1911 Dilemma

[Bcperrysr]

Sorry for the long post.

Years ago I shot a 1911. My recollection is that I liked it, only shooting 1 magazine through it. Fast forward over 25 years in law enforcement. For the most part of my career I've only shot Glocks. And through time I've picked up several of them. I'd say I'm definitely a Glock guy. However, I've always wanted a 1911. Maybe it's the history of the gun or that it just looks cool as all out!

Last week while on vacation, me and the kids went to an indoor range. Kinda place you can rent guns. My son picked a 1911 and I was even excited. Problem is, after running a few magazines through it, I came away feeling that if 1911's shot like this one, I don't want one.

So, I ask all the 1911 guys, could it have just been that particular one? It was a Springfield, I think the Garrison model. Is that just a lower end gun and not one I should base my opinion on? Could it have just been worn out maybe? Or, do I really just not like the gun?

Thanks for any input and advise guys!

 

[GFB]

What didn't you like about it?

 

[jpm2953]

What didn't you like about it?

Yeah kinda need to know that first.

1911’s can be “tuned” like most pistols to fit what you like. Grips, front strap checkering, sights, trigger, etc…

Recoil impulse can be tuned by ammo, recoil and hammer springs.
I shoot a Baer in USPSA and love it!

 

[steviesterno]

A low end 1911 is nothing special. A medium to high end is about as good of a machine that a handgun can be. My baer feels like a solid piece of steel and bullet holes appear where I wish them to with almost no input from me. What more could you want?

 

[AK74U]

Minimum for a good 1911 is $1,200+. I dont own any, this has been my experience shooting them over the years.

 

[Bcperrysr]

What didn't you like about it?

So, I think it was the feel when shooting. Just holding the gun, it felt great! But when I pulled the trigger, it just wasn't comfortable. I am finding it hard to describe. I don't think it was the caliber. I have shot many different 45's over the years, just not a 1911.

Thinking about it, when I pulled the trigger, it felt like hitting a steel beam with a hammer. I hope that makes sense.

 

[basstracker89]

Well I understand where you're coming from on the Glock. For that purpose, the Glock is a good fit. I've carried a 1911 most of my life and for the purpose of self defense only, it's a good fit. A truly custom built 1911 can be a very fine weapon. Although I've not shot a full competition Glock, I can tell you a competition 1911 can shoot some awfully tight groups at range. We're talking 3lb trigger pull with 1/4" trigger travel. Both pistols in basic configuration would shoot about the same. My opinion the 45 has less recoil than a 40S&W. And I've put a lot of 45, 40 and 9mm down range in my life. Also custom loaded ammo goes a long way with a custom built weapon

 

[Jack Black]

So, I think it was the feel when shooting. Just holding the gun, it felt great! But when I pulled the trigger, it just wasn't comfortable. I am finding it hard to describe. I don't think it was the caliber. I have shot many different 45's over the years, just not a 1911.

Thinking about it, when I pulled the trigger, it felt like hitting a steel beam with a hammer. I hope that makes sense.

I use to have a love affair with the 1911 for 30+ years and owned many then one day it died. The only semi auto handgun I own now is a Glock 19 Gen 2. If **** gets bad I'm grabbing a carbine or a shotty though or maybe a lever gun. Hard to decide. Maybe even a revolver.

 

[Gixxer]

So, I think it was the feel when shooting. Just holding the gun, it felt great! But when I pulled the trigger, it just wasn't comfortable. I am finding it hard to describe. I don't think it was the caliber. I have shot many different 45's over the years, just not a 1911.

Thinking about it, when I pulled the trigger, it felt like hitting a steel beam with a hammer. I hope that makes sense.

Given your statement of being in Law Enforcement for so long in a role, I'm assuming, involved qualifying with a pistol, I would think to rule out the first several assumptions: Gripping too low, off center, too loose, etc.

It very well could be that the rental you used is beat to hell and not maintained the way it should be. From having a recoil spring that's letting the slide smack back too forcefully or being too heavy and slamming it forward to hard. Not having seen a drop of lube in 5,000+ rounds or anything in between, maybe?

I've definitely felt the difference in smoothness between shooting a gun that had no tlc for awhile, then stripped it down, cleaned it, lubed it, and it was a whole new experience.

 

[1006]

I have not fired a Springfield Garrison, but I imagine it is like all Springfield 1911s, and do not think it could be worn out.

If you have not shot a 45 in a long time, the recoil of full power 230 grain ball ammo will surprise you.

There is not a lot you can do about the recoil in a particular gun other than find softer shooting ammo. Spring changes are popular for altering recoil, but they do not provide a significant effect.

If you are looking for a classic metal gun, there are a lot of new 9mm Hi Powers hitting the market. They are soft shooters.

I know the 1911 was designed hand in hand with the 45ACP, but a good running 1911 in 9mm is like shooting a cap gun; it is fun to shoot.

I am a rarity these days because I prefer the 40S&W, mainly because I reload my own ammo.