New to 1911s, not shooting...how to hold the 1911...

[MurphysLaw5]

OK, new to the 1911 world, all my other pistols are striker-fired (9mm and .40 S&W).
I recently purchased my first 1911 (Springfield Ronin 45 ACP 5")...I wanted a 45 ACP and really like what Springfield did with the Ronin, I digress....

Now, I've been practicing dry-fire, draws, working the safety...the thumb safety is brand new to me so I've been trying to find the grip that works for me. I haven't been able to track down a thread or link for ways to hold the 1911. Yes found many threads that say do it this way or that.

Anybody have a link for best way (and alternate ways) to hold a 1911 (full size)

 

[HayesGreener]

Watch Hilton Yam's videos

 

[Anchorite]

Watch Hilton Yam's videos

Amen. Couldn't have explained it any better.

Brother @HayesGreener has fine taste.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

OK, new to the 1911 world, all my other pistols are striker-fired (9mm and .40 S&W).
I recently purchased my first 1911 (Springfield Ronin 45 ACP 5")...I wanted a 45 ACP and really like what Springfield did with the Ronin, I digress....

Now, I've been practicing dry-fire, draws, working the safety...the thumb safety is brand new to me so I've been trying to find the grip that works for me. I haven't been able to track down a thread or link for ways to hold the 1911. Yes found many threads that say do it this way or that.

Anybody have a link for best way (and alternate ways) to hold a 1911 (full size)

Let me welcome you to the forum from the frosty Wild Wild Upper Midwest. I enjoy my Ronin 9mm and Garrison .45 1911s. I had to practice my draw with the thumb safety quite a bit before it got smooth enough for self-defense carry purposes. It sounds like you don't mind training. That's the key. Thanks for joining us. Just so you know, we like to see the holes you punch.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Shibadog]

Just place that thumb on top of the safety as you draw and sweep it off as you raise the pistol toward your target. It is NOT hard to do or some exotic skill, you just need to practice until it becomes normal-then you’ll be wondering why folks do it any other way with those dingus equipped pieces.

 

[SimonRL]

OK, new to the 1911 world, all my other pistols are striker-fired (9mm and .40 S&W).
I recently purchased my first 1911 (Springfield Ronin 45 ACP 5")...I wanted a 45 ACP and really like what Springfield did with the Ronin, I digress....

Now, I've been practicing dry-fire, draws, working the safety...the thumb safety is brand new to me so I've been trying to find the grip that works for me. I haven't been able to track down a thread or link for ways to hold the 1911. Yes found many threads that say do it this way or that.

Anybody have a link for best way (and alternate ways) to hold a 1911 (full size)

The best way is what works best for you. I used to be a thumb over safety guy, but I switched to a thumbs high grip where the drumsticks
Of my thumbs do all the work. Others go with a thumbs forward grip. It’s horses for courses. I’m sure someone will be along to tell us that JMB or Col Cooper said X is the correct way.

 

[Jsimon78]

Watch Hilton Yam's videos

Totally agree and I could not disagree at all.

I haven’t run my 1911’s in a while but the 3 XDm’s have the same general concept for the back safety but no thumb safety.

All I have to say is do drills for muscle memory. You would be surprised how much you could get accomplished.

 

[MurphysLaw5]

Hi,



Let me welcome you to the forum from the frosty Wild Wild Upper Midwest. I enjoy my Ronin 9mm and Garrison .45 1911s. I had to practice my draw with the thumb safety quite a bit before it got smooth enough for self-defense carry purposes. It sounds like you don't mind training. That's the key. Thanks for joining us. Just so you know, we like to see the holes you punch.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Thanks for the welcome. And love training, shooting, plinking, getting better....
Shooting is our empty nest sport, blessed with a wife who loves to shoot as well.
And will get those targets posted as soon as the weather allows for a good range day. ('cause today here in middle TN it's flipp'in 19 degrees before wind-chill).

 

[hworth18]

I use the thumbs forward grip just like on my striker fired guns, I just have to remember to drop my thumb slightly so I don't accidentally ride the slide stop and not get a lock back.

 

[Jsimon78]

Thanks for the welcome. And love training, shooting, plinking, getting better....
Shooting is our empty nest sport, blessed with a wife who loves to shoot as well.
And will get those targets posted as soon as the weather allows for a good range day. ('cause today here in middle TN it's flipp'in 19 degrees before wind-chill).

That’s a warm snap compared to 0 degree weather up here (before wind chill)

 

[MurphysLaw5]

Hi,



Let me welcome you to the forum from the frosty Wild Wild Upper Midwest. I enjoy my Ronin 9mm and Garrison .45 1911s. I had to practice my draw with the thumb safety quite a bit before it got smooth enough for self-defense carry purposes. It sounds like you don't mind training. That's the key. Thanks for joining us. Just so you know, we like to see the holes you punch.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

First of all, thanks for the welcome, and all the posts with links, much appreciated.
Finally the weather and timing coincided, had my first range day with the Ronin....loved it.
Had a few FTF (just 3 rounds) in the first two mags, but easily cleared.
First shoots were way low and left...ok, low left, right handed, go figure but I put it on a bench rest and fired a few....and yep, needed to adjust the green-dot...easily accomplished.

Did not zero the green-dot at 25 yds, will have to do that on the next visit (25 yd target lane wasn't available). So I settled for the 5 yrd. lane. Ok, not that good, took me some trial an error but was happy with where I landed...

Range 1, after the zero....
Range 2, the last two magazines...:>)

LOL, the kow-left is shooter error...working on it...

Thanks again, will be back!

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

First of all, thanks for the welcome, and all the posts with links, much appreciated.
Finally the weather and timing coincided, had my first range day with the Ronin....loved it.
Had a few FTF (just 3 rounds) in the first two mags, but easily cleared.
First shoots were way low and left...ok, low left, right handed, go figure but I put it on a bench rest and fired a few....and yep, needed to adjust the green-dot...easily accomplished.

Did not zero the green-dot at 25 yds, will have to do that on the next visit (25 yd target lane wasn't available). So I settled for the 5 yrd. lane. Ok, not that good, took me some trial an error but was happy with where I landed...

Range 1, after the zero....
Range 2, the last two magazines...:>)

LOL, the kow-left is shooter error...working on it...

Thanks again, will be back!

When you can get your bullet holes touching like that, you know you're doing something right.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Dobbinsky]

Watch Hilton Yam's videos

Excellent video! Never knew about not releasing the slide on an empty chamber before. I've been guilty of that. Always learning. That guy is smooth!

 

[USMC6094]

It doesn't like being limp wristed......

And that goes for any model, in any caliber.......

 

[MurphysLaw5]

Pretty sure my Ronin is now "broke in"...latest trip to the range, ran over 100 rounds (Fed Amer Eagle 230gr) through 4 factory mags and three Wilson Combat mags, with no FTFs...:>).

Now I need to ask, holsters, where can I find a quality holster (OWB, Leather)...any recommendations? Found several under the custom and crafted category but I am wary of store-based reviews.

 

[Diamondback]

Always lean into it, shoulders forward - the 1911 is a horse cavalryman's fighting pistol and it's designed to be fought from atop a charging warhorse.

Tames the recoil real quick - even my very petite ex got the hang of 5" full-power .45ACP quick with that, though it helped that she was an equestrian instructor.

 

[Dobbinsky]

Always lean into it, shoulders forward - the 1911 is a horse cavalryman's fighting pistol and it's designed to be fought from atop a charging warhorse.

Tames the recoil real quick - even my very petite ex got the hang of 5" full-power .45ACP quick with that, though it helped that she was an equestrian instructor.

My daughter is a deadeye with the 1911 .45. I started her shooting when she was 10 years old, and her LEO husband taught her the same positioning you stated. She's all of 110 pounds and doesn't flinch.

 

[Diamondback]

Consider, my ex was 5'2" and maybe 105-110.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Pretty sure my Ronin is now "broke in"...latest trip to the range, ran over 100 rounds (Fed Amer Eagle 230gr) through 4 factory mags and three Wilson Combat mags, with no FTFs...:>).

Now I need to ask, holsters, where can I find a quality holster (OWB, Leather)...any recommendations? Found several under the custom and crafted category but I am wary of store-based reviews.

Glad to hear your Ronin is running well. So's mine.

Everyone has their favorite holster, for specific purposes. For your ask, the first that comes to mind is DeSantis Gunhide...

DeSantis GunHide | Leather and Kydex Holsters | Duty Gear & More

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I'm sure there are lots at good suggestions scattered around the forum. Let me know what you decide on.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[az4783054]

1911 Trigger Placement

Finding the sweet spot on a 1911's trigger isn't Voodoo. You just need to know your hand and understand how the trigger works. We've got some pointers for all of you single action fans that will help improve accuracy.

gunsamerica.com