nightstand worthy? 1911 MC operator

[xxINKxx]

They can be finicky.

Break it in real good at the range. Run high quality ammo that you've tested enough to know functions. Keep it clean and lubed (my 1911 functions great till it starts to get dirty after 500+ rounds)

Buy some wilson combat 47t or 47tb (black) 10 round mags for max capacity and quality.

[sixspdrt]

Thanks for all the input guys. Right now my HD gun is a Sig P226 scorpion. Most likely I'll be switching between the two. My main idea is to get a gun I enjoy shooting and that I could rely on. I'd like all of my guns to not only be fun range toys but to also be able to serve a HD purpose. Reason why I chose the MC operator instead of a milspec or loaded model

[Crazed_SS]

Ive had a MC operator for at least 10 years. It has been absolutely 100% For awhile I just stopped cleaning it and I must have put 1000 rounds through it and it just kept going. I finally cleaned it because the carbon build up seemed to be slowing down the action after awhile.

Gun is still super tight and dead nuts accurate.

[sixspdrt]

They can be finicky.

Break it in real good at the range. Run high quality ammo that you've tested enough to know functions. Keep it clean and lubed (my 1911 functions great till it starts to get dirty after 500+ rounds)

Buy some wilson combat 47t or 47tb (black) 10 round mags for max capacity and quality.

Did you say.... 10 round mags?!?!? I didn't know they sold 10 round mags for these 1911s. Awesome! Makes me want the MC operator even more now. I know a lot of people recommend Glocks for HD but I really just hate the way they feel in my hand. Don't really like how they feel shooting. I don't have fun shooting them. The 1911 to me feels like a much softer shooter than a Glock or USP. I can shoot the 1911 a lot more accurate as well. I don't own one yet. I figured after being used in the battlefield they'd have to be reliable. Really like the idea of having 10 rounds. Where can I find these?
Also, I'm very good about keeping my P226 clean. I Clean it and regrease/lube it immediately after each trip to the range so I know I'd do the same with a 1911.

[myk]

I used to sleep with my Kimber TLE RL/II until I decided that if I ventilated a bad guy, I would never see this beautiful gun again. Now, I sleep beside my 226 and a nice shotgun. If anyone tries to break in, I'll just shoot the gun into the air and that should take care of the problem...

[xfile]

Mc operator is great out of the box gun, even better when tuned. I would have no problem putting it to work. Matter of of fact, haven't seen too many operators with any problems. But to be honest, my p226 scorpion pulls security

[vinny_land]

The more important question is are you worthy of the 1911?

Lmao
I think this is true with the 1911. It's like owning an energetic, attention seeking dog. Lots of TLC or the owner will just get frustrated.

[Marquand]

The 1911 series of pistols has been protecting Americans on and off the battlefield for 105 years. Yes, a quality 1911A1 like the MC Operator is a worthy bedside companion.

OP, I think the real question you want to ask yourself is whether or not you want a pistol that requires a safety disengagement and has a relatively light, short trigger pull as a nightstand gun. Familiarity with the platform, maintaining trigger discipline, and almost subconscious deactivation of the safety would be necessary. If you are already there or willing to train to get there, then great. If not, a simpler pistol (or dare I suggest, a revolver) might be a better option.

[HKMadness]

You have to test it with the magazines and ammo you intend to use. And I don't mean just fire a box and call it a day. You'll need to put at least a few hundred rounds, and you'll likely have a few malfunctions in the first 500 anyway.

The only gun worthy to assign as a primary or secondary hd weapon is one you've fired at least a few hundred rounds through without any malfunction, in my practice.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Any handgun is a good nightstand if you are competent with it, can manipulate it in a low light environment, and if the handgun has been thoroughly vetted for reliability with the chosen defensive load. My Springfield, S&W, and Sig 1911's are all reliable, even with the "flying trash can" loads.

Some 1911's will only feed ball reliably out of the box, so ymmv.

[Cypriss32]

I had one and sold it. It was a nice gun, but I'm replacing it with a TRP full rail. I found the full rail is worth the extra 350-400 over the MC. Much nicer gun.

[RedFord150]

A revolver is my first choice and in my night stand. Totally reliable and never a question about whether it is going to work or not.
Jon

Same here.

FTR, I own several semi-autos, including a 1911 and an XD9. I still choose the revolver for my NS.

[rodralig]

Just got my MC Operator yesterday, but in spite of that, I'm still keeping my Glock 22 as my SD/HD gun. I also have a Beretta PX4 Storm on the side, and planning to get a S&W 69 (.44 Magnum) revolver to complete my collection across pistol platforms.


A few reasons:

1. If you use a pistol in a SD/HD situation - it gets confiscated by LE. A gun as beautiful as the MC Operator needs to be kept, treasured, and given to your kids, etc.
2. The Glock has less moving parts and just works; as others have said, the 1911 is reliable but at a COST of lots of TLC.
3. In my current skill level, I prefer a heavier trigger pull than the 1911 for SD/HD usage.

YMMV...

[SevenFifty]

My go to is a Kimber Ultra Carry with Crimson Trace grips and Wilson Combat mags. I have put a few thousand rounds through it without a single failure and def trust that it will go bang when it needs to.

[Nrai2020]

I really don't understand the whole if you end up shooting a bad guy LE will take your pistol away worry everyone has on this thread....

If you actually end up using your pistol in a HD situation and you survived... Count yourself as being very lucky.. I would say use the gun you re best and most proficient at.. If I actually used my pistol and saved my family from great harm, suffering, kidnapping, death.. As far as I m concerned LE could keep it and I would say we still came out on top