Why does LAPD SWAT use 1911?
It goes without saying that the pistol must contain reliable safety devices, good sights, ergonomics, and a good trigger. In its search for a new 1911 pistol, the LAPD SWAT team selected test pistols from what it considered the five major manufacturers.
The M1911 series of pistols is renowned for its ergonomics. The svelte grip provided by the single stack magazine makes it easy to grip. The manual safety is placed perfectly for easy access, and the grip angle is superb. The single-action-only design provides a crisp trigger in even the cheapest 1911 configurations.
Weapons utilized
The following are some the primary weapons used by FBI SWAT operators: Currently issued: Colt M4 carbine. Glock 19M MOS 9mm handgun with Trijicon RMR Optic.
1911 Concealed Carry Is Actually Very Viable... To A Point. Another reason why the 1911 has stayed popular is that it's actually a very viable carry gun, whether as a packing gun for the out of doors or as a concealed carry . 45 or whichever caliber you choose.
Today, the LAPD SWAT Team is known worldwide as one of the foremost police tactical units in contemporary law enforcement.
While the Army, the Marine Corps and even the rest of the Navy toted the Beretta M9 pistol, Navy SEALs carried an entirely different handgun altogether: the Sig Sauer P226. In the mid-1980s, the U.S. military finally moved away from the M1911A1 . 45 caliber handgun to a new pistol, the Beretta 92FS.
For years, the US Army's legendary special missions unit 1st SFOD-D (aka Delta Force) has made considerable use of the just-as-legendary M1911 pistol, chambered for the . 45ACP round. The 1911 was not only known for its versatility and stopping power, it was also a huge favorite of Delta Force's founder, Col.
Modern pistol designs have made the 1911 obsolete in its role as a combat sidearm. It's finicky and demands constant attention that a warfighter can't afford to offer. But when it's tuned and running well, it's the most accurate pistol out there. Warnings aside, the pistol's appeal is strong and romantic.
The bottom line—a quality 1911 with service-grade magazines and ammunition is as reliable as any handgun, more reliable than most and more rugged than any I am aware. Other advantages include the speed into action of a co*cked and locked handgun.
If you want a gun that will work every time you pull it off your hip, a 1911 is a safe bet. It's all about balance. For years, the 1911 has been lauded as a gun that, with a little practice, can easily be fired accurately. This is because of how well most 1911s are balanced.
Is the 1911 drop safe?
The Bottom Line. With drop-safe construction such as Springfield Armory's, the co*cked-and-locked 1911 is perfectly safe. In fact, it is actually advantageous when there is a struggle over the gun. The 1911 can be a demanding design, but it also can provide a level of performance that makes it worth it!
