The 1911 Pistol is something of a legend among gun owners. To some it is. the pinnacle of pistol development, capable of mythical deeds worthy of praise and song. To others it is an outdated, inefficient model, long ago surpassed by modern pistol options. So which is it? Could there be a middle ground, even on the internet? Keep reading and make up your mind for yourself!
A History in Brief
The history of the 1911 pistol is too long and intricate for a single blog post. Still, an overview of its creation can be helpful in determining the reasons, pros, and cons of any creation.
In the 1890s, the United States Military still utilized and issued revolvers as service weapons. However, certain leaders and innovators could already see the future would be in ‘self-loading’ pistols. Recent rifles of this design had already been adopted, and it only made sense to also issue similar sidearms. The Army put out an open call for manufacturers to submit new model pistols for a contract consideration. Colt’s pistol stole the show. The 1911 pistol proved to be hardy, reliable, and accurate, all of which were crucial in the Army’s eyes to a combat sidearm.
The pistol was officially adopted by t he United States Army in 1911(hence the nickname), and then by the Navy and Marines in 1913. Chambered in .45 ACP, the 1911 pistol was a hard-hitting gun.
World War 2 reignited the weapon’s popularity, with almost 2 million models being produced and issued to service members. It remained in service through the Korean and Vietnam wars, favored for its proven track record and stopping power. It wasn’t until the 1970s, with a focus on NATO compatibility(and the benefit of growing ballistic options), that the 1911 was replaced by the Beretta 92F in 9mm. Despite that, the 1911 pistol is still carried by certain service members today, as well as being the preferred choice of defensive handgun for many civilians.
The Good
The 1911 pistol has been around for a long time. As such, there are nearly untold options, in manufacturers, aftermarket parts, and accessories. It can be a little overwhelming, but if you want total customization and control, your choices are limitless. There are even models in a variety of calibers and sizes now. Several companies make smaller models designed with concealed carry in mind.
As was stated above, the 1911 pistol also has a great deal of history associated with it. For some gun owners, this “x” factor is an important aspect of their handgun choices. Whether for carrying or for collecting, many gun buyers aren’t satisfied without a 1911 pistol in their safe.
The 1911 has a proven track record. There is a reason the gun has been around for over 100 years and remains popular. Clearly there is something there.
The Bad
Despite the history and the positives, there are some negative considerations as well.
When chambered in .45, the magazine capacity is vanishingly small. Compared to other modern combat pistols, having seven or eight rounds is sub-par. The weight of most 1911 pistols is also generally heavy for what your getting, making concealed carry a cumbersome and less-than-optimal proposition. Even for combat, depending on your circumstances, it can be hard to justify the classic design when you can get a Glock for half the price and with at least six additional rounds!
As with all things, it comes down to a lot of personal choice. Whatever your preferred pistol, make sure to hit the range and train. A man with a sub-optimal gun but thousands of training hours is superior to the man with the best gun but no training!
