1911 Vs Glock

When it comes to choosing a handgun, two popular options stand out in the firearm industry: Glock and 1911. Whether you're a seasoned gun enthusiast or a first-time buyer, the decision between these two iconic firearms can be challenging. We’ve sent Sam our Store Manager and Justin the COO of Rifle Supply to FT3 Tactical to compare these two platforms and delve into the key differences between Glock and 1911 handguns in order to help you make an informed choice. Let's explore the features, advantages, and considerations associated with each firearm.

Glock handguns have gained widespread popularity for their reliability, simplicity, and innovative design. With their polymer frames and streamlined construction, Glocks offer unique advantages for gun owners. The lightweight nature of Glock handguns makes them easier to carry and conceal, making them particularly suitable for self-defense and practical shooting scenarios. When it comes to capacity, Glock can potentially hold 2 to 3 times the rounds that a 1911 can depending on the model. Glock puts reliability in their platform first, the outcome is a superb firearms that is accessible to the average person.

The 1911 is a legendary handgun that has stood the test of time. Known for its classic design and rich history, the 1911 offers a different shooting experience compared to Glocks. Its steel frame provides a solid and sturdy feel, which some shooters prefer. The steel frame also contributes to a flatter shot with less muzzle rise that benefits your follow up shots. Additionally, one of the notable advantages of 1911 handguns is the ability to customize the grip. The smaller and flatter-faced grips of the 1911 can be easily swapped out to change the texture and feel of the firearm, allowing for a more personalized shooting experience.

Frames:

Steel-framed 1911’s offer certain advantages in target acquisition and handling. The weight of the steel frame affects the gun's balance, reducing muzzle rise, providing a more stable shooting platform. The biggest benefit of having a more stable shooting platform is having more accurate follow up shots. In any shooting setting, whether it's training at the range or a more serious situation, the heavy attributes of a 1911 will keep your muzzle flat and your sights on your target. Staying on target is always going to be your goal, with proper training the rigidity of a 1911 will become your biggest ally. However, it's important to note that the rigidity of steel frames also increases the felt recoil, 1911 frames do not flex with recoil in the same way polymer frames do. Steel is so rigid you will feel every inch of felt recoil, leaving this firearm to rely entirely on the internal recoil system. This is one of the many factors that differentiate 1911’s from Glocks, making it essential to practice proper shooting techniques to manage recoil effectively.

Glock handguns, on the other hand, feature polymer frames. The lightweight construction of Glocks make them highly popular among gun owners, especially those looking for ease of carry and concealment. Perfectly put by Sam from Rifle Supply: “I don’t want to feel this damn recoil.. i just wanna get alot of rounds down range and hit the shit that i need to hit.”. The flexibility of polymer frames also absorbs some of the force produced by firing, resulting in reduced recoil as alot of that force will have dissipated by the time it reaches your hand. This makes Glocks more manageable to shoot, particularly for those new to firearms or individuals with limited hand strength. Glock has been a great starting point for many first time shooters because of their affordable pricepoint and they function in a more user friendly way than a 1911 from firing shots to takedown for cleaning.

Caliber:

Glocks and 1911s are two of the most popular handguns today. While they share some similarities, they differ in several significant ways. Glocks are typically associated with the 9mm caliber, which is cheaper, has less recoil, and higher velocity compared to the .45 ACP. 9mm is also more popular for law enforcement agencies and self-defense because of its higher magazine capacity and accuracy. On the other hand, .45 ACP is more commonly found in 1911s due to its stopping power and higher penetration but suffers from lower velocity and smaller magazine capacity. Ultimately, the choice between the two calibers depends on personal preference.

9mm is popular for its smaller round size and powder load. Its smaller casing size allows for higher magazine capacity, making it advantageous in self-defense or high-capacity shooting scenarios. “The round capacity is nice.. its nice shooting that many rounds, I would have mag changed 3 times in shooting a 1911.” simply put by Justin, COO of Rifle Supply. 9mm strikes a balance between manageable recoil and effective stopping power, making it suitable for various applications.

The .45 ACP caliber is closely associated with the 1911 platform. Known for its larger round size and powder load, it offers excellent stopping power and terminal ballistics. “[9mm] has much smaller holes [.45] has bigger holes… Properly ventilated, they're all Swiss Cheese” -Justin and Sam.However, the larger casing size reduces magazine capacity, which may be a consideration for those prioritizing capacity or extended shooting sessions.

In conclusion, the decision between Glock and 1911 handguns ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and shooting style. Consider the intended use of the firearm, the desired caliber, and your personal shooting preferences when making your decision. Both Glocks and 1911s have proven themselves in the field and on the range, so it's essential to weigh the pros and cons to find the perfect fit for your needs. Some parting words from our two competitors, Sam believes that you should “Use what you can to protect your family and your loved ones or not so loved ones” while Justin applies a more practical note “For me its not about about X rigging it every single time, for me its about hitting a body sized target at whatever distance I'm looking at, i need to put the threat down and thats really it.”.

Remember, responsible ownership and safe handling are paramount. Prioritize safety, seek proper training, and familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations. No matter what gun you choose to fire or use as your concealed carry, your primary or your back up, you're only going to be as good as your training is. Get proficient with whatever weapon you choose.

(Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional advice or guidance. Always consult with experts and follow applicable laws and regulations.)