After more than a hundred years of deployment, the 1911 still keeps its owners safe. I know that many gun owners have chosen another type of firearm for personal defense. But no other handgun has been serving us as long or as well. There are many reasons why John Moses Browning’s design has stood the test of time. . .
The 1911 feels right in the hand. It’s slim and ergonomically sound. It feels like what it is: an inherently accurate tool for self-defense. With a single [relatively] light trigger press, an experienced shooter can use the 1911’s single action operation to place their bullets with unerring accuracy.
The 1911’s combination of manual thumb safety and grip safety offers an extra level of protection against negligent discharges and failed weapon retention—while not presenting a puzzle for an operator in a high stress environment. When built correctly, fed a diet of good quality ammo and properly maintained, a 1911 offers both mission critical and life-long reliability.
That doesn’t mean John Moses Browning’s design has been frozen in time. For decades, gunmakers have added their custom touches to the 1911, up to and beyond a polymer lower portion that holds double stack magazines.
Modified 1911s have been the leading pistol for handgun competitions all over the world, where the 1911 has been tested and stressed to its limits. Through war and peace, through ongoing improvements in design, materials and production, the 1911 has evolved, gaining accuracy and reliability in leaps and bounds.
At Wilson Combat, we like to say we paint on JMB’s canvas. Like hundreds of other American gunsmiths, we pay homage to Browning’s work by trying our best to improve or adapt the basic design to our customers’ needs. Not replace it.
I’ve been carrying a 1911 for over twenty years. Due to conditions and dress code, it’s not the only pistol I carry. But my Wilson Combat 1911 is never far away. It offers me the ability to place shots on demand under stress. I bet my life—and the life of those I care about—on my 1911’s ability to perform without failure, when needed.
Granted, the 1911 isn’t for everyone. But I’ve never heard or seen a good reason to give it up for something “better.” For me, a Wilson Combat 1911 is perfection. Improved.
My next 1911 is going to be a Wilson, and it will most likely be several Wilson’s because I can’t decide on which Wilson to buy. I’d be happy to listen to any suggests on my new Wilson’s.
I’m holding off until the 200th anniversary of this antique. Or until I find a 1911 that won’t cough up a hairball when it’s fed hollowpoints. Whichever comes first.
Hey, I understand that flintlocks are making a comeback, too.
I don’t know ’bout them flintlocks, but them new-fangled percussion cap revolvers look mighty pretty. Now if only I can get a picatinny rail attached to my Hawkins .50 …..
I couldn’t agree more but the price of a Wilson is a bit of stretch for most folks. While not in the same league I really like the Kimber Custom II and with a few Wilson Combat parts (extended slide lock, Shok-Buff & spring, grips, etc.) almost anyone can afford to add a beautiful 1911 to their collection. Just don’t tell your wife!
I love to get a base model and tinker from there-not so much the bells and whistles but maximum function and reliability. Brownells is great for finding that just right strength spring for your favorite ammo, and those add- ons, just like customizing your motorcycle to suit you. No insult intended, but this post’s picture-he looks like a pissed off Barney Rubble.
Hey Ralph,
don’t be such a limp wrist. My Kimber NEVER jams and my hollow points could be used as birdbaths. My Para never jams either, and my Colt Delta Elite 10mm only did once with a bad magazine when it was new (first 50 rounds). Hasn’t jammed since, even with the bent magazine.
Yer doin sumthin wrong if you jam. I think it’s yer leetle wrist. Buck Up.
I have a grip of iron. In fact, my nickname is “The Claw.”
So, a guy who works for a 1911 manufacturer sings the praises of the product he manufacturer?
Shocka!
I have little skinny girly wrists and I’ve never had a 1911 jam on me with hollow points. That said, I’ve probably only shot 500 rounds total out of other people’s 1911s, because I don’t own one. I’m going to get a Commander-type Kimber of some sort, but it’s not a priority now because 1911s really aren’t on the ‘scary, scary gun’ list.
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