Customer Reviews

The Gun Digest Book of the 1911: A Complete Look at the Use, Care & Repair of the 1911 Pistol, Vol. 1

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Quite honestly I found this book mediocre at best. It's something of a "Jack of all trades, master of none" effort. If you're a big 1911 fan then you might consider this book, but if you're not, spend your money elsewhere. One good point, there are detailed examinations of 23 different kinds of 1911 pistols which is great if you want an STI or an Auto Ordnance, but where are the various Colt models in detail?

This book says it is a "look" and that what it is. By no means is it the Bible or even a beginner's guide to the 1911. Half the book is just gun reviews, which you can get anywhere. Another 1/4 or more has to do with competitions and things like that. If you want to learn about the "use, care, and maintenance" of the 1911, look elsewhere. The internet is better than this book.

I will readily admit to being a rabid fan of John Browning's Model 0f 1911 pistol. That usually means anything I find to read about the model I do, though the majority of it is just rehashing the same information. This books doesn't provide any real insight into the model or design that hasn't already been publish in a dozen other books. But what the author does is give a good overview of the weapon and some models, uses and experiences he has had with it himself. Patrick Sweeney is a gunsmith, competitor and writer and it shows. His writing is easy to read and understand without being overly simple. The book works well for casual reading or reference. That said I would recommend a glance through a copy at a local book store before buying for most people. For a very good book about the history and linage of the wonderful M1911 pistol I recommend a look at Patrick's newest book, 1911 The First Hundred Years.

The book in itself is a very good reference of the 1911. But it is not a complete Use, care & repair. This is not a workshop book of the 1911, but more of a very good reference including history, models and many other things.

Somehow, if I had spent the time reading the book a little before purchasing, I wouldn't have bought it. He talks extensively about competition rigs, rules, etc. which I had no interest in. I have yet to see a gun rag writer talk honestly about guns. Ever see a bad review in ANY of the gun magazines?

I like the book but I find the title to be misleading. There is very little technical information on "care & repair". If you are a 1911 fan, by all means go ahead and get it. But if you are looking for something technical look for a more complete text.

I have read gun reviews by Mr. Sweeney many times and always found them to be well done. Now I know why. Sweeney's knowledge is experience based. What impressed me as I read was just how much and how varied his experience is. Much of the book is framed within a real-life factual story and so the reader can be confident that the material is not from a regurgitated theory. I have a lot of respect for the author,enjoyed the book and learned.

Valuable information on the 1911 is contained in this book. If you are new to the 1911 you need this book. It would always be best to buy the book , before making your first purchase on the 1911, I wish I had. Many different models are reviewed.

Read more than the table of contents! Some people have obviously rated this book without reading it. The Author explains why some guns are included in the test and others are left out (in 2 Places in the book). The author also talks about and praises his personal "Colt" 1911's. So you Rampant Pony fans should not feel left out. This book is obviously not ground breaking as there have been many books about the 1911, but it is very informative (gunsmithing, tactical course, competitions,& reloading). It provides an indepth comparison of the wide variety of the modern makes of the 1911.

Buy this to learn more about your 1911 pistol. I really followed some things written here and presto!, My gun worked better. (with the help of my gunsmith)
Knowing your pistol can save your life and money. And knowing your pistol means that it is safer to handle and carry.