Is the 1911 an out dated LEO firearm

[AWMP]

Ok ok , target in the open I got it.
But is the 1911 an out dated LEO firearm?
There are many high capacity .45s on the market (XD45, H&K, Glock, Smith Wesson, etc), does the mag capacity show the 1911 (8rd) weakness?
Pros and Cons?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[SIXTO]

No, its not, but many who don' know any better think it is mainly due to safety "issues". I carry a Sig 220, same capacity buts its a DA, so therefore its "safer" somehow.

[ASSA9]

I don't own one , never have ,but no gun hangs around 100 years
if its got nothing to offer.
I have shot one and it shot great.

[AEA]

I don't care what the LEO's carry. I personally carry a 1911 (of various makes) or a Browning Hi Power. I wouldn't carry anything else (except a revolver as backup).

Yes, they only hold 7 or 8 in the Mag, but also one in the pipe. That equals 8 or 9. If you have not finished your business in 8 or 9 shots, you're probably dead anyway. If you want to go "Rambo" you can carry 10 round Mags for spare. They are quite usable in a 1911, but not too good for concealment while in the gun.

[bluelineman]

No, its not, but many who don' know any better think it is mainly due to safety "issues".

Agreed. My uncle is retired Dallas police. He said the guys couldn't carry 1911's (or .45s for that matter). Apparently some group complained that the motorcycle officers looked too much like Nazi SS officers. I also think that the "look" of it being cocked & locked. Much too dangerous.

[Sergeant Mac]

I'm constantly amazed by the people who get all weak in the knees at the sight of a cocked and locked 1911 with no pressure on the grip safety, but don't think twice about a Glock in essentially the same condition (without a manual safety) -- just because they can't SEE it.

If it was unsafe, or outdated, why would so many tactical teams use them?

[SatCong]

I'm constantly amazed by the people who get all weak in the knees at the sight of a cocked and locked 1911 with no pressure on the grip safety, but don't think twice about a Glock in essentially the same condition (without a manual safety) -- just because they can't SEE it.

If it was unsafe, or outdated, why would so many tactical teams use them?

Yea,you got that right. It's all about new and improved, selling to the folks.

[falcon1]

No, not outdated. Employing a Model 1911 effectively requires more training, IMO, than many departments are willing to provide to LEO recruits who have not had nearly as much firearms experience as their parents and (especially) grandparents had. Its niche is now as a specialist weapon (although there is really no reason why it should be so limited). As noted, many elite teams use it, and many more use its cousin, the P-35 Hi-Power.

And, also as noted, people get a "case of the vapors" when they see one in Condition One.

[ppkheat]

I don't think the 1911 is out-dated, IMHO the main thing that's changed is there are so many handgun choices available The 1911 is still a viable choice.

I carried a 1911 on duty in the '70's when revolvers were "king". I would carry it on duty again today in a heartbeat.

The gun's you like, you tend to shoot them well. There are ample choices for everyone.

[mcp1810]

Sure it is! Just think in about three years you will be able to buy them as a curio or relic and not have to deal with a waiting period! Just like a black powder revolver!
But seriously now..... There are plenty of antiques out there that are still perfectly functional. Like Sixto says it has the same capacity as my P220 so does that make my P220 out dated? If capacity is your thing go with a Para Ord. If it is the single action thing get one in LDA.
A whole bunch of deputies around here walk around cocked and locked, they don't seem too worried about it.

[edr9x23super]

The 1911 is what it is: As a combat pistol it has no equal. No other pistol on the planet save the SAA has a longer record in actual gunfights both on, and off the battlefield.

And as far as safety concerns, proper training, as with any firearm, are the keys to safe and reliable operation. In fact, there are many cases now where LEOs are being shot with their own weapons due to the ease at which duty pistols like the Glock can be fired. All they have to do is pull the trigger; unlike the 1911 there is no manual safety to have to disengage. In other cases, a BG got ahold of a 1911, and could not fire the weapon because he was unfamiliar with the firing sequence. This allowed the LEO to get his backup gun and end the fight (some of these cases were documented by Mas Ayoob in his articles).

So the 1911 as a viable gun for LEOs? Absolutely.

[kpw]

With proper training, I believe it is a better choice than many modern pistols. It's still popular for good reasons.

[chuck brick]

Yea,you got that right. It's all about new and improved, selling to the folks.

Yeah, I guess I'm just an old derelict - I'm satisfied with the "old and inferior."

I think learning how to use it helps, too.

Of course, if I were a LEO choosing a duty weapon I might be a little more "progressive" but as a civilian CCW toter, the most I "expect" to encounter would be a couple muggers.

Stay safe,

Chuck Brick.

[obxned]

The 1911 is absolutely one of the best tools for the job. While I personally prefer a DA/SA pistol carried hammer down and chamber loaded, a 1911 cocked and locked is every bit as safe. It just scares the sheep a bit too much, so LEO's are stuck with non-1911s.

[OD*]

I think learning how to use it helps, too.

Stay safe,

Chuck Brick.

"The Way of the warrior is to master the virtue of his weapons." - Miyamoto Musashi, Go Rin No Sho (1645)

As both Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn have stated, the 1911 does not tolerate novices well.