I thought this was a guitar and music forum,but ok i'll stir the pot. A Colt model 1911-A1 is a tactical weapon not really a defense weapon. If you can not field strip and reassemble in the dark you shouldn't be carrying this for self defense. Large caliber hand guns like a 50cal., while intimidating make a poor choice for protection. If you ever have to defend yourself with a weapon, you want your attacker stopped now. Big bores tend to shoot through people- yeah big hole, probaly will die but and still have time to shoot back. Even dirty Harry had .44 specials in his gun not .44 magnums. Statistically .45acp has a stopping power rating of 80-85%. Meaning 80 to 85 out of 100 badguys didn't survive a police shooting. Large bores have a worse score. Number one? .357 magnum with 125gr jacketed hollow point. Rating 97%! Me, I carry a hand grenade brought back from 'nam. Now hand me that guitar pick, please.

Field-stripping a .45 is child's play. I can still detail-strip a "Ma Deuce", re-assemble, head-space, and time it in under thirty mikes.

Getting ready to pack up the gear and head to the outskirts of the big city of Nashville to jam for awhile....I have a musical family with me and my son playing,a brother in law out on the road and a cousin rocking out in Atlanta.
I always think of my brother musicians out there who leave after the gig in the wee hours when the people of the night are out...with the law prowling the highways and byways.
I hope everyone who plays out tonight has a great gig and comes home safely!
Rock on!