Why Do People Say 1911's Suck?

[Southerngunner]

I have to get in on this one I started out as a wheelgunner a long time ago ,but once I got my first 1911 there has always been at least one in the safe. Most people that talk down on them have either ,never shot one that works properly ,or they were never shown the right way to control one. In the late 70's and early 80's you had to buy a colt and have it worked over, I used to buy a $400 colt and put $600 in custom work and parts to have a gun that Kimber ,Colt ,Springfield, and many others give you out of the box today. My new favorite 1911 at this time is a Commander sized Dan Wesson Classic Bobtail. It is without a doubt the best factory pistol that I have bought. I have probably shot 2000 round through it and the only jam it had was a bad primer. The trigger pull is set at 3 3/4 pounds from the factory,it has yellow night sites on the rear and green up front, the fit and finish is perfect. Its a little heavy for everyday carry since it is all stainless and weighs in at 39 oz.. I have tried the Spingfield XDin 45 and the XDM in 9mm bothe excellent guns but I don't care for polymer even though they weigh a lot less to begin with stuff 14 rounds of 45 acp in one and notice the change. Sorry for the long winde post and large pics but 1911's Don't Suck

[RangeM4]

I own a Kimber 1911 4" and Glocks, Springfield, Ruger.
The 1911 platform is an outstanding firearm. I think most people will agree with me when I say they can be picky about their magazines and ammunition.
Once you identify what your 1911 likes then they are very reliable and accurate.
Some brands have had extractor issues or return springs get weak, but come on who could say 1911's suck?

[Martimus]

I current have a STI, several Rocks, a Colt, and an old Spanish Star in my safe... and have plans to add a few more 1911's to the collection in the next year or so.

As much as I hear people complaining about 1911's, I've had very few problems with any of my 1911's. I wish I could say the same about the better halfs Glock...

Stuff happens... and pistols break! Unfortunately some pistol brand fans tend to overlook the shortcoming of their favorite pistol... and focus on their perception of shortcomings with some other brand.

[jack404]

sounds like US politics

the evil and violent right wing tea party etc etc etc

[mjp28]

Interesting thread.

Well a gun style that's been around and proven for 101 years has one problem, it obviously doesn't have any patent protection on the basic design so anybody with any gun shop or machine shop or whatever can pump out something that looks like the original masterpiece...with varying quality controls.

Saying 1911s suck is like saying all of any product sucks because there are are some cheap imitations around.

I used to work with a guy who was an avid gun collector and a Capt. in the Army in WWII. He used to tell me about his exploits in Europe with his trusty .45.

He was a big guy with big hands and would tell me how he put it to good use in WWII. Ask any German soldier or POW what he thought when someone pulled a 1911 out, massive muscle on a truly classic piece of made in the USA.

Suck? Not the real deal or some really good modern 1911s out there.

[WHSmithIV]

Originally Posted by carver

There was an accuracy issue with the G.I. issued 1911's. They were designed to opperate in really bad conditions, and that would not allow for close tolerances. They were not target pistols! Close tolerances are required for accurat hits on target. These stories have been heard by a lot of folks who have never shot one. They just go by what they heard. The 1911A1 that I carry today is a far cry from what was issued to G.I.'s. I wouldn't swap my 1911 for a truck load of Glocks.

I'm with you Carver. Someone up above was looking out for me the day I swapped my Chinese SKS straight across for the Citadel (RIA) 1911 I have. I have since modified this 1911 to be just the way I like it. I wouldn't trade mine for a truckload of Glocks either.

The only people who say that the 1911's suck are people who do not know the 1911. I was so happy with the SKS to 1911 trade I almost crapped my pants. I used to carry the 1911 in the Navy every time I was Petty Officer of the Watch. I can hit a golf ball on a string from 35 yards with mine. How much more accuracy do I need with it? If the bad guy gets within 75 yards he's dead - oops - might take 2 or 3 rounds at that distance - but he's dead. I certainly am not going to be picking off a deer from 100 yards with it - I have my 30-30 for that (never say never though )

Just got a new box of .45 ACP a couple weeks ago at a yard sale for $10.00 - gotta love Idaho!