First 1911

[Highhawk1948]

Been using and carrying Ruger Blackhawks for years. For my retirement my wife bought me a 21 Century Colt Commander. Just getting use to it and have shot a couple of clips of rounds. Lot different that handling a single action wheel gun. Lot to learn. Will pay attention on this forum. Thanks for the info I have already gotten. Sure carries easier than a revolver.

[Fortibus55]

Welcome. I know what you mean about transitioning to a semi-auto from a wheelgun. You're probably gonna really like that Commander though and wonder what took you so long.
Reference "lots to learn": I can assure you that you probably can't find a better bunch of more knowledgeable guys than the fellas here...and they always seem happy to help out when you have questions you need answers to. I know I've learned a ton already. I'm still kinda Colt-stupid, but getting abit smarter everytime I log on here. Oh and by the way, everytime you note you've got a new Colt we're all gonna wanna see pictures, so you might as well resign yourself to learning how to post them. Again, welcome.

[MarkMeyer]

If that's your first 1911, and you're transitioning from a revolver, just be very careful to get some training help from people who are proficient in carrying a 1911. I won't start a preaching thing here, but while the 1911 is one of the safest pistols to carry, it is only so if the carrier is highly proficient in how it's used. Really, you want some proper training with that wonderful pistol.

[Highhawk1948]

Thanks for the words of wisdom and motivation. I fired another 150 rounds today at a gun range. It's a real shooter and no problems whatsoever. I am being careful and paying attention when I am handling it. I am not new to handguns or long guns by any means but am new to this type. Couple more trips to the range and I feel really comfortable with it. I was able to spend time with two 1911 guys. One who was a Gunner's Mate in the Coast Guard and taught weapons and still shoots 1911s and with my Nephew who shoots competitive with the Garand and the 1911. They were very informative and passed on a lot of info. and right ways of doing things with it including cleaning. Look forward to monitoring this site and increasing my knowledge.

[Oyeboten]

It is not unheard of for the Safety to end up in the 'off' mode or for the Pistol to then be in 'Condition Zero', when carrying a m1911-type Pistol in what had been 'Condition One'.

Probably IWB is the most likely mode for this to occur, but can happen in other modes also.

I have had this happen when carring mine, and, somehow I sensed it, found a private spot and checked, and sure enough!

So, kinda watch out for that...not the end of the world of course, but, not ideal anyway, and, it happens to the best of them...

Proabably about impossible for the Safety to go into an 'off' mode with a full well fitting Flap Holster, but of course many semi-open and minimal and other Kinds of Holsters are used for the 1911-type Pistols now, where, it can occur in the course of one's range of various motions in the course of daily life driving and tieing a shoe and whatever other stuff.

[Highhawk1948]

Using a Milt Sparks Summer II IWB holster. It has the shield on it and fits well and is very comfortable. Also my Commander doesn"t have the large thumb safety, but the small one. I will watch that situation. Thanks. Highhawk