Is the 1911 Still Relevant? With Bill Wilson
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About the Author: NC Scout
NC Scout is the nom de guerre of a former Infantry Scout and Sergeant in one of the Army’s best Reconnaissance Units. He has combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He teaches a series of courses focusing on small unit skills rarely if ever taught anywhere else in the prepping and survival field, including his RTO Course which focuses on small unit communications. In his free time he is an avid hunter, bushcrafter, writer, long range shooter, prepper, amateur radio operator and Libertarian activist. He can be contacted at [email protected] or via his blog at brushbeater.wordpress.com .
To me, it depends on application. In a Civilian CCW context, sure. As far as taking one “to war”…nope. I can swap the extractor on a Glock in under 5 minutes and I know with 100% certainty that it will work. You can’t do that with a 1911. Period. Those type of parts have to be fitted- by someone who knows what they are doing. Those guys are fewer and fewer every year- go get a reliable Wheelgun timing job done if you doubt me, it’s the same concept. You can’t get it done at Joes Gunshop in Pigslop Hollar Tennessee in under an hour, promise you.
I carried 1911’s for 15 years- everything from Argentine 1927 Colts to Les Baers, Garthwaites etc…Masterpieces. But they require a lot of hand fitting to be 100% reliable–unless you want a rattle trap- which will beat itself to death- tolerances and specs are “a thing”…….Love the gun but it’s seen it’s day for hard use.
You have a strong position, however, I would submit that the necessary information is available. Wilson Combat is a great place to learn how to fit a barrel, or set proper recoil spring tension, etc.