Would like some opinions on the Gun Digest Book of the 1911 Vol. 1 and 2 by Patrick Sweeney? Are these good beginner books? Just wanting to go in the right direction.

I just got Vol 2 about a week ago and I like it so far. It is kinda like a big gun rag but there is good info in it. There maybe be something better out there but I am happy with it. He covers more than just the 1911, he covers holsters, ammo, and use of the weapon, competition, lights/ railguns, etc. He even does a 'torture test' with several brands, from Wilson to Armscor. Not bad for a $15 book shipped.

I have both volumes, I agree that there is good information in there. Just keep in mind that "he wants to sell books", and some of the information could be interpreted differently by others (his drop test info as an example). The testing stuff (I think volume 2) where he basically runs a few different guns through the "Glock Tests" is fun reading. Useful if you were taking the gun into a combat situation I think.

I wouldn't call them "beginner's books", but there is a lot of info in them. Vol. 2 kind of drove me crazy, though. There are more typos in that book than I've ever seen in a commercially published volume. I'd buy them anyway, in spite of the lack of proofreading!

Great books by a very well informed writer. I wish the accuracy testing was a bit better described or used tables. Some times he shoots at 50 yards, sometimes at 25, sometimes closer but it can be hard to figure out sometimes.

Patrick is a member here. Shoot him a pm with gripes, suggestions, praise, wishes. I'm sure he is aware of some problems, but you never know when you might see something he doesn't.