Is 1911 good gun for beginner?

[BoJackUSMC]

I have a female friend who does not know anything about guns and only shot once in her life time (Glock, M&P, and 1911 9mm). She is thinking about getting a full size 1911 9mm as her first gun because recoil friendly and single stack frame. Also, she thinks 1911 is one sexy gun and everyone should have one. I am just wondering is 1911 good gun to start for someone who has no clue about firearms?

I am a huge 1911 fan, but I am leaning towards more on Glock, M&P, and CZ 75B because they are so simple to use. Especially when it comes cleaning and maintenance. I know Sigs are simple gun as well, but I do not think she is ready for DA/SA style gun yet. Maybe I am wrong, what you guys think?

She really wants 9mm as her first gun because she can use it for range and home protection.

[PandaLuv]

1911s aren't good starter guns, IMHO, even in 9mm. Mainly because it's SA only, manual safety and the field strip is rather hard.

I think M&Ps, Glocks, sig p226 and CZ75 BD are good starter guns. Simple to use, no manual safety. My vote for her would be the CZ75 BD because it looks similar to 1911 and has an awesome grip.

[BoJackUSMC]

I also think 1911 field stripping might be too hard for her.

[CWUSCG]

Also, she thinks 1911 is one sexy gun and everyone should have one.

Does she have any pretty, single friends that share the same opinion?

IMO, If she feels comfortable operating a 1911, then absolutely that's what she should get. Its one of the best handguns ever made.

[G60]

I am just wondering is 1911 good gun to start for someone who has no clue about firearms?

No. You'll get a million people give you a million stupid reasons to try to convince you otherwise, but...no.

[NapaCountyShooter]

It was my first handgun. Once you've mastered taking apart the 1911 as your first, all those Glocks and what not will be childs play.

[CWUSCG]

I also think 1911 field stripping might be too hard for her.

That's why you teach her how. If my sister, who's a professional violinist, can tear her 1911 down, i know your friend can.

[PandaLuv]

No. You'll get a million people give you a million stupid reasons to try to convince you otherwise, but...no.

Sigh, no matter how much I love 1911s, I agree with you.


I also may add that 1911s are expensive and heavy. On top of that if you need all purpose piece, 1911s aren't as versatile as "modern" handguns. Wonder 9s are better service pistols, especially if she doesn't get into hobby any further than one pistol.

[Dark Mod]

Sigh, no matter how much I love 1911s, I agree with you.


I also may add that 1911s are expensive and heavy. On top of that if you need all purpose piece, 1911s aren't as versatile as "modern" handguns. Wonder 9s are better service pistols, especially if she doesn't get into hobby any further than one pistol.

Thats what i was thinking: 1911's are a little expensive for someones first gun, if you dont end up enjoying the hobby, your in it for like $800. Theres nothing wrong with a glock or even a hi point

[Unforgiven]

One thing I have learned is to stop telling your Gf or wife what they want. If she wants a 1911 in 9mm. she should get one. It's up to you to teach her how to take care of it. It is a simple gun, the is easy to shoot, that is what made it so popular for 100 years. If the Army can teach a knuckle head to field strip it, you should be able to teach your GF. Maybe you should watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFaS-2SM6WU

[Snapping Twig]

With enough training, but barring that - not so much.

Something in a 4" revolver is more appropriate IMO.

Semi autos for beginners aren't optimum for many reasons - complexity, safety (is it loaded?) function, jams, etc.

I've trained close to 100 nuggets with a 1911, but they get 40 hours class time before they ever see a live round and even then, there are those...

Let her try a revolver.

[redcliff]

I personally steer new shooters towards 4-6" revolvers typically.

However, I don't feel a Glock is any safer than a 1911. All handguns require instruction on proper use and safe gun handling. If she chooses a 1911 though she needs to be more mechanically inclined and it will require more maintenance. The reward though is a great trigger unmatched by most pistols and a grip that can be tailored to her hand size via the use of short triggers and slim grips.

[InGrAM]

If she really wants one, then it is her decision.

If you have a good teacher and you are taught right, I do not see a problem with starting out with 1911's. I was, at a very early age.

If she is not serious about learning and giving it a 110%, I wouldn't go near a 1911 though. Females love 1911's but they really are not good guns for people that know little to nothing about firearms.

I would lead her towards a good striker-fired M&P or a good solid DA/SA 9mm pistol.

[MA2]

I vote for yes, get what you want (or she wants in this case).
Just have some properly teach the platform.

[hyperion.excal]

i started with a 1911 it wasnt that hard to learn. field strip is simple as long as you understand how to and know what you are doing.

When i got sig sauers as my 2nd and 3rd handgun and it was harder to for me to completely disassemble them.

Another good thing about 1911 is that they have safety, beginners understanding of safety is always priority, this helps build up the basic fundamentals of handling firearms.