re: Give me your arguments for getting a 1911 .45 cal or a Glock 17 9mm

That is my conceal carry piece.

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But it would damn sure have more capacity than 7+1.

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How about 11 + 1?

That would look funny but be more advantageous should I run across a band of ill intentioned young urban democrats.

Oh hell yeah.

They do. Sometimes more than once.

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more than once

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Bingo.

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How about 11 + 1?

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Maybe not 11+1 but I hate how people completely discredit the 10 round 1911 mags that have been out forever. Wilson Combat, Chip McCormick, and Checkmate (they make Kimber mags too) make great 10 round 1911 mags. I have 3 Checkmate 10 round mags that work in every 1911 I've tried them in, even a WW2 Remington Rand. Here is my S&W with a buddy's Springfield Operator and the WW2 Remington Rand.








This also isn't an argument of 1911 vs Glock. It could also be can argument of polymer vs metal, where the Sigs, Berettas, and CZs could fit in as well, although their triggers are different. To address the OP, it should be what feels best to you. You can get a gun with similar 1911 ergonomics with a bit more ruggedness without having to buy a Glock. Ergonomics and reliability are not mutually exclusive, not matter what you've been told.


The S&W M&P is my favorite polymer platform out there, with the Ruger SR series at a close second. The M&P fits my hand like a glove and has the grip, grip angle, low bore axis, and sights that mirror 1911 styling. The Ruger SR9c is my carry piece and I trust my life to it daily. It is also a great buy. Both platforms can be purchased in full size or compact form and can be had in the 3 most popular defensive pistol calibers, 9mm, 40S&W and 45ACP. M&P is the first pic, Ruger SR9 is the second. (I'll also agree that the M&P is better looking. )





The best American made entry level 1911s out there are made by Ruger, Springfield (the USGI ones), Thompson (pretty new) and Remington. The slightly higher ups are Kimber, S&W, Springfield, Colt, etc. First pic is a Ruger SR1911, second is a Remington R1 Enchanced. Either can be had from $650-$850 depending on features and where you buy it. I know for a fact there is a threaded R1 Enhanced at Academy right now for about $1k.

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Tom288

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I think he is avoiding the question

yea, I guess you're right

AG,
Try first to simplify your purchase by deciding WHAT you like (or maybe, what you DON'T like), then look for the model(s) that fit your criteria.
Reliability record.
Action: DAO, SAO, DA/SA, Striker fired?
Frame: Steel, polymer, aluminum alloy?
External safety levers: Yes or no? grip safety?
Mag capacity?
Accessory rail: yes or no?

I'll admit that I really like the 1911 and the 45 ACP (I have two that I use in my concealed carry rotation), but if I was going to have only one handgun to home defense and range use, it might NOT be the 1911. If you'd rather spend close to $500, you'd prolly be better served w/ a 9mm gun that's not a 1911, especially for your first handgun. In this price range there are a number of fine guns available, including:
Ruger SR series
S&W M&P series
Glock
Sig (I can't keep track of all their different models......)
Springfield Armory XD series

For your use, get a full size frame gun, not a compact. Since you're not going to carry it, I'd suggest a double stack configuration, as long as you find one that fits your hand. And remember, a nice revolver in 38 Spec/357 Mag is NEVER a bad choice for home defense. Of course, don't forget that a shotgun is prolly the single best home defense gun.

You can always get a 1911 later on after your basic needs have been addressed.