I own a quite a few different guns. What can I say? I’m a big gun guy. One of my favorite firearms is my 1911—a pistol I think everyone should own. Perhaps, I am a product of my environment, I live in Utah and in the northern part of the state, there is a city named Ogden. Ogden was home to John M. Browning, who invented the 1911 pistol. In fact, many people consider Browning to be the brains behind the modern design of semiautomatic pistols.
From 1911–1986, the M1911 was the standard issue sidearm of the United States military. To this day, some Special Forces groups still carry a version as their standard sidearm.
What makes the 1911 such a popular firearm?
First, it’s incredibly accurate because of its unique barrel design, and it has less recoil than most handguns. Another reason it’s so accurate is that it has a light trigger pull with a fairly short reset.
Due to the fact it has such a light trigger pull, the 1911 also has an external safety, which means you need to train with it regularly to get familiar with the mechanics.
Another aspect that makes it so desirable is the sleek design. The only drawback is that the typical 1911 typically only holds eight rounds. However, its design makes it the perfect gun for someone with big or small hands. In addition, its slim frame makes it easier to conceal.
Finally, other than perhaps a Glock, the 1911 is one of the most customizable firearms on the market. The reality is you can find accessories and attachments for the 1911 no matter what you want to use it for.
As an added benefit, the pistol comes in different calibers from a .45 ACP to .22 LR, depending on which you prefer for your situation. So, whether you want it for range shooting, home defense or concealed carry you can set up this versatile gun any way you like.
Of course, since this model is so popular, multiple gun manufacturers have developed a 1911 or a similar-version firearm. The next time you go to the gun range, I recommend renting one of the following guns to see how a 1911 feels:
Colt 1911
Even though John Browning invented the 1911, the first company to manufacture it was Colt. To this day, Colt manufactures different models, including the original M1911 version used by the military for over 75 years.
The fact is, when it comes to reliability, you can’t beat the Colt 1911. This is the type of gun that is ready to go right out of the box and doesn’t need any fancy add-ons. If you’re looking for a 1911, Colt is a great option, but far from the only quality 1911 available.
You will pay anywhere from $900–1,600, depending on the specific model and caliber you choose.
Springfield 1911
Springfield produces a great entry-level pistol. If this is a gun you love, you can easily customize and upgrade it to create the perfect gun for you.
As far as these pistols go, the models Springfield makes are probably the best for the price, ranging anywhere from $700–1,200. The Springfield 1911 also comes in different calibers and designs, including a mil-spec version used by the military.
Ruger 1911
Ruger has only been manufacturing 1911s since 2011. However, in that time, it has developed a very reliable firearm.
Ruger is known for manufacturing more updated models, with modern parts such as an extended thumb safety and a beavertail grip safety. Another nice thing about the Ruger is that its models sell for around $800–1,000, giving you a quality firearm for a decent price.
Conclusion
The 1911 has been around for over 100 years and will probably be around for another 100. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most simple, reliable and accurate firearms ever produced, which is why it remains so popular.
Since it’s so versatile, the 1911 is a great gun for competition shooters, concealed carry or as a home-defense pistol. Nowadays, many firearms manufacturers are making major changes to older models and producing newer guns with all kinds of bells and whistles.
And in a life-or-death situation, I prefer a gun that has been tested time and again and won’t let me down when I need it—which is why I own multiple 1911s.
Jason Hanson is a former CIA Officer and New York Times bestselling author of Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life. To get a free copy of his book, visit www.SpyEscape.com.
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Had to read this one. The 1911 and 92F style pistols are tops on my list along with SIG 226/220. I have/have had probably 25 or so 1911 pistols over the years from cheap Taurus and Citadel up to STI and Dan Wesson. It’s just a good looking great platform and as far as I am concerned a work of art in pistols.
After learning the history of the firearm, and how a veteran earned a Medal of Honor with his, I decided I wanted a WWII military-style 1911 to get a taste of that history and the genius of Browning’s design. I picked up an Auto Ordnance 1911A1 from the local gun store a few years ago. It’s reliable, accurate, and a perfect fit for the hand. It may not have seen any fighting, but it’s a no-frills $500 gun that behaves like a $2000 custom gun and looks just like what our guys were carrying. I hope I never have to use it to defend myself or my family, but I know I can rely on it if I do – just like our guys did at Normandy and Iwo Jima.
The barrel design has little to do with it the genius is that most modern semi autos use some variation of Mr. Browning’s design, you must mean the bushing design (maybe?). The trigger is usually only slightly lighter than most standard striker fired triggers and no lighter than other SAO pistols or the SA stage of DA/SA triggers, what makes it unique is that there is no arc of travel it travels straight back. I don’t understand the recoil comment. How does it have inherently less recoil? Do you mean because all steel variants weighs more? And you can’t beat a Colt for reliability? Really? In any case I am unimpressed with this article, reads as written by a noob.
You forgot to mention if you want the “legendary reliability” (the kind you get with a modern high quality polymer framed striker fired piatol) you have to pay northwards of $3000 and get a semi to full custom gun or it will be fraught with problems especially if you expect to feed it anything but 230gr ball ammo. Now if you only shoot 100 rounds a year through it or so you will never know. I can agree with most of the rest of what you say though.
You missed my current carry gun: about four months, I traded in my almost-twenty year old Kimber CDP for a Remington Recon Commander. The grip on the Remington doesn’t feel noticeably thicker to my hands, and the extra weight has been a real recoil killer. But most importantly, I went from 9 rounds of .45 to 19 rounds of 9mm (the gun is also available as a 14+1 .45). The only negative note is that so far I haven’t found a hybrid tuckable holster which fits. Therefore, I am carrying in a Versacarry; the only issue is that the holster enables the rail-mounted laser to turn on while carrying, which drains the battery.
For me, at least, the Remington Recon Commander is the 1911 updated for the 21st Century.
My Kimber CDP never let me down, and it cost about $1200.00, if I remember correctly. I could run 200 to 300 rounds through it at the range at a time (couldn’t afford any more!) without any issues, so I can be certain it would have served me well if needed. So far, my Remington has gone bang everytime I pull the trigger.
Now, I will freely admit that the 1911 MIGHT require a little more loving care than a plastic gun. I do lightly lubricate my carry weapon once a month or so, whether it needs it or not. However, I would do that even if I were carrying a Glock; it is part of the rule that if you want your weapon to take care of you, take care of it.
1911’s are great guns. Iconic and very accurate. My wife and I both own one, and we enjoy shooting them, but neither of us carry them EDC. Low ammo capacity and mediocre reliability make them less desirable than her Beretta 92 or my Glock G21.
Even though we are reading about a 1911, I could say the same thing about an Ar-15. Every law abiding gun owner should one at least one Ar-15. There might be a time in the not to distant future when the rights of it’s citizens might have to be defended. Think of the AR-15 like a fire extinguisher. Break glass in case of emergency.
From the comments of the communists running on the demonrat ticket, like beto francis oroarke, the time may come sooner than we think.
Love the 1911 I own 3-of them, the Colt 5″ Competition, a Springfield 3″ BBL Micro and a Taurus 5″ PT 1911 with a Ed Brown match bbl. They all shoot great and none have ever had a problem shooting solids to hollow points or Horn/critical defense rounds.
Believe it or not the little 3″ will hit a 12″ plate at 50 yds.