I need some veterans to school me on the 1911

[Upstate43]

As the title states, I'm looking for feedback from salty firearms veterans (specifically people who have experience owning and operating 1911's).

After a lot of soul-searching and mental debates with myself over which full-sized pistol to get, I'm heavily considering a 1911 chambered in 10mm. There are several reasons why, but to keep them short and sweet:

• I want an all metal pistol;
• I want an external hammer (I had looked at DA/SA Sig P220's, but the cost and reported quality issues have dissuaded me);
• I want 10mm (I'm looking for a pistol/cartridge combination where there is little to no sacrifice when it comes to NY's 10 round limit);
• I want something with heft that will help tame the 10mm's recoil and also be fun for extended target shooting;
• I want something that will lend itself to decent accuracy.

The thing of it is, I have about zero experience with the 1911 design, its quirks, the common consensus on which brands are known for being better than others. My initial exposure to pistols was via the Beretta M9a1, and if I had my druthers, I'd own that, or something comparable, chambered in 9mm or .40s&w since I prefer that type of firearm and the associated manual of arms. But given NY's magazine limit, I'd never be content knowing that I'm carrying around a neutered magazine. I've handled and shot a few 1911's; the ergonomics and manual of arms are obviously a bit different from what I'm used to (especially the whole concept of carrying cocked-and-locked), but I think i could overcome that with training. I've shot quite a bit of .357 magnum, so I know that 10mm's recoil won't be an issue for me with a full-sized 1911.

My questions/concerns are as follows:

1. Which brands are known for better quality? I hear some horror stories about how the 1911 doesn't always work right because it's a 100 year old design that requires precision fitting.
2. Are there newer 1911 variants that are fully capable of holding up to 10mm? I know the design was originally focused on .45 acp, so 10mm is a big step up in terms of recoil and abuse on the pistol.
3. What's considered a bare minimum for price point? It sounds like this is the type of firearm where you really get what you pay for.
4. Are there any special considerations for maintenance or armorer's work? Special tools? Does it require more care/cleaning than the average pistol? Do you really need to be careful about which armorers you send your pistol to for work? The design seems common enough that I would expect most certified armorers to at least be knowledgeable with it.
5. Are there good/reliable 10 round magazines for 10mm?

For context, I've started my search with the Springfield 1911 TRP (10mm). The starting price point for these is eye-watering ($1300) compared to what I'm used to seeing for a typical Sig P226 or Beretta 92. But from what I've gathered so far, that seems to be actually somewhat mildly-priced compared to what other high-end 1911's go for. And yes, I know all about the political controversy surrounding that company; not interested in that, only their product.

Thoughts?

 

[GOPerfect]

I will say that I am partial to Springfield Armory. I own a few, have never been disappointed with any of them,

 

[Deplorable Me]

Springfield 1911 x4. All .45 acp.

They tend to get quirky if you don't clean them every 200 rounds or so. Then again I'm running LRN and SWC which are inherently smoky.

All my factory mags have been replaced with Chip McCormick Power Mags or Power Mag Plus.

When clean, good ammo, good mags, no problems.

 

[ECU Pirates]

What are you looking to spend? In the low end of the price spectrum is the rock island 10mm line. I am considering getting one and have been for a long time. The reviews are very good. The updated delta elites are very nice and I have shot one (can be bought with or without a rail. People hate spring field armory due to their recent pr gaff but the new 10mm they brought out look amazing. That covers a few of the low/mid price options. The Dan Wesson’s also have great reviews and they are made in ny. You can spend way more and not reallly get much
More in my opinion. As for mags.... I only use Wilson combat in my 1911’s. Never had an issue. Checkmate and Kobra mags also have a large and happy following.

I only have colts right now and they hsve all been 100 percent reliable. The most rounds in a day without any cleaning or lub was 500 in my special combat gov. The platform can be very reliable just get good mags and clean/lub once in awhile. There are some shit 1911’s out there that don’t run at all so stick to a well known brand/model. The cheapest I would go is a 500 dollar rock island. I would not buy anything elase at that price point.

You do need to clean/lube more than polymer guns for the most part. I have never had to send one to a smith for any repairs and I have over 10k through my special combat. Just change the spring every 4-5k and I have been fine. The triggers are all pretty damn good out of the box for the most part. The reset is as short as possible and it’s not plastic!

I shoot quite a bit. It’s stress relief for me. I will run out at lunch and shoot 100-200. More often than not (by far) I grab a 1911. If I was in a free state I still think I would carry one.

This was from lunch today:

 

[ECU Pirates]

 

[ECU Pirates]

The all steel are heavy. I normally carry a light weight commander ( not an option in 10mm). I have carried steel quite a bit and it is doable though.

 

[Upstate43]

The all steel are heavy. I normally carry a light weight commander ( not an option in 10mm). I have carried steel quite a bit and it is doable though.

I think I'll be looking at all steel for the added weight (which should help with 10mm's recoil).

I haven't heard or considered much about the offerings from Colt. I know some years back some of their products didn't have the best of reputations, but I do recall more than a few people saying that the Company has turned a corner, so to speak, in recent years.

 

[Acer-m14]

buy a gunsmith too .. you will need one .. LMAO .. why ..

 

[ECU Pirates]

buy a gunsmith too .. you will need one .. LMAO .. why ..

The only thing I would take lessons from that guy on is the 100 yard dash.

 

[Wraith]

What are you looking to spend? In the low end of the price spectrum is the rock island 10mm line.

Rock Island was just running for $510 for their 10mm Ultra series that had rave reviews from what I could find. If my wife hadn’t veto’d It I’d have had it for sure.

 

[wizrd]

Dan Wesson razorback

 

[SomeSoldier]

I love my Kimber, have had it for at least 8 years. Has never failed me. It's my primary carry.

 

[Robin]

Having both a p220 and a C0lt 1911, both in .45 ACP I have to say, the SIG is a more forgiving design as far as shoot ability goes. Both are proven, reliable designs that will not let you down. I have never shot a 10 mm but if I was interested in that caliber those to guns would be at the top of my search list and I would consider the Glock as well. You could probably go to that range in Bergen, the Firing Pin, and test fire all three. Try before you buy, it's the best way.
Robin

 

[Calculon]

I only have one 1911 so my experience with the 1911 is limited. It’s a Kimber full size and I’ve never had any issue with it. I would get another with no hesitation. Looks like you can get them in 10mm on gunbroker starting just over $800.

 

[GunXpatriot]

Maaaan, lemme tella yeh' I carry me a foh-five because they don't make a foh-six, yeeehawwww.

I've shot a few 1911's, in all price ranges. Not NEARLY enough to appreciate their differences. But, they sure do feel great in the hand.. If you're trying to look at your best price/performance, I doubt you could go wrong with a Springfield Armory.

Any of 'em really, depending on what exactly you want. Out of the few models I've shot, the Springfield Range Officer Target model was pretty gosh darn nice if I'm being honest.. But I think just to get your feet wet, a "low end" RIA model wouldn't be the worst purchase ever.

Remember, the biggest things you sacrifice on the lower end are that you miss out on a few bells and whistles, the fit and finish might not be quite as good, but it should serve you as well as any other you could go for.

 

[Upstate43]

Having both a p220 and a C0lt 1911, both in .45 ACP I have to say, the SIG is a more forgiving design as far as shoot ability goes. Both are proven, reliable designs that will not let you down. I have never shot a 10 mm but if I was interested in that caliber those to guns would be at the top of my search list and I would consider the Glock as well. You could probably go to that range in Bergen, the Firing Pin, and test fire all three. Try before you buy, it's the best way.
Robin

Could you expand on that? Why do you find the p220 more forgiving?

Truth be told I’d prefer DA/SA over a 1911 manual of arms. I have heard about magazine/feeding issues with some p220’s. Not sure how common they are.

Hence why I started looking at 1911’s.


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[razor]

I just got a Kimber 10mm. It didn't like S&B ammo for break in. It's fine with American eagle and Armscor. Last Sunday with Fiocchi it jammed once each magazine. I'm not disappointed , the gun is tight and needs more range time.

 

[ECU Pirates]

Maaaan, lemme tella yeh' I carry me a foh-five because they don't make a foh-six, yeeehawwww.

I've shot a few 1911's, in all price ranges. Not NEARLY enough to appreciate their differences. But, they sure do feel great in the hand.. If you're trying to look at your best price/performance, I doubt you could go wrong with a Springfield Armory.

Any of 'em really, depending on what exactly you want. Out of the few models I've shot, the Springfield Range Officer Target model was pretty gosh darn nice if I'm being honest.. But I think just to get your feet wet, a "low end" RIA model wouldn't be the worst purchase ever.

Remember, the biggest things you sacrifice on the lower end are that you miss out on a few bells and whistles, the fit and finish might not be quite as good, but it should serve you as well as any other you could go for.

You don’t lose any bells or whistles with a rock island. The fudd joke doesn’t apply here either becaue he’s looking at 10mm.

 

[dsdmmat]

Born and raised with a 1911 in my hand. I have run them in 45, 40 and 38 super. I have run just about all the major manufacturers brands and built quite a few of my own.

Most 10mm loads these days are nothing more than 40+P. That being said it is going to be hard on the frame. Make sure you change your recoil springs at the recommended intervals. I changed the 38 super’s spring every 1000 rounds.

You can get the 10mm in a 6” long slide version witch will reduce the punishment on the frame a bit but you will still want to change out recoil springs after a specific round count.

The nice thing you can do with the 10mm 1911 is you can swap barrels and recoil springs out and have a 40, 357sig, 9x25 Dillon Gun.

 

[redtail]

There is a forum dedicated to the 1911. A quick web search should bring it up.
More info there than most would ever need.
Personally I would suggest Dan Wesson, and the “carry” or “enhanced” version R1 Remingtons.

 

[GunXpatriot]

You don’t lose any bells or whistles with a rock island. The fudd joke doesn’t apply here either becaue he’s looking at 10mm.

Pff, 10mm?

If you're carrying less than a maxed out .460 Rowland, you're a loser!

Nah but seriously, when I do finally decide to find myself a nice 1911, I'm really excited to do the conversion. I'm not so sure the lower end ones can handle it though. But I wouldn't be surprised if they could and Johnny Roland has some kind of deal to only promote "premium" 1911's lmao

 

[MoMan]

I have had, and still have a couple of 1911s. I would say if you are looking to get your feet wet with a 1911, and don't want to spend a lot of money, or give up reliability, I would look at the RIA in 10mm. I do not have a 10mm (every time I think about 1, something else gets purchased!!), but I do have an RIA fullsize in 45acp, and love it. I would probably stay away from any of the other "entry level" 1911s.
I also have a Ruger 1911CMD (my favorite 1911!) in 45acp, and it is stellar as well. I've had Kimbers, and they were good as well.

The 1911 platform, although over 100 y/o, still performs well to this day without many changes to the original design. I do not find them hard to maintain, and pretty much run my lead reloads through them without issues. I've never had to send any of my 1911s to a smith. You can pretty much do anything you want to your gun without the use of a smith. Most upgrades are pretty straight forward.

I have the obligatory Glock, just 1, that's enough for me. They work, I get it, but so do many, many other guns. Plastic is pretty much plastic to me.

 

[Tinman]

I have 2 Kimbers, 3" & 4". Both in .45acp. Love them both. never a problem.

 

[Robin]

Could you expand on that? Why do you find the p220 more forgiving?

Truth be told I’d prefer DA/SA over a 1911 manual of arms. I have heard about magazine/feeding issues with some p220’s. Not sure how common they are.

Hence why I started looking at 1911’s.


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It is subjective, but the ergonomics of the P220 are better, for me, which results in less felt recoil and better follow up shots, plus, I do like the DA/SA feature. I have never had an issue with the gun or magazine, not one. Don't get me wrong on the 1911 though, it is an excellent gun in any caliber.
Robin

 

[ECU Pirates]

Pff, 10mm?

If you're carrying less than a maxed out .460 Rowland, you're a loser!

Nah but seriously, when I do finally decide to find myself a nice 1911, I'm really excited to do the conversion. I'm not so sure the lower end ones can handle it though. But I wouldn't be surprised if they could and Johnny Roland has some kind of deal to only promote "premium" 1911's lmao

Any quality steel 1911 can handle it. I went the .45 super route.

 

[ECU Pirates]

It is subjective, but the ergonomics of the P220 are better, for me, which results in less felt recoil and better follow up shots, plus, I do like the DA/SA feature. I have never had an issue with the gun or magazine, not one. Don't get me wrong on the 1911 though, it is an excellent gun in any caliber.
Robin

I also had a 220 (not 10mm). It was a great gun and never had any issues with it or heard of anyone else haveing issues with one.

 

[Upstate43]

It is subjective, but the ergonomics of the P220 are better, for me, which results in less felt recoil and better follow up shots, plus, I do like the DA/SA feature. I have never had an issue with the gun or magazine, not one. Don't get me wrong on the 1911 though, it is an excellent gun in any caliber.
Robin

I also had a 220 (not 10mm). It was a great gun and never had any issues with it or heard of anyone else haveing issues with one.

Well that's good to hear. There was gossip going around on certain forums, to include the main Sig forum, that the newer P220's (both .45 and 10mm) were having reliability issues with magazine misfeeds. But as with anything on the internet, they could be over-exaggerated.

I'll have to pick up and hold a P220. I've held quite a few P229's and P226's and I've always found their ergonomics good though a bit wide. The P220 grip should be about the same or a little bit narrower since its single stack, correct? I'll have to get some more hands on a 1911 as well. The P220's I've seen are only $100-$200 more than the Springfield TRP's I've been looking at, so perhaps the Sig is worth another look.

I know a 1911, at least a good one, is a joy to shoot as I've been fortunate enough to get some range time with a friend's 1911. But the manual of arms (grip safety, external safety lever, SAO) just seems so foreign to me. Maybe that's my own internal bias at work....I'll have to see if my friend will let me do some more shooting with his 1911 in the near future.

 

[Upstate43]

There is a forum dedicated to the 1911. A quick web search should bring it up.
More info there than most would ever need.
Personally I would suggest Dan Wesson, and the “carry” or “enhanced” version R1 Remingtons.

Yep, I'm aware of that forum and in fact I've already done some reading there.

I thought that I'd be better off asking my questions here because I'm sure the 1911 forum gets inundated with newcomers asking questions which the old-timers get sick of answering.

 

[gqllc007]

I have or have had 30 plus high end 1911's....Look at the Dan Wesson Bruin 6" in 10mm. Excellent firearm....excellent quality....can shoot it all day...only downside is the angled front end makes it harder to reassemble after cleaning...google it...youtube it...read the reviews...awesome pistol in 10mm

 

[Robin]

There is a reason why the Colt 1911 design is made by so many high end manufactories, it is kind of the universal fit, I prefer the flat back myself but either way that design can be picked up and shot well in no time. Browning was a master engineer in more ways than one. Its always nice to have options and its always nice to have a fall back that is like an old friend.
Robin