The 1911 "fatal flaw" controversy

[jim c 351]

Then I guess you would never in any case alter the pin and not be able to point shoot using the index finger to point... because, the pistol would be easier to clean after shooting. Call me crazy.... but I would and did alter it... because it could give me an edge on making sure that I would be the one doing the cleaning.

Your Crazy. Let us know how you place in your next gunfight.
Jim C

[Guamsst]

Then I guess you would never in any case alter the pin and not be able to point shoot using the index finger to point... because, the pistol would be easier to clean after shooting. Call me crazy.... but I would and did alter it... because it could give me an edge on making sure that I would be the one doing the cleaning.

So, point shooting with your index finger is the only way to accurately and quickly hit your target? ....OK, got it.

[bobby L]

Jim... If I'm still around, you'll be the first to know...if you promised not to tell my wife.

[Ken Hill]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2JLdpSb3AY

Sage advice, yet NOTHING is said about any of this fatal flaw stuff!

[Shooter5]

From the Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Field Artillery of the Army of the United States December 31 1917 Volume I, Chapter II Arms, Uniforms, and Equipment, Section 2 The Pistol, Important Point (3):

"The trigger should be pulled with the forefinger. If the trigger is pulled with the second finger, the forefinger extending along the side or the receiver is apt to press against the projecting pin of the slidle stop and cause a jam when the slide recoils."

So just pull the d*mn trigger with your forefinger like the Drill Sergeant told you to do and problem solved.


There is nothing new under the sun.

Maury

That is very interesting-it certainly indicates the awareness of the potential for a malfunction when firing one-handed as was the technique of the day. With the many possible variations of finger placement in a two-handed hold the probability goes up.
That reminds me of a guy at work still on active duty: on right hand he is missing half his index finger and all of the ring finger and the tip of middle- he doesn't usually use his index finger on the trigger anymore so I wonder if his current method could induce a malfunction...?

[Johnny P]

Gosh, what if you are right handed and left eye dominant? You can't even acquire the sighting finger then, and would have to fall back on using regular old crude sights.

[Shooter5]

A cousin is left handed but right eye dominant (he doesnt shoot handguns) but watching him lean his chin over a rifle stock nearly sideways to shoot is goofy as can be.

[bobby L]

Shooter 5
Probably the funniest and last thing the deer he's aiming at gets a chance to see.

[Guamsst]

I practiced "point shooting" with my index finger last night on the 1911. What a total crap hold. I would be great at shooting the groin area with this hold. Might work with a glock but I can't see how anyone sould see this as a good hold for a 1911.

[jim c 351]

I practiced "point shooting" with my index finger last night on the 1911. What a total crap hold. I would be great at shooting the groin area with this hold. Might work with a glock but I can't see how anyone sould see this as a good hold for a 1911.

Guamsst,
Perhaps you hit on it.
Bobby is a groin shooter.
Jim C

[PhillipM]

I'm glad I'm left eye dominant and left handed for once so I don't even have to think about this issue!

[Guamsst]

I'm glad I'm left eye dominant and left handed for once so I don't even have to think about this issue!

If you are left handed and shoot two handed, actually yes, you do. In my opinion, it is more likely for you since you may get your thumb up there. The question though, is "how likely"?

[Shooter5]

The lefties I've encountered tended not like the 1911 design because it was difficult to draw quickly and disengage the safety when cocked/locked and then acquire target and fire: The issue was the awkwardness of getting at the safety which caused the hand to shift too much and interfered with a firm grasp needed to draw and fire.
They usually would use an M9.

[da gimp]

Used, carried & shot the 1911A1 platform .45ACP as a duty pistol, strong hand (right for me) & weakhand, with a lil practice, I could easily & quickly dis-engage the safety.........it just takes practice.......... one problem we had with 1911A! pistols equipped with ambi-safties, was that most dis-engaged when re-holstering in duty rigs, off duty rigs & shoulder holsters....... a not good thing to happen.

[bobby L]

You got it Jimmy, hit'em where it hurts... not only him but his family as well.