Pics: Axes, bashers, etc.

[Bob]

Con
I totally understand, the family comes first.
Somehow I was under the impression you already had it.
When I was raising kids I didn't buy a single gun and ammunition only a time or two.
You are doing the correct and responsible thing.
I applaud you for your choices.

KN
Out of curiosity what makes you choose the Springfield?

[kiltedninja]

I'm actually going back and forth again between that and a 1911. I have a few reasons for why I like the XD and why I'm still considering a 1911.

Pros of the XD:
13 round magazine
Has the option of a thumb safety, which is one of the biggest reasons I want it over another Glock.
My best friend has one and I have shot it, it's nice.
Ergonomically I like it better than the Glock.
They cost around the same as a new Glock.

Reasons I'm considering the 1911 again:
I've always liked them, how they feel, how they shoot, all of it.
It's slightly narrower than the XD or a Glock, which means concealment will be a bit easier.
I'm looking for a 4.5" model specifically, and if I can't find one in stores I know a few guys who said they can order one for me.
I'm pretty quick on a reload so I'm not super concerned about the 7 or 8 round magazines, especially since the likelihood of me ever firing it off a range is so little.

I know I want something that I am familiar with, feels good in my hands, chambers a .45 ACP and has a thumb safety. That's where I'm at.

[Bob]

I get the desire for 45 acp
Especially since I have lost weight and can carry a heavier pistol
When your belt rests on your hips it makes it much easier to carry a full sized pistol.
I just changed over from a S&W Shield in 9mm to one in 45 acp.
I grew up with thumb safeties so they are not a problem.
I will say the need of keeping the booger hook off the trigger you have to practice with a Glock has made me a safer individual.

I have several 1911's if I was going to get another one it would be a Colt lightweight commander.
I would consider other brands if it was in the right configuration.
One of my cousins has one that belonged to his brother that I have been trying to buy off him for years.

I always wanted a pinto but that would mean a steel frame so I could get it hard chromed.
I considered getting the slide on my stainless Gold Cup blackened then decided against it.

Honestly while I totally respect a 1911 I don't think I would buy another one with the exception of the one my cousin has.
I used to describe a 1911 as a generational gun.
The one my dad used in WW2 would still be a good gun today.
Somehow I doubt that a Glock will last that long, I expect the polymer to give out and eventually people will start having to buy aftermarket frames.

If you have not looked seriously at the Shield they are worth a look.
Low round count for a fact, but thin and light by comparison.
I have the 45 one on today in an Alien Gear in the pants holster.
I still prefer a belt holster but there are times the alternate methods just work better.

If I wore a jacket year round I would be a shoulder holster guy now that my left shoulder is almost healed.

I have a friend who says a Glock is a tool and a 1911 is a work of art.

Either the XD or a 1911 will be a fine choice.

[kiltedninja]

I have some experience with the Shield, I don't love it.

Keeping my finger off the trigger is no issue at all, it is ingrained into us by the Marine corps.
I think in many ways I am so fond of the 1911 because of it's legend, but also because I want something that is both a tool and a work of art.

Also my friend turned me on to AlienGear holsters. I'm really liking those.

[Bob]

Well different strokes for different folks.

Just don't overbuy based on looks or the first time you get a mark it will upset you.
I bought my Gold Cup prescratched (used) and have considered trying to get it polished.

I like my Alien Gear holster alright but I still have a fondness for leather.
If you do get a 1911 might I suggest a leather Galco holster.
Galco products considering they are mass produced are pretty ok in my book.
I like an open top holster for speed.
If you plan on rolling around on the ground I can see needing a strap.
Back in the day when holsters were not fitted and tended to be loose a strap was important.
The strap on a 1911 holster went between the hammer and slide to hopefully prevent an AD in the event of "rubbing" the safety off.
That fear of an AD caused many people to carry them without a round in the chamber.
We used to go to extreme lengths to ensure reliability with 1911's some were just plain finicky eaters.
They would work with this bullet but not that one, they would work with this magazine but not that one.
The magazines were a weak link too, so buy good name mags.
The old saw was a handgun is not broken in and ready for carry till it has been fired 500 times.

But these days I am all about not having to roll around on the ground.
Way to old and fragile for all that.

Anyway just buy what you want, let no one change your mind at the last minute.

[kiltedninja]

If I ever draw my gun and then end up rolling around on the ground, I'll still have a knife readily accessible, and at that distance a knife will do me just as much good as the gun.

Also during my martial arts instructor course we spent a lot of time in grappling matches where one person was armed, in order to teach the importance of controlling the weapon. I would certainly agree that I don't plan on rolling around on the ground though. It's not fun.

[Bob]

KN

I don't mean to sound condescending, it's just the way I type.
I have no doubt you are better at the rolling around than I ever was.
When one is as old and brittle as I it really changes your outlook.

But I do agree about the knife.
Even a small knife is better than random crap you can never find in a parking lot when you need it.

[kiltedninja]

I know you didn't. I actually really hate grappling or ending up anywhere but my feet or some other advantageous position.

[Red Star]

Uhm, where are the pics of axes, bashers, etc.?

[ConSeannery]

They're back there somewhere