[harold63]

The only time I ever won an IDPA match was my g17 against six other shooters with 1911s. None of them could keep the 1911 running. I am sure there are many reliable 1911s out there, when the gun is clean and the best ammo is used, but any of those 6 shooters could have beat me if it wasn’t for malfunctions.

This is interesting. I changed over to Glock full size frames for my shooting needs back in '14 but '06 to '14 I used 1911's, exclusively. Though I became fairly good at working on them, I kept them basically stock and rarely had an issue and keeping them 'running' was never an issue. As with anything, if you over tweak it it will fail.

 

[harold63]

The only bad things that come to my mind in choosing a 1911 over the G21 are unless it has an arched MSH, it will instinctively point lower than a large frame Glock. There's a very small angle difference in degrees between the two but that rear hump on the Glock makes you push your wrist down, more. You have to have an arched main spring housing on the 1911 to get it to point like a Glock, off a draw, with no sight ref. If you train and rely on instinct for hitting targets that are closer up, it will be harder and slower going back and forth between a G17/19 and a 1911. The other thing is 1911's tend to cause OCD nightmares when you get an idiot mark on one. Glocks prolly should come from the factory with a few of them, right out of the box.

 

[hardluk1]

NO glocks in my house . I still carry a 1911 as a primary carry but will carry a m&p's too but nooo glucks .

So carry what you like even if its a gluck as it should only matters to you , right ??

 

[uravan]

NO glocks in my house . I still carry a 1911 as a primary carry but will carry a m&p's too but nooo glucks .

So carry what you like even if its a gluck as it should only matters to you , right ??

Why then, do you darken the doors of Glocktalk.com?
To be a troll?

 

[rjm]

Why then, do you darken the doors of Glocktalk.com?
To be a troll?

Count me in as one of those who don’t like glocks but post to glocktalk.

 

[wdpiii]

In my opinion, it's a matter of preference. One can usually shoot either platform good enough with sufficient practice. I carried 1911's (alternating btw. 9mm and .45acp) exclusively from 2007-2015. I considered polymer platforms as inferior to "America's pistol". However, one day on a whim, I took "the family" Gen 2 G17 to the range and, contrary to previous experiences, shot it well enough to start thinking about the advantages of higher capacity 9mm. I'd looked at 2011's before but found them unsuitable for carry for a number of reasons (although, I must admit, the Staccato C2 is very tempting). In addition to the capacity, I liked the simplified manual of arms (no thumb safety). Now, in 2021, I can barely fathom returning to 1911 (although, again, the Staccato C2 is tempting). I am too satisfied with Glock's consistent trigger across all models, versatility of its compact double stacks (G26 takes 10, 12, 15, 17, etc. round mags; G30 line takes 9, 10, 13, etc. round mags), shoot ability, affordability (esp. with Blue Label pricing), etc. I now carry a mostly stock G19 as it seems to be the best option for me (although, again, that Staccato C2 could get me to reconsider if I could ever find one to "fondle"). Oh, I've tried the Wilson and don't like it). Isn't it great that (most of us) live in places where we have so many choices regarding firearms!

 

[rustygun]

I have a G17 and G19 and lots of 9mm ammo. I'm comfortable with shooting and cleaning them and familiar with the manual of arms.

I'm also thinking about buying a .45 ACP pistol and wanted your opinions.

I've talked to a couple of 1911 owners who think they're the bee's knees, especially in SHTF. A couple months back, someone let me shoot his 1911 at the range (Springfield Armory). I didn't like the muzzle climb, though the rest of the recoil was tolerable. I didn't think to compare my accuracy vs my G17. I also watched YouTube videos on disassembly and cleaning and feel comfortable doing these tasks. However, I've read that the 1911 requires more repairs and is more ammunition and magazine sensitive/fussy than Glocks.

Is there any advantage that I'm missing that the 1911 offers that the Glock 21 doesn't?

Ditto with using .45 ACP for self/home defense vs. 9 mm?

Last year, I was going to buy a G21, but there was no .45 ACP available, so I bought a G17 and 9mm ammo to go with it.

Oh, and I'm in California, so I can't buy new mag for any gun that have a capacity of more than 10 rounds.

Thanks

1911 has better trigger. Thinner frame with a crap ton of options for fit finish manufacturer color low budget and high end customs. A Glock is pretty boring and kinda ugly. A 1911 as long as you can do some standard maintenance will probably outlive you. Stick with Wilson combat mags and then you can bipass most or all issues that come up

 

[rustygun]

Also I consider single action firearms like a 1911 as a kinder beginner platform. With an all steel five inch model and that trigger you will usually outperform your ability.

Conversely a double action small revolver is at the other end. Takes a whole bunch more practice to be not good but just proficient.

 

[machman]

OP, figure out why you want to purchase the 1911. If you just want a 1911, then buy one. I purchased my 1st 1911 in 2011 and competed with it for over a year but now rarely touch it(or the 1911 9mm I purchased later). The 1911 is a great shooting gun but VERY different than a modern poly pistol with no bells and whistles(that complicate things). It sounds like the Glock feels right at home to you. It's important to be able to pick up a pistol and have the sights aligned when you aim it. In the heat of the moment, you don't want to have to "hunt" for your sights because the grip angle is so different from your Glock. I've personally experienced this(over and over) and its why I rarely shoot my 1911's. I realize I might take SD more seriously than others and I also realize that there might be folks out there that don't not have an issue swapping back and forth between platforms(or they think they don't).

The trigger aspect is a whole different argument. If your used to the Glock trigger it's going to be very easy to "touch a round off" with the 1911. I've seen it many times and have experienced it personally.

Good luck with your decision. 1911's are great guns but I highly recommend shooting some matches, doing some training to induce some stress while shooting it before you consider using one in SD.

 

[Rodralig1018]

I have a few 1911s... But I still rely on the Glock...

And as per the thread, here are a few tidbits -

1st comparing a Glock 21 against a Glock 34 in the IDPA 5x5:

and 2nd, the best stage run on that day (in a "minor" power factor division):

Oh, yes, accuracy wise - it, too, doesn't disappoint. 2.246" group at 25-yards unsupported - this with a stock trigger and crappy factory Freedom Munitions 230GR:

 

[stg-58]

I have both and the 1911 is for sale. The 21 always works, and the 1911 is sensitive to mags.

 

[JoeyC]

In Ct we can only have 10 rounds also.

Weight and grip angle is a plus for me with 1911. However, the G21 shoots well for me and if SHTF I know it will function well in any condition (plus added round capacity) and I won’t need to carry a bottle of oil with me at all times.

 

[Colt38SuperDude]

Count me in as one of those who don’t like glocks but post to glocktalk.

Not to mention this is the General Firearms sub-forum.

I was all about Glocks back in the late 1980s. Nowadays not so much.

 

[bubbatime]

My opinion. Some people like the 1911. Others prefer a more modern polymer gun. The 1911 requires more skill and attention to detail to build a reliable gun. And then, if shot a lot, they need more attention to detail to properly maintain and keep running reliably. The safety needs religious and frequent training to master.
I am not a fan of the 1911 for Joe Average to use as a home defense gun. Sure, it can be used. Should it? Maybe.
If I lived in a ten round only state my home defense pistol would be a Smith M&P45. It feels wonderful in the hand and comes stock with ten round mags…. Win win.

 

[dbuck47]

I am an old guy, and have been shooting handguns for 50 years. I haven’t shot all there is to shoot, but have some experience with both the G21 and the 1911. I like both, and under different circumstances would trust both to protect myself. I am a Glock fanboy but also a lover of 1911’s; my first center fire semi automatic was a Colt Combat Commander ( a 4.25 inch barrel 1911) way back in 1979.

If there was a table of new G21’s and a table of new 1911’s from current mainstream makers and I had to grab one and go to war, I would grab the Glock. A new Glock 21 that won’t work right out of the box is an anomaly. That’s not to say that a pick from the table of 1911’s - say a of Colt, Springfield, Ruger, or a couple others wouldn’t run; some or even most would, but if a couple out of a dozen needed a few rounds to settle in, you wouldn’t think much of it.

Maintenance to me is not that big of a deal. Yes, 1911’s take a little more, but I maintain my Glocks equally anyway. If your life could potentially depend on a piece of equipment, it should be maintained. That a Glock can go a few more rounds without cleaning is irrelevant to me.

I don’t think this battlefield pickup thing you mentioned is worthy of much consideration in your decision. It’s not impossible, but if that even becomes a thing, the pickup is more likely to be a Sig320 variant, a Beretta 92 variant or another Glock. I do feel like your firearms education is incomplete without a working knowledge of the 1911 though.

All the history of the 1911 is irrelevant to your ( the OP) question. It’s true and it’s interesting, but what matters is what your needs are. I don’t mean that the 1911 is irrelevant, it is and especially in a capacity limited state. That fact reduces that advantage of the 21 to a couple of rounds. And yes I feel all that history and nostalgia every time I pick up a 1911, but it doesn’t make me shoot any better. What is relevant about all that history, is that the gun is still in use by professionals and civilians after 111 years. It wouldn’t have the following it has if it didn’t work.

My answer to the OP ‘ s specific question is the option he didn’t give. Your best preparation for some apocalyptic scenario is more ammo and mags for the guns you have. If you add a .45 at this point, the logical next step is a Glock, either a 21 or a 30 variant.

If you can, you should at some point add a 1911 to your collection. They can be accurate and reliable. The trigger is awesome, but do be aware of the shorter pull and reset, especially when switching from Glocks. 1911’s are still relevant, and a lot of fun to shoot.

 

[Archangel Mike]

I have a G17 and G19 and lots of 9mm ammo. I'm comfortable with shooting and cleaning them and familiar with the manual of arms.

I'm also thinking about buying a .45 ACP pistol and wanted your opinions.

I've talked to a couple of 1911 owners who think they're the bee's knees, especially in SHTF. A couple months back, someone let me shoot his 1911 at the range (Springfield Armory). I didn't like the muzzle climb, though the rest of the recoil was tolerable. I didn't think to compare my accuracy vs my G17. I also watched YouTube videos on disassembly and cleaning and feel comfortable doing these tasks. However, I've read that the 1911 requires more repairs and is more ammunition and magazine sensitive/fussy than Glocks.

Is there any advantage that I'm missing that the 1911 offers that the Glock 21 doesn't?

Ditto with using .45 ACP for self/home defense vs. 9 mm?

Last year, I was going to buy a G21, but there was no .45 ACP available, so I bought a G17 and 9mm ammo to go with it.

Oh, and I'm in California, so I can't buy new mag for any gun that have a capacity of more than 10 rounds.

Thanks

I had CCW’d a 1911 for about 8 years when Mr. Glock came out with the G20/21’s about 1991.

Measured on the postage scale at work the G21 loaded with 14 rounds was LIGHTER than my 1911 loaded with 9 rounds. That polymer frame makes all the difference, weight wise

I switched to CCW’ing the G21 until I got tired of the bulkiness of it & switched to a G23 in .40 auto (about the same time the FBI did, 1997-ish) until Mr Glock came out with the G30 in .45 ACP (early 2000’s) & I switched to it. About as big as the G23, better .45 stopping power

Though as slim as the old 1911 I Didn’t like the G36 because I wanted more mag capacity.

When the G30S came out I went with it & its my CCW gun to this day.

Mag capacity of the G30 with the slimmed-down G36 slide/barrel. Best of both worlds

I carry it one round down (1 chambered, 9 in the mag, 10 total because 10 in the mag (11 total) pushes too hard on the pick up rail & I think loading 1 round down might help reliability.

And if I can’t get through a defensive shooting with 10 rounds of Hornady .45 ACP 220gr HP Critical Defense I probably can’t do it with 11 rounds either.

I thinkthe G30S is THE best CCW gun in the world today.

10 (11?) rounds of .45 ACP stopping power, compact, lightweight, easy to use & hit with, fast from the proper holster.

I can’t see anything beating it short of Star Trek “phasers on stun”.

 

[A6Gator]

I learned to shoot with a 1911 back in the pre-Glock era, when there were basically two handguns: the surplus 1911A1 in 45acp and a .38 Special revolver loaded with 158gr lead RN or SWC, so I might be a little biased. I have both 1911/2011s and Glocks in various calibers and barrel lengths. I’ve carried both on the job and as a civilian and I’ve competed with both. Both have goods and others.

I haven’t had the magazine issue w/my 1911s, and I’ve found if you’re willing to buy quality up-front it’s not a problem. That being said, a Glock is reliable as a hammer and has the only magazines I would trust out of the box.

For me, carrying IWB year around, I think the 1911 being slimmer makes it easier to carry.

Perhaps I’ve lived a sheltered existence, but I have yet to come across any Glock with a trigger anywhere near as good as an average 1911. My 1911/2011 race guns have triggers that are all close to 2#, and it’s like a little glass rod breaking. My carry gun triggers are pretty much stock. When I was carrying and competing with the Glock, I got used to the trigger and grip angle, so it wasn’t an issue either.

For the OP, I think alternating between a 1911 and Glock for EDC is a bit problematic, unless you’re willing to put a lot of training time into it and develop the mindset to adjust when you walk out the door. Getting used to a DAO handgun (or long revolver-like trigger pull) then transitioning to a shorter SA pull is a recipe for a case of “happy finger”. I know everybody here never puts their finger in/on the trigger coming out of the holster and stages it until the push out to the target, but I’ve seen more than a few professional guys goon it until they trained with the gun. The transition from 1911 to a long pull, I think, is much easier (and safer).

There’s a reason LE, Spec Ops and others who carry a handgun for a living don’t have a different “gun of the day” on the job.

That said, if you want the 1911 (in whatever caliber you want) then get it. This is still America, so unlike wives, you can have as many as you’d like.

 

[crkckr]

There is such a simple solution to the original question that it actually doesn't really bear asking... go out and try them both, then buy the one you like best ... or shoot best. I've been in possession of a 1911 since long before it was legal for me to so and these days I am a confirmed "old fart." To say I'm a fan of the 1911 is a bit of an understatement. I've been shooting combat style matches since before anyone ever called them that. I am also inclined to go with what works best for me.
A while back (at my age a while back could be anything from a couple of days ago to 20 or 30 years ago! In this case it was 20+ years ago) I let a buddy convince me to try out his Glock 19. The first thing he did is take it out of the case, remove the loaded mag then skip the pistol across the gravel of the range parking lot like skipping a stone over a lake! "WTF you doin'?" sez I. I go retrieve the pistol and there's not a mark on it! He just grins at me while I'm thinking, "do that with my 1911 and I'll probably pick it up and use it on you!" I was impressed with the demo and shooting the 19, although it definitely felt weird in my hand.
Now, both my 1911's have some custom work done on them but almost all of it by me, not some high dollar custom gunsmith. I've dehorned & rounded some edges, beveled the mag well, put some decent sights on them (ok, I had a gunsmith cut a front sight dovetail on both), made the cut in the slide to prevent the brass from getting deformed and fit the slides to the frame. Then I had them NP3 coated. They've been running fine ever since and both will feed empty cases from the mag. While I completely disconnected the grip safety and polished the feed ramps, I have done nothing to the trigger other than polish the parts that make contact with the frame. I have not changed the feed ramp geometry nor done anything to sear engagement. In that respect both are completely stock although both have Brownell spring kits in them. They are both very reliable.
Still, when the opportunity presented itself, I purchased a Glock 21. I really like the the way it shoots and especially the high mag capacity. It still feels odd in my hand but I manage to get by with it. So after shooting it for a year or so I set up some targets and got my timer out. After several runs, imagine my surprise to find that not only was the Glock faster, I was more accurate with it. Actually, it was not exactly surprise but more like chagrin! How could this be? Did my 1911's let me down? Nope, shooting the same scores as always, just doing a little better with the Glock.
So did I get rid of my 1911's and buy a stable of Glocks? Hell no! I still feel the love for my 1911's, yet I have an appreciation for the Glocks I didn't have before then. And I have added at least one more, a Glock 26, as a carry gun (only due to the advent of more effective bullet tech... I still believe the .45 is a better stopper than the 9mm... and a 10mm is even better than a .45, even if they all use the same bullet type).
Oh, and the Glock 21 has lived next to my bed for the last 20 something years, which should tell you something!
Cheers,
crkckr

 

[Kentucky Shooter]

I have a nice 1911 and a Glock 21 Gen 4. Have both, love both, but if I could only own 1, it would be the Glock.

my reasons, not to disparage the 1911, but the increased capacity, softer shooting, and rugged dependability of the Glock is too much advantage to ignore.

But I definitely feel well armed with either- I recommend trying out both and getting the one you like.

 

[bac1023]

Why are we comparing a specific model to an entire design?