I learned everything I really needed to know about the 1911 from Mr. McCurry, my Junior High History teacher who had been a “Top” in the US Army before he was a teacher and for which I am very grateful.
What’s your story?
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US Army for me. As an NCO in a small unit while in Germany (73 including all officers) I often got tagged to run one of the ranges for requalification. I could not understand how some of the officers ever passed the first time with a 45.
There were a couple I had to take them through the basics as if they had never even held one before let only qualified before.
Anyway, I got to shoot all the .45s in the unit and have loved it ever since.
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My “1911” story is short… I used to shoot polymer PPQ but I was always curious what was that beautiful pistol on almost every movie 
Once I found the answer and rented the firearm on my Range I knew that would be my next purchase.
The only change I made - 1911 with double stack grip.
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I too saw 1911 style pistols in nearly every movie. My Great Grandfather was in WW2 as well, so that’s helpful.
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My grandfather on egg donors side. He had a beautiful 1911 with Ivory grips. I was 6-7 years old and that gun was the epitome of cool to me.
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When I was 18 I bought one 2nt hand and I have been in love every since. 
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I have yet to be bitten by this bug…
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US Navy in 1980. I enjoy shooting most all pistols, but a 1911 just feels like home.
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None for me, thanks. I’ve shot a few nice ones that friends own but never felt the appeal.
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The classic lines of the 1911. Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s the 1911 was THE pistol in my mind. It seemed only commies and fascists carried something other than a 1911. Patriots carried the real deal. It took quite a few years before I could/would spend the money for one. I had several other pistols and revolvers, but knew that some day I would have a 1911. It was my primary carry for many years (full size 5" barrel). It is no longer my primary, but I still carry it quite often. Others have come and gone, many more will fall by the wayside, but the 1911 will carry on until the end.
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I started concealed carry with a model 36 and 37 S&W revolvers. I was in the 82nd Airborne and my assigned weapon was an M60, but I did qualify with th 1911 45. As I stated when I carried revolvers I wanted to add to my edc.This was back in 1973.
I started with a full size 1911 colt and slid over to the Commander series. That’s still my carry, only now it’s a Dan Wesson Vigil CCO which for me it’s as perfect as can be. My 1911 have never failed me and the manual of arm particular to that model is engrained to autopilot like driving . It is a gun that takes conscientious routine maintenance, an understanding of the manual of arms and a quality manufacturer. Unfortunately 1911 is just a name for a given generic platform, and some makers of it put out malfunction prone , I’ll fitted models. Which tend to give it a bad rap. I’ll take it when my life or the ones I love is threatened. Has save me more than once.
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My Dad was Capt in the Army during the late 60’s and early 70’s and carried a 1911. I spent a lot of hours watching him take it apart, clean and reassemble, explaining how it worked and describing the other John Browning guns (he shot a A5 16ga for hunting). He was not a 1911 fan he frequently would show me how the gun was ‘loose’ and rattled when shook. He thought they gave the guys who were State-side old worn out side arms. When we left the service he bought a Colt Python for his home defense gun. Despite all that I want to a get Ruger 1911 in 10mm.
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Col. Jeff Cooper. After reading him for years, I tried one out. My favorite pistol to shoot. Still.
I went from a Norinco (amazing good gun after I had it throated, and polished) to a Para Ordnance (x2) to a Kimber, two Sigs, and now a Kimber 10mm. I don’t have the first 3 on the list any more.
Yes, the Norinco rattled. It was still an accurate pistol. If you can deal with the weight, they are ergonomically the best fitting gun in my hand, period. It’s such a natural pointer.
I’ve shot all my certifications with one. Love them.
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My 1911 Bug began @ US ARMY 1983 FORT MCCLELLAN 95B MILITARY POLICE.
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The original 1911’s rattled intentionally. It was the loose fit that allowed them to function through the torture test the military put them through.
The old 1911 from WW 1 and 2 would keep functioning where today’s tighter fitting 1911’s would become non-functional.
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@Charles2 Welcome to the community, Thank you for your service. You are in good company here. Bruce and Nancy.
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Welcome, MP!
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Bitten hard in the Army, 1987. It rattled and just shot like crazy.
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I appreciate the 1911 for it’s history, and the craftsmanship that will go into really nice ones today. I would consider getting an STI Staccato eventually.
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That’s easy, “The Wild Bunch”.
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