Decision of the Century: Do I want a 1911 in 9mm or 10mm?

[Super77]

I just sold my Last 1911, a Les Baer in .45 ACP. It was a nice enough gun but it was my only .45 and I just never seemed to reload for it or shoot it. I hadn't actually shot the thing more than once or twice in the last 3 years. I didn't feel like .45 ACP was enough to use for hunting or outdoors carry and all my "plinking' pistols are 9mm.

The problem is my personal MTOE calls for one 1911. I feel weird not having one in the safe. I want to replace the .45 with either a 9mm or a 10mm. A 9mm would get shot a lot more and I could use my 9mm plinking ammo at the range with it. However I'd be unlikely to carry it in any serious role (Glock has that covered) and I don't think there's a competitive league that favors 9mm 1911s. A 10mm would fill a useful niche for hunting/outdoors and take advantage of the 1911's large frame. The only issue there is I'm not sure how long a 10mm 1911 is expected to live with full power loads and how reliable one would be for serious use.

I'm set up to reload vast quantities of 9mm cheaply and quickly so 9mm makes up about 95% of my ammo consumption. However I also have everything to reload 10mm but nothing to shoot it out of since I traded my Glock 20 to a friend.

I'm focusing on Dan Wesson's lineup. They seem to be fairly well regarded and they have a generous military discount. Right now I have it narrowed down to a Nitrided full size Dan Wesson in 9mm or 10mm.

Anyone have that kew point of wisdom to help me make the decision?

[Paul D]

9mm. It is more fun to shoot than the 10 and you will shoot better. The ammo logistics is a no brainer. You never reload for the 45, so why do you think you will reload for the 10? Plus there are more options in 9 these days. The Dan Wesson line is very attractive.

[jeep45238]

The practical side of me screams 9mm.


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[Totem Polar]

Wisdom? No. Opinion? Do the 9mm; shoot it a lot so you get pleasure out of the investment/outlay; justify it as your "old man gun."

Easy.

[TC215]

Dan Wesson is well-versed in building both 9mm and 10mm 1911's.

9mm's are a lot of fun...

[NPV]

Buy a Dan Wesson Valor in 9mm or Specialist in 9mm. I have a feeling if you buy a 10mm you’ll end up in the same boat as your 45.

[schüler]

Get the 10mm Bruin for the same reason you'd own a 44mag > 6". Special occasions.

[MSparks909]

9mm 1911s serious FUN...assuming they run well.

[Poconnor]

I think you should have stocked up on federal 230 HST +P. I too have switched to mostly shooting and carrying a 9mm. (No more free .45 will do that) but I would feel incomplete it there wasn’t a 1911 in my safe. Every time I pick one up it’s like shaking an old friend’s hand.

[Tom Duffy]

Those two new Springfield TRPs in 10mm look very interesting and durable. Seems like you have enough "practical" guns.