Glock vs. 1911A1

Emb145

I'm sure somwhere in all these postings this topic has come up before, but here goes again.I started thinking I want a 1911A1-style pistol in .45ACP. Well, which one? I began thinking Para-Ord, SA, or Kimber. But, each time I think I've decided on the model, someone comes out and tells of a very bad experience with one. I've owned 3 Glock's, two of which I still have. I've never had a feed problem (one time--ammo related)and have never had to have a gunsmith slick one up. After re-examining things, why do I still want a 1911?Is there no such thing as a reliable 1911 in the mid-$500 to mid-$600 range? Much more than that and I'll probably buy a Glock model 21.Not trying to ruffle feathers, but I sure would like to know of a reliable 1911!!

oneshy

I have seen pictures of Glocks that have split wide open in 40S&w because the chamber does not completely encase the cartridge. As with any mechanical device contrived by man it will eventually break. Considering that millions of the guns mentioned have been built, quality control cannot catch all the lemons, and the care taken by the owners of failed guns can also be taken into account. I have owned all the guns you mention except the Kimber. I consider them all reliable within my personal experience. I like the Para for high cap and accuracy, and the Glock for ease of operation in concealed carry. I will say that the major weakness in the 45 is the barrel bushing. I would prefer a model that had a different, stronger design. I haven't been in the market lately, and am not familiar with the newer designs. If I were,I would look for the aforementioned design that does away with the bushing.

royc38

A glock dreams of being a 1911. Either you have had the worst luck or I don't know what. Glocks are Ok pistols but they are no where near as reliable as a Colt 45. They don't have the accuracy or the feel. Shop around and you will find a good 1911. Colt, Springfield,Kimber, Les Bauer, are good places to start. A Glock is the better choice if you can't afford one of those. But I would wait and save my money and stay away from "plastic".

punchie

Gotta take issue with what royc38 says. Glock never wanted to be a 1911 and their reliability is amazing. Even though I am a Glock armorer I can't really say that I like the things, but (I have to give the devil his due) they do everything they are supposed to do, when they are supposed to.As to why you want a 1911, everyone likes a classic. Maybe in another 90 years the Glock will be considered a classic also. All of us can cite horror stories on bad individual guns, how the manufacturer handles these problems has always been my main concern.In a moderate price range you will be hard pressed to do better that the SA Loaded series or the Para Limited series. MOST will shoot as accurately as your Glock and should function without hesitation. The customer service section of both companies has always been top notch IMHO. If you want American made you might also check out the Dan Wesson Pointman Major series. If memory serves me correctly the 1911 is the single most copied and customized design of any handgun.

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AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY

Matt45

Most of the folks that carry 1911's (myself included) are fond of telling those that ask questions of reliability, "It's been killin' Uncle Sam's enemies for the last 90 years or so..." I own an Auto-Ordinance M-1911A1 and use Chip McCormack 8-rd mags stuffed full of Black Talons, and carry it in a Uncle Mike's pancake holster.Yes, it is "tweaked and tuned" but, I do not carry a firearm on the street until after 500 problem free rounds on the range. This also serves as a good familiarization. (Like the Army is fond of saying, "Train how you fight").Any Glock owner will tell you first thing about the "safe action pistol" and all of it's fine points. I also have to agree, it has excellent first round accuracy because of the safety design being built into the trigger, and with 14 rd pre-bans, that's a lot of bang-bang. I carry my preban G-21 stuffed full of Golden Sabers in a Fobus holster.The fact of the matter is that I am an armed professional, and in my line of work I have occasion to be put into direct confrontation with potentially deadly situations. When it is my life on the line I let the situation dictate what I carry as much as possible. I know what ammo feeds reliably in each of my firearms. I know which of my firearms conceal better/or allow concealment in different climates. I know, to a certian degree, what threat level I should anticipate. In the last 4 years of going into harm's way, I have never had to fire a shot, Thank God.

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Reserving my Right to Arm Bears!!!![This message has been edited by Matt45 (edited 11-25-2001).]

MadCzek

Man, go buy a Springfield Armory 45 on Gunbroker. Parkerized, nice grip and night sights will be around $600. Personally, this 'loaded' SA, in my opinion, is the best buy for the money right now in 45 ACP. I love mine.

kimberkid

BUY KIMBER!Springfields are made in Brazil! They have been riding on their name for YEARS, and of course they count on this! Declaring Bankrupcy, then buying their own equipment back for a song and leaving their creditors in a lurch. Quality is down, major problems with Cracked Slides ... good thing they have a life time warrenty ... they seem to need it.And besides, right now there is a Brand New Kimber Classic Custom 45 in blue listed on GunBroker for $589 ... easily the best value in .45's on the market today!Let the fun begin!

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GUN CONTROL: If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com

gunnut

I agree with KimberKid on this one, Save buy a kimber you wont be sorry.

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~Secret Select Society Of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~

rick_reno

When I was looking for a very reliable carry gun in 45 ACP I tried Glock 21, Sig 220, Sig 245, 3 Colts 1911's, a HK USP compact and a Kimber Gold Match. The only one of these guns that has worked perfectly every time is the HK. I attempt to run 1k rounds thru them; the HK has about 7500 thru it now and is still running great. In terms of reliablity, the Glock was a close 2nd - but I hate Glocks and would only carry one as a last resort. It's nothing against Glock - I just don't like them.

smooth_operator

Personally, as far as 45's are concerned, get the one synonimous with the caliber, 1911! It's been around longer than any other and well trusted by those who have used them in combat. Kimber seems to be on the top shelf lately a far as out of the box performance but others are also reliable. Firearms are a piece of machinery and it will at one point or another, break. This is inevitable. Surely all brands have had their share of lemons slip into the consumer market. Look at it this way, even BMW's have recalls or lemons, so why not every other firearm manufacturer?. Bottom line, youre better off with a 1911 if you want a 45.-Smooth

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Life is the leading cause of death.Everything else is just a contributing factor.[This message has been edited by smooth_operator (edited 11-25-2001).]

Ross C. McDonell

Get the Kimber and don't look back.

kaboom

If you get a 1911 of whatever make or model, replace the stock factory magazines with Wilson-Rogers 7 round mags and you won't have any feeding problems. I have them in every .45 I own now and they have solved a lot of reliability problems for me just by switching magazines. A pre-WWII Colt I have wouldn't handle anything but hardball with the new Colt magazine the previous owner had bought. I replaced it with Wilson mags and it now gobbles up anything I put in it, including lead SWC's and most jacketed hollow points. I don't know what their secret is, but I know they work for me.

hecklerxkoch

stay away from Springfield, my barrell blew up on match grade ammo. Glocks are great pistols, as good as the 1911? I guess thats all in what you like. Glocks you can get more firepower and easier to clean and fieldstrip. 1911's are a legend and are tried and true. Hell you could buy one of each!!!