[NGIB]

Interesting quote from his FAQ which I agree with 100%.

FAQ’s with Larry Vickers

7. How do I know if a 1911 is the right choice for me?

That is a tough question as I feel most people are best served NOT using a 1911 as a primary sidearm. Two criteria come to mind a) A passion for the 1911 platform and b) you are willing to be your own armorer and can fix relatively minor problems or fit certain parts yourself. If you are the kind of guy that doesn’t mind tinkering with your Harley Davidson motorcycle to keep it running then you are a candidate. If however you treat your pistols like we all treat our lawnmowers then don’t get a 1911 – use a Glock.

[Gojubrian]

Very well put!!

[danf_fl]

I like it. Sticky to the FAQ?

[joshfireart]

would rather eat glass and gargle with gas then shoot a Glock

[Dillinger]

I've read a bunch of Larry's stuff over the years and that quote I have a problem with merely because it appears as if he is claiming the 1911 is problematic.

Larry himself worked with Nighthawk to produce one of their most expensive 1911 pistols out there, then when they weren't selling discontinued his association with them.

Larry also sells parts for a stock Glock, then has specific 1911 courses for "Operator" and "Armorer" so I think he is kind of wading in both ponds.

There is no denying the man has accomplished just about everything you can in uniform, and he definitely knows what he is talking about, but I think the above statement could be misconstrued or taken out of context to serve either platform.

JD

[NGIB]

Valid points JD but any of us with 1911s will admit that they are prone to need a bit of tweaking to run just right. To me that is part of the joy of ownership. My advice to noobs is much the same - get a plastic pistol unless you have the time & patience to make a 1911 sing.

And no, I've never owned a truly "cranky" 1911 and I would never use cheap mags. And no, I've never owned a true custom built 1911 either...

[Dillinger]

I would agree to some extent, but I have the good fortune to take delivery of most of my weapons through the shop, where Brett can fondle them and provide insight as to things that I might want to do/try/change.

The 1911 should not be your first pistol, I think everyone will agree on that. It is a pistol that you have to have a baseline of experience to truly appreciate what it brings to the table.

Quality mags are always a must, but I feel that way about any weapon I own. I don't buy bargain mags, they are never worth it and I have my share of "experience" learning that lesson in a tackle box in the closet.

But when I hear people complain that the platform is "problematic" it kind of sets my hair on end because a lot of time it's the user interface and not the weapon.

But, there are bad apples in just about every bunch. *shrug*

JD

[General-Logic]

My 1911 has never failed me, ever.

[NGIB]

Originally Posted by General-Logic

My 1911 has never failed me, ever.

Nor have any of mine but I also make sure everything is fitted correctly, spring weights are "perfect" for the ammo I'm using, and I shoot FMJ 99% of the time. Much of the grumbling I hear about 1911s generally involves one of the tiny compacts (3 - 3 1/2 barrel) shooting flying ashtrays.

JMB designed the 1911 to shoot 230gr FMJ ammo reliably - and the design is time tested and proven. Yes, I have 1911s that shoot JHPs well but that is not my primary use for one...

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by joshfireart

would rather eat glass and gargle with gas then shoot a Glock

* snot bubble *