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For some reason, I got it in my mind that today I wanted to see what it felt like strapping my 1911 to my hip rather than my trusty Glock 19. I'm not sure why I didn't try before, it's not as if I didn't have everything I needed. I'm able to properly compare the two guns because I'm using the same Milt Sparks belt and I have a Milt Sparks VM2 holster for each of them.
First, the Glock. I love Glock pistols. I always have, and probably always will. I shoot them better than anything else, most feel great in my hand, they're reliable, affordable, easy to takedown/maintain/clean, etc. My particular Glock that I carry daily is the compact Glock 19, which is chambered in 9mm with a capacity of 15+1 rounds, and is equipped with factory night sights. I purchased this model because I wanted something I'd be able to afford to shoot and because it really is an excellent carry package when you consider the purchase cost, size, weight, reliability, and capacity.
Second, the 1911. Seven years ago I had absolutely no idea what a 1911 pistol was. Obviously after spending a day or two reading firearm message boards I had to find out, so I read up a bit. I've always considered 1911's to be one of the most beautiful pistols every made, but I felt the design was surpassed by pistols with newer technology which allowed for far fewer moving parts and increased capacity. Add the stuff you hear about the reliability problems, and you have the reason I purchased a .45 caliber Sig P220. Over the next few years though I couldn't help notice the growing momentum of the 1911 movement and the increased interest in the model. I'm not sure if this was, in fact, happening or if it was just my perception as I spent more time on the internet, but it sure felt like everyone loved 1911's. Finally, three years ago, I couldn't take it anymore; I had to get one and find out what everyone is raving about. I did my research and purchased a Springfield Loaded in like new condition, complete with Crimson Trace laser grips and Novak night sights. After spending three days fondling it, I was finally able to take it to the range. Sadly, it was the most inaccurate gun I had ever shot. Fast forward to a couple months ago, when I finally dug it out of the closet and sent it to Springfield. After they replacing the barrel, replacing the front sight, and drifting the rear just a touch, it's dead on. Since then, it's been shot twice and relegated back to closet duty. I'm not sure why, but for some reason I'm just not giving this gun a fair shake.
Anyway, back to today. As I'm loading the seven round magazine I two thoughts kept going through my mind: "Only eight rounds? " and "Wow, .45ACP hollowpoints are HUGE ". It's kinda funny because one of the main reasons I carry the Glock daily is because I don't feel the need to carry a spare magazine, but I always wish it was something other than 9mm. Without getting into the caliber debate, I always have that thought in my mind, no matter how much evidence I see/hear/read. Before I put the loaded magazine back in the gun I tripple check everything and make sure I know when and how the gun will and won't fire. I confess, I desperately need more trigger time with the 1911 platform. Once I've assured myself it's not going to fire itself while sitting in my holster, I saddle up.
The first thing I notice is the weight, almost double. No matter though, it's definitely not unbearable. The next thing I noticed was how thin it is compared to the Glock 19. I was initially worried that the size difference was going make things uncomfortable. However, because the 1911 is thinner it actually feels more comfortable and prints less. It's amazing how much a fraction of an inch difference in width can make! The 1911 is over 1.5" longer and .5" taller than the G19, but the difference isn't as noticeable as you'd think comfort-wise and seems to be a non-issue when it comes to concealability. The biggest surprise is the effect carrying the 1911 has on how I feel: I'm many times more confident with this gun knowing it throws those huge bullets
Overall, I still like my G19, but my enthusiasm for carrying it versus a 1911 is fading. There's a good possibility that I may be in the market for a Colt 4.25" 1911 in the near future.
Final note: If you enjoyed reading this book, print it out and I'll sign it at our next meet
First, the Glock. I love Glock pistols. I always have, and probably always will. I shoot them better than anything else, most feel great in my hand, they're reliable, affordable, easy to takedown/maintain/clean, etc. My particular Glock that I carry daily is the compact Glock 19, which is chambered in 9mm with a capacity of 15+1 rounds, and is equipped with factory night sights. I purchased this model because I wanted something I'd be able to afford to shoot and because it really is an excellent carry package when you consider the purchase cost, size, weight, reliability, and capacity.
Second, the 1911. Seven years ago I had absolutely no idea what a 1911 pistol was. Obviously after spending a day or two reading firearm message boards I had to find out, so I read up a bit. I've always considered 1911's to be one of the most beautiful pistols every made, but I felt the design was surpassed by pistols with newer technology which allowed for far fewer moving parts and increased capacity. Add the stuff you hear about the reliability problems, and you have the reason I purchased a .45 caliber Sig P220. Over the next few years though I couldn't help notice the growing momentum of the 1911 movement and the increased interest in the model. I'm not sure if this was, in fact, happening or if it was just my perception as I spent more time on the internet, but it sure felt like everyone loved 1911's. Finally, three years ago, I couldn't take it anymore; I had to get one and find out what everyone is raving about. I did my research and purchased a Springfield Loaded in like new condition, complete with Crimson Trace laser grips and Novak night sights. After spending three days fondling it, I was finally able to take it to the range. Sadly, it was the most inaccurate gun I had ever shot. Fast forward to a couple months ago, when I finally dug it out of the closet and sent it to Springfield. After they replacing the barrel, replacing the front sight, and drifting the rear just a touch, it's dead on. Since then, it's been shot twice and relegated back to closet duty. I'm not sure why, but for some reason I'm just not giving this gun a fair shake.
Anyway, back to today. As I'm loading the seven round magazine I two thoughts kept going through my mind: "Only eight rounds? " and "Wow, .45ACP hollowpoints are HUGE ". It's kinda funny because one of the main reasons I carry the Glock daily is because I don't feel the need to carry a spare magazine, but I always wish it was something other than 9mm. Without getting into the caliber debate, I always have that thought in my mind, no matter how much evidence I see/hear/read. Before I put the loaded magazine back in the gun I tripple check everything and make sure I know when and how the gun will and won't fire. I confess, I desperately need more trigger time with the 1911 platform. Once I've assured myself it's not going to fire itself while sitting in my holster, I saddle up.
The first thing I notice is the weight, almost double. No matter though, it's definitely not unbearable. The next thing I noticed was how thin it is compared to the Glock 19. I was initially worried that the size difference was going make things uncomfortable. However, because the 1911 is thinner it actually feels more comfortable and prints less. It's amazing how much a fraction of an inch difference in width can make! The 1911 is over 1.5" longer and .5" taller than the G19, but the difference isn't as noticeable as you'd think comfort-wise and seems to be a non-issue when it comes to concealability. The biggest surprise is the effect carrying the 1911 has on how I feel: I'm many times more confident with this gun knowing it throws those huge bullets
Overall, I still like my G19, but my enthusiasm for carrying it versus a 1911 is fading. There's a good possibility that I may be in the market for a Colt 4.25" 1911 in the near future.
Final note: If you enjoyed reading this book, print it out and I'll sign it at our next meet