[kmrcstintn]

I am doing some fact finding and developing criteria for making a final decision on a .45 autoloader for a housegun (primary purpose) and range use. I have limited the choices. Before I mention the choices let me explain the criteria.

1) I have been to 6 different shops in the last week and looked over the used selections and I was not satisfied with what I found...no good used recommendations! :scrutiny:

2) I have owned 1911's and do not like the finicky nature out of the box or having to run over 500 rounds to develop reliability...no 1911 recommendations! :scrutiny:

3) I have owned Sigs and do not like the ergos; I have owned Glocks and do not like the ergos; I do not have the money for H&K and do not want one; I do not like the ergos of Beretta 8045; I do not mess with the "hit or miss" reliability of Taurus products (I have owned several and do not like or want them ever again)...no recommendations for anything listed in this category!!! :scrutiny:

4) The finalists and why: budget of @ $500, give or take
a) Ruger P97...I've owned before and like the ergos and reliability; the price for a new one is $399.99; I like the DA capability and the "restrike" capability if a dud ignition is encountered; I like the company's handling of warranty repairs

b) Springfield Armory XD-45...I like the ergos, I like the hi-cap capability in a package that fits; I have not fired one yet, but I am getting nothing but positive feedback on the internet and in talking to shop employees; I like the warranty that is offered; price for a new service model (4" barrel) is $525 to 529 and a new tactical model (5" barrel) is $560

Between the underrated and underappreciated Ruger p97 and the new wonder kid on the block Springfield XD-45, what would your choice be and the attributes that attracted you to it? Thank you. ;)

[glocker1911]

Despite what you said, I would still reccomend a quality 1911 like a Springer loaded or a S&W. Reliability will be fine "out of the box" and the 500 round break in myth is a cover up by some manufacturers who are trying to hide QC problems (coughKimbercough). That out of the way, of the two choices you have it narrowed down to, I would say hands down go for the XD45. Higher cap, better trigger, and as you've mentioned, every report on them from an owner is glowing. An XD 45 tactical will replace my XD40 tactical and soon as funds allow. Good luck.

[dev_null]

Personally, I'm a 1911 kind of guy and have had, as I've said many times, no problems with my Kimber once I changed mags, but between your choices, I'd personally go for the Springer. The reach was a bit too long for me on the Ruger.

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

The XD is a good choice. A ruger P345, or used Sig P220 might be nice too.

[Arkie]

Have you looked at the Ruger P345?

Thinner than the P97, with really good ergo. It fits in my hand very well and I'm not a big guy.

[Hypnogator]

If I were you, I'd take a good look at the Taurus 24/7 in either the standard or pro configuration, depending on whether you prefer a DAO or Cocked & Locked configuration. Great ergonomics, reliability, and much higher magazine capacity than any 1911 variant.

[Preacherman]

I'll second Hypnogator on the Taurus 24/7 in a full-size .45, or the PT145 or PT745 in a compact, more concealable version. The actions, sights, etc. are identical - only frame and barrel/slide length vary. Excellent guns.

[gunmetal]

I would also have asked the OP to look at the Taurus MilPro series, however he seems to already be decided against these, which is fine if that's the way he feels.

kmrcstintn, you may want to look into the options for revolvers in .45 ACP (with moon clips) and .45 Auto Rim. You should be able to get a decent assurance of reliability, although your shot capacity will be reduced compared to the mid- to full-sized autos. I haven't looked at who makes these though (other than the Taurus ones).

Seems to me like you should be satisfied by the XD-45.

[The Real Hawkeye]

Ignoring your slight of the 1911 (May John Browning have mercy on your soul), I have to recommend a 1911. The Smith & Wesson is probably the least likely to have any problems out of the box. I have one, and mine works great, and I've rarely heard of anyone experiencing a reliability problem with one (and I keep my Internet ears and eyes open to same). That said, I have three Springfield Armory, and four Colt, 1911s that function flawlessly. Only one of those seven needed a trip back to the factory for reliability issues, and that has been completely resolved. So, that's one out of eight major manufacturor-made 1911s I've owned that had a reliability issue "out of the box." The remainder were perfectly reliable out of the box, and the one with the out of the box reliability issue was completely reliable after a trip back to the factory under warranty. I don't, frankly, see the out of the box reliability problem you are referring to regarding 1911s. It is just not in my experience, and I've been buying, owning and shooting 1911s since 1981.

[Just_Parker]

id say no to the taurus 24/7 pro iv had nothing but problems.
http://www.tacapp.com/?p=53

[MICHAEL T]

Get a Bersa in 45 all the owners seen to like theirs.

[shano]

My buddy just bought a brand new Ruger p345 for 380.00 yesterday. I also have one and have fired about 1000 rds flawlessly and accurately. I love mine and think it would be a good option.

[Pilot]

I have an HK USP Tactical in .45. The only differences between it and the standard USP are threaded barrel, adjustable match trigger, o ring barrel bushing and adjustable sights. I find it a very accurate, reliable and soft shooting .45. A standard USP would be a good choice. I like that the safety allows C&L like a 1911. Another would be the new XD 45 or Sig P220, but I have neither of those.

[tinner man]

Over at the firing line NIB for less than $300.00, I'd go for it.
:rolleyes:

[bakert]

knrcstintn, I'm not a LEO or an "expert". Just an old guy with a concealed carry permit. I carry a Ruger P97 every day and am very happy with it. It's fairly light, accurate and it works every time. I chose it over the 345 because of the magazine safety. Haven't shot a XD 45 but have heard good things about them.
BTW, the Handall grip sleeve is nice on the P97 for no slip handling.

[carebear]

Not sure I'd recommend them because I have no personal experience but the Beretta Cougar comes in .45 and CZ has a .45.

You might check them out for a couple different grip angle and action options.

[ozarkhillbilly]

The XD would be my choice of the two you picked I have a 9mm XD and have shot a XD in 45acp and its great. That said I have never had a FTF with my colt 1991a1 with FMJ and HP.

[kmrcstintn]

...

[Detachment Charlie]

The worst things anyone has ever said on this or any other board is that they are ugly as a brick and (to some) feel like a brick. But even those who say these things also say a Ruger auto is as reliable as a brick. Every time you pull the trigger they go bang, or so they say. I've never owned or fired one, but is all they can say is that they are ugly, but reliable,....what's to decide if you don't mind the way they look or feel?:rolleyes:
But, I'd still buy the XD45:evil:

[shooter 7]

try CZ 97B. All steel, cond 1 able, great trigger, & accurate straight from the box however, it's not for small hands. Mine prints sub 2 in. groups free hand @ 45 feet . mag cap 10, somewhat less than XD. (but if one can't get r done in 10, how much will 4 more help) Check web CZ boards.

[yomama]

My brother in law and main shooting buddy has the Ruger P97. I have done quite a bit of shooting with it. It is accurate and reliable. I have the XD 45acp service model. Also accurate and reliable. If I had to choose I'd take the XD in a heartbeat. Ruger holds 8+1. My XD holds 13+1. Also Xd is much easier to strip. My 2cents would be to go with which ever one fits you the best because they are both great guns.

[10-Ring]

Personally, I'd go w/ the Ruger...only because the poly gun I perfer is made by another company. I'm not much of a XD fan.

[KC&97TA]

I'm a 1911 guy with a Kimber TLE currently and for ever, few hic-ups, mostly operator error and cleanlyness, likes to be lubed.

I've been looking at the Glock 21C... but may be swayed over to the XD 45, haven't shot one yet and I've heard nothing but good praise about them.

I had a Ruger P944 .40 nice gun, good feel, but couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it, my neighbor has a P97 and is very happy with it.

[sgphoto]

If your hand fits the frame, the CZ97 is a best buy.

[Ala Dan]

Most definitely, the Springfield XD .45 ACP~!:cool:

Here is what I like about this firearm:

a) Steel sights, not polymer
b) Loaded chamber indicator
c) Firing pin indicator
d) Stainless "drop free" magazines
e) Metal guide rod, not polymer
f) Ambi magazine release
g) Grip safety
h) 1911 grip angle
i) Accessory package
j) Melonite finish
k) Magazine capacity

These are the reasons I opted for this weapon, in the 4" service model.

[Frenchy]

While the XD-45 is new, it is based on a platform design that has proven to be pretty reliable. I have the original HS 2000 which has been malf-free for better than 5 years & 10,000 plus rounds, and my new XD-45 is at Canyon Creek Custom right now for a little work.
Both the Ruger and the XD would serve you well, IMO. Shoot them both if you can.

[sigma 40ve]

For range and housegun I like my S&W 4506. It is heavy but feeds everything. Nothing against my XD45, just like my S&W better.

[varoadking]

Don't own one, but I was impressed with the Smith & Wesson 457.

Of your 2 choices...I'd go with the XD45ACP...

[Crosscut]

Ruger is a good choice, not to up on the XD, however I do own a PT945 Taurus and have run over a thousand rounds through it with the only problem being some cheap 10 round mags I picked up, and then threw out.

[JDGray]

For a house gun, I'd get the P345 w/rail. The ergos are better than the P97, and mine is 100% reliable. I've shot an XD-40, and liked it, but not the 45. Both guns would be good choices.

[MCgunner]

My choice would be Ruger. I'm a Ruger type guy. I don't, however, have any experience with Springfield Armory.

I would go with either the P90 (I have one, fantastic gun) or P97 over the 345, though. It's for home defense, why worry about it being compact? I don't like all the safeties in the P345. I've just read about it, not actually handled or fired it, but I don't like magazine disconnect safeties.

I have a 10 round mag for my P90. No, it doesn't fit flush, but who cares in a home defense gun???? That P90 is awesome accurate and has never jammed. I've owned it about 15 years now. Hard to beat it, frankly.

[gearbox]

The SA XD45 or reconsider the HK USP 45.
I am positively in love with the HK USPs because my USP9c hasn't had a failure in over 5000 rounds. I can't say that about my P220ST, SW1911 or P7M8. Hell, I can't even say that about my SKS or 870!!
But if you can't get over whatever you don't like about the HK (aside from price), it sounds like the SA is a good choice and a solid gun to boot. :)