Who decided a 1911 is a "fighting pistol"?Other guns aren't.

[WildBill]

I guess since the Marine Corp didn't adopt the AK47, it isn't a fighting rifle?

Nah, it just didn't meet their requirements for accuracy. It is an excellent short range fighting rifle, but if need to engage anything over 100 yards the AK is hopelessly outclassed by the M4. And the Marines, who are notorious for their marksmanship, would never have chosen the AK.

[Out West]

I think it has something to do with two World Wars, Korea and Viet Nam.

Probably enough to qualify for the "fighting" label.

Out
West

[CC Italian]

My father’s friend was a Marine and he asked me why I didn't carry my 1911 as much. He said that was a real fighting pistol. When I told him that my Glocks and revolvers have been more reliable he just went on about how 1911s are the best and of course he doesn't own a 1911 but owns a Glock 17. I think it has to do with nostalgia a little. Like when you see the guy with the new 500 horsepower vette you say that’s nice but when you see that 55 Chevy or 69 GTO Judge you drool. Just like the 1911.Its original and it never looked better and is a piece of American history at home and on the battlefield.

[74novaman]

Like AR, the main place I've seen the 1911 referred to as a "fighting pistol" is Jeff Coopers writing.

[Excaliber]

What makes a "Fighting Handgun"? Any handgun you use in a gunfight is by definition a "fighting Handgun."

But, to be a true fighting handgun it needs to be powerful enough, accurate enough and ergonomic. An S&W 686, Colt Python or Ruger revolver in .357 Magnum is definitely a "fighting handgun" As are Glocks, High Powers, M&Ps, SIGs, HKs, Rugers, Berettas and, even some of Taurus' offerings.

Guns I don't consider to be true fighting handguns are anything in .380, .32, .25 or .22 these are backup or last ditch calibers not a true fighting gun. Is the 1911 the only fighting handgun? Decidedly no, is it the best fighting handgun, I don't think so. The 1911 is one of the best fighting guns it's not the only "fighting handgun."

I agree.

Although I favor the 1911 for ergonomic reasons here in TX, if I were going into a dusty, gritty environment like the Middle East I'd carry a Springfield XD, Glock, or S&W M&P.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011 ... le-pistol/

The above link has a short update on the M45 Close Quarters Battle Pistol (date unknown).

Reading the comments is interesting, especially the tan block from a health care worker in Galveston/Houston
who complains about the lowlifes who come in with two 9MM holes in the chest, but they're about ready to get
up and run away. That's why he is a .45 guy now. :-)

SIA