Opinion
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- “You may delay, but time will not” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Many autoloading pistols of the early 1900s were not compatible with the “high,” two-handed grip that is currently popular with American shooters. “Hammer-bite” is thus to be expected when one shoots most of this generation of pistols via a high grip.
As my esteemed colleague, Tom Givens, correctly points-out, on most of these pistols, both rear and front sights were tiny, extremely hard to see, and little more than an after-thought.
Also, many of these same pistols were not designed to be carried with a round chambered. Designers, manufacturers, and military trainers mostly assumed (until relatively recently) these pistols would be routinely carried with the chamber empty. Hence, “drop-safety” was not a particular concern.
In America, autoloading pistols were uncommon in domestic policing until the 1970s. Until then, most American police carried revolvers.
Routine concealed-carry by non-police was uncommon in America until the 1980s. That trend continues to expand.
When autoloading pistols gained traction among American police officers and concealed-carriers, there was much debate in early stages about carry status. However, the “empty-chamber” argument quickly fell into disrepute, so designers, manufacturers, trainers, and holster-makers all started generally assuming these pistols would be routinely carried fully loaded, with a round in the chamber.
Manual safeties eventually went by the wayside, as did manual decocking levers/buttons, external hammers, steel frames, butt-release magazines, tiny sights
The cherished Browning 1911 Pistol, while it still enjoys an ardent following, today represents a small and diminishing, minority.
Striker-fired, polymer-framed, trigger-cocking service pistols, that are light, slick, easily maintained, easily-serviced, mechanically drop-safe, reliable, durable, high-grip-friendly, and feature high-tech coatings, as well as sights that are easy to see and use, now rule the serious pistol market in America, and the balance of Western Civilization.
Well known manufacturers, Glock, SIG, S&W, SA, Kahr, Ruger, Beretta, FN, Walther, H&K, now have to share this market with Canik, CZ, Honor Defense, Kimber, Mossberg, et al.
The 2020 SHOT Show is next week in Las Vegas, NV, and I’ll be interested to see the way these manufacturers continue to advance our Art.
I’ll be reporting back, as is my habit.
Will ponderous, clumsy, clunky, user-hostile, complicated pistols with tiny sights and superfluous controls be making a comeback?
Not likely!
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or in-actions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr. Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
If a 1911’s performance is “ponderous”, its not the pistol. It’s the operator.
I’m ashamed of you John. The most important reason for the 1911 style pistols is the trigger. After carrying a Shield, and a P365, both nice guns, I decided that the better pistol was the Officer style 1911 for discrete carry and bought one. Ahhhh, much better. I can’t haul around one of my three full size 1911’s so the smaller gun with the excellent trigger does the trick. As for sights mine has perfectly serviceable Novak fixed combat style sights. As for safeties as soon as one trains up for the gun the grip and thumb do their jobs.… Read more »
I was shooting with some young folks who all had “plastic” pistols. I had one of my 1911s and handed it to one of the young men who wanted to try it out. He said, “It’s heavy”. I said, “That’s because it’s a REAL gun”.
Glock is doing well with the G48: a slimmer G19 – but with only a 10 round magazine. Thing is, my Colt lightweight commander in 9 mm is slim and surprisingly concealable with 9 or 10 round magazines. Carrying two spare slim magazines keeps rhe total round count on a par with my noticably clunkier G19 plus 1 thick clunky spare mag – but conceals better. Don’t get me wrong – I love my Glocks. Also love the 1911. Am effective with either platform. Confidently carry either. Don’t see the need to trash a classic, historic platform that is still… Read more »
I disagree with: “…Routine concealed-carry by non-police was uncommon in America until the 1980s.” All the men in my family and most of the women carried carbines and pistols concealed and openly for many generations since pre-Revolution. The big difference is no one had any sense of entitlement to tell them otherwise, and they had the right to do so. As we all still have the right to carry open and concealed, and that right shall no be infringed! Second Amendment enforced by Article VI. The 1980’s was a turning point for nanny government and their abuses of Article VI,… Read more »
As far as I am concerned, the 1911 is the best fighting handgun ever made — hands down. Not enough ammo? Get a wide body. There is something to be said for 9, 45 caliber rounds and more to be said for 16, 45 caliber rounds. Ever wonder why the Army picked this gun? They tested it on cadavers and prisoners condemned to death. No kidding, look it up. Very good horse pistol. They also used different calibers. When you find someone who knows how to run one, the 1911 is not beatable. Clunky? Try wearing one. Difficult to master?… Read more »
If you consider a 1911 style handgun to be ‘complicated’ then you had better stick to a slingshot.
The author of this post forgot one very important factor: personal choice. Personally, I HATE Glock pistols; not because I have anything against the company, but because they do not fit my hand, whereas my 1911 fits like it was custom built to fit my hand. Also, declaring that there is only one way to grip a handgun is the same as saying that there is only one stance everyone should use (Hint: it doesn’t matter). Weaver, Box, Isosceles… it doesn’t matter which one you choose as long as you choose the one that is best for you, the one… Read more »
I think the author is trolling us old dudes. lmao
The 1911 has been in service nearly 110 years. That alone is telling. It was designed as a military sidearm. It has to be able to operate in the worst of all climes and situations with accuracy, power and authority. If it had failed in any of these extremes it would have gone by the wayside long ago. There is nothing else on earth that can compete with that record. Until there is something that can, the 1911 remains top of the line. I would not doubt for a min. that as long as mankind remains alive on the earth,… Read more »