Originally Posted by ichiban

...I didn't see anyone mention a 9mm 1911 as a first gun. The recoil is a lot more manageable for a new shooter and the ammo is a lot cheaper so you can train more...

In my own experience, shooting and teaching, I have found that the 1911 in .45 ACP is the better beginner's gun. The .45 (in a full-size 1911) recoils with a slow push, rather than the 9mm's sharp shove. Thus it's more comfortable in a beginner's hands, and its easier to learn to control it.

Originally Posted by Steve M1911A1

In my own experience, shooting and teaching, I have found that the 1911 in .45 ACP is the better beginner's gun. The .45 (in a full-size 1911) recoils with a slow push, rather than the 9mm's sharp shove. Thus it's more comfortable in a beginner's hands, and its easier to learn to control it.

I don't think I would consider the 9mm to be harder recoiling or harder to control than a .45 in in any platform, but that's just me. Felt recoil and the effects thereof can differ from person to person which is why it's always best to try before you buy when you can.

Originally Posted by Steve M1911A1

In my own experience, shooting and teaching, I have found that the 1911 in .45 ACP is the better beginner's gun. The .45 (in a full-size 1911) recoils with a slow push, rather than the 9mm's sharp shove. Thus it's more comfortable in a beginner's hands, and its easier to learn to control it.

I tend to agree with you here. I am fairly new to the world of handguns and for HD (not to carry) I would prefer a 1911 (.45 not 9mm). I just like shooting it .

I posted a few days ago that I was given a Remington Rand to try out. The owner of this wonderful WWII artifact wants me to run some rounds through it and get a feel for them. It was his father's service piece and he was an arms sgt. This ones been "worked on" according to him and I nor he knows what that means. I know I've only been able to run 2 mags through it and I WANT ONE. PERIOD. I love it. Recoil? Sure, some. From an esthetic standpoit I thought the recoil was kool and easy to manage. I was running 230gr FMJ Federal through it and on my 2nd mag I was grouping tighter than I expected to the point I thought I was just lucky. I got some great advice from VAMarine on how to manage my lust for a gennie wartime piece and also read his review linked at the base of his posts. I'm not a complete newbie to handguns but lately my wife has gotten very interested in them (should I worry?!? lol) and just passed her CPL class. A 1911 is not good for her to carry due to size and other biz/protection issues but it surely is for me. I restore vintage cars for a living and freely admit that the nostalgia is a definate element. I like the feel, the look, the ease of gaining accuracy with it (for me), and the fact that my wife won't mind shooting it on occaision along with whatever we end up getting for her, probably a 9mm compact of some type. So if you're asking me, get one. I don't have the technical expertise that many of you have and I even have a tad of trouble with some of the terminology I see used so easily here but I field stripped and cleaned and oiled this Remington with ease. I simply googled field stripping an M1911 A1 and followed the directions.

Sorry for being so long winded and less technical. I really like em and I see I'm not alone.

I like and shoot 45 cal.1911s alot. I also like Kahr pistols alot-especially to carry. Since you are not going to carry, you should ask yourself what you want to do with the firearm. If you have a budget a 9mm is a lot cheaper to shoot. If you do not plan to train extensivily, you may want to get a double action only pistol. Some will argue but I seen seasoned shooters/gamesmen/IDPA shooter do a AD in a stressful situation.(including myself). I wouldn't want that to be the case in a real situation with a BG. If I NEED to shoot I want it to be INTENTIONAL.But if you want a very accurate range/game gun-a 1911 is tops.

OP
1911s are one of the sweetest pistols to shoot. Problem with most of them is the cost of 45ACP ammo.
If you feel the need for a 1911, try finding a 1911 in 9mm. Some will baulk at this idea, but it is still a 1911, just not 45.
I plan on buying a Para 1911 18-9. they are about 800+, Not sure when I will be able to afford it though. I have nice Springfield 1911 in 45ACP and never shoot it because I cant see myself paying 25.00 for a 50 count box of ammo when I can get 2 and a half boxes of 9mm for the same price.
Good luck in finding your pistol.

Originally Posted by knoxrocks222

A 1911 it a really tecnical weapon to start off with........have you ever taken one appart? you know when you were little and ur dad bought you a pocket knife he didnt go out and buy you a swiss made out the front switch blade, mine got me a simple single bladed folding knife.......what im tryin to say is start simple but dont cheap out go glock possibly a 19 or a 23. they are very easy to use and simple to take down and clean. get to know the basics of how guns work and how to be safe with them, thenmove on up to somthing like a rock island arms 1911 and so on and so on

just my thoughts
knox c

The original 1911 was designed to be a COMBAT weapon. If you go to " the sights 1911 45 acp page" some where in it it tells you how to dissemble a 1911 starting out with a cartridge case . then you use other parts of the 1911 to dissemble the gun Very interesting . JBR