH PISTOL-HIGH VELOCITY--USED BY TERRORIST JOHN SHERMAN AND THE GEORGE JACKSON BRIGADE MEMBERS WEAPON OF CHOICE.

Answer 6

A 1911 has a small magazine capacity and it is a pretty big gun to try to conceal.

Answer 7

get a glock 21 sf(short frame)
its small, light wieght, its in 45., and it has a 13 round capacity

Answer 8

the 1911 has been a dependable pistol for many years and how often are you gonna need to shoot somebody other then shooting at targets at the shooting range or popcans in the woods.

Answer 9

I am a fan of 9mm...on and off duty. I only use hollow-points though, for obvious reasons.

Answer 10

that was way before my time.