Why Not a 1911 or Revolver over 15 round semi-auto.

[AuProspector]

I've been struggling with this for years..... Why not a 1911/Revolver vs a 15 round semi-auto for CCW use?

We carried 6 shot revolvers (2) when I was on the PD (now retired). I wanted to carry a 1911 back then but it was unauthorized. Now we have the 15+ round semi-auto. I like the newer guns but I'm still thinking the 1911 is the way to go, but then I wonder if this is not being practical.

I know that shot placement and training is everything but I'd like to get your thoughts on this subject. What do you use? Why?

Thank you.

[Littlelebowski]

Because a modern semi auto has less moving parts, weighs less with more ammo, is just as accurate, is far more reliable on top of being durable, requires far less maintenance, and the parts are drop in. Not to mention being far more corrosion resistant.

[TriumphRat675]

Because 15 > 6. And in the alternative, 15 > 7.

When dealing with marginally effective manstoppers like handgun bullets, more is more, less is less, and too much is not enough.

[Littlelebowski]

Because 15 > 6. And in the alternative, 15 > 7.

When dealing with marginally effective manstoppers like handgun bullets, more is more, less is less, and too much is not enough.

Beautiful. Well said.

[BTS]

A different thought on the matter:

Just like your power drill is more capable than the drill your grandfather used, today’s criminal is not carrying the same weaponry that yesterday’s criminal did. Times change and we adapt or we fail.

Recent events in Norway are very much on my mind…

[Nephrology]

A Glock 19 (which I use as sort of the prototypical Plastic Wonder nine) is simply a far more efficient firearm than a 1911 or a revolver.

It is more efficient by weight. It is more efficient by price. It is more efficient in its size and it is more efficient in its upkeep requirements. Parts are cheaper, ammunition is cheaper, and yet you sacrifice really nothing outside of "stopping power" (which is not something I buy into anyway) and class. Which, to be honest, I do kind of wish glocks had more of

You simply get, dollar for dollar and ounce for ounce, more gun with a poly 9mm than with a steel .45 or .357 Mag. Thats why PDs around the country have Glocks and M&Ps on their hips, and not 1911s or S&W revolvers.

[DireWulf]

Because 15 > 6. And in the alternative, 15 > 7.

When dealing with marginally effective manstoppers like handgun bullets, more is more, less is less, and too much is not enough.

This is a great mantra. Well said.

[Guns-up.50]

A different thought on the matter:

Just like your power drill is more capable than the drill your grandfather used, today’s criminal is not carrying the same weaponry that yesterday’s criminal did. Times change and we adapt or we fail.

Recent events in Norway are very much on my mind…

+1 Yes 1911s are great guns i have two colts (love them) but on my hip is a g17. Its as simple a evolution my grandpa fought in wwII with a m1, outstanding rifles but not my first choice for a fighting gun. We change when something works we cange again when something works better. ie. typewriter to computer both work one better than the other

[OutlawDon]

I own a Kimber 1911 and a Glock 19. The Glock is my go-to gun through and through.

Bottom line for me in regards to a larger magazine capacity...

"Better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have."

[okie john]

I've been struggling with this for years..... Why not a 1911/Revolver vs a 15 round semi-auto for CCW use?

We carried 6 shot revolvers (2) when I was on the PD (now retired). I wanted to carry a 1911 back then but it was unauthorized. Now we have the 15+ round semi-auto. I like the newer guns but I'm still thinking the 1911 is the way to go, but then I wonder if this is not being practical.

I know that shot placement and training is everything but I'd like to get your thoughts on this subject. What do you use? Why?

Thank you.

Many of us have also been struggling with it for years, so you're not alone.

You’re really looking at three issues: revolver vs. auto, 9mm vs. 45 ACP, and the increased complexity/deadliness of the tactical situations that officers are most likely to encounter today.

High-capacity semi-automatic pistols and their ammunition have improved to the point that they’re better tools for the job than either multiple revolvers or the 1911.

If you break your original post into those three areas and search for threads that involve them here, you’ll get an earful.


Okie John