Two totally different philosophies are in play here - but there is a right choice for each individual - and in most cases that right choice will be a 1911. My position is well known by most here, but since I don't see it being well represented just yet - here goes.
The Glock's advantages are: Simplicity - the essence of a box magazine fed revolver. Point and pull the trigger. Any dummy can run this thing. Cheap to buy - stampings and plastic. Low maintenance finish - ugly, but functional. Simpler for a neophyte to grasp and use, at least up to a moderate skill level - after which the action design functionally puts a limit on the user.
Downside: Complete Reliability? An Urban Myth. Read the Maintenance/Repair threads on Glocktalk, etc - still made by human beings, darn it! Much more subject to "limpwristing". Parts breakage and recalls/"updates" not at all uncommon. (Check the serial number lists to see if your gun falls in an "update" range.) Fat guns - and fat magazines for concealment. It and it's parts are imported - and can be kept out at any time by Executive Order/BATF ruling.
1911s - Upside: Easiest trigger mechanism in the world to shoot rapidly and accurately - proven in competition and combat. Slim, easy to conceal profile NO double stack gun comes close to. (Mags too.) Unexcelled for combat accuracy, and completely reliable when properly attended to by someone who has taken the time to learn his gun. Customizable to suit YOU, unlimited fit and feature options.
Downside: Few, but important to understand. You are carrying a cocked and ready pistol - dolts, dilletantes and idiots need not apply. Safe for any responsible person of moderate intelligence with a little study and practice. It is best to be introduced to the gun by someone who is already skilled in it's use and can "show you the moves" accurately.
Currently, most manufacturer's 1911s are mistakenly clearanced "Match" tight in slide/frame fit, and MIM parts can be a dice game every time you pick the gun up. Will the safety, barrel bushing or firing pin stop last 100,000 rounds - or break when I need it next week? No way to tell. So replace all MIM parts in critical, load bearing areas. This adds to the expense, particularly with a Kimber. I agree with the prior statement that a 1911 should shoot a longer cartridge - and I would therefore suggest that a .45ACP Colt Defender be added to your CCW "possibles" list. Eight shots of .45 with a backup magazine should solve any reasonable problem. The Series 80 Firing Pin Safety is a comfort to some of us who carry the gun concealed up against parts of our anatomy. (Kimber and Springfield are updating their guns, finally, as well.)
Ultimately, I would strongly advise you to pick one action type and work exclusively with it - if you really do care about being skillful with your handgun for defense. It is wise to know how to shoot whatever comes to hand - but muscle memory is a powerful thing to have on your side. It is alright for a hobbyist to "dabble" in different guns - a warrior needs to focus.
Judge on the basis of your dedication and interest in really becoming good and "one with your weapon". To a dedicated user - the 1911 sings. To "non-dedicated personnel" the Glock concept has some merit.
Either way - Best Wishes to you! Warmly, Col. Colt
"Beware of Counterfeits and Patent Infringements"
The Glock's advantages are: Simplicity - the essence of a box magazine fed revolver. Point and pull the trigger. Any dummy can run this thing. Cheap to buy - stampings and plastic. Low maintenance finish - ugly, but functional. Simpler for a neophyte to grasp and use, at least up to a moderate skill level - after which the action design functionally puts a limit on the user.
Downside: Complete Reliability? An Urban Myth. Read the Maintenance/Repair threads on Glocktalk, etc - still made by human beings, darn it! Much more subject to "limpwristing". Parts breakage and recalls/"updates" not at all uncommon. (Check the serial number lists to see if your gun falls in an "update" range.) Fat guns - and fat magazines for concealment. It and it's parts are imported - and can be kept out at any time by Executive Order/BATF ruling.
1911s - Upside: Easiest trigger mechanism in the world to shoot rapidly and accurately - proven in competition and combat. Slim, easy to conceal profile NO double stack gun comes close to. (Mags too.) Unexcelled for combat accuracy, and completely reliable when properly attended to by someone who has taken the time to learn his gun. Customizable to suit YOU, unlimited fit and feature options.
Downside: Few, but important to understand. You are carrying a cocked and ready pistol - dolts, dilletantes and idiots need not apply. Safe for any responsible person of moderate intelligence with a little study and practice. It is best to be introduced to the gun by someone who is already skilled in it's use and can "show you the moves" accurately.
Currently, most manufacturer's 1911s are mistakenly clearanced "Match" tight in slide/frame fit, and MIM parts can be a dice game every time you pick the gun up. Will the safety, barrel bushing or firing pin stop last 100,000 rounds - or break when I need it next week? No way to tell. So replace all MIM parts in critical, load bearing areas. This adds to the expense, particularly with a Kimber. I agree with the prior statement that a 1911 should shoot a longer cartridge - and I would therefore suggest that a .45ACP Colt Defender be added to your CCW "possibles" list. Eight shots of .45 with a backup magazine should solve any reasonable problem. The Series 80 Firing Pin Safety is a comfort to some of us who carry the gun concealed up against parts of our anatomy. (Kimber and Springfield are updating their guns, finally, as well.)
Ultimately, I would strongly advise you to pick one action type and work exclusively with it - if you really do care about being skillful with your handgun for defense. It is wise to know how to shoot whatever comes to hand - but muscle memory is a powerful thing to have on your side. It is alright for a hobbyist to "dabble" in different guns - a warrior needs to focus.
Judge on the basis of your dedication and interest in really becoming good and "one with your weapon". To a dedicated user - the 1911 sings. To "non-dedicated personnel" the Glock concept has some merit.
Either way - Best Wishes to you! Warmly, Col. Colt
"Beware of Counterfeits and Patent Infringements"
