Reasons to get a 1911 and which one?

[DocV]

Kimber series IIs uses a Swartz, grip-safety activated, firing pin block rather than the "series 80" trigger actuated firing pin block. The Swartz system can not have the same impact on trigger pull, etc. The issue with the Kimber is they use a "series 80" style firing pin stop that leaves a void between the firing pin stop and slide. The frame's pin lever can catch in that void and can cause either undue wear on the slide's lever pin or other issues such as the slide hanging up on the pin. The "fix" for this issue is easy. Install a "series 70" firing pin stop (which you will do anyway using a EGW or Harrison small radius stop, as those stops are common modifications that can improve slide cycling and perceived recoil). Other manufactures use Swartz systems, namely S&W. Sig and Colt and other manufacturers (Remington IIRC) use the trigger-actuated firing pin block.

As TAM mentions, some manufacturers use light firing pins and strong firing pin springs. Some accuse this combination to be responsible for light primer strikes.

One advantage of the firing pin block is added protection from accidental discharges due to dropping the pistol on its muzzle or by having a sear fail. Sear failure is not unknown. The nose of the sear can chip, the sear can crack or the sear pin can break. One would hope that owner inspections during cleaning could detect and avoid this issue but that is not guaranteed. Theoretically, the sear's half cock notch will catch the trigger on its way down to the firing pin but engineering and planning seldom stand in the way of a good disaster. Other systems are available to prevent sear failure discharges without a firing pin block. For example, gunsmith Ned Christensen, owner of m-guns.com, produced such a system called the FailArrest hammer and safety set.

A disadvantage of the firing pin block is added steps to maintaenance protocol along with more points of failures and small parts that go whereever small parts hide after dropping off the bench.

All that said, I want to caution you about buying a 1911. The confounded things can muliply like rabbits. I just counted four Colts 1911s in my safe along with an embarrassing number of other 1911s. Two of my Colts are custom shop guns. Two Colts are still NIB although they are almost 8 years old. None of my Colts have a firing pin stop. So whateever you do, exercise caution when the 1911 buying fever strikes. If you find a really good deal on a Colt, Ed Brown, Volkmann, Wilson Combat, Springfield, or Guncrafter Industries No Name , it would probably be best if you just get in touch with me so I can remove it from circulation for you.

[flechero]

All that said, I want to caution you about buying a 1911. The confounded things can multiply like rabbits.

That is God's honest truth!

[The Annoyed Man]

All that said, I want to caution you about buying a 1911. The confounded things can multiply like rabbits.

That is God's honest truth!

It was at my house for a while too, although we’ve managed to trim that back a little bit. I’m down to 2, my son to 2, and my DIL still has 1. That’s 5 under roof, but in 2 different safes. The struggle is real, but there is hope, and here’s a workable strategy: if you spend all your money on Glocks, ARs, and lever actions (another addiction), you won’t have enough left to fuel a 1911 addiction.

[RPBrown]

All that said, I want to caution you about buying a 1911. The confounded things can multiply like rabbits.

That is God's honest truth!

It was at my house for a while too, although we’ve managed to trim that back a little bit. I’m down to 2, my son to 2, and my DIL still has 1. That’s 5 under roof, but in 2 different safes. The struggle is real, but there is hope, and here’s a workable strategy: if you spend all your money on Glocks, ARs, and lever actions (another addiction), you won’t have enough left to fuel a 1911 addiction.

This post actually made me take a look at my collection. I have them ranging from an inexpensive to custom expensive models.
After my count, I decided I must need another one to have an even number. Let’s see, what is it the wife wants

[flechero]

This post actually made me take a look at my collection. I have them ranging from an inexpensive to custom expensive models.
After my count, I decided I must need another one to have an even number. Let’s see, what is it the wife wants

Ha! I'm sitting on an even number right now... and since I'm well short of cash for what I want next, I'm safe- for a little while!

[flintknapper]

It also happens to be a good Proverb.

Proverbs 19:11 NIV
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

[srothstein]

Ha! I'm sitting on an even number right now... and since I'm well short of cash for what I want next, I'm safe- for a little while!

I only have three right now, but I have been looking at the Springfield in 10mm for a couple months and being short on cash is what has kept me safe for those months now. Income tax return time comes soon though.

A really tough choice is the Springfield XDm in 10mm now or wait and get the 1911 soon.

[flechero]

I'd love to have a 10mm, although I have no practical need for it, other then an excuse to start reloading a new caliber. Which is, in part, why I bought the last one in 38 Super!

[LeonCarr]

I currently EDC with 9mm and .45 Shields and Mod 2 Subcompacts, not all at the same time, one at a time in rotation. I have been toying with the idea of getting a 1911. Some of you guys have many, and some of you EDC with them.

Why do I need/want one? Why do you have one or more?

If I do decide to go ahead and get my first one, which would be a nice first 1911?

Okay, open fire..............

Joe

1. You don't need one.
2. The only reason I own one is because it was given to me by a now deceased good friend.

I have had a lot of reliability issues with 1911s, plain ones and fancy ones. I will not trust my life to one.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[flechero]

I have had a lot of reliability issues with 1911s, plain ones and fancy ones.

Those words have been uttered about every gun ever made, by one man or another. I've seen glocks and M&P's fail, even a couple of sig's and XD's. If you "have had a lot of reliability issues" with multiple 1911's, you are certainly among the minority.

[RPBrown]

I have had a lot of reliability issues with 1911s, plain ones and fancy ones.

Those words have been uttered about every gun ever made, by one man or another. I've seen glocks and M&P's fail, even a couple of sig's and XD's. If you "have had a lot of reliability issues" with multiple 1911's, you are certainly among the minority.

Although I have had a few issues over the years, it was more with specific ammo than gun. I have a couple now that won’t feed 1 brand ammo but will feed others.
When I first got into 1911’s I had a few issues but as I found out most were caused by limp wristing

[LeonCarr]

I have had a lot of reliability issues with 1911s, plain ones and fancy ones.

Those words have been uttered about every gun ever made, by one man or another. I've seen glocks and M&P's fail, even a couple of sig's and XD's. If you "have had a lot of reliability issues" with multiple 1911's, you are certainly among the minority.

I have owned 1911s (multiple) that malfunctioned FTF/FTE multiple times (5 or 6 times per 50 round box of ammo) out of the box will ball ammo.

That has never happened for me with a Glock. Ever.

YMMV, but I won't trust my life to a 1911.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[flechero]

I didn't doubt you or that you had a lemon, I just noted that you are in the minority (with multiple lemons) and that no gun is perfect, even if some marketing guy writes "perfection" on the box.

YMMV

Yes, very much so. My 1911 experience is the exact opposite- I've never had a problem 1911, in any brand or configuration.

[WTR]

I didn't doubt you or that you had a lemon, I just noted that you are in the minority (with multiple lemons) and that no gun is perfect, even if some marketing guy writes "perfection" on the box.

YMMV

Yes, very much so. My 1911 experience is the exact opposite- I've never had a problem 1911, in any brand or configuration.