Training with a 1911 .45 acp

[Semi_auto]

I enjoy training but am now finding that qaulity ammo can cost as much as or more than the course. I don't want to buy lesser quality stuff and increase the chance of malfunction but at some point (unless I reload) that may be my only option. I could switch to another platform but I beleive the 1911 and P7 are the best fit for me.

I was looking at a few 1911's chambered in 9mm (because shooting 300-400 rounds per day through a P7 could get painful) and wondered:
Are there any drawbacks to training with a 1911 chambered in 9mm versus one chambered in .45acp?

[RD62]

Other than a different recoil sensation, I can't think of any.


-RD62

[Semi_auto]

Perfect. Thank you.

[tjcoker]

I really liked training with my old Yobo 1* 1911 chambered in 9mm. It was excellent in every regard with the exception of having a different recoil than my 45. The difference in recoil beats using a .22LR conversion kit to save money.

My thing was to make sure the sights were the same between both guns so that I would have the exact same sight picture. It's better than training on a G17 and carrying a G21 since the 1911's were the same dimensions.

[Dozer]

Will you be shooting a single stank or high-capacity pistol? The reason I ask is because single stack 9mm 1911 magazines are a little finicky. Metalform makes a good 9mm magazine and I understand Wilson Combat just came out with a magazine for single stack 9mm magazine. I have not used either so I can't attest to their durability but it is something you might want to keep in mind. I hope this helps.

S/F

[Semi_auto]

Will you be shooting a single stank or high-capacity pistol? The reason I ask is because single stack 9mm 1911 magazines are a little finicky. Metalform makes a good 9mm magazine and I understand Wilson Combat just came out with a magazine for single stack 9mm magazine. I have not used either so I can't attest to their durability but it is something you might want to keep in mind. I hope this helps.

S/F

I will shoot single stack. I will start researching the mags you mentioned.

[tjcoker]

The Metalforms is what I used and is what came with my Yobo that I bought used. They fed without issue for the 500 rounds I ran through it before moving to the Glock platform. Two of my six mags did stop locking the slide back, but I have no idea how many rounds were run through those mags before I took ownership.

[ToddG]

Shooting a smaller caliber weapon is doable as long as you keep a few things in mind:

• Don't practice exclusively with the lighter recoiling gun.
• Begin and end your shooting sessions with the carry gun, and specifically with some speed work to get dialed back in on the recoil/flip and proper control. You can do other stuff after the speed drills, but don't go back to the 9mm again. The last time you shoot a gun fast, it should be your .45 if you're going to carry it.
• The price of a quality reliable 9mm 1911 might be high enough to offset the difference in cost for a fair quantity of .45 Auto ammo.

[DocGKR]

If I am going to carry a .45 ACP 1911, I'll train with a .45 ACP 1911.

[tjcoker]

If I am going to carry a .45 ACP 1911, I'll train with a .45 ACP 1911.

I must admit that changing to the Glock 19 made a lot of sense for me as to carrying the EXACT gun that I practice with. I was able to sell my 9mm 1911 for the price of three new Glock 19's setup the exact same (carry gun, range/down gun, nightstand gun).

Doing this doesn't give me any concern over whether working with my 9mm 1911 was going to do be any harm over working/carrying my 45 1911.