GF likes 1911 but..

[Montu]

So my girl friend likes my 1911 (in .45) but she can't ride the safety with her thumb (or toggle it with one hand) and she can't reach the slide release.

other then that she likes the grip and weight to it.

What guns are out there that would provide the same "feel" I'm guessing she would also like something if it was lighter and in a smaller caliber so the recoil would be similar.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[winnre]

I saw a .22 in a 1911 style at Turner's, same everything just smaller.

[john.t.singh]

GSG 1911 for $350 - $400 is a .22 styled 1911 same controls just not as nice parts.

Sounds like you might not want a full sized 1911? They have officer sized or smaller such as the Kimber solo that may be easier for her to manipulate instead of the full sized frame. However recoil will be more felt... My gf prefers my kimber compact which is a smaller frame.

[223556]

maybe she needs extended controls?

[ExtremeX]

Do you want a HD gun or a plinker/range toy that looks like a 1911?

The .22 1911s are just trainers and toys. I have a GSG-1911, its physically the same thing as the real deal, its not smaller, just a smaller caliber.

If she wants a smaller 1911, you should look at the 9mm Springfield EMP. Expencive, but nice.

[disturbed1]

BS! My lady is getting a full size Kimber Custom II TLE and she is a tiny girl. When she asked to start the DROS on it, one guy was like, wait this is for you? Then the other guy that helped her out with the DROS showed her how to do everything on the gun. She did it just fine with no problems and even has those fake nail thingys. So, you should get her what ever she likes, take her to the gun shop and have her try what ever catches her eye and go from there.

[SGGear]

SA EMP 9mm?

[Montu]

are the controls easier to reach on the smaller caliber 1911's? I guess I kind of assumed they were spaced out the same.

This would be her go to gun for HD while home alone etc..so trying to avoid the .22...9mm sounds like a good place.

*edit extremex looks like you answered my question...SA EMP sounds good but she has stated she would prefer a full size barrel..and how would the felt recoil be on the emp 9mm?

[ExtremeX]

The SA EMP 9mm is but isn't a 1911 at the same time. Its designed around the smaller cartridge. The pistol is much smaller than a full sized 1911 but maintains all the same design, style, fit and finish of a quality 1911.

Maybe she needs a bit more seat time with the full sized 1911 to see if she can work with it. If she cant, then look at other options. If this is her main HD gun, she needs to be comfortable, proficient, and confident in using whatever weapon shes going to use. Not being able to operate the safety reliably sounds like a huge issue to me, or it could be she just needs more practice, or her technique is off.

[Montu]

Once the Safety is off on my 1911 she can work it fine. the problem would be working the safety in a panic situation.

hopefully going to the range this weekend. I was thinking of having her try a full size M&P 9 with the small back strap...although she says she wants a heavy gun...I think she'll open up to more options after trying a couple of guns out.

[ExtremeX]

The safety is extremely easy to operate. It toggles on off like a light switch. Have you tried other 1911s? Some models feel cleaner and more fluid than others.

[Montu]

The safety is extremely easy to operate. It toggles on off like a light switch. Have you tried other 1911s? Some models feel cleaner and more fluid than others.

I think the problem might be how low her grip is..i'll have to see this weekend.

she's shot a Wilson combat 1911 and my SA Loaded. the Safety is just positioned high...I think it would be best if she had a gun where the was no external safety.

[Mr. Gillious]

BUY A 'CZ75' COMPACT SIZE

[9mmepiphany]

This is interesting as the 1911 was for a long time...before the advent of interchangeable backstraps...the most adaptable pistol for smaller hands

If you mean she doesn't have the leverage to press down the thumbsafety, you can get a Low Mount thumb safety and have it installed.


There is no slide release on a 1911, it is a slide stop...and she doesn't have to be able to reach it with her strong thumb. An extended lever on the slide stop is also a bad idea for a number of reasons. You have two directions to go when operating the slide stop:
1. use the support hand thumb
2. learn to release the slide by grasping it over the top and tugging

How do you get from

she likes the grip and weight to it.

to

guessing she would also like something if it was lighter

Staying with the 1911 style platform, I'd highly recommend the Springfield EMP in 9mm and recommend against any of the smaller sized 1911s based on a .45ACP platform.

If she'd like a simpler pistol in .45ACP, you should look at the Kahr KP45

[ExtremeX]

I was going to recommend something like that, but I didn't want to instantly turn your thread into a get a XD, M&P, or Glock thread.

This just my personal opinion... I prefer my 9mm XD for home defense... simple, no external safety, and it just works. I have nothing bad to say about the 1911, I have one, but its my range toy, not my defense pistol.