Which would you chose and why?

[sjb269]

Between a stainless steel full size 1911 or a 3 to 4 in. Smith and Wesson 686 plus? Just these two, no others.
I have various polymer pistols, small snubbys, large .44s, and .22s covered.
What I am looking for is, a good ole american hunk of bullet slinging steel.
This would be used as a hip gun out on the range, and you know, A viable end of the world senario. And a pistol I can hand down to the next generation. A pistol that simply won't let me down. I know, I know...buy both, and I might just do that, for now though, which one is superior, and why?

As an aside, I think the glock 10mm is also a viable "do most everything" hip pistol but it's just not that good ole all steel pistol I'm looking for.

[TripleThreat]

Everyone should have a Kimber, I mean a 1911, it's a staple in any collection. Get a 5" as the 3 and 4's are just more difficult to shoot.

Sounds like you already have a .44 so you're good there and as you know that 44 will out perform a 10mm 7 out of 7 days a week.

Hope this helps,

Triple

[warthog1984]

If you're looking for a big steel hunk of American pride, no other handgun beats a 1911.

[trigger945]

Do you already have a 1911? If not, and since you already have a .44mag (revolver), get a 1911. You will be happy. And then put the 686 on layaway... You're right, you're gonna want both anyways

[ALOC]

1911 now and 686 later.

[hpdad]

What is so special about 1911. I have heard it's coming up a lot on threads.

Please 1911's owners don't get up set over the question. I am a newbie with guns (owning Glock 19 and XD9) so I want to learn. No meaning behind it.

[sjb269]

hpdad...
It's the history, 1911= designed by a fine american inventor, solid american steel, carried by GIs in many conflicts, heavy hitting, inherently accurate, extensively customized and personalized. A 1911 that feeds well in the hands of a fighter, is a force to be reckoned with.

[smittty]

Full size 1911 stainless.

[trigger945]

Very well said sjb269... And may I add that many, myself included, find it sexy? 686 is sexy, too, don't get me wrong. I have a 586 and love it and 686 is next on the list.

[sjb269]

Or put it this way,
If your great great grand kids were to receive your Glock 19, I would bet the reaction would be...Ehhh, cool.

Hand down your "fill in the blank" customized 1911 to your great great grand kids and I suspect the reaction would be...Wow, this thing is awesome!!!

Same with a no lock 3 inch 686 plus!

[Gryff]

686, because I really can't stand 1911s.

[razr]

You couldn't go wrong with a 686. You could go wrong with the wrong 1911.

[sjb269]

I just talked myself into both!!!
I am gonna be picky and wait for a "no lock" 686 plus. And a stainless steel gold cup. Who was I kidding?
The 1911 will probably be first

Funny thing though, if I earned a living with a gun on my hip...I'd choose neither. Weird huh?

[sfbay]

Take the brunette, the loyalty will work out in the long run.

[Rusled]

A 1911 is to the pistol world what Harley Davidson is to the mortorcycle world.