Mr. Rawles,
I've just finished reading your novel "Patriots",
and wish to thank you for providing such an insightful guide to preparation
and the survival mindset, and a pretty
darn entertaining read, to boot! My question concerns your preference for the
M1911 .45 ACP pistol as a sidearm for one's survival preparations. I wholeheartedly
agree with you on the round's advantages over lesser-powered cartridges such
as 9mm or .40 S&W. And, since the ergonomics of the 1911 design in particular
tend to suit me well personally (indeed, to whom does it not), I was wondering
what your thoughts were regarding the myriad configurations this weapon is
available in today; precisely, things such as beavertail grip safeties, beveled
magazine wells, front/back strap checkering, etc. Do you think these features
are more "show" than "go?" Also, should one avoid altogether "high
-end" offerings from custom shops like Wilson Combat or Les Baer? The
quality of parts and workmanship are readily apparent, yet as you allude
to in Patriots, would the tight tolerances worked into each custom weapon make
for questionable reliability under field conditions? Thank you for taking the
time to read this e-mail, sir. May God bless you and your family. Regards,
- Mark T.
JWR Replies: needless to say, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool .45
ACP Colt Model 1911 user. The
Combat Tupperware crowd considers the 80 year old design archaic, but I find
the M1911 eminently practical. For right-handed shooters, the only modifications
that I recommend are: feed ramp polishing, an extended slide release, and
perhaps tritium sights. Everything
else has marginal utility, and if taken to extreme can actually decrease reliability
and combat utility. I consider even the extended slide release optional, depending
on the shape of your shooting hand. (If you can reach the standard slide release
without shifting your hand, them leave it as is. For left-handed shooters,
the only other mods that I would recommend would be an ambidextrous safety
and an ambidextrous extended slide release. Instead of pouring an extra
$1,000 into a pistol on furthering modifications, I'd rather spend that money
on a second M1911 for another family member, or on training
at a school
like Front
Sight, or more ammunition.
OBTW, some of you might be interested in reading the FAQ that I wrote about M1911 magazines.
