1911 Tips, Ammo

One of America's most historical pistols is also one of America's most popular pistols. Lets talk 1911 mods.
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[@3jailcop]

The one soldier you mentioned that killed 6 enemy soldiers, was Sergeant Alvin C. York in WWI. He was awarded the Medal of Honor. It's a great story if yall wanna look it up.

[@3jailcop]

@@evanmarks7912 you are correct in that a gun jammed during the fight, but it was not SGT York's. It was one of York's fellow soldier's machine gun that jammed. Empty shell castings recovered from the site were traced to have came from SGT York's rifle and pistol. The empty pistol castings were .45 caliber, not 9mm, which makes it VERY obvious that SGT York did use a 1911.

[@totenkorps8034]

@@3jailcop Right, Sgt. York went to the 1911 not because his rifle (M1917) jammed, but because he expended all of the ammunition.

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn22YY1um8ycf6s I know the comments are old but if you haven’t heard the song to honor Sergeant York, here ya go.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Gary Cooper did the movie, IMDb.com ....

[@jasonschmidt9569]

Another great Medal of Honor story is Jack G. Hanson during the Korean War

[@prestonnormile9996]

The fact that, to this day, from basic marine grunts aalllll the way up to special forces, utilize the 1911 should really be all you need to know about how dependable and well-loved the 1911 is

[@robertcrevo9256]

My grandpa was issued a 1911 and ended up taking it home with him. He passed away in 2012 but I got to see it when it was passed to my uncle. It's an awesome piece of history and something I'd love to inherit one day. He kept it in his drawer empty with a loaded magazine next to it till the day he passed away. My uncle has it now.

[@jacobseraphin685]

If you get it passed down don’t ever sell it, you might regret it later because of the sentimental value

[@jondoe406]

Don't let your uncle sell it either. Keep it in the family!

[@kylewood8327]

The .45 ACP came from the .45 Colt or Long Colt which ever you want to call it. So it’s really an old round dating back to the old West.

[@francisco5434]

My father inherited a WWII German Luger with officer engraving, a stock mount and matching serial numbers. He told me he sold it for $500 when I was stationed overseas. I said, “Dad, I would have given you a thousand.”

[@primrosenight3722]

The legend of Alvin York. Someone once said, "A good shooter with average firearm is way better than an average shooter with a good firearm."

[@justindr.yaegertodd6220]

IIIII used to be obsessed with the polymer wonders, and now I AM A 1911 FANATIC!!!!! Thanks, Bro... 😁

[@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel]

Your welcome

[@Multi4204life]

Once you go 1911 you dont go back! 😆 I have the springfield milspec. And I find it beautiful and reliable. I keep my polymer sr9 for the wife and she loves it.

[@justindr.yaegertodd6220]

@@Multi4204life "Once you go 1911, then you should take a seat in Heaven!"

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

There is no comparison between a plastic gun and a solid metal 1911 or even a nice revolver. Just buy quality.

[@justindr.yaegertodd6220]

@@Heywoodthepeckerwood CZ P09* Let's get real, capacity matters, and 19+1 destroys 7+1... Listen, I love my 1911's, but I've had more 1911's jam on me in 2yrs than 15yrs of owning polymer wonders!

[@mikebabb2155]

My dad carried a M1911 and a flashlight in the tunnels of Vietnam and it was his sidearm during his missions as a Green Beret. So if the 1911 was good enough for him in the jungles of Vietnam you can bet your ass that it is more than good enough for me in the good ole USA.

[@GRIM_7REAPER]

If your pops is still kickin' Tell him I said welcome home! from a fellow son of a Vietnam Green Beret.

[@mikebabb2155]

@@GRIM_7REAPER sadly he passed away on Mother's Day in 2008.

[@thebusterdog6358]

Is "Veitnam" near Vietnam?

[@mikebabb2155]

@@thebusterdog6358 my phone has a weird autocorrect. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@thebusterdog6358]

@Mike P Of course they were, they were produced and hand fitted by real gunsmiths at Colt back then. Today Colt is a poorly made stamped metal CNC machined POS. Just like hand made hand fitted firearms today are far superior to cheap knockoffs made in the Philippines, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina and Croatia. It's cheap for a reason folks. Any 1911 that sells for less than $1000 today is garbage. I wouldn't but anything made by Colt today. And that includes any of the overpriced "snake guns".

[@JK-dn4pu]

I subscribed when you mentioned the round nose. That’s exactly what the pistol was designed for.

[@paulsimmons5726]

230g Hardball, you know your ammo and why it works. I subbed!

[@rodniewickham7875]

I just bought a Springfield 1911 RO in 45acp put 200 rounds through it today with 0 problems, and honestly I enjoy taking it apart and cleaning it just as much as shooting it, I love the design and history

[@davidledoux1736]

Matt, I really appreciate your practical and economical approach. You have a new subscriber here. I recently purchased a RIA 1911A1 FS and picked up a couple boxes of hardball for just under $17 each. Oddly enough, there was plenty of .45 on the shelf and ZERO 9mm but I was limited to just two boxes per visit. Looking forward to spending some time on your channel.

[@robinshull6510]

I have always loved the 1911. Ever sense I was a kid. When my grandfather died, I got his 1911 that he carried in the Korean War. When I turned 21 my cousin gave me his that he carried in the Vietnam War. My edc is a Kimber, and I use Federal Premium HST 230 grn JHPs.

[@MercyMinister]

My 1911 and 230gr. FMJ is all I need and have ever needed. I also carry an Officer's Model and it's loaded with hardball. A winning combination.

[@southernpatriot6169]

You should never carry and use full metal jacket for defensive purposes unless you want to be on trial for killing an innocent bystander!

[@MercyMinister]

@@southernpatriot6169, geez, this just isn't true.

[@WanderingStil]

​@@southernpatriot6169you shouldn't shoot someone with bystanders behind them, no matter what bullet type. Where are you learning this stuff?

[@southernpatriot6169]

@@WanderingStil Lol ..thanks for showing the world that you don't train with weapons nor do you know nothing about an active shooter situation nor have you trained for REAL life situations! What a joke!

[@WanderingStil]

@@southernpatriot6169 you are welcome. You are right about that. As a citizen with a self defense tool, I have no business shooting in public unless it's a good shot. As for the 45 cal. 230 gr. ball ammo, that's what it was designed the shoot.

[@phlegonnereus3740]

Hi bro, I'm from the Philippines. The Philippine-American war in the early 1900's had something to do with the development of new type of ammo such as .45 acp. The Americans during that war used 38 caliber round and was not that much effective in the Moro in the southern Philippines chrging bolos and machetes so the Americans came to suggest new ammo, and the 1911 in .45 acp came into development by John Moses Browning in the early 1900's and commissioned to be used by the military in 1911.

[@gyrene_asea4133]

Yep, there was a big push in Army Ordinance to return to the 45 Colt (Long Colt) revolver cartridge which led to the M-1909 or Colt New Service. M-1917 was the New Service re-cylindered for .45 ACP. All sweet pistols.

[@pjbaby66]

When I show a friend one of my guns, it's always my 1911, never my Glock lol!

[@MiKEY_TARANTiNO]

Classy

[@gulasd3025]

I love Glocks and 1911s. It is possible ;)

[@dente687]

They're beautiful guns, and usually with custom grips. Who wants to see a Glock.

[@robertaltmeyer2648]

Thanks for the info. I just inherited my great uncle's 1911 which saw service in ww2. I did a field strip, cleaned it and took it to the range. It performed flawlessly! Oh yea, the ammo I used was hardball made in 1944! Not one misfire. Take care.

[@miker7798]

When I was a kid I had a chrome 1911 cap gun. Even at the age of 5 or so I felt the lure of the design. When I turned 18 I bought my first hand gun. That was 1974. I got a very lightly used Government model. MK4 Series 70 in Nickle. I bought it from a cop who intended to carry it off duty but then decided it was too big. I paid $60 for the gun and a box of Norma jacketed hollow points with 1 row missing. Those were the 5 rounds of use through the gun when I got it. I still have and cherish that gun. Ive fired probably every different round through it over the years... thousands of rounds. I 100% agree the right ammo is 230 Grn hardball at around 900 FPS. Ive shot lead round ball back then as well and it was fine. The indoor range we used to go to had range reloads. They were wad cutters which had the flat nose. And yes that is when I first found out they will misfire. Mostly failure to feed due to smoke stacking. Also my buddy used to load some pretty stout handloads and I experienced malfunctions due to the over powering loads. The slide would stay racked back with rounds till in the mag. Its still in original form with combat sights and the original barrel and series 70 collet. I still shoot it but Ive put an FNX45 T in frontline duty now. But even that choice is because Im a 1911 guy. I have 2 FNs and the safeties and slide stops and all that are in the familiar location and function identically. I even ordered my FN9c with safety despite all the striker guys swearing you shouldnt... Because if I put that thing in an appendix holster I just prefer to have a mechanical safety... Ans since Ive been shooting that was for over 40 years I doubt theres any risk of me forgetting the safety is on. Great vids... and I subscribed so keep em coming.

[@mikewilliams8151]

I have a 1911 built in 1913. Carried it up to about six months ago. Retired it and got another 1911. The only people that don't like it is the ones that don't like Manuel safety. Love the weight and feel. I carry both fmj and hp.

[@donaldscow6386]

MSgt D A Scow Retired here. My dad carried his 1911 from Normandy thru WWII, alond with his Brother in Okinawa, I am a 'Nam vet and damb proud of it too. I have 3 1911's, a Sig 1911-22, 9mm and 45 ACP. LOVE them all. I will say that I did the TandemKross mod on the 22, great improvement. Like the 9mm,but since I got the 45, its now my carry and most shooting gun. My 9 and 45 are the Rock Island 1911A1 FS. I reload my own for 8-11 dollars a box of 50 . Mt best receipie is Bullseye powder and BAYOU BULLETS. These bullets are med to hard lead but poly coated. Very clean shooting, no lead or copper fowling. For 9mm I use 4.9 gr of powder for 115 gr bullet. 45, I use 5.8 grains for 230 gr bullet. My 45, I modified my front standard GI sight. Fill 1/2 of radi down to slide. Then a drop of paint, of your liking on the filled edge. Greatly increasing your sight picture. Keep up your vids, Semper Fi Marine. I was a Crew Chief on B52, and was in SEA 67-73. Thank You, Don.

[@matthewrobinson4323]

Thank you for your service, Brother. USN '64-'68. NAVSUPPACT DA NANG, '66. U.S.S. John R. Craig DD 885, '67 & '68, lots of close in gunfire support Of my current gun collection, my Springfield Armory GI replica, and my Smith and Wesson M & P . 38 snubnose are the king and queen.

[@redbeardnj]

I can listen to your 1911 history lessons all day long👍good stuff

[@fasteddie4107]

Interesting stuff. Oddly, after having tried several different types of rounds on my own, I ended up with round ball in my 1911’s. Cycled the best. Thanks for putting this out.

[@southernpatriot6169]

Please do NOT use round ball, aka full metal jacket, for defensive purposes!

[@perryklein1790]

@@southernpatriot6169 dude,that what the whole video is about. You should use FMJ .45 in a 1911 for defensive purposes if it's a 1911.

[@southernpatriot6169]

@@perryklein1790 If you use FMJ for defensive purposes, not only is it less effective than Hollow Points but if you use it in a public place, you better have an excellent attorney because that round is likely to go through the intended target and hit an innocent bystander!

[@wehrewulf]

Of course it does. That is what it was designed for.

[@TheRasmusson]

Hi Matt Im a hunter/sportshooter from sweden, i Really enjoy your No nonsense, No tacticool straight to the point ” this is My humble opinion” on the subject videos Keep it up.

[@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel]

Thanks for the vote of confidence 👍

[@Tactical-Practical-SajidShah]

Correct. Practical and Realistic views. I am from Pakistan (by the way, We Pakistani are not indians)

[@dridder3770]

Great videos, I’ve been a Glock and Sig guy the past couple years just got into the 1911 in 45acp world a few months ago, really love it enjoy shooting it more than my polymers and who wouldn’t want the excuse to spend an hour or two cleaning and oiling your sidearm! Keep up the great work!

[@robertleblanc2375]

Carried a 1911_A1 sa a Marine Sgt in Vietnam through 3 tours.never had anything but hard ball ammo. Been carrying one for the past 50+. Years as my EDC and still carry hard ball ammo.

[@thebusterdog6358]

A 1911 is designed to shoot FMJ. Hollow points are pretty useless in them. So your "hard ball ammo" is what you should be shooting through it. Lmao.

[@maxmccain8950]

Robert, I’m still carrying hardball too. Thank God I’ve never had to use it but it’s been riding on my hip for the last fifty years.

[@jetbird7403]

Thirty five yrs ago , Grandpa KILROY told me 👍SON They all fall to hardball 👊

[@HeavyChevy32]

I agree! I bought into the "gimmick" of self defense rounds for my 1911. I bought some Hornady Critical Defense and when I tried cycling it it jammed. Which is exactly the LAST thing I want to happen in a self defense situation. I have been using straight ball from that point on

[@northernninety7]

Hollowpoints are not gimmicks. They are the most effective in stopping someone while minimizing liability. You can't just try one brand of hollowpoints and write off all the rest. 1911 owners need to know that this gun design requires the right mags and ammo, especially mags made for your specific gun size and ammo choice. By the way, Hornady bullets are conical in shape which is not ideal for 1911s. Try something with a round profile like Gold Dot or HST. And for the love of God, life, family or whatever you believe in, GET QUALITY MAGAZINES! Try a few brands too. You're doing yourself a disservice by not figuring out your gun. Know what works and what doesn't.

[@pepere2205]

Great job, Matt. I've read articles by a gentleman who does executive protection worldwide, and he runs 230 grain hardball. His shooting experiences show terrific terminal performance with no overpenetration. The round dumps its energy in the intended target and is found just under the skin on the opposite side or lying on the ground a very short distance away. John Browning knew what he was doing with both the 1911 and with the 45ACP round. The combination can't be beat. Thanks for the video.

[@ms.annthrope415]

That would be Leroy Thompson. I love his experience and gun articles. Yeah he still sports that rice bowl haircut but he has some serious spec ops experience to back uo his advice.

[@awizardalso]

I'm quite fond of my 1911 45 acp. I did replace many parts with stainless steel parts. Extended mag release, extended slide release and the slide/hammer safety. I also replaced the trigger with a skeleton trigger, and replaced the barrel bushing with a stainless steel one that keeps the barrel quite secure and tight in the slide and helps with accuracy.

[@everythingdefensivecarry1108]

Actually, 1911’s made today work very well with HP ammo. The problem with the 1911 and ammo is that there are so many different companies making 1911’s that make them to their own specs instead of the original specs. I use the Hornady XTP 230 weight billets exclusively in my 1911’s with no issues or set back. My 1911’s are all Colts or Springfields. The 1911 is a controlled feed design arm. If your 1911 is having issues with bullet set back, then you may want to check your extractor tension, or check the feed ramp angle on your gun.....or, it could be an improperly crimped lot of bullets from the factory. I have experienced this with the lighter weight 45 auto ammo, such as 185’s. This is due to , in part by the shorter bullet giving less area for tension by the case. The incident you spoke of concerning the 38 not being effective was against the Moro tribes in the Philippines. The 38 in question was the 38 Long Colt They used the 1873 45 Colt revolver to replace it, not the 45 ACP, because this occurred in 1899, about 9 years before the 1911 was in production.

[@warbirdnut9269]

LOL. I didn't see this when I posted the same thing basically. But it did move help the move to the 1911 and the 45 ACP cartridge.

[@JimBaker-vk6ed]

My EDC is a 1911 and this video completely changed my ammo purchases and what I carry in her thankyou so much and I have seen the difference especially in ejection and racking thankyou so much

[@TheChewy78]

The magazines and feed lip angles and length plays a big part of which rounds will work better than others.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Many advise Wilson Combat 47D pistol magazines. ✔

[@firebrand07]

Great vid on a great weapon. It’s my everyday carry and only handgun. The 1911 is accurate, dependable and proven.

[@jg4684]

Hearing him say 16 bucks for FMJ when it’s 40 bucks today god damn that hurt my heart

[@hanapau12]

Cheaper (or not) here in Hawaii...$34.97 230gr hardball.

[@lockedon8953]

Military does not use FMJ out of desire to do so, they do it because they were forced to do so via treaties ( The Hague Conventions 1899 and 1907). These treaties are still in effect to this day.

[@jorgesolis9468]

And price

[@Sixx28]

Hey Matt! Just found your channel. I am a first time gun owner and I started with a Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec. I’ve been following guys like Hickok45, Garand Thumb, and Colin Noir for a long time but I am learning a lot from your channel so far so a big THANK YOU!

[@matthewrobinson4323]

The m1911 came into service in 1911, 3 years before World War 1 began. After World War 1, the Army conducted a survey of the troops to see if the weapon could be made even better. They came up with about half a dozen minor modifications, most of which could be retrofitted to the existing guns. The result was the m1911 a1. If there's a better combat handgun than the m1911 a1, I sure don't know what it might be. The reason .45 acp and the m1911 work so well together is they were both designed together to be used together by John M. Browning. The difference between .38 Colt (either long or short) and .38 Special is about 200-250 feet per second muzzle velocity. I guess polymer wonder nines are okay. I find that people who like that sort of thing find it the sort of thing that they like, but on MY hip, and on MY nightstand will be either a .38 Special snub nose revolver or a Government size m1911 a1 in as close to GI specification as I can find.

[@stuckcase7775]

Ditto

[@mistermom310]

I carried a Colt series 80 as my primary until I retired. Never had a single malfunction with Speer Gold Dot 230gr JHP. Highly rated by the FBI. Excellent quality and choice for personal defense.

[@charlesgreathouse7376]

Springfield Armory Range Officer Compact likes Winchester .45 ACP PDX1, similar round shape to white box hollow point.

[@mrflynn510]

My RO Compact loves Speer 185 Gold Dots. Give those a try some time.

[@johnkizziah108]

The first guy i shot in Vietnam was with a 45 ball ammo (even think it was ww2 ammo) the image is still the same to me over 50 years later when that 230 hit him his eyes turned red cause that 230 hit with a thump and broke the blood vessels in his eyes.

[@polaroidsofpolarbears365]

I keep a 1911 for protection, I love the safety features.

[@garyreichl9480]

my springfield loves Remington golden sabre 230 grain jacketed hollow points 500 rds through it no failures of anykind

[@christophergeorge8800]

THANK YOU MUCH. AFTER SEEING THIS VIDEO. I ONLY USE 230GR FMJ AMMO IN MY Remington R1 Govt. Never have an issue. And for house protection. Same ammo I will use. Just subscribed. God Speed.

[@andyvu8513]

Matt - thanks to your videos and reviews of the 1911, I've purchased my first 1911 a week ago. Keep up the good work. Would like to see your review of 1911 holsters for concealed carry.

[@lpg12338]

Great video, my 1911 loves Winchester White Box "Ball" ammo. I have spent many days at the range and no failures.

[@kennethwalton5582]

Thanks, you make some very good points. I just bought a Dan Wesson Valor V-Bob and learned just what you’re talking about regarding the shape of the bullet head. This is great information.

[@matta3712]

My dad gave me a kimber custom LW 1911. I don’t make a lot of money and I work hard, so I was very happy. Personally I like all the brands of 1911 and believe if you take good care of them, they will all serve you. I love my 1911, especially because I couldn’t personally afford one at even a budget price. Thanks your your videos!!!

[@hosedragger-204]

Just a heads-up, the majority of modern 1911s have feed ramps that are designed to work with the various different bullet styles that are around nowadays. The ones that have all this trouble feeding are the ones with the original GI style barrels and feed ramps.

[@ruthford112]

I have to agree with your reasoning. I carry commander size Rugers. Have 3 an all have been 100 percent reliable with any ammo I put thru them. Federal hst is my preferred round but have also carried hardball since where I live I'm more likely to encounter 4 legged predators.

[@crankybuzzard6867]

Sadly, I gave my Ruger Commander Lightweight to my son in law..... thusly, I really really miss it!! Not sad to give it to him, but sad about it missing in my range bag!!!

[@crumply5959]

I like the 45 acp because i like it when my practice ammo is my duty ammo as well.

[@crazymixture57]

That's why I love the HST for my R1 Carry. It's a round JHP but retains the grain of an FMJ round. You can guarantee an HST will expand. Also that's why I go full 5" barrels not only because of the accuracy but also it allows it to get the energy to expand/ My buddy had a micro 1911 (beta) and his JHP rarely expanded. Anything under 4" will have that problem.

[@jr628318]

The whistling had me cracking up !! I just subscribed, thanks for your service and knowledge.

[@WestCoastChicano]

For my new 1911A1 I shot 200 flawless target rounds of Federal Aluminum 230 grain ball and 18 flawless rounds of Federal Hydrashok Deep. On Big Daddy Unlimited I paid $53 for 200 rounds of the Aluminum and about $20 for a box of 20 of Deep. Gr8 vid. 🔫

[@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel]

West Coast Chicano thanks man, couldn’t do it without Patrons like you man.

[@WestCoastChicano]

@@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel 👍

[@fjm1061]

Winchester white box 200 rounds range pack. $55 Walmart special. FMJ 230 grain. That’s what you feed a 1911. That’s what I feed mine. And yes hard ball ammo have killed millions and continues to do so. People need to stop with the JHP bull.

[@kevinthefishkid9726]

Luckkyyy the walmarts in my state dont carry pistol ammo. That sounds like a steal

[@draugaman2332]

I've also had Federal 230-gr Hydra Shoks work fine in my Springfield 1911

[@gammonlatrell6248]

Just bought Rock Island ultra FS 1911. Beautiful gun.

[@petemoonwolf6762]

I had that problem with federal hydroshock jacketed hollowpoints. Now I know why... Thanks for the info...

[@we7438]

Great vid, always like it when you talk 1911. I have the Sig XO that I carry 95% of the time. Had the same issues with the Sig Sauer elite v-crown 185 gr. The Hornady critical defence has not caused a set back issue for me. I carry 2 Wilson Combat spare mags, and I replaced the Sig spring and follower with Wilson Combat in my primary mag. Works great. The 1911 XO is not too difficult to conceal. No issues now, of course, with winter clothing options.

[@matthewdiehl1647]

Man I love my SIG XO!!! Love it love it! Love it!!!! It’s too bad they stopped making them in 2020, sucks man it’s such a sweet beautiful 1911

[@we7438]

@@matthewdiehl1647 Thanks, Matthew. It is sweet. Just renewed my CCW last week. Was my primary. Nice to get it out and put some rounds down range.

[@billofrights9905]

I have a Sig TTT I've run thousands of rounds through it and had 12 failures most within the first 500 rounds.The ammo includes both ball and jhp of various manufactures. I love the gun would never give it up.

[@northernninety7]

I dont own a 1911 yet but I have a .45 Glock next to my bed loaded with underwood gold dots. Its no joke.

[@northernninety7]

@@alienagendaexposed Go away troll.

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

@@alienagendaexposed Yes, we do. That's why we watch gun videos.

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

@@northernninety7 Some of the high end 1911's are more like showpieces or collectors items. One of these days I might buy one. Until them my Glock 21 will for just fine.

[@northernninety7]

@@nolagospeltracts8264 I own one now. Get one. You'll love it. Best ergos and the smoothest gun ever. 45 is a breeze out of a full size 1911 and the 5 inch barrel gives you better ballistic power.

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

@@northernninety7 I have my eye on the S&W E-Series right now

[@raghnallmacaodh3220]

Federal 230 Gr HST has been reliable currently 400 rounds.. using the same RIA 1911A1 Matt is using..

[@paule1983]

You are correct Sir, the stuff runs like hardball, now in 8-21 its not a easy finding food for my 1911.

[@johnnypopulus5521]

Blazer Brass 230gr hardball is my carry round in my RIA 1911 FS GI.

[@grandduke2145]

I went in the Army at 17 in 1979. I have 3 1911’s

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I conceal carry a WWII era COLT, there's something special about holding a piece of history like that in your hands.

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

Very nice. You are lucky.

[@stephenrussell1221]

I was bummed my 1911 wouldn't cycle Winchester Ranger HP's, but thanks to your video I'm gonna be happy with ball ammo from now on.

[@jackmarks2176]

A well built and tuned 1911 should run anything you put thru it. Mirror polish the feed ramp and chamber. Then use Wilson mags and see if it feeds. Wilson mags are the gold standard all 1911 mags are judged on.

[@roneddins8395]

I always figured that the hardball type ammo the military used was the way to go. Thanks for confirming that!

[@mrflynn510]

I've got an HST variant in my Colt and love it.

[@kurtjensen4693]

Thank you so very much for the video. I recently bought a Ruger SR1911 in stainless steel with rosewood handles. An absolutely gorgeous Gun!

[@GuilePatrick]

I use the same Ammo.Federal also works for me... I'm glad you still carry a 1911.. Ive been carrying one for over 12 years..

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

.38 long colt is weaker than .38 special, S&W developed the .38 special to replace it, and for a couple years they went back to the .45 Colt single action army. I believe the reason that 1911s got a bad reputation was because of its popularity. Manufacturers in the late 20th century and early 21st century started making guns that weren’t built properly and calling it a 1911. If you buy a $300 1911 it probably won’t work. Also a lot of manufacturers started “tightening tolerances” to make it “more accurate” which lowered reliability. And stacking tolerances on an assembly line. You need to make the 1911 to GI Spec like John Browning designed it and like Colt built it for the military.

[@757optim]

Before the Clinton gun ban in the '90s, you could buy a G.I. spec. Norinco for $250 or less that was made in China to Browning's drawing (actually, G.I. spec.). Many were suspicious of the "mystery metal" (many guys were suspicious of their steel), but they proved to be essentially war-era 1911s. Back then, you could even send one to Bill Wilson to have it built for competition. Buying a 1911 for $300 today would be a challenge, but very good sub-$1,000 guns are plentiful. You might not have bragging rights around the water-cooler, but you just might at the range.

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

757optim Interesting. Yes to be clear I meant a $300 1911 in the 2010s and 2020s probably won’t work.

[@ms.annthrope415]

You can make tight tolerances and hsve a very reliable 1911. Just ask Les Baer. It just takes a lot of experienced gunsmith hand lapping to ensure all the surfaces are straight and smooth and not just crimped tighter together. Loose tolerances were engineered into earlier 1911 so every company grade armorer can drop in replacement parts without hand fitting.

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

@@ms.annthrope415 I’m sure, but my point was a cheap off the rack 1911 where they don’t do the custom fitting of a 2000 pistol, like a Rock Island, slightly looser tolerances aid reliability.

[@josephgesse71]

I just got my first 1911 and it's now my favorite gun to shoot

[@bobsvette4834]

I run the Speer Golden Saber 230 HP in my Wilson. Works every time. Great round.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I think you mean Gold Dot. Big Green, Rem makes Golden Saber. CCI Speer makes Gold Dot loads.

[@jamespisano1164]

Thanks man. And thanks for your service. I use Federal HydraShoks in my USPC 45. Appreciate the tip on the rounded ammunition. I keep thinking of getting a 1911 and may still.

[@mike45acp89]

You are 100 percent correct I have been shooting all sizes of 1911 for over forty years . All I shoot I'd 230 grain hardball. I recently bought the kimber micro 9 for ccw . This miniature almost a 1911. Lol. Is a great gun 9mm hollow points for ccw. And hardball for practice. Great vidio and thank you for your service

[@themudshark1106]

The match made in heaven 230 grain hardball and the 1911.

[@karlmarz5236]

Well well well, Thank You for your thoughts on the Iconic 1911!! That's ALL I carry, Commanders & Officer size, and I love them! 👍

[@105alatorre]

Bought a Auto Ordnance (Kahr) 1911A1, back in 2011. I’ve been using it as a duty pistol, in armed security. I train with it alot. It has close to 4,000 rounds through it. It is a WWII clone, not fancy. It works if you do your part. I use Wilson Combat mags. It has been reliable. I work in Commiefornia, so round capacity is limited. I tried double stacked 45s, but due to my hand size, I feel more comfortable with the 1911 I have.

[@MTAYLOR3617]

I'm a long time Glock owner. I recently purchased a Kimber 1911, and IMMEDIATELY purchased hydro shock rounds. Man am I glad I didn't cycle them through yet! Thank you Marine. Semper.

[@johnkizziah108]

I sleep every night with the same 1911 i used to save my life with in Vietnam (the very same gun). Thairs all kinds of special ammo for them. From experience im gonna say 230 ball at about 850 to 900 fpc. Best fighting round. NO HOLLOW POINTS. Its not a 10mm its a big slow bullet.

[@CharlesHuyck-cf6yz]

I have 230 grain 900 fpe Federal Hydroshoks and have tested them a lot. But I keep loading all my mags and using for carry a 230 grain Federal FMJ . This round shoots under 2 " at 25 yards free standing and the Hydroshok does 2.6 " . Velocity and My Chrono backs this as it does for Hydroshok. My FMJ I used is a snappy 890 fpe. I love it and will always carry this.

[@CharlesHuyck-cf6yz]

PS mine shoots Hollow-points well is a Kimber all steel gun and a shooter but I feel very traditional about my load.

[@donaldscow6386]

Love watching your vids. IMPRESSED you love the 1911 as do I. I have 3 1911's, 22,9mm and 45. My Rock Island 1911 45 ACP is my baby. My dad carried one in WWI, I am a retired 'Nam and Gulf vet and damb proud of my service. 22 YRS, Air Force, Crew Chief KC-135A and also my favorite is the B-52 D modrl. From Guam to Thailand we supported Khe San and had charlie on the ropes, but again washington held our arms back. That was sickening to say the least.

[@outdoorswithcharlie6431]

Matt, Brian here, a new subscriber. Great video, very informative. Currently my edc is a Glock 19, however that may change in the future. When my dad passed, I inherited his colt commander 1911, chambered in 38 super. I love shooting that gun, balances well and fits the hands well. That got me into getting a 1911 in 45 acp, went with an auto-ordnance A1. It shoots well and the recoil is minimal, allowing me to make accurate follow up shots on paper targets. I’m a big fan of the Hornady XTP’s in my 9mm, but I am wondering now if they may not be the best choice for my 1911. Appreciate the video content. From one vet to another, thank you for your service to our great country.

[@Gator69420]

I just got a tisas 1911 US A1 GI MODEL Wilson combat 47d mags with federal HST is hard to beat! in 45 I only trust HST OR GOLD DOT to expand reliably! I love 45 but it’s my problem child due to companies under loading! Best thing with a 45 is a FMJ will do a lot of damage but when you pay 40-50$ for a box of 50 of premium ammo you want them to work as designed! HST is a fantastic round! The federal punch works very well in 45 as well! my top rounds in any caliber are HST, GOLD DOTS, UNDERWOOD, FEDERAL PUNCH, HORNADY XTP

[@stevepellechia1747]

INTERCEPTOR,seraded round tip ball,good stuff for the 1911 45 acp👍

[@squibload58]

I've carried a Springfield 1911-A1 since 2003. I started out with a couple dozen boxes of Winchester White Box 230gr FMJ. Then I learned how to make my own with FMJ and LRN. Very few hollow points have gone through my gun. For a long time now my practice and carry ammo has been 230gr LRN that I cast and powder coat myself. I started loading them at 925 fps but eventually lowered it to 850 fps. Now over 150,000 rounds later I have replaced just about everything because of breakage or preventive maintenance. The original barrel is still good. The 1911 is easy to maintain.

[@maineiachomestead7550]

Whew! Matt, change to decaf. Lol. Jk. Good stuff Brother. I ordered some ball and JHP for my new Govt Classic. I’ll let ya know next week how well it eats it. According to Ken Hackathorn, Colt addressed the feed issues so I expect it run well for me.

[@marckcarbonelloifveteran410]

The 45 ACP is a slow heavy round, there is no need to carry hollow point 45 rounds. The force transferred by the 45 ball round to the body is more than enough to stop anything.

[@joeharm8141]

Matt, thanks for Your 1911 videos. God bless you brother.

[@rebelyankee4910]

Not anymore Matt, I switched over to Underwood Extreme defender .45 ACP +P . Feeds flawlessly, awesome wound channels, barrier blind, excellent penetration 😉 Used Hornady Critical Duty prior to that 😎

[@jorgesolis9468]

Hst has a good profile also and feeds smoothly

[@sheldonheathersr5161]

I have a rock island 45 great shooter I make sure my hollow points are rounded mine will also shoot 200grain simi wad cutters with no problem no coating on the lead

[@GGlitter72]

absolut right dude, nothing like a 1911 or 2011, got an sti dvc 3 and a colt A1 build 1967 WWI commemorative...sure my best and most precise handguns. cheers from germany

[@legendarycustomleathers8387]

Just put in for a Remington R1 Enhanced....cant wait man

[@totenkorps8034]

Another I have found to work well was the Federal 230-gr Hydra-Shok. The 165-gr is more of a truncated cone, as were the original Hydra-Shoks. But Federal did a redesign, long before the HST, and went with an ogive profile. Never had a jam with them, but then, back when I bought them, they were only $20/box of 20.

[@elliottberry5317]

Thanks for your service and for sharing brother. 🇺🇸👍

[@hemlok1538]

Good advice, thanks. Just keep in mind that other saying...”Every bullet coming out of the muzzle has a lawyer attached to it” ... Don’t let over-penetration get you in trouble. Keep up the good work!

[@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel]

Very familiar with the saying, i tell that to my students. I’m no stranger to trigger pulling in crowded areas

[@monzon529]

My emp wont cycle the winchester hollow points but will take the ball ammo no problem. Inonly use ball ammo on all my 1911’s my colts 70’s series, springfields, and kimbers. Amazing guns. Thanks Matt once again great video.

[@jackmarks2176]

My EMP's run anything I put thru them. Mirror polish the feed ramp and chamber, then use Wilson or Chip McCormic mags. A well tuned 1911 will run any ammo.

[@muskyfreak88maddlures8]

My first handgun was a Springfield 1911 15 years ago. I have had problems lately getting it to chamber a hollow point. It just locks up. Even with nice mags. No problem with fmj.

[@bills3848]

Have you ever replaced your Recoil Spring Within Those 15 years. Just a Suggestion.

[@bryanblack526]

Bought a SA Mil Spec, throated the chamber and polished the ramp. Installed a Bullseye Spring kit. Fires jhp's flawlessly. Many people may not want to go to that expense. I did the work myself so...

[@CrazyPetez]

Hornady Critical Defense cycles perfectly in my Kimbers, Springfield, & Wilson Combet 1911s. They are round sided

[@sevensinsvelocityshop7563]

I have both a 1911 and a Glock 21, love them both for different reasons

[@sctm81]

Great video. Will stick to FMJ

[@ThePolareyes53]

I was given a 1911 Government model back in the 90s and put it in a case for a few years and never fired it. After about 15 years I took it to the range and had a FTE about every 3rd round. I continued to take it out thinking it needed breaking in but nothing changed. I took it apart, replaced the ejector, guide rod, recoil spring, polished the feed ramp and a couple of other spots and have not had a single issue in 8 years. I use Winchester white box hardball and it runs flawlessly. Makes big holes too. It is my daily carry gun and I have all the faith in the world in it.

[@goldenbanjo197]

I just bought my first 1911 and I’m hooked. I love it more than any gun I own. I got a Dan Wesson commander custom. Stainless. I did notice it didn’t like to feed hollow points right off the bat. Then ran ball ammo and it ate it like nothing. My only problem right now is finding ammo! And it’s expensive! Any handgun ammo is gone as soon as it hits the self. Online is all sold out or so overpriced you don’t want to buy it. Any ideas out there?

[@757optim]

Yes. Don't vote Democrat.

[@justsayin7704]

Too late now!

[@goldenbanjo197]

just sayin' it’s actually not too late. I’ve found plenty of ammo to buy since this post. I’m stocking more every week. Is it as cheap as it was before this all happened? No way. But if you know where to look, you can buy handgun ammo.

[@dente687]

Try being the squeaky wheel at the bigger stores (Bass Pro) and ask a manager when they usually get their ammo in. You probably will get brushed off, but tell him you want to buy a gun and walk out with ammo. Then talk to a few salesman, look at a 45 or two, ask questions, be friendly, ask him what HE carries, then if he seems friendly enough, check with him. It worked for me and I can always grab a few boxes. Also try smaller out of the way stores.