[bws]

For the sake of argument, I concede that the 1911 design generally lends itself to a beautiful pistol. That being said, I'm simply not a fan. Other than having an external hammer, what makes it better or worse than any other semiautomatic pistol?

 

[Ajole]

For the sake of argument, I concede that the 1911 design generally lends itself to a beautiful pistol. That being said, I'm simply not a fan. Other than having an external hammer, what makes it better or worse than any other semiautomatic pistol?

It is better only in the eyes of those who love it.

Many of the things that make it "better" for one thing, make it worse for something else. And some of the things that made it a standout world beater back in the day, simply aren't all that wonderful anymore, as newer designs use newer better ideas to make an even "better" gun.

Multiple safeties, cocked and locked carry. Good for some, bad for others.

Thin shape, easy to conceal and grip. Or thin shape, low capacity, hard to grip.

Usually, all steel guns, they last forever. Or, all steel gun that is heavy and can rust.

Great ergonomics, easy to point and aim. Or, not so great ergo's, I prefer my (insert Glock or Luger or other different shaped gun here).

Served for 100 years in the greatest Army on earth. Or, no one bothered to upgrade the long obsolete 1911, because the US is a rifle based Army, and pistols aren't a priority.

Has a hammer! Or, has a hammer that can snag, jam, and bite you.

Uncomplicated single action that can be honed to a great trigger feel. Or, lacks a double action, requires you to manually cock the hammer for a second strike.

Cocked and locked! Lacks a decocker.
Shoots the mighty .45 ACP. Lacks capacity.


As you can see, every single "good" thing is also a bad thing to someone else.

In the end, it is totally up to you and your preferences, uses, and desires.

But to me...they are a beautiful gun.

 

[bws]

Very well put and the photos are outstanding. Maybe, if I stumble across some extra money some time, I'll pick one up.

 

[Easy CZ]

I love my SR1911. I love the balance and ergonomics of slabsides. The best way I've found to carry it is in a shoulder holster.

 

[bws]

Do they kick more than a hp 45 pistol? That's my only frame of reference.

 

[Ajole]

They actually weight slightly more than the HP JHP does, in standard form. To me they sit lower in my hand than the JHP, giving me less muzzle flip and faster follow up shots.

Not much recoil really, they are pretty nice to shoot.

 

[bws]

ok I thought photography was an expensive hobby, even back when I was packing my own film. But I have to admit, I do like the lines of the Ruger.

 

[jeeper1]

I like the looks especially in SS.

 

[CardiacColt68]

Yes, you may be a heretic! Or maybe you just need more time with good 1911 triggers. . Nothing finer than a 1911 smacking a primer.

 

[oldfrank]

I love my CZ SP-01,85 Combat and P-01 but you cannot beat a 1911.

I have a Kimber Tactical II and a Springfield Range Officer Compact and they are great reliable pistols.

I think everyone should have CZ's and 1911's.

 

[CZardoz]

I passed on single stack grips on full size frames back when I started looking for a centerfire pistol for bullseye. Too skimpy like a Kahr for my taste. I did shoot a magnificent Para LDA Hi-Cap with one of the best triggers I've ever experienced, but I've been told that isn't a 1811 either. I guess I like me some steel to hang onto, like the SAR K2 45 I just got or the CZ 97B I had. Fill my hand and I'm a better shot. 1911s just don't work for me and 7 rounds only? Like the 14 in the K2! More shooting and less reloading! At least the K2 is a CZ clone so not too heretical. At least I leave more 1911s for all y'all.

 

[P01]

I own some 1911's - mostly high end. The only non -1911's I own are CZ's (own two). I have gone through nearly every major pistol brand you can think of. I am only keeping my CZ's and the 1911's. Different strokes for different folks.

The trigger, design simplicity, customization of the 1911's is legendary. Which is why I love them. Off hand, 100 yards, no problem.

Then I got a chance to buy the CZ's - a chance that comes rarely in my state. From the moment I picked up the P01, I could simply not put it down for long! I was shown other pistols but I kept going back to the CZ! I have simply found no other brand (including latest designs from HK and Walther) that has the ergonomics and the intuitive POA / POI feel that the CZ has!

The P01 needed a decent amount of work to be great. I did the RRK, SRT upgrades from Cajun, and have installed red fiber on one, and Mepro night on the other. Used a sight tool from Cajun. Now they are a great pair! Range toy and bedside.

 

[balota]

Sounds like their grip just fits your hand best. You decided to keep the CZ before you did all the work on it, right?