The original 1911 pistol designed by John Moses Browning over 100 years ago in its various modern forms is still one of the very best competition and combative pistols available today largely due to its shootability as a result of its low bore axis, short trigger press and reset, accuracy, and excellent ergonomics. All of these positives are deemed to outweigh the negatives compared to striker-fired pistols like Glocks (such as less need for attention to detail in order to maintain dependable reliability and simpler manual of arms). This course will be taught by Palisade Training Group, LLC lead instructor Mike Harris. Mike is a gunsmith that specializes in 1911 semi-automatic pistols, Smith and Wesson revolvers, AR-10 and AR-15 rifle variants, and pump-action shotguns. He is also a USPA Master and 3-Gun Master who conducts law enforcement-only handgun, shotgun, carbine, and submachine gun classes.
 
This course is suitable for persons who own 1911-2011 pistols whether for law enforcement, personal and home defense, action pistol competition, and recreation.


Topics Covered
  • Four Rules of Firearms Safety
  • The development of the 1911, the "whys" of its feature set, and the drive to modernize the design
  • The Good, Bad, and the Ugly of Modern 1911 variants.
  • How to maintain and trouble-shoot 1911-2011 pistols through routine maintenance that includes field stripping and possible replacement of small MIM (metal injected molding) parts
  • Holster and magazine carrier selection
  • Safe and effective use of the design under stress
  • 1911-specific live-fire exercises
  • Immediate action drills such as dealing with failures to feed, fire, eject, and extract
  • Operating the 1911 in a dynamic environment (action pistol competition stages and simulated defensive shooting scenarios)

Required Equipment
  • 1911 or 2011 center-fire pistol (9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm, and .45 ACP)
  • Four magazines and at least two magazine pouches
  • Strong-side kydex OWB, IWB, or AIWB holster. Quality leather holsters with non-collapsible mouths are acceptable.
  • 250 rounds of quality full metal jacket ammunition
  • Sturdy belt
  • Cleaning kit
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Clothes suitable for season and weather
  • Lawn chair
  • Water and snacks

Course Schedule and Location

Private Range
Granbury, TX

April 26 2025
9:00 AM-5:00PM