Buying my first Handgun. Talk me out of a 1911
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torresdavid09
New member
Well one thing I'll never do is tell another man how to spend his money. You want the .45, get the dang .45.
The usual reason behind choosing a 9mm over a .45 is that a 9mm is typically easier to fire, and people tend to be much more accurate with a 9mm than with a .45 (or 40 cal).
Will this be just a recreational gun or do you plan to use it for EDC? As a "first" gun, I can see it being both cool but also backfiring on you by being a heavier-caliber... You'll probably not shoot very well with it straight out of the gate, which will require lots of practice (which reminds me, .45 ammo is not the cheapest), and it may turn you off from shooting because of it... Or, it could push you to keep trying to get better with it...
The usual reason behind choosing a 9mm over a .45 is that a 9mm is typically easier to fire, and people tend to be much more accurate with a 9mm than with a .45 (or 40 cal).
Will this be just a recreational gun or do you plan to use it for EDC? As a "first" gun, I can see it being both cool but also backfiring on you by being a heavier-caliber... You'll probably not shoot very well with it straight out of the gate, which will require lots of practice (which reminds me, .45 ammo is not the cheapest), and it may turn you off from shooting because of it... Or, it could push you to keep trying to get better with it...
takdadjk
New member
Well, Nothing jams harder than Metallica... except a 1911.
Keith Wood
Active member
It doesn't matter which one you buy first-- just make sure it's not your last or you'll be picking out high heels next.
jkrispies
New member
If you'd asked me this question 15 years ago, I'd have told you to go .45acp, hands down. The thing is that propellant and bullet design technology has grown since then. I know the fad-of-the-moment is to hail .45acp, but (ballistically speaking) a 9mm will give you everything that a .45acp will, plus more capacity and (potentially) a more pleasant feel in the hand. Compare the 9mm Gold Dot bullet expansion data to .45acp... and .40sw. (The .40sw is a non-solution to a problem which never existed.)
Despite being a die-hard ammunition hand loader, this is what I run in my self-defense guns: DoubleTap 9mm+P Controlled Expansion.
As far as talking you out of a 1911... that would be plain foolishness. It's the only pistol that need exist.
Regarding 1911's, though, I would caution to purchase only a hand built gun. They are complex beasts who require a personal touch, and the personal touch doesn't come cheap. If I were to purchase one "off the shelf" then I'd probably look at Ed Brown, Les Baer, Wilson Combat... the old school houses that still do real hand fitting. Short of that, save your money.
Regarding 1911's jamming, a well-built one will run like a sewing machine... for 200 rounds. Then, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned, as in... firing pin and the whole damned thing. Don't believe me? Look at what the world champion IPSC shooters have been using for forty years: a 2011 is just a fancy 1911.
Despite being a die-hard ammunition hand loader, this is what I run in my self-defense guns: DoubleTap 9mm+P Controlled Expansion.
As far as talking you out of a 1911... that would be plain foolishness. It's the only pistol that need exist.
Regarding 1911's, though, I would caution to purchase only a hand built gun. They are complex beasts who require a personal touch, and the personal touch doesn't come cheap. If I were to purchase one "off the shelf" then I'd probably look at Ed Brown, Les Baer, Wilson Combat... the old school houses that still do real hand fitting. Short of that, save your money.
Regarding 1911's jamming, a well-built one will run like a sewing machine... for 200 rounds. Then, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned, as in... firing pin and the whole damned thing. Don't believe me? Look at what the world champion IPSC shooters have been using for forty years: a 2011 is just a fancy 1911.
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I agree with jkrispies, if you go 1911 by a good one. To add to his list there is nothing wrong with a Springfield or Colt. Just understand you will also buy (eventually) a g19, and I think that will be a better first pistol. We all beat up our first cars, you won’t regret beating up an ugly Glock.
Whatever you buy, just make sure you get something that you are willing to buy a lot of ammo to get lots of rounds down range and get proficient with the platform.
badgererickson
Member
If you're buying it for EDC and SD, get an HK USP in 45, no matter which one. If you want the 1911 for EDC, getting into gun-smithing, and collecting art that appreciates and a lifetime of grins and knowing nods.....find yourself a used Caspian (or the early SigArms 1911 .45s, that came in the blue or red cases.) Have fun with it, it's our Freedom to do so here in America.
brookssaved1998
New member
joedallacorte
New member
My first handgun was a 1911. Plain ol’ Springfield Armory mil-spec. Your first 1911 most likely won’t be your last 1911. I sold that one and bought 1911 from Ruger which had the curved beaver tail and Novak sights after realizing how bad the mil spec sights were, and how much it sucked getting the webbing of my hand chewed up after 100 rounds. If you want a full size 9mm, the Beretta 92 is a way better starting point IMO
arickmittler
New member
1911 in .45 is fine. The question is: which manufacturer? I currently prefer Tisas. They are TOP quality and made in the U.S. They offer a variety of tactical versions, but also make a very fine copy of the original Colt 1911A1 Army. You can't beat them or their price.
tisasusa.com
Tisas 1911 Single Stack Pistols | Pistols for Sale | Tisas USA
View our selection of Tisas 1911 single stack pistols for sale online that are available in two versatile sizes: Duty (5" Barrel) and Carry (4.25" Barrel).
tisasusa.com
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dvdaddario
New member
Its the best full size, but if you're doing CCW it can be a bit cumbersome. In heavy winter clothing you could still probably pull it off, but in the summer you will probably print.