1911 question

[taat2d]

Just a quick background. I got my NYC license 7 months ago. Since that time I've purchased 2 handguns. I have a S&W M&P 2.0 and the Shield, both in 9mm. I shoot whenever I can get to the range, which isn't as often as I like because of work and family commitments.

That said, I've been doing some research for my next purchase. I really like the look and feel of the 1911. I shot a couple at the range. I've been looking at the S&W Performance Center 1911, the Springfield Range Officer Elite Operator and the Kimber Custom 2. I would like to stay as close to $1000 as possible and at the same time get a good quality gun. At some point I'd like to shoot in some action pistol matches.

I see that the 1911's come I'm 9mm and .45ACP and some even come in 10mm. What is the advantages or disadvantages of getting it in 9mm or .45? I know that aim is a lot cheaper in 9mm and there's considerably less kick in 9mm. Does it make more sense to get it in 9mm because I already have 2 and readily available ammo?

Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-Joe

 

[Saltwater60]

I’d say yes the 9mm makes more sense, but many purists will say .45. Either way you can go wrong. What will you use it for range toy I’m guessing since your probably not carrying in nyc right?

 

[Brian Colt]

I have one of each . 45 & 9

 

[Criticalt]

I really like my Ruger SR1911.
A full size 1911 in 45 has a very gentle recoil, in fact, my 9mm Shield may be less pleasant to fire than my 1911 in 45.
Even a 10mm 1911 isnt so bad but definitely more felt recoil than 45.
45 will be much more expensive to fire especially buying ammo in NYC im sure.

 

[Darth]

I'm going to be the weirdo that suggests 10mm.

10mm is a phenomenal round for a reloader, should that apply to you.

 

[freddy]

Do you want a lime green 4-cylinder Mustang? Then go ahead and get a 9mm 1911...
NO WAY! Don't do it, mon!

Your first (or only) 1911 absolutely positively MUST be a .45!
I repeat, get the .45acp You will not regret it.
A 1911 pistol is by definition chambered in .45acp - no ifs, ands, or buts!
A steel framed 1911 is a soft shooter in .45acp.
It is as close to perfection as is possible.
Barrel of 4 or 5 inches... IN .45ACP ONLY!


Repeat after me:
1911 = .45acp

 

[freddy]

One more thing, consider a Dan Wesson 1911.

 

[freddy]

...CHAMBERED FOR .45ACP ONLY!

 

[redtail]

Dan Wesson makes a great 1911 for 1k - ish. My RemR1carry has been great also. Stay away from the kimber.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

www.smga.com/p-104605.aspx?searchEngineName=kimber-3200321-ultra-carry-ii-45acp-7rd-3-two-tone

$620 delivered, if they still have them.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Other option. .22tcm

 

[taat2d]

I’d say yes the 9mm makes more sense, but many purists will say .45. Either way you can go wrong. What will you use it for range toy I’m guessing since your probably not carrying in nyc right?

Yes unfortunately it’ll be used for the range. No carry for me in this shorty city!!! LOL. Only got a few years left to retire and then make my escape!!!

 

[taat2d]

I really like my Ruger SR1911.
A full size 1911 in 45 has a very gentle recoil, in fact, my 9mm Shield may be less pleasant to fire than my 1911 in 45.
Even a 10mm 1911 isnt so bad but definitely more felt recoil than 45.
45 will be much more expensive to fire especially buying ammo in NYC im sure.

Yes my Shield has a lot more recoil than my 2.0. I try to stock up on ammo when I go see family in PA.

 

[taat2d]

I'm going to be the weirdo that suggests 10mm.

10mm is a phenomenal round for a reloader, should that apply to you.

Never shot a 10mm. Would love to. I know that’s an expensive round. As for reloading, I don’t. Something I’d like to do if I had more time. But right now it’s next to impossible with work and family.

 

[Kwalsh]

i think they suggest that you get a 1911 in 45 acp???

 

[taat2d]

Do you want a lime green 4-cylinder Mustang? Then go ahead and get a 9mm 1911...
NO WAY! Don't do it, mon!

Your first (or only) 1911 absolutely positively MUST be a .45!
I repeat, get the .45acp You will not regret it.
A 1911 pistol is by definition chambered in .45acp - no ifs, ands, or buts!
A steel framed 1911 is a soft shooter in .45acp.
It is as close to perfection as is possible.
Barrel of 4 or 5 inches... IN .45ACP ONLY!


Repeat after me:
1911 = .45acp

Yeah I don’t know how many more would be in my future. I definitely want a 5 inch barrel. Most friends that I’ve asked suggest a .45 as well.

Those Dan Wesson’s look real nice too!!

 

[taat2d]

Dan Wesson makes a great 1911 for 1k - ish. My RemR1carry has been great also. Stay away from the kimber.

I’ve heard mixed reviews on the Kimber. I have a friend who swears by them. Loves them.

 

[taat2d]

One more thing, consider a Dan Wesson 1911.

Rock Island is a new name for me. Never heard of them. Definitely going to check them out as well. Thanks!!

 

[taat2d]

i think they suggest that you get a 1911 in 45 acp???

That’s what all of my friends are saying.

 

[taat2d]

www.smga.com/p-104605.aspx?searchEngineName=kimber-3200321-ultra-carry-ii-45acp-7rd-3-two-tone

$620 delivered, if they still have them.
View attachment 27066

I like the looks of the Kimber. Never fired one though. That’s a very reasonably priced gun!!!

I was leaning towards the Sprinfield because I hear it’s more competition ready out of the box. Haven’t shot any matches yet, but hope to in the near future.

 

[Criticalt]

I like the looks of the Kimber. Never fired one though. That’s a very reasonably priced gun!!!

I was leaning towards the Sprinfield because I hear it’s more competition ready out of the box. Haven’t shot any matches yet, but hope to in the near future.

Remember, thats a scaled down version made for concealed carry.
It has a 3 inch barrel, low profile sights and 7 round mag. None of those are great for a range/home defense gun.

 

[taat2d]

Remember, thats a scaled down version made for concealed carry.
It has a 3 inch barrel, low profile sights and 7 round mag. None of those are great for a range/home defense gun.

I’m definitely getting a 5 inch barrel. Which one are you referring to with a 3” barrel? The Kimber pictured?

 

[Criticalt]

I’m definitely getting a 5 inch barrel. Which one are you referring to with a 3” barrel? The Kimber pictured?

Yes, the Ultra Carry 2

 

[Marine Cpl]

A few things.... And just so you know, my first caliber was a .45. I carried it for a few years. I have since gotten rid of it.

1. Many here say a 1911 must be a .45. These are people that just say that because they heard it on the internet once and say it themselves now because they want to appear cool or manly. These are the same people who have no problem with an AR in another caliber besides .223. It's hypocrisy. Get the gun in the caliber that suits you.

2. Your other 2 guns are 9mm. It's best to continue to keep the 1911 in the same caliber in 9mm. Living in NYC, you are already limited to the amount of ammo you can have at home. Introducing another caliber takes away ammo from your other 2 guns.

3. No matter what anyone says, you can always shoot better in 9mm. Even an excellent shooter in .45 will handle recoil better in 9mm and be more proficient with it. It's physics. You can't beat physics.

4. A 9mm penetrates hard barriers better than a .45. That's proven. Speed is what penetrates hard barriers. A 9mm's velocity is almost twice as fast as a .45. You live in NYC. You are surrounded by nothing but barriers. No modern police department fields the .45 ACP because of it's poor barrier penetration.

5. Although you cannot legally carry it, there may come a time and place that you may have to if things get bad during a SHTF scenario. A huge, full sized 1911 is doable but not ideal. If you got a 1911 that was more concealable, you would have that option to carry it easily or arm someone else you trust if you had to. They would need to conceal it easily. Keeping it in 9mm makes it easy for logistical reasons. The NYPD uses 9mm. That can be a source to get ammo if things turned into every man for themselves. Plus, that new shooter you arm, would handle the 9mm better than the .45. It would weigh less as well.

6. If you decided to get a concealable 1911, a 3 inch barrel is terrible with a 1911 chambered in .45. A .45 is already slow at about 850 fps with a 5 inch barrel. With a 3 inch barrel, you are at about 700 fps compared to a 9mm that'll still go 1100 fps through a 3 inch barrel.

 

[Mk44]

I've owned a couple of 1911's. There are many to choose from Springfield, Kimber, S&W, Ruger, RIA, ATI....
Then there are the high end ones, but you want to stay under $1k.

You said you live in NYC, and live a busy life. Trying to get to range sometimes. (I understand- me too. between family, work & chores, life is busy )
You own two pistols in 9mm. You're familiar with 9mm. I say get a 1911 in 9mm. Unless you don't care about adding another caliber to your arsenal or want to shoot .45ACP.
Going with a full size 5" 1911 for a range gun or completion is a wise choice. It will give you a better sight radius & handle recoil better/getting back on target faster whether in 9mm or .45ACP. (Because you live in NYC, imo there's no point is getting a 3" 1911 because it's near impossible to get a CCW license in NYC (depending on your occupation.))

10mm is a great caliber. But it's going to have more recoil over the .45ACP or 9mm. And it's going to get expensive as a range gun.
.45ACP is very manageable in a 1911 (what I shoot).
9mm is probably a breeze to shoot in a full size 1911. ​

Get the caliber that you shoot well with/prefer.

 

[Tinman]

I have 2 1911's in .45acp. Both are Kimbers. One is a Kimber CDP II Crimson Trace with a 3" barrel. The other is a Kimber Super Carry Pro with a 4" barrel. Both are super handguns. Both shoot with great accuracy and I have never had a failure on either one. In my opinion you can't go wrong with a Kimber. Also if you are going to buy a 1911, it should be in .45acp.

 

[taat2d]

A few things.... And just so you know, my first caliber was a .45. I carried it for a few years. I have since gotten rid of it.

1. Many here say a 1911 must be a .45. These are people that just say that because they heard it on the internet once and say it themselves now because they want to appear cool or manly. These are the same people who have no problem with an AR in another caliber besides .223. It's hypocrisy. Get the gun in the caliber that suits you.

2. Your other 2 guns are 9mm. It's best to continue to keep the 1911 in the same caliber in 9mm. Living in NYC, you are already limited to the amount of ammo you can have at home. Introducing another caliber takes away ammo from your other 2 guns.

3. No matter what anyone says, you can always shoot better in 9mm. Even an excellent shooter in .45 will handle recoil better in 9mm and be more proficient with it. It's physics. You can't beat physics.

4. A 9mm penetrates hard barriers better than a .45. That's proven. Speed is what penetrates hard barriers. A 9mm's velocity is almost twice as fast as a .45. You live in NYC. You are surrounded by nothing but barriers. No modern police department fields the .45 ACP because of it's poor barrier penetration.

5. Although you cannot legally carry it, there may come a time and place that you may have to if things get bad during a SHTF scenario. A huge, full sized 1911 is doable but not ideal. If you got a 1911 that was more concealable, you would have that option to carry it easily or arm someone else you trust if you had to. They would need to conceal it easily. Keeping it in 9mm makes it easy for logistical reasons. The NYPD uses 9mm. That can be a source to get ammo if things turned into every man for themselves. Plus, that new shooter you arm, would handle the 9mm better than the .45. It would weigh less as well.

6. If you decided to get a concealable 1911, a 3 inch barrel is terrible with a 1911 chambered in .45. A .45 is already slow at about 850 fps with a 5 inch barrel. With a 3 inch barrel, you are at about 700 fps compared to a 9mm that'll still go 1100 fps through a 3 inch barrel.

1. Most friends have told me that I HAVE to get a .45 if I plan on getting a 1911. I was actually thinking of getting it in 9mm actually. I'm very confused about this. I don't want to regret whatever decision I make on this.

2. I was leaning towards the 9mm for the exact same reason. Plus the price factor.

3. Makes sense that the 9mm would be easier to shoot and handle over the .45.

4. This I didn't know. Thanks for that info.

5. Never thought of this. I would think I'd give my wife the Shield if we were ever in a SHTF encounter. Hopefully won't ever have to do that.

6. Which ever 1911 I get, will definitely have a 5" barrel.

Thanks for all these points!!! Very much appreciated!!

 

[taat2d]

I've owned a couple of 1911's. There are many to choose from Springfield, Kimber, S&W, Ruger, RIA, ATI....
Then there are the high end ones, but you want to stay under $1k.

You said you live in NYC, and live a busy life. Trying to get to range sometimes. (I understand- me too. between family, work & chores, life is busy )
You own two pistols in 9mm. You're familiar with 9mm. I say get a 1911 in 9mm. Unless you don't care about adding another caliber to your arsenal or want to shoot .45ACP.
Because you live in NYC, imo there's no point is getting a 3" officers model 1911 because it's near impossible to get a CCW in NYC (depending on your occupation.)
Going with a full size 5" 1911 for a range gun or completion is a wise choice. It will give you a better sight radius & handle recoil better/getting back on target faster (whether in 9mm or .45ACP).
The purist prefer a 1911 in .45ACP. But It's your gun. You'll be shooting it. Get the caliber that you shoot well with/prefer.
10mm is a great caliber. But it's going to have more recoil over the .45ACP or 9mm. And it's going to get expensive as a range gun.
.45ACP is very manageable in a 1911 (what I shoot).
9mm is probably a breeze to shoot in a full size 1911.

One of my 1911's is a Rock Island. The company has been making 1911's since WWII. I have never had a problem with it & would buy another one.
As I mentioned above, any of the named 1911's makes very good pistol.

A 3" barrel was never a thought to me. 5" all the way. LOL Life is WAY too busy for me!! My son plays travel hockey and my daughter is on a travel baton twirling team. I do't get any me time. But that's ok, my family comes first.

 

[taat2d]

I have 2 1911's in .45acp. Both are Kimbers. One is a Kimber CDP II Crimson Trace with a 3" barrel. The other is a Kimber Super Carry Pro with a 4" barrel. Both are super handguns. Both shoot with great accuracy and I have never had a failure on either one. In my opinion you can't go wrong with a Kimber. Also if you are going to buy a 1911, it should be in .45acp.

I like the Kimber's a lot. But I'm only going on looks. Haven't fired one yet. Thinking of going to Gun For Hire so I can rent a couple 1911's there and try them out. They rent the Kimber.

 

[redtail]