cvarcher

Ive been a revolver shooter and know nothing about semi autos.So I have a few questions here. What is the better personal defense/CC gun a Glock or a 1911? Second question is I know Colt makes the 1911 originally and has many variations now in the catalog but how does Colt compare to the Kimber or Springfield Armory ones or any others? Third-are these two brands reliable to perform like my revolvers or will they be tempermental with differant ammo and jam up? 9mm compred to 45 auto-pros/cons? What exact model should a newbie first try out from each of these two companies to compare the shooting and handling qualities(include 22lr if that will help me get started) ? Thanks. (my lightbulb went on a bit late! especially when I heard 17 shot Glocks as compared to a 6 or 7 shot revolver) ! Thanks!

wjkuleck

CV, the answer depends on...you. If you're willing to learn the platform, you'll be very well served by the 1911. The trigger is superb. I'm not knocking Glocks (I'm a certified Glock Armorer) but the .45 1911 is less bulky than a 9mm Glock. the .45 ACP Glocks...don't even ask.

I will strongly recommend a Ruger SR1911 for your first 1911, utterly reliable, strong like tractor, good trigger and sights out of the box, and priced within reach. You really can't go wrong. It's made entirely in the USA (as is Colt) if that's important to you.

My other choice is the Colt, though with the name you really don't get any more functionality. What you do get is a great variety of models, so that you can pick one that best suits your needs. Until you have more experience with the 1911, start with the Ruger so that you can figure out where you might like to go in the future.

Regards,

Walt
PS After "playing the field," I'm thinning the herd (about 50 or so) to focus on Rugers and Colts. There are a few outliers, such as Ed Brown's Jeff Cooper Commemorative, a custom Garthwait on an S, Inc. frame, and one of Bill Laughridge's "1912" recreations.

cvarcher

over the Colt 1911? And what about the Kimber and Springfield Armory 1911s? Are they better than the Colt ? Ive never liked the Ruger Revolvers,but I guess I should at least take a look at the gunshop and look it over. Im setup to reload for 45 Colt already. Arent these dies also good for the 45 ac just a differant depth setting?

wjkuleck

You can pay more for a Kimber or an S, Inc., but you won't get a better pistol (I'm ducking for cover here) in terms of function and reliability.

The price/quality/features/performance equation puts the Ruger on top. Now, if you want a lightweight, or a Commander-size, or whatever, at this time you have to look elsewhere.

I'm not going to disparage any brand. Suffice it to say the my co-author, a pretty darn good pistolsmith, bought the sample SR1911 we got from Ruger and has declared that it makes a better base gun for his custom builds than the S, Inc. offerings he previously preferred. Kimber? We won't go there .

If you find an SR1911 and pick it up, you'll see and feel what I mean.

Regards,

Walt

cvarcher

Ok, thanks Walt for pointing me in the right direction.

wjkuleck

Remember, you have to decide if it's the right direction for you .

Best regards,

Walt

Silhouette

All I can tell you about Glocks is that I carried a Glock 40 cal for several months...didn't like the heavy trigger pull or accuracy. Other than the fact that when Florida's Marine Patrol went to Glocks, 27 officers shot themselves in the foot, leg or ass the first 6 months it was in use.....