Just for shooting pleasure. You are getting your first and maybe your only 1911. You are buying Colt. Would you choose the .45, the classic historic perfection? Would you choose the soft shooting 9mm with its half the cost in ammunition?
.DIRTY-.THIRTY
I have owned a 1911 in 45 and 9MM. I like both, but I chose the 9MM as an every day carry. It's a lighter, commander size, made by Ruger. The .45 was a Springfield 1911 in the military configuration and I gAve that to my brother.
Andrew
Andrew
First...I wouldn't choose a Colt. The quality is too hit or miss. It would definitely be in .45 acp. Ammo is expensive and I don't want to shoot someone two or three times.
Padraig
Padraig
If full 5" size 1911, then .45. If smaller size, Commander, Officer, etc., then 9mm. I had a 9mm Colt New Agent that was wonderful to carry and shoot. I currently have 1911s in .45, 10mm, and .357 Sig. If I had to choose one it would be a 5" .45.
I have a 70 series National March, A Light weight Officers model and a Bullseye 1911 a friend and I built on a bare bones old Springfield. My latest is a Bul Armory Commander. It has also become my favorite. The workmanship is top notch as is the function. Oh ... Not sure if it counts but I have 1911 frame with a single shot 14 inch barrel.308 on it.
Padraig
Padraig
That's not an either or question/answer.
First of all, I agree with Padraig. You can get better for less in a 1911 platform outside of Colt. But I would encourage you to begin another thread to see what MO members prefer for a 1911 that's within your budget and then decide among those other answers.
I own several 1911's that I am very happy with, and none of them is a Colt. Two are Springfield Armory, one was heavily customized by a custom smith in the 1990's, and the other is an EMP in 9mm. I also own a target intended build on a Caspian frame, and a S&W M&P 45 asp compact. I shoot and enjoy them all.
As to whether you go with 9mm or 45acp, that's another topic.
How much do you shoot now? How much do you plan to shoot your 1911?
What do you intend to use it for? Paper punching, target, carry, professional security, etc.?
Have you shot enough 45 acp that are you ok with the difference in recoil? If not, I realize that you will need one to accustom yourself to 45acp if you wish to go that route. But if you can borrow of rent one to use for 500 rounds or so, that should give you a taste for it. Ammo will cost you at least twice as much in 45 acp than in 9mm. Will cost limit your ability to practice? Do you plan to modify your 1911 or customize it? The options are nearly endless.
If you intend to carry concealed, do you have a plan or experience for concealing a handgun the size of a 1911? In my opinion, a handgun of this size and weight is best carried "open" in a secure holster rather than concealed unless you are a large individual, or provide security professionally, or have increased need for defensive protection. Others' opinions may vary from mine.
I still shoot and enjoy my 45 acp's, but as I got older--older 50's, I switched to carrying high capacity 9mm's for ease of concealment and decreased weight and reduced fatigue. If you're younger and fit, a 1911 may suit you just fine.
If you want at least one 1911 platform for your own, and don't intend it for defensive use outside your home or vehicle, go for the 45. That's the round it was designed for. There are plenty of good, reliable, and defense tested full sized 9mm handguns that load more than twice the capacity of a 1911 in 9mm, if you feel you need that. Nothing else shoots like a 45.
The 1911's in 9mm are great. Ideal for shooting competitions, fast shooting, and fast reloads--when they are designed or modified for that. They are hefty enough to minimize recoil and stay very near your line of sight for fast follow ups. I think of a 1911 in 9mm as filling a certain niche, rather than being an optional caliber for that platform. Even in 9mm, a 1911 wouldn't be my personal choice for CCW. But it would serve well. I just think there are better options, at least for me.
And I also realize that the elite warriors--Seals, SWAT, Hostage Rescue--preferentially use 1911's as their primary side arm. These guys practice a LOT. They throw more rounds down range in a week than most guys shoot in a year. They also have their own armorers to maintain, modify, and repair those 1911's. Their training is such that reloads and malfunction clears are effortless and automatic. They know exactly where to reach for that second mag, and even the tenth one. They are gifted and talented marksmen. Few of us will ever get to that level of proficiency. It takes motivation, training, and years of practice. I couldn't even afford to buy the ammo to train for that. And with my level of coordination, I'd never get there.
I don't say this to talk you into or out of any decision. I write this in appreciation and awe of what these elite warriors are able to do. They are on a whole different level for the rest of us.
Again, consider starting another thread for MO members' specific 1911 suggestions. You don't need a big budget to get a good 1911.
Good luck in making your decision. Let us know what you decide.
First of all, I agree with Padraig. You can get better for less in a 1911 platform outside of Colt. But I would encourage you to begin another thread to see what MO members prefer for a 1911 that's within your budget and then decide among those other answers.
I own several 1911's that I am very happy with, and none of them is a Colt. Two are Springfield Armory, one was heavily customized by a custom smith in the 1990's, and the other is an EMP in 9mm. I also own a target intended build on a Caspian frame, and a S&W M&P 45 asp compact. I shoot and enjoy them all.
As to whether you go with 9mm or 45acp, that's another topic.
How much do you shoot now? How much do you plan to shoot your 1911?
What do you intend to use it for? Paper punching, target, carry, professional security, etc.?
Have you shot enough 45 acp that are you ok with the difference in recoil? If not, I realize that you will need one to accustom yourself to 45acp if you wish to go that route. But if you can borrow of rent one to use for 500 rounds or so, that should give you a taste for it. Ammo will cost you at least twice as much in 45 acp than in 9mm. Will cost limit your ability to practice? Do you plan to modify your 1911 or customize it? The options are nearly endless.
If you intend to carry concealed, do you have a plan or experience for concealing a handgun the size of a 1911? In my opinion, a handgun of this size and weight is best carried "open" in a secure holster rather than concealed unless you are a large individual, or provide security professionally, or have increased need for defensive protection. Others' opinions may vary from mine.
I still shoot and enjoy my 45 acp's, but as I got older--older 50's, I switched to carrying high capacity 9mm's for ease of concealment and decreased weight and reduced fatigue. If you're younger and fit, a 1911 may suit you just fine.
If you want at least one 1911 platform for your own, and don't intend it for defensive use outside your home or vehicle, go for the 45. That's the round it was designed for. There are plenty of good, reliable, and defense tested full sized 9mm handguns that load more than twice the capacity of a 1911 in 9mm, if you feel you need that. Nothing else shoots like a 45.
The 1911's in 9mm are great. Ideal for shooting competitions, fast shooting, and fast reloads--when they are designed or modified for that. They are hefty enough to minimize recoil and stay very near your line of sight for fast follow ups. I think of a 1911 in 9mm as filling a certain niche, rather than being an optional caliber for that platform. Even in 9mm, a 1911 wouldn't be my personal choice for CCW. But it would serve well. I just think there are better options, at least for me.
And I also realize that the elite warriors--Seals, SWAT, Hostage Rescue--preferentially use 1911's as their primary side arm. These guys practice a LOT. They throw more rounds down range in a week than most guys shoot in a year. They also have their own armorers to maintain, modify, and repair those 1911's. Their training is such that reloads and malfunction clears are effortless and automatic. They know exactly where to reach for that second mag, and even the tenth one. They are gifted and talented marksmen. Few of us will ever get to that level of proficiency. It takes motivation, training, and years of practice. I couldn't even afford to buy the ammo to train for that. And with my level of coordination, I'd never get there.
I don't say this to talk you into or out of any decision. I write this in appreciation and awe of what these elite warriors are able to do. They are on a whole different level for the rest of us.
Again, consider starting another thread for MO members' specific 1911 suggestions. You don't need a big budget to get a good 1911.
Good luck in making your decision. Let us know what you decide.
The first question is, what are you gonna do with it? CCW or range toy or both? Do you want full size or a lighter, shorter package? You have a lot of choices besides caliber these days.
And when did being poor ever stop us from buying another gun?
And when did being poor ever stop us from buying another gun?
Since you only gave me 2 choices I choose the .45 ACP. An American round for an American gun. John Browning designed both and the 1911 was designed around the .45.
I have been considering converting my Colt to 38 Super. Get in touch with my inner post WWII detective.
45 +
A ton of parts and accessories. 45 mags are abundant and you can get 8 round mags. There is a lot of brass available.
9mm+
Ammo is cheap. Almost not worth reloading.
I have been considering converting my Colt to 38 Super. Get in touch with my inner post WWII detective.
45 +
A ton of parts and accessories. 45 mags are abundant and you can get 8 round mags. There is a lot of brass available.
9mm+
Ammo is cheap. Almost not worth reloading.
I have two Commanders; one is all steel in 9mm.
The Lightweight Commander is 45 acp.
both are Colts.
The Lightweight Commander is 45 acp.
both are Colts.
.45ACP for me, in Colt Government Model 1911, Commercial. I reload. Hornady LnL Ammo Plant, 200gn. LSWCBB, one round per pull of the handle, cheaper than buying most commercial pistol ammo as far as I can tell. (Just bought 1000 primers for less than $80, bullets $65/500 (unless I cast them myself), cases seem to last forever, plenty of powder on hand.). I actually enjoy making my own ammo. I have a ton of magazines and an ETS mag loader, which is sweet. Get a lot of shooting practice with steel matches. I have a really nice suede IWB holster for a full size 1911, a great Bianchi "Hip Hugger" paddle holster (unfortunately discontinued) and a 1791 Gun Leather belt slide holster (two, actually - one black, one brown), along with 1791 single and double mag holders. That Bianchi is a superbly designed and made holster, I highly recommend looking for one if you're seeking an OWB holster for anything - I have one for the 1911 and also for my S&W model 37. I'm a skinny guy, and I can carry the full size 1911 discreetly.
Neither. I just ordered a 1911 in 38 Super. Should arrive tomorrow. The 38 Super shoots flatter with higher velocity and hits harder than the 9mm parabellum and the 45 acp at longer ranges.
I had one years ago and I am looking forward to having one again. - T.S.
I had one years ago and I am looking forward to having one again. - T.S.
Out of the two I would go with the .45 ACP. I have a couple and are fun to shoot. Everyone has a 9mm. Get it second.
All of my 1911s are chambered in God's Caliber the mighty .45 but I would not kick a smaller chambered gun out of the safe. I have several Colt and Kimber 1911s but my best shooter is a circa 1945 Remington-Rand 1911-A1 that was purchased from the CMP. Despite its age and wear, this one outshoots my other 1911s on a Ransom Rest.
![Image]()
![Image]()
I have several including 10mm, 45acp, and 9mm. For range work I like the 9mm best. Honestly, the 1911 frame does not fit me the best. Now, a Belgian 1960's Browning Hi-Power is a perfect fit, but that's for another thread you need to start.
You mentioned two choices. Might as well start with a full size 45 and add on as funds build up.
You mentioned two choices. Might as well start with a full size 45 and add on as funds build up.
To start with, if cash is an issue you have no use for either one. Just pick up a 22 of some sort and hope for the best. Real 1911s are 45 ACP and in any other caliber they are just copies that will never fill the bill. Many years ago I tried 1911s in 38 Super, 9MM, 10MM and 40 S&W and they all went away in short order. Mine are all 45s and a number of different brands such as Colt, Springfield, Kimber, Randall and some others and they all get run a lot.
.38 Super. The cartridge was designed for the 1911 and has the same COAL as .45 ACP. However, you can get 1 or 2 more cartridges in a magazine of a given length. The downside is you better reload…
I have one 1911 in .45 ACP, one in 9mm Luger and three in 9x23 Winchester which is a souped up .38 Super.
I have one 1911 in .45 ACP, one in 9mm Luger and three in 9x23 Winchester which is a souped up .38 Super.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
