In praise of the 100+ year old, classic, 1911 .45 ACP
07-13-2022, 05:56 PM
#1
In praise of the 100+ year old, classic, 1911 .45 ACP
I know this is HNI and primarily a hunting and bowhunting site. It has been for over 20 years or more. With that said, I don't know how many on here are familiar with the legendary 1911 .45 ACP handgun, designed by John Moses Browning, well over a century ago. It is what I used in USCG bootcamp back in the late 70's. I got trained on it. I learned it. I qualified with it, you know what I mean?
Sure, sure, there's Glock, Sig Sauer, CZ, Springfield, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, etc... in a variety of calibers. But to me, all I know is the famous 1911 concept. Not to get all weird or sounding like a goofball, but the 1911 is (arguably) the only handgun where I can totally, fully 100%, strip it down into pieces like a Tinker Toy, clean it, lube it, and re-assemble it right back into operational condition within a matter of minutes.
Is it outdated? Is it a 2½ lb "boat anchor" that constantly tries to pull your pants down in a belt holster, or make you walk funny in a shoulder holster? You be the judge.... But for me, it's all I know. It's all I am comfortable with and continue to use, until the day I leave this earth.
Sure, sure, there's Glock, Sig Sauer, CZ, Springfield, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, etc... in a variety of calibers. But to me, all I know is the famous 1911 concept. Not to get all weird or sounding like a goofball, but the 1911 is (arguably) the only handgun where I can totally, fully 100%, strip it down into pieces like a Tinker Toy, clean it, lube it, and re-assemble it right back into operational condition within a matter of minutes.
Is it outdated? Is it a 2½ lb "boat anchor" that constantly tries to pull your pants down in a belt holster, or make you walk funny in a shoulder holster? You be the judge.... But for me, it's all I know. It's all I am comfortable with and continue to use, until the day I leave this earth.
08-06-2022, 06:22 AM
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 12,746
I'm reall into classic firearms and classic chamberings.. That's the reason I own a 1911. I also own old Winchester 94's (and even a newer Big Bore in 375 Win).
There are much better rounds suitable for defense against big nasties but as a man stopper its tough to beat the 45 ACP. Not because of its power but because of the big frontal mass and lack of penetration making it fairly safe for innocents. I used to have a T-shirt that read "45 ACP - Because shooting twice is silly" .
I think today one of the cons people have with the 1911 is the capacity. I've never found it to be an issue. I feel if I can't hit what I'm shooting at with 7 or 8 rounds I'm likely not to hit it with 15! A well made 1911 is very accurate but not an every day carry (concealed) firearm. I live in PA and I sometimes carry my 1911 open carry which is perfectly legal.
There are much better rounds suitable for defense against big nasties but as a man stopper its tough to beat the 45 ACP. Not because of its power but because of the big frontal mass and lack of penetration making it fairly safe for innocents. I used to have a T-shirt that read "45 ACP - Because shooting twice is silly" .
I think today one of the cons people have with the 1911 is the capacity. I've never found it to be an issue. I feel if I can't hit what I'm shooting at with 7 or 8 rounds I'm likely not to hit it with 15! A well made 1911 is very accurate but not an every day carry (concealed) firearm. I live in PA and I sometimes carry my 1911 open carry which is perfectly legal.
