Glock 21 vs. M1911

Which gun would you rather have?

  • Glock 21

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • M1911 (any make or specific model)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • .45's are overkill- get a 9mm!

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
Keep in mind Glock has a new pistol out called the 21SF (Slim Frame) .45 ACP (NOT .45 GAP) in roughly a G17 sized package. After owning nearly 30 1911's (everything from a 1918 Colt 1911 to high end Les Baers and Wilsons as well as two cutom Novaks, a Kings and a Yost tuned Colt) I can say that you get what you pay for. My advice? If you want a good 1911 for reasonable coin, look for a series 1 Kimber (no II after the model name) I have had 6 series one guns and all have ran without a hitch. 23k down the pipe on my custom classic and I've replaced the firing pin stop and recoil springs. That's it. Also, don't be tempted by base guns with the idea of "building them over time by myself". Unless you are a fair hand at running a lathe/mill and know how to correctly fit parts, it's usualy cheaper to by the gun already built. Best bang for the buck? IMHO, Les Baer Thunder Ranch. No added BS and a BEAUTIFUL, well functioning gun. Wish I had kept mine, but the siren song of a Novak HiPower made me trade it.:(

With all that said......I still own a few Glocks. I love em. I've never had to replace other than normal stuff in them and have been the most reliable gun out of the box by far.
Hope that helps bud, and lemme know if you have any other questions.
Aaron
 
I have heard from several sources that the lda's action is very delicate and prone to frequent broken parts. Thats why I recommended the Para P14.
 
I have a G21, a Colt 1911 Series 70 and a Para-Ordnance/Colt Conversion. I have shot all three competitively, sometimes in the same match for comparison. I always scored higher with the Glock than either of the others (but not as high as with my G20 10mm). The only malfunctions I ever had were my own fault (note to self - AA7 does not burn well at .45 ACP pressure levels :o )

I also have rather large hands (had to add a Hogue monogrip to my G17 to make it fit), so large frame guns fit my hands better than small frames. Only you can decide what is best for you. I suggest hanging around a shooting range if you can find one. Be polite and respectful, listen to what shooters tell you, and at least some will probably let you try a few rounds ;) .
 
i prefer the 1911 most5ly cuz the 21's grip is so big and thick, have always wanted to try a slimmed down 21 though. & i have large hands.......

i think the 1911 is probably maybe a little more accurate while nothing is more reliable than glock.

FWIW for edc SD use i very much prefer a kahr P9 or PM9 (or a glock 26/27/33) to either one due to the fact that with modern ammo the 9MM works just fine and the poly kahrs are wayyy easier to deal with daily. i have edc'd a 1911 and with a good belt/holster and the right clothes it will work but it requires much more work & dedication than the kahr.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeedleRemorse
How about an H&K USP?

The only correct answer after 1911
Click to expand...

It used to be, as far as durability anyway.

I stick with 1911s, but if I were to change now it would probably be to a S&W M&P .45.
 
I voted for the 1911. I had a Glock 21, but it was too big for my hands. I traded it for a Glock 30. I have since sold all my Glocks. I am aching to get a 1911, as I LOVE them!
 
1911's are great if you know a gunsmith or like to tune your own weapons, the Glock will take anything you can throw at it and keep it's reliability...however, comfort, looks and style still go to the 1911
 
You should also maybe look into the Browning Hi-Power if you're interested in 9mm. I have one that has the Browning package from Karl Sokol and it is an excellent gun. I'd carry it every day over my 1911, if Illinois would let us carry.
 
I never had one single issue with my Kimber Custom Compact when I had it. And I shot it a whole lot. I could drive tacks with it too.
 
as to your being 18 and living in massachusetts, Chose a college in free america and transfer your residency as soon as you can.

I do not believe any gun shop in Massachusetts will let you touch a handgun without a state permit to carry or to own. One might if your father went in with you, but I really do not know. I sold my summer house on the Cape over the laws your socialist State.

The comments about reliability of 1911's are based on fearmongering. Buy a series 70 Colt when you are old enough and do not mess with it. It will feed and shoot all you can put in it.
 
A Sig 220 would be the best choice if it had a higher mag capacity. It is very hard to beat a Sig.
 
I guess I didn't really answer the question, so I'll try and stay on topic this time :D

Of the few that I've handled I prefer the 1911 to pretty much any glock. Have not shot either one, and have only handled a few in gunshops though. I like the single action and manual safety set up the 1911 better than the glock set up also, but prefer DA/SA guns to SA only.

1911's are generally expensive if you want a nice one. The GI and milispec guns probably run fine, but they leave alot to be desired in terms of sights and other features when you put them side by side with the dressed up guns. Plan on spending extra to get it set up the way you want. I suppose that is another plus for the 1911 though because it is easily customized, whereas the glock is pretty much a glock:foot:
 
Wow, the 1911 has a really strong reputation.

I think that ergonomic complaints (and my own other reservations) have pretty much led me away from the Glock, and now the issue becomes 1911 vs. USP. I honestly expected more support for the Glock, but it looks like the 1911's and the USP are better .45 contenders (maybe it's just not a popular caliber for Glock?). I'm new to guns- it's no surprise that I haven't used a firearm considering my state.

I think the differences between the USP and 1911 are subjective enough that the best way for me to choose is to hold and fire both of them. Of all of the 1911's I've looked at, the Thunder Ranch that m1marty suggested is my favorite. My choice USP is the standard .45.

Are the tolerances and general fit and finish on the 1911 tight? For no good reason I have the idea that the HK is going to feel tighter than the 1911.
 
Well in that case I would carry get the USP. Here are the reasons. 12 rd capacity instead of 7rds. Double action instead of single action ( you can carry cocked and locked or loaded hammer down and fire with just the pull of a trigger, also no re-cocking or racking the slide with a hard primer just pull the trigger again). It has a light rail. It feeds hollow points better than most 1911's. Price is a lot less than any of the really good 1911's. It has polygonal rifling. It has a bigger trigger guard, designed to be fired with gloves in the winter, which is larger than any 1911's. Ambi mag release. It is darn hard to wear out, jam, break, or destroy a USP. Wow I forgot how good of a gun this was. I might have to carry it for a while.
 
It depends on what 1911 manufacturer you look at. Keep in mind that the patents on the design expired long ago. There are at least two dozen manufacturers actively producing 1911-pattern pistols and probably as many more that have produced them at one point. Then there are the ones hand built from the ground up by a gunsmith. A basic Colt 1911 will feel loose but shoot straight and feed and eject reliably. Tight frame to slide fit is not required for excellent accuracy. Les Baers, on the other hand, are known for being so tightly fit that they require a break in period before the action can be worked by hand. Customization and variation are the name of the game when it comes to 1911s.

My personal preference is Colt. I own two, on a Lightweight Commander from the 60's and another steel frame Commander made just a few years ago. Both have been very reliable and accurate (I've only had the Lightweight for a few days, so it's only had ~150 rounds through it). A gun that's fit too tightly is more prone to jams. My Colts may not shoot one hole groups, but they don't jam and they will stay in the 10 ring at 7 yards. For self defense that's what I need.

Once again though, let me stress get what fits you best. HK's are world class guns. So are Colts, along with a plethora of other 1911 manufacturers. Pick what appeals to you, shoots straight, and goes bang every time you pull the trigger. Everything else is window dressing.
 
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