1911 Pistols - The Surprising Truths NO ONE Tells You!

Published on February 10, 2025
Duration: 11:32

This video reveals surprising truths about the 1911 pistol, emphasizing safe carry practices and its inherent design advantages. It details why 'cocked and locked' (Condition One) is the intended and safest method for carrying a 1911, warning against manual hammer lowering. The instructor highlights the 1911's exceptional shootability, ergonomics, and trigger quality, explaining why it remains a top-tier handgun. The discussion also covers the phasing out of the 1911 from US military service, the existence of double-stack '2011' variants, and the critical differences in internal safety mechanisms (Series 70, 80, Schwarz) and their impact on drop safety and trigger feel. Finally, it stresses the importance of professional gunsmithing for 1911 parts, as they are typically not plug-and-play.

Quick Summary

The 1911 pistol is designed for 'cocked and locked' carry (Condition One), with the hammer cocked and thumb safety engaged. This method is the safest and intended way to carry a loaded 1911. Manually lowering the hammer on a chambered round is dangerous and should be avoided due to the pistol's lack of a decocker.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 1911 Legacy
  2. 00:46Truth #7: Carry Cocked and Locked
  3. 02:38Truth #6: Best Shooting Pistols
  4. 03:48Truth #5: Phasing Out of US Military Service
  5. 05:50Truth #4: Double Stack 1911s (2011s)
  6. 07:03Truth #3: Not 100% Drop Safe
  7. 07:46Truth #2: Understanding Safety Styles
  8. 09:32Truth #1: Parts Are Not Plug-and-Play
  9. 10:57Conclusion & Viewer Discussion

Frequently Asked Questions

How should a 1911 pistol be carried safely?

The 1911 is designed to be carried 'cocked and locked,' meaning the hammer is back and the thumb safety is engaged. This is Condition One carry. To prepare for carry, chamber a round, engage the thumb safety, and then carefully holster the pistol. Never manually lower the hammer on a chambered round.

Why are 1911 pistols considered excellent shooters?

1911s offer superb shootability due to their mechanical accuracy, excellent triggers that feel like a crisp 'mouse click,' and superior ergonomics that allow the pistol to feel like an extension of the shooter's hand, making accurate shooting effortless.

Are 1911 pistol parts interchangeable?

No, 1911 parts are generally not plug-and-play like those in many modern striker-fired guns. They often require precise hand-fitting by a skilled gunsmith to ensure proper function and reliability, as many match-grade parts are intentionally oversized.

What are the different safety styles found in 1911 pistols?

1911s feature different internal safety mechanisms: Series 70 (no firing pin safety), Series 80 (trigger-actuated firing pin block), and Schwarz-style (grip safety-actuated firing pin block). These affect drop safety and trigger pull characteristics.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Guns You Can't Live Without

View all →