Nowolfalone
Alpha
Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “Ayoob: Is It Time to Retire the 1911?” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/ayoob-is-it-time-to-retire-the-1911/.
Ayoob: Is It Time to Retire the 1911?
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
Nowolfalone
Alpha
I am new to the Forum threads as of today so am catching up on a lot of information, and varied opinions. I carried a 1911 for years and I still do some of the time depending on where I am traveling to. One of the problems is that I find the 1911 is not as concealable as it used to be, or comfortable.
Bemused Berserker
Elite
I feel the exact same about Denver. Could have really moved up the ladder if I'd relocated. Company even offered to move me.
I said I'd rather have a root canal with no anesthetic.
Denver's a schitthole.
Bemused Berserker
Elite
I've one of the cheap Rock Island GI clones. Bought it just because my range buddies wanted me to shoot in our local quarter matches. It handles ball ammo fine, but not any of the Self Defense loads I've tried,, without a lot of hiccups. The gunsmith that worked the trigger over for me, is who suggested tuning it if I wanted to carry it. So, I'm going by his words/advice, I just couldn't see the point, since I had no intention of carrying it. I'm way late to the 1911 game compared to a lot of you guys, so I'm just not that comfortable with it, as it's only been about 5 years since I bought it.
javbike
Hellcat
Welcome from crazy California enjoy yourself here
Bemused Berserker
Elite
I agree for the most part. The 1911 and the .45 ACP aren't going anywhere any time soon. The question of whether or not they are obsolete is really a rather silly one, because the very word "obsolete" means something is either no longer made, or something is based on an antiquated design. Though Browning's original design might be considered antiquated, it has not remained unchanged, and the design has been continually "tweaked" for over a hundred years, and is still being tweaked as you and I confer.
As for the .45 ACP, it's actually younger than the 9mm Parabellum, as that cartridge was developed several years before the .45. The only thing that has remained consistent with either cartridge, is case dimensions. Improvements in propellants and projectiles is ongoing.
Though the 9mm might edge out the .45 slightly in popularity, the. 45 is by no measure any more obsolete than the .22 LR., a cartridge far older than both, that actually sells more than either the other two (due to its use in pistols and rifles and its relatively low cost). Though I read these articles, it's a debate that really seems to be a waste of time.
On another forum I belong to, a member recently shared a photo of his Glock 19, his new Labrador pup managed to get a hold of. The pup turned that polymer frame into a very expensive chew toy. Another member pointed out, that had he owned a 1911, the pup might have destroyed the grip panels, but the gun would still be usable. I agreed, any metal framed firearm would have been a better choice with Cujo the Glock Chomper around.
"Better," is a very subjective term.
As for the .45 ACP, it's actually younger than the 9mm Parabellum, as that cartridge was developed several years before the .45. The only thing that has remained consistent with either cartridge, is case dimensions. Improvements in propellants and projectiles is ongoing.
Though the 9mm might edge out the .45 slightly in popularity, the. 45 is by no measure any more obsolete than the .22 LR., a cartridge far older than both, that actually sells more than either the other two (due to its use in pistols and rifles and its relatively low cost). Though I read these articles, it's a debate that really seems to be a waste of time.
On another forum I belong to, a member recently shared a photo of his Glock 19, his new Labrador pup managed to get a hold of. The pup turned that polymer frame into a very expensive chew toy. Another member pointed out, that had he owned a 1911, the pup might have destroyed the grip panels, but the gun would still be usable. I agreed, any metal framed firearm would have been a better choice with Cujo the Glock Chomper around.
"Better," is a very subjective term.
I retired my Combat Commander and HiPower something over 5 years ago. Replaced them with a Gen3 G21 and a Gen5G19. No complaints -yet- with either one. My C Commander and BHP are cleaned and in my safe with loaded magazines should that unwanted visitor Justin Case show up...
I was treated to a few shots with a buddy's Combat Commander years ago. I was hooked immediately! Basically the same thing happened with a HiPower. I carried both for years, including time as duty weapons when I worked as a park ranger. I scoffed at the idea of carrying a Plastique Phantastique.. until I did....
While the Glock isnt perfect- needs metal sights and a manual safety in my view- still, they function well, don't choke, and carry well. How well they will last a century from now remains to be seen...
HayesGreener
Ronin
I am fixin' to slide my SIG 1911 into its holster, put on my jacket and Vietnam Veteran hat, load the dogs into the ATV, and go check my hog traps. Did I mention that I am taking my 1911? You know, no one has ever asked me if my 1911 should be retired.
Icepick Mike
Operator
American iron, keep the polymer at the range. Spent many years in the field, forest, jungle, desert, 1911 never failed me. Can't say the same about the Beretta and the few 'plastic' guns I tried.
Silvermane
Alpha
Been buying & carrying 1911 .45's since I was legal age to buy my first one with college money saved from my after-school part-time min-wage jobs a few lifetimes ago...back in the day, when you could work those jobs to pay for college. I've always adored 1911's for the reasons Ayoob described and they've always felt 'right' to me...and that'll never change.
Annihilator
Emissary
So is every other large metropolitan area! Fast becoming turd-world schittholes... sad to say. I remember when USA America was GREAT, both at home and abroad.
HouseDouglas
Alpha
I enlisted in 1971 And from basic training to retirement 38 years later I was always a top shooter with the M-16. I never did well with the 45 caliber. I am not a very big and strong fella so the .45 was a bit much for my hands to handle. I carried and shot the M9 for 18 months in Iraq and I handled it well. I have owned five 1911 models from an original 1911 built in 1917 (No A or number) Which I inherited. (Actually my wife did, from her Dad) and my last purchase was a Springfield. We have kept the antique but gave all the rest to family. Here’s the point-the .45 is a literal handful. The 9mm is too, but not so much. It takes a stronger hand(s) to shoot Expert with the .45. My favorite carry is a S&W 39A2 9mm & I can roll a beer can down a road with it. My second favorite is a CZ75 PCR, & I have a new Springfield SA35 not yet fired. So this is no criticism but the caliber needs to fit the person, and vice versa.