Question for the gun folks....... [Archive]

BeatlesSteve

April 26th, 2009, 3:01 pm

czzzaar

April 26th, 2009, 3:15 pm

I took my CCW class yesterday and the majority of folks qualified with a 1911 of some sort. Each of them told me that they absolutely love them and that they don't even bother looking at any other handguns.

What is it about 1911s that people like so much?

Form, fit, function and stopping power for me. I have seven handguns and the 1911 is my favorite. It feels the best in my hand and I know that it will stop an attacker.

1ProudAmerican

April 26th, 2009, 3:21 pm

Handgun preference is like the Ford Chevy argument.

I have shot the 1911, and i like it, but I prefere my XD...its a bit more ergonomic, but employ's the same trigger and rear grip safety of the 1911.

as for cal...again Ford Chevy argument. I prefer either .40 S&W or 45 ACP...but my reasons for liking them may differ from why others prefere something different.

I Qualified for my CHL w/ my 40.

GoBucks

April 26th, 2009, 3:27 pm

Hey guys, I am not a "gun person", tho my husband is. He has just about every kind of handgun and rifle.

He's taught me to use each of them. I insisted since they are in the house. It was a surprise to him that I handled the 9mm with the most accuracy.

My question, if you'd clear up for me...
1. What is a 1911?
2. What is a 45 ACP?
3. What is an XD

(I got the .40 S&W)

ClintS

April 26th, 2009, 3:41 pm

Here is some info about the 1911 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1911_pistol.

1911 is for the year it was made I think.

GoBucks

April 26th, 2009, 3:46 pm

thanks ClintS. When I saw your user name in this forum, I instantly thought of Dirty Harry :)

ClintS

April 26th, 2009, 3:59 pm

:D Sounds like a good idea for an avatar!

GoBucks

April 26th, 2009, 4:05 pm

It would be a good avie... especially if you could find the scene where he forgets how many shots he's fired........... "do you feel lucky, punk?"

GA_LP

April 26th, 2009, 4:17 pm

captusa

April 26th, 2009, 4:26 pm

thanks ClintS. When I saw your user name in this forum, I instantly thought of Dirty Harry :)

I think using a .357 or .44 magnum for personal protection, especially in an urban or suburban enviroment is crazy.
One could kill an intruder and the bullet could carry through your walls and through a neighbors house.
I like the S&W .38 (police special) it was a standard side-arm in the USAF and on which I qualified.
I fired the 1911 at Lowry AFB and it is to large for me to fire comfortably.
As a weapon for home protection it is ideal for ease of firing, stopping power and the bullet will not carry like a Magnum.

TinCan

April 26th, 2009, 6:01 pm

One of the reasons for the continued popularity of the M1911 is that it was the standard sidearm of the American GI for over 70 years. It saw service in 2 world wars, Korea, Vietnam and Grenada. And like the Ford vs GM, its something that's been passed down from generation to generation. Interestingly, it has made a comeback with many Spec Ops units and LA SWAT uses a Kimber based the 1911 design.

Yep, after doing my 20 it was only natural that my favorite is my 1911, fits like a glove and I know that it will stop a bad guy. I'm also fond of my XD 40 and I guess the main reason I picked it over the Glock, Sig, etc was the "feel" is very similar. And there's nothing like a trusty Colt Detective Special in .38 as added insurance. :)

PredFan

April 26th, 2009, 9:36 pm

I don't own a 1911 because I have a pistol in all the major calibers already. Except the S&W 500 which I would love to get.

I have however shot one or two and they are nice. IMO, it's more prestige than anything else. I have an Astra A-80 9mm with a 15 round magazine that I absolutely love. It fits so natural in my hand and makes a good shot out of me.

You will find guns that you like and which one is "the best" will be a matter of taste. There are plenty of guns that could qualify, and there are definately guns that you won't like at all.

ArmyMAJretired

April 27th, 2009, 10:52 am

Yep, after doing my 20 it was only natural that my favorite is my 1911, fits like a glove and I know that it will stop a bad guy. I'm also fond of my XD 40 and I guess the main reason I picked it over the Glock, Sig, etc was the "feel" is very similar. And there's nothing like a trusty Colt Detective Special in .38 as added insurance. :)

I have a Para Ord P-10!

Very concealable and 10+1 of .45 stopping power.

It's a bit heavy so I usually have my Taurus Millenium PT-111 in 9mm in my pocket holster.

birddog1

April 27th, 2009, 12:16 pm

One of the reasons for the continued popularity of the M1911 is that it was the standard sidearm of the American GI for over 70 years. It saw service in 2 world wars, Korea, Vietnam and Grenada. And like the Ford vs GM, its something that's been passed down from generation to generation. Interestingly, it has made a comeback with many Spec Ops units and LA SWAT uses a Kimber based the 1911 design.

It is also rugged, reliable, and chambered for a time tested man stopper. Then there is the fact that it doesn't look or feel like your wife's Tupperware.

ALBOB2

April 27th, 2009, 4:22 pm

I have a Para Ord P-10!

Very concealable and 10+1 of .45 stopping power.

You were Army and an officer, that's two strikes against you right there. But you saved yourself with this post. I got lucky and got mine back when they were P-12. :D

That's my carry gun, for target shooting and just plinking I have a P-14 Limited.

Claymore

April 27th, 2009, 4:28 pm

Here is some info about the 1911 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1911_pistol.

1911 is for the year it was made I think.

That is the year the Colt Automatic Pistol Caliber .45 was adopted by the U.S. Army.

In Oklahoma, as in many states, if you shoot you CCW qualifying rounds with a .45 ACP pistol, you will qualify to carry any pistol, revolver, or derringer of .45 caliber or less.

Claymore

April 27th, 2009, 4:32 pm

I have a Para Ord P-10!

Very concealable and 10+1 of .45 stopping power.

It's a bit heavy so I usually have my Taurus Millenium PT-111 in 9mm in my pocket holster.

I have the Llama XC version of the Para-Ord P12-45.
It is the same pistol as PA makes the frame and slides for Llama.
I also have a Colt Govt Model/Series 70 .45 auto.
My pocket pistol is the Llama .380 auto that is a mini-Govt Model.

ArmyMAJretired

April 27th, 2009, 4:50 pm

I have the Llama XC version of the Para-Ord P12-45.
It is the same pistol as PA makes the frame and slides for Llama.
I also have a Colt Govt Model/Series 70 .45 auto.
My pocket pistol is the Llama .380 auto that is a mini-Govt Model.

I used to carry a .380, but I got better!

Seriously, before mini guns became popular I carried a Walther PPK/S in .380 then an AMT Backup (Garbage), then a S&W Sigma
.380

I upgraded from my 9mm Kel-Tec P-11 to my Taurus!

chip

April 27th, 2009, 4:59 pm

I have the Llama XC version of the Para-Ord P12-45.
It is the same pistol as PA makes the frame and slides for Llama.
I also have a Colt Govt Model/Series 70 .45 auto.
My pocket pistol is the Llama .380 auto that is a mini-Govt Model.

You guys are caliber restricted up there?

Seems foolish since the have repriciprocity with us in Texas and we arent caliber retricted.

ALBOB2

April 27th, 2009, 5:29 pm

Walther PPK/S in .380

I've ALWAYS wanted one of those, just for the pure cool factor.

Claymore

April 27th, 2009, 5:32 pm

You guys are caliber restricted up there?

Seems foolish since the have repriciprocity with us in Texas and we arent caliber retricted.

Not if you qualify with a .45 auto. Then, you can carry anything.
I don't expec anyone wanting to carry concealed a .454 Casull or a .50 AE.

GA_LP

April 27th, 2009, 6:22 pm

I used to carry a .380, but I got better!

Seriously, before mini guns became popular I carried a Walther PPK/S in .380 then an AMT Backup (Garbage), then a S&W Sigma
.380

I upgraded from my 9mm Kel-Tec P-11 to my Taurus!
My carry gun is a Taurus 945B. Its a medium frame, .45 ACP of course, 8 rd capacity. I bought a Sig 226 in .40 SW in January, but its a smidge too big for concealed carry and I'm a big guy. The Taurus is DA and a buddy of mine did some polishing and WOW what a difference it made.

ALBOB2

April 27th, 2009, 6:23 pm

Not if you qualify with a .45 auto. Then, you can carry anything.
I don't expec anyone wanting to carry concealed a .454 Casull or a .50 AE.

Got my friend Wildey on my card. :twisted:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s6njvCfHn6U/RfcSSRodUHI/AAAAAAAAAEU/xE7zqXvxbN4/s400/dw3-wildley.jpg

Claymore

April 27th, 2009, 6:46 pm

My.380 is a pocket pistol.
I carry a .45 with a inside the belt or a belly-band under a jacket.
The .357 is the car gun.

captusa

April 27th, 2009, 7:11 pm

My.380 is a pocket pistol.
I carry a .45 with a inside the belt or a belly-band under a jacket.
The .357 is the car gun.

Hunting and stopping cars is one of the few things for which a .357 would be appropriate.

RickRhetoric

April 27th, 2009, 7:21 pm

Has anyone ever heard of a "Taurus shotgun revolver"? I heard that it shoots .410 gauge shotgun shells. Seems like it would be ideal as a home defense weapon.

Claymore

April 27th, 2009, 7:30 pm

Has anyone ever heard of a "Taurus shotgun revolver"? I heard that it shoots .410 gauge shotgun shells. Seems like it would be ideal as a home defense weapon.

5 shots of either .410 shotshells or .45 Long Colt.:D
http://www.midwesthuntersoutlet.com/item.aspx?pid=58539

putputpanorama

April 27th, 2009, 8:40 pm

Has anyone ever heard of a "Taurus shotgun revolver"? I heard that it shoots .410 gauge shotgun shells. Seems like it would be ideal as a home defense weapon.

I like my judge, got the short version, .410 buckshot kicks like a mule though.

Cav Scout

April 28th, 2009, 2:11 am

I took my CCW class yesterday and the majority of folks qualified with a 1911 of some sort. Each of them told me that they absolutely love them and that they don't even bother looking at any other handguns.

What is it about 1911s that people like so much?

Becuase it is simply the best pistol frame ever built.

Followed closely by the .357 magnum.

However, it is not what you shoot, but where you shoot that matters. To parrot Sneaky.

Cav Scout

April 28th, 2009, 2:36 am

chip

April 28th, 2009, 9:36 am

Not if you qualify with a .45 auto. Then, you can carry anything.
I don't expec anyone wanting to carry concealed a .454 Casull or a .50 AE.

No I just meant that if you qualify with a .380 are you stuck at .380 or lower for carry?

birddog1

April 28th, 2009, 10:02 am

Meet John Browning and understand why..

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWbrowningJ.htm

http://www.lcompanyranger.com/usweapons/colt45page1.htm

http://www.m1911.org/browning.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Browning_machine_gun

The finest mind ever to put to weapon craft.

Most famous people in the gun industry are tied to a single weapon that made them famous, John Browning had more famous weapons designs across all types of weapons than the average person can even remember.

His 1911 pistol is quite possibly the most popular design in the world at the current time, 98 years after it was designed. The M2 was designed around the same time and is still in active service and only recently has there even been talk of developing a replacement for it.

sgtmac_46

April 28th, 2009, 10:53 am

I took my CCW class yesterday and the majority of folks qualified with a 1911 of some sort. Each of them told me that they absolutely love them and that they don't even bother looking at any other handguns.

What is it about 1911s that people like so much?

Generally, it's the 1911 trigger, which, because of it's unique design, lends itself to accurate controlled shooting.

sgtmac_46

April 28th, 2009, 10:54 am

Lawson_Raider

April 28th, 2009, 10:56 am

I took my CCW class yesterday and the majority of folks qualified with a 1911 of some sort. Each of them told me that they absolutely love them and that they don't even bother looking at any other handguns.

What is it about 1911s that people like so much?

The M1911 is an awesome handgun. Once you hold and shoot one, you'll be addicted. It's hard to explain but it is truly one of those handguns that will just make its place in your heart.

I own a cheap Spanish knockoff of a 1911, It's a Llama. Not a true 1911 clone but shoots the same round, 45 ACP. I couldn't afford a nice true 1911 clone so I had to go with this one.

sgtmac_46

April 28th, 2009, 10:59 am

Becuase it is simply the best pistol frame ever built.

Followed closely by the .357 magnum.

However, it is not what you shoot, but where you shoot that matters. To parrot Sneaky.

Yes, John Browning was a genius......the 1911 has been long emulated, but never actually surpassed.......that's why almost 100 years after it's birth, it's still the choice of professional shooters........it's certainly my favorite gun.

One of Browning's other brain children, the Hi-Power 9mm is, likewise, a true marvel........i'm likewise a Hi-Power fan and hope to add a Novak custom Hi-Power to my collection.

ALBOB2

April 28th, 2009, 11:30 am

Hunting and stopping cars is one of the few things for which a .357 would be appropriate.

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or serious. I don't have time to research the stats right now but, for the longest time the .357 Magnum 125 grain JHP held the number one spot for highest percentage of one shot stops on bad guys. It was followed closely by the .45 ACP "flying ashtray".

BeatlesSteve

April 28th, 2009, 1:00 pm

The M1911 is an awesome handgun. Once you hold and shoot one, you'll be addicted. It's hard to explain but it is truly one of those handguns that will just make its place in your heart.

I own a cheap Spanish knockoff of a 1911, It's a Llama. Not a true 1911 clone but shoots the same round, 45 ACP. I couldn't afford a nice true 1911 clone so I had to go with this one.

Are the Rock Island Armory 1911's nice? There is no way I would be able to afford $800-$1,000 but saw that RIA has them priced in a more affordable range.

birddog1

April 28th, 2009, 1:06 pm

Are the Rock Island Armory 1911's nice? There is no way I would be able to afford $800-$1,000 but saw that RIA has them priced in a more affordable range.

I have no personal experience but I have heard a lot of people have problems with them and the parts are often out of spec. Sort of hit or miss depending upon the particular pistol you end up with.

Samm

April 28th, 2009, 4:55 pm

I took my CCW class yesterday and the majority of folks qualified with a 1911 of some sort. Each of them told me that they absolutely love them and that they don't even bother looking at any other handguns.

What is it about 1911s that people like so much?

As much as I love my Springfield 1911 and my Colt 1991, I prefer my Sig 229, my Baby Eagle and even my Beretta for accurate 'point and shoot' use (I will take the Sig for accuracy over any other semi-auto.) IMO anybody who rejects even the notion of owning and/or using anything but a 1911 is either a snob or ignorant. I have no problem with that gun being anyone's personal preference, but they are not inherently superior to many other high quality hand guns.

captusa

April 28th, 2009, 5:51 pm

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or serious. I don't have time to research the stats right now but, for the longest time the .357 Magnum 125 grain JHP held the number one spot for highest percentage of one shot stops on bad guys. It was followed closely by the .45 ACP "flying ashtray".

My problem with the .357 and the .44 magnum is the possibility of what the round can do after it stops a bad (or good) guy.
There are cases of a .44 magnum going through an engine block and killing the driver.
Hence my remark about "hunting cars".
The low muzzle velocity of the "flying ashtray" makes it ideal for the questioner who wanted home protection since it supplies the stopping power and not the danger of killing a neighbor 2 or three houses away.
BTW My ex-father-in-law has a .357 Ruger.
He bought the Ruger because there was problem obtaining a S&W when he got his NYS permit.

BeatlesSteve

April 28th, 2009, 8:43 pm

Recommend a .45 for me in case I do not end up getting a 1911, I would like to stay in the $450-$550 range. I know it is a personal decision but I would like to hear some feedback on some of your .45 automatics.

It may be worth it for me to spend a little less on the pistol and then have some money left for the outrageous price of .45 ammo.

Samm

April 28th, 2009, 9:29 pm

My problem with the .357 and the .44 magnum is the possibility of what the round can do after it stops a bad (or good) guy.
There are cases of a .44 magnum going through an engine block and killing the driver.
Hence my remark about "hunting cars".
The low muzzle velocity of the "flying ashtray" makes it ideal for the questioner who wanted home protection since it supplies the stopping power and not the danger of killing a neighbor 2 or three houses away.
BTW My ex-father-in-law has a .357 Ruger.
He bought the Ruger because there was problem obtaining a S&W when he got his NYS permit.

I find that very difficult to believe unless it was a armor piercing round (which is not something you buy off the sporting goods shelf for 44 magnum, but which are easily "manufactured" by individuals.) A SWC or hollow point (the two most common rounds in 44) have poor penetration; they are meant to deform upon impact... and do. Even my 41 magnum with SWC bullets has better penetration than does my 44. If there is indeed such an incident documented, he was probably killed by a piece of the engine, not the bullet.

Cav Scout

April 28th, 2009, 10:47 pm

Most famous people in the gun industry are tied to a single weapon that made them famous, John Browning had more famous weapons designs across all types of weapons than the average person can even remember.

His 1911 pistol is quite possibly the most popular design in the world at the current time, 98 years after it was designed. The M2 was designed around the same time and is still in active service and only recently has there even been talk of developing a replacement for it.

I know.

Cav Scout

April 28th, 2009, 10:48 pm

Yes, John Browning was a genius......the 1911 has been long emulated, but never actually surpassed.......that's why almost 100 years after it's birth, it's still the choice of professional shooters........it's certainly my favorite gun.

One of Browning's other brain children, the Hi-Power 9mm is, likewise, a true marvel........i'm likewise a Hi-Power fan and hope to add a Novak custom Hi-Power to my collection.

Another fine pistola.

Yep he is the legacy no one will ever top imo.

Cav Scout

April 28th, 2009, 10:50 pm

My problem with the .357 and the .44 magnum is the possibility of what the round can do after it stops a bad (or good) guy.
There are cases of a .44 magnum going through an engine block and killing the driver.
Hence my remark about "hunting cars".
The low muzzle velocity of the "flying ashtray" makes it ideal for the questioner who wanted home protection since it supplies the stopping power and not the danger of killing a neighbor 2 or three houses away.
BTW My ex-father-in-law has a .357 Ruger.
He bought the Ruger because there was problem obtaining a S&W when he got his NYS permit.

Please stop...

I do not have my hip waders.

There are cases of richochetes going all sorts of directions and hurting things. There is no such documented case of a .44 S&W Magnum round traveling through an entire engine block at all.

Unless of course it is the model car on the shelf of your house.

Ballistics are your friend. You should read up on them some time.

Samm

April 29th, 2009, 5:11 pm

Please stop...

I do not have my hip waders.

There are cases of richochetes going all sorts of directions and hurting things. There is no such documented case of a .44 S&W Magnum round traveling through an entire engine block at all.

Unless of course it is the model car on the shelf of your house.

Ballistics are your friend. You should read up on them some time.
LOL my friend. :D

I thought my reply was just a wee bit more diplomatic. ;)

Cav Scout

April 29th, 2009, 7:21 pm

LOL my friend. :D

I thought my reply was just a wee bit more diplomatic. ;)

Diplomacy is a job that I am quite sure I do not qualify for...:D

carlos64030

April 29th, 2009, 9:37 pm

God would carry a 1911 if he had to carry.

Cav Scout

April 29th, 2009, 9:58 pm

God would carry a 1911 if he had to carry.

There is an old joke about that.

When the Pope went to Cuba, it was the first time Fidel was seen without his Browning HP, and the First time the Pope was seen with his Colt 45.