1911 9mm handguns - input needed, please...

[Guest Moody]

I've gone back and forth about this for a few months, and thought that I had my mind made up (on buying either an M&P 9mm, or something of the sort) to carry, and to play around with, as I don't shoot my 1911's that much. I've shot the M&P, XD9, etc... and have had alot of fun, but just this last weekend, when I went to give my old 1911 Colt a good run through, I was thinking to myself, "I really love these guns... I don't know what I'd rather do - shoot one of these, or a 9mm, constantly..."

So that leads me up to this question: How many of you have shot, or really handled a 1911 set up for 9mm? I'm really curious, as I don't know anyone that I can really ask, and I'm not able to shoot one, but am getting to the point of deciding that I want to purchase one. Another question - do people actually buy these guns for anything else but target shooting? I don't want to sink $900 into a nice, well-built 9mm 1911, and then find out that I can't really do anything with it, besides play with it, when I'm then forced to carry my XD45, or my Para, daily.

What do you all think? If you haven't actually shot one, or haven't played with one, I'd still like your opinions on the ups and downs of one of these guns. I am looking forward to doing alot more target shooting, though, and this seemed like a logical step in that direction.

[Guest JHatmaker]

3 inch 9mm 1911's are great carry guns. I had one in .45 and loved it, but Springfield Armory and Kimber make excellent 9mm carry 1911's.

Springfield's EMP (9mm 1911) is probably one of the most popular and well received of the 9mm 1911's. Since the 1911 platform wasn't really intended for 9mm, some manufacturers have had feeding and reliability issues. That doesn't mean 1911's don't shoot 9mm well, but if you're depending on it as a carry weapon, you want to make sure the components are good and that it works when you want it to. I was close to buying a Para 9mm (Hawg 9 I think it was), but after reading that several folks had problems with them, I just decided to get a 3 inch Kimber .45.

AS fas as Kimber's 9mm 1911's, they have the Aegis line which I've held (but never shot) and heard good things. But from everything I've gathered from reading and talking with folks, the Springfield EMP is the way to go if you're looking for a 9mm carry 1911.

Edited August 17, 2009 by JHatmaker

[Magiccarpetrides]

I used to have a STAR 1911 style gun and it shot really well.

[DavidCBaker]

I have the EMP, which is a purpose-built 9mm. I originally went to that because I was trying to consolidate calibers. Even though I'm not still on that path, I plan to keep the EMP. I've shot it a bunch and I really, really like it.

If you have specific questions about it, I'm glad to answer.

[Guest Moody]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I wanted the versatility of being able to go to the range, or go mess around, and not have to worry about carrying my daily, as well as my 9mm (that would be newly-acquired), so I am concerned about reliability and the before-mentioned versatility of having a 1911-9mm that would (and could) be depended upon for both of these things, should I need it. I've already started the search, so the EMP recommendation is a good one - thanks for you all's time!

[eehlert]

I recently had the opportunity to shoot a friend's Colt Series 70 in 9mm. I was telling him that I wanted to find a 9mm 1911 badly and he told me that he had one. He retrieved it and let my fire about 50 rounds through it. It only confirmed that I have to get my hands on one.

I would have NO problem utilizing it for self defense either.

E

[DavidCBaker]

Moody, here are some pictures of mine:

I'd be happy to meet you at the range some time and let you try it out.

[Guest logicprevails]

I could definitely dig the Para LDA 18.9

[mk19]

I own a 1911 in 9mm, great gun to shoot, I use it mainly for target shooting, or teaching. never had any problems with it.

[Guest Moody]

David-

I would love to take you up on that offer - that's a rarity when someone will take the time to do something like that, and I appreciate it wholeheartedly. Perhaps you could PM your contact information to me, and we could set something up - I'd love to try that EMP.

Everyone else - thanks for the advice and opinions - they mean alot, especially to someone whom doesn't know what to look for when it comes to something like this, but now has a lot better idea because of this thread.

[Guest HexHead]

Another question - do people actually buy these guns for anything else but target shooting? I don't want to sink $900 into a nice, well-built 9mm 1911, and then find out that I can't really do anything with it, besides play with it, when I'm then forced to carry my XD45, or my Para, daily.

Lots of people carry 9mm as their EDC and don't feel under gunned.

The EMP is a nice pistol as long as you get a good one. I didn't and ended up swapping it for the Para PDA for my wife. It's still a purpose built 9mm 1911, like the EMP, but with the LDA trigger. It's nice not having to carry a gun that might end up a pocket carry in Condition 1 with the hammer back.

[Guest grimel]

The best 9mm 1911 ever made:

[TGO David]

Moody, let's talk sometime before you jump in a 9mm 1911. If you just want a single-stack 9mm, there may be better (and cheaper) options. If you're wanting it just because of the 1911 factor... there may be other options.

[DavidCBaker]

PM sent.

[Guest logicprevails]

It's nice not having to carry a gun that might end up a pocket carry in Condition 1 with the hammer back.

Amen. I love my LDA CCO for that, as well.

[Capbyrd]

Moody, here are some pictures of mine:

OMG! That is absolutely beautiful. I hate shooting a .45 1911 but will one day own one just because of the beauty!

[DaveTN]

What do you all think? If you haven't actually shot one, or haven't played with one, I'd still like your opinions on the ups and downs of one of these guns. I am looking forward to doing alot more target shooting, though, and this seemed like a logical step in that direction.

A short barreled 1911 is not going to be a target gun no matter what caliber it is. By target I mean shooting at 25 yards or more.

I find a full size 1911 in 9mm desirable as a range gun. You can get twice as much trigger time for your money. I have shot them but I don’t have one yet because I’m not going to pay a premium for the gun so I can shoot cheap ammo.

I had a 3” Kimber SIS and sold it, because while it was the perfect carry size, it’s not a target gun. I also had too much money tied up in it for just a carry gun.

If you believe the 9mm is a good carry round (I don’t) and you have been carrying an XD45 or a Para, I don’t know why the 9mm would be any different. If your concern is the 9mm round; then it would just be a range gun.

I need a suburban to haul all the guns I take to the range so what I was carrying would not be an issue.

And I would second the Browning hi-power as a better alternative to a 1911 9mm. I just wish they were made here.

Edited August 17, 2009 by DaveTN

[RWF]

we have several 9mm 1911 and are very happy. just be sure to use a quality mag.

springfield loaded full size, 2 EMPs and a P-18-9

[deerslayer]

If I were going to buy a 9mm 1911 (and I may sooner or later), it would be an STI Trojan. Best bang for the 1911 buck around...

STI International, Inc.

[Guest ab28]

If I were going to buy a 9mm 1911 (and I may sooner or later), it would be an STI Trojan. Best bang for the 1911 buck around...

STI International, Inc.

I am sure they are good guns, but that squared off slide looks hideous on a 1911.

[deerslayer]

I'm not a big fan of the squared slides myself. However, the Trojan, Ranger, and Guardian (the three I really like) are more traditional.

[rbishop]

I have a Kimber Aegis that I use as my carry gun. I think its great. I replaced the pretty rosewood grips with a thin set of alumagrips which made it even more concealable. You should consider the Kimber.

[Guest Moody]

DavidB - thanks for the contact info... I'll be in touch sooner than later.

DavidY - I'd definitely like to talk to you before making a purchase. I'm sure that you'd have some great advice for me, being that I'm pretty open and clueless on this subject.

Thanks to all of you for your help - this has definitely assisted me in acquiring some information for a purchase.

[AH1356]

I have an STI Trojan (5") and STI Escort (3"), both in 9mm. The Trojan is for competition and bedside table duty and the Escort is my EDC. Both are extremely well built and very accurate. The Trojan is was a bit finicky with the stock magazine, but runs 100% with Wilson Combat 10rd mags. The Escort has maybe 400 rounds through it without a single failure. I could not be happier with either one and can't recommend STI highly enough.

Pics here if interested:

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/show-tell/20361-1911s-5.html