Originally Posted by
DocGKR
Hi, my name is Gary and I just learned today in this thread that I am a "gun snob".
In this thread I learned that sub $1000 dollar 1911's with poor quality parts and sub-standard build efforts are just as reliable, durable, and can be equally counted on to save my life as more expensive, properly fitted 1911's that cost over $2500. I will probably need to seek psychiatric help for this issue, because I am clearly out of touch with reality, since the new information in this thread about 1911's is completely contrary to my 20+ years of military and LE experience using and observing numerous pistols firing many hundreds of thousands of rounds.
I've carried a 1911 for 25 years and have stated numerous times that a properly customized 5" steel-frame single-stack 1911 in .45 ACP is a superb, unparalleled choice for the dedicated user willing to spend a significant amount of money to get it properly initially set-up and considerable time to maintain it. In fact, I just re-qualified with the 1911 and G19 this week. Yet if I didn't have 25 years already invested with the 1911, I'd probably go with a .40 M&P w/ambi safety (or .45 M&P if effected by asinine laws restricting magazine capacity)... When looking at all the factors of picking a hard-use pistol, I truly believe that if someone wants a 1911 for serious use, the minimum level of quality for a duty/carry weapon is the SA Pro model (either PC9111 or PC9111LR if you want a light rail) or equivalent; for folks not willing to invest that much into the weapon system, don't get a 1911. End of Story. FWIW, current Kimbers generally have not performed well, especially those utilizing the Swartz type firing pin safety. For folks who want a .45 ACP pistol, but don't want to invest the funds and effort into getting a good 1911, they would be better served with a S&W .45 ACP M&P or HK45. Recent Sig's, especially the P220's have had numerous issues. Likewise, G21's also have a somewhat checkered history--particularly with several west coast LE agencies that have reported significant problems. For that matter a 9 mm Glock or M&P would probably work for 90% of shooters service pistol needs...
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