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I'm thinking about buying a quality 1911 pistol, probably a Dan Wesson PM-C or Valor, mainly for range use, but might carry it once in a while. I've only been a 9mm guy so far, and have a few. So, the question is, get a 38 Super or a 45, or maybe just get another 9mm? I know 9mm ammo is cheaper, but fun factor also comes into play, lol.

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I have a Springfield Arms 1911A1 National Match in .45 and had a seperate .38 Super barrel and slide assembly fitted to the frame for pin shooting. The best of both worlds. .38 Super ammo is hard to find on most dealers' shelves and is seldom discounted, so it is prudent to plan ahead to buy on-line and buy twice the amount that you think that you'll need.

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The 45 of course.

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The 9mm is such a practical solution.

But for fun? I'm a 45 guy and happy to stay that way. About 40 years now.

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A 1911 should be a .45. That said, 38 Super is a lot of fun too.


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The 1911 is designed around the 45. If you want a 1911 for range use and occasional carry, the 45 is absolutely the way to go. Having 8 rounds of those big chunks lead on your hip is very comforting, very different feeling compared to 9mm.

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I'll take the wishy-washy path and say: Get what you want. Just start shopping, and something will begin to resonate in the depths of your soul (if something hasn't already!) There will be "that one" that you keep coming back to look at, that you compare all the others to.

If you don't reload, I would say get another 9mm. Supply/demand is crazy right now, but historically, 9mm is always cheaper than .45 ACP. And, since you already own some 9mm guns, you likely have some ammo stashed away. Also, a 5" 9mm 1911 is a cupcake to shoot. I own 1911's in both 9mm and .45 ACP; the 9mm is fun for everyone to shoot.

The best arguments in favor of a .45 ACP are (1) You don't own one. Everybody should. 'nuff said. (2) You can craft a wide variety of ammo if you reload. You can spend the better part of a day punching holes with a 200gr SWC over 4.0gr of Clays. It's very therapeutic. (3) When you get the itch to "shoot a bigger gun" the .45 ACP with 230gr up to 255gr bullets is most satisfying. (4) Saint John Moses Browning made it to be chambered in .45, and you can't improve on perfection (see reason #1, supra).

Unfortunately, I can't really endorse the .38 Super. I know others will flame me for such blasphemy, but my buddy owned two 1911's in .38 Super. I shot them both a fair amount. They don't really feel significantly different than a full 9mm load when you're shooting. Of course, if you want "cool factor," people will slobber all over themselves, complimenting you and your .38 Super. But, I'd only recommend it if you own some sort of a progressive press. Given the low recoil of the .38 Super, you'll shoot as much ammo as you would a 9mm. Single-staging handgun ammo is brutal. Paying retail for .38 Super ammo (if you can find it) is more brutal. But, like I said, do it only for the cool factor, not the shooting factor.

Good luck in your decision! Be sure to post pics of the new acquisition--because when somebody gets a new gun, it's like we ALL get a new gun!

Carry on!


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45 ACP. Be Well, RZ.


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“Good luck in your decision! Be sure to post pics of the new acquisition--because when somebody gets a new gun, it's like we ALL get a new gun!”

Great line, Waders!

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Get a 1911 in 45 ACP.

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I've had several .45 ACP 1911's , - liked them all. Also had a .460/ Rowlamd that was good. At the moment I have one .45, two 10mm's. The 10mm's are good, also. Zero desire for a 9mm 1911.

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I just sold a DW guardian in 38 super. It’ was a super nice gun. Pun intended. But I never did warm up to it.

I say stick with the 45.....

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1911, 45 ACP or 38 Super all day everyday.


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9mm is just as effective with equivalent bullets.


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I say get all three, it is the most logical route to go, after all I have 3 and they are all 45acp.


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Your first 1911 should always be a .45 ACP.


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Originally Posted by Blacktails
I'm thinking about buying a quality 1911 pistol, probably a Dan Wesson PM-C or Valor, mainly for range use, but might carry it once in a while. I've only been a 9mm guy so far, and have a few. So, the question is, get a 38 Super or a 45, or maybe just get another 9mm? I know 9mm ammo is cheaper, but fun factor also comes into play, lol.


I would not consider 9x19 in 1911 pistol unless in terms of size and weight one was especially designed to handle this cartridge. I think Wilson Combat offers this type of gun. There is something called an EMP, but I'm not sure who makes it and whether it's true 9x19 or compact .45ACP with thick fat 9x19 barrel where .45 barrel would normally go. There are some Spanish offerings on used gun market as well.

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Originally Posted by NVhntr
Your first 1911 should always be a .45 ACP.

Right. Make your second or third 1911 a 9MM if you really need a puny cartridge.

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45 super.



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I have a Springfield SS Loaded in 9mm, and I love shooting that gun very accurate and reasonable to shoot!

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