Glock 26 for carry and Springfield 1911 for the nightstand. Like them both for different reasons. Never shot a Beretta, but I'd like to.
I've had 3 1911's. Series 80 trigger Para Ordnance P14 and P13, and the Kimber full size CDP. The P14 was the very first time I made a can "dance" at an outdoor range. I like the 1911. My very first semi-auto handgun was a Beretta 92. Good gun. I wasn't carrying at the time. Many handguns later I arrive at the Glock. I got the G26 and never looked back. Until I remembered the 45. G21 for home defense. G26 for EDC. Extra mag. In between is my G19. KISS.
I own and carry both a glock and a 1911. Owned a berreta did not like it. Given the choice I would only carry a glock.
I carried a Berreta in the Army and as a police officer. I didn't like the weight to caliber ratio. They were fun to shoot though. Never had any issues with the police issue Berreta. The army issued ones are a different story. I also shoot the 1911 for competitions. Super comfortable thanks to the slim frame. The only real issue I have with them is the mag capacity. I always get bit by the slide on a Glock but they are accurate and reliable as hell. IMO i would go with God's choice of amm, the true man stopper, the .45.
Glock 26 for carry, and Glock 19 for nightstand. I have a Beretta M9A1, but it's too big and heavy to compete with my Glocks.
You know, this is kinda like asking a guy whether her prefers sausage, bacon, or ham.............Yes please!!
In my personal opinion, an EDC handgun should be evaluated on the same criteria as all other EDC gear: 1) Simple to use 2) Lightweight without sacrificing usability 3) As rugged as possible 4) Affordable Given those, I don't see how Glock doesn't win without factoring in personal preference. Here is a link to a torture test done on a Glock 21 by a gentleman who works for Adco right outside my hometown. You might be surprised what these things are truly capable of: http://www.theprepared.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90 Side note: Yes, I do carry a Glock 19.
Of the three, I'll take a 1911. Natural fit to my hand compared to the Glock's angle which hurts my wrist. Beretta is okay, but I haven't fired one in many years. Though, my personal preference is a Sig Sauer P220. The DA/SA is why I carry it over my Kimber.
Just to be the Devil's Advocate... your preference for big holes does not preclude Glock, being that they offer models chambered in .45 ACP and 10mm.
One can also get 1911's chambered in 9mm and .22LR as well. The problem with the question as posed is that typically, a 1911 is thought of only as a .45 (older models are .45 and the newer ones are .45ACP). Whereas Glock and Beretta can be a number of different calibers.
Don't forget about the venerable .38 Super. That thing was pretty BA. Also, the Bren-Ten is making a comeback.
or .460 rowland, a realy amazing round. A 230grain bullet moving at 1375 fps compaired to 925fps for a 45acp+p but it is not cheap or easy to find. http://www.wilsoncombat.com/p_460.htm
Have shot Beretta. Ok but a rather big gun for a rather mundane caliber. Never shot a Glock and 17 feels like a brick. That said would like to try a 19 and have held a 36 that felt devine in my hand! Absolutely BATTY about the 1911! It is a natural extension of my arm. Like it was built FOR ME! And between 9mm, .40 and .45ACP well, bigger IS better....
Wow! No Beretta love here! I have a Glock 23 and a Beretta M9 and ADORE my M9 - the sa/da is fantastic for IDPA and is just so much prettier than a hunk of plastic!
I've always had a warm place in my heart for 1911's....but not for the .45ACP. Make mine a 9mm or 10mm.....
