I get asked versions of this question every so often:
“Are 9mm 1911’s ok?”
“Yeah, but it’s only in 9mm.”
“Which caliber of 1911 should I get first?”
My answer is as follows. For serious work. For CCW. To run and gun. To try to go somewhere and be something with a 1911? Get the 9mm.
In the bad old days, 9mm 1911s were dumpster fires. I know. I was there. Got hosed on them personally.
Today with ramped barrels, better magazines (Credit to Wilson Combat), better ejectors, better springs and realistic lug and rail designs; the 9mm 1911 is a monster pistol.
Double-stack. Single stack. Steel or alloy. Don’t care. As long as it doesn’t have the words, “3 Inch, Micro, Compact, Sub-compact, Pocket, etc”, it’ll be ok.
You get what you pay for in 1911s. Unfortunately for your wallet. Buy up, don’t go cheap. As for slide size, I recommend a 5”. Some might suggest 4.25”. That’s cool. I’m ride or die at 5”. Make of that what you will.
Final observation: An all steel, single stack, 5”, 9mm 1911 is a level of cheating that has to be experienced to be believed. Flat shooting and low perceived recoil makes that combo a bullet hose.
Save the 45 caliber 1911 as a collectable or backup to your 9mm.
Sincerely,
Marky
www.John1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
Areas of focus: Defense and National Security, Modern Light Weapons, Small Arms, Weapons Training.
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