Which .45 mega poll oddball type question

[Correia]

Okay, this is a variation on the traditional which gun poll. I already own plenty, this is a strict hypothetical.

If you worked for a contractor-type security company (except usually operating stateside) and the only specification for your handgun had to be that it was chambered in .45 ACP, which of the above would you carry?

Concealment is not an issue. Usually the gun will be openly carried. The gun would need to be with you constantly, and must be up for serious abuse.

Also the handgun is not your main weapon. Usually a long gun will be available.

Money is not an issue. The pay is extremely good. There are armorers/gunsmiths on staff who will tinker around with anything.

This is a kind of odd hypothetical, but pertains to a project I'm working on. I want to see what we gun folks would tend to run with in this situation.

[Chipperman]

You forgot to attach the choices

[Dr.Rob]

I have to say while my gut choice would be a Colt 1911... since ccw isn't an issue, the 'cost doesn't matter' factor steered me towards the bulkier USP.

I've only seen them malfunction a handful of times in IDPA and it seems like it's an issue of really big hands or wearing gloves. It's a very well made weapon.

Since the USP can be modified to be carried C&L, that would be my choice. Have the armorer grind off the tire tread front strap in favor of a tacky Houge like surface with finger-grooves (you said I had an armorer).

[MCgunner]

Ruger KP90DC

[Correia]

Dr. Rob, you might even be able to guess which hypothetical "security force" this is for. The armorer's name is Milo. :) (working on #2 right now)

Just doing research, I wouldn't mind about 180 responses, just to see what this cross section ends up with.

[cookekdjr]

Chose the p220. The HK would be a good alternate. If it fit my hand better, I'd choose the HK for its higher capacity.
-david

[XDKingslayer]

I don't understand why people would chose a 1911 single stack when there are guns like the XD-45 that hold double the rounds.

[battlehatch]

I pack an XD .45 tactical. Hi capacity, shoots great, pretty light, decent safety features.

[Nathan Williams]

I of course chose the GLOCK, I already own both of them :D . While I am a fan of 1911 style pistols I would rather trust my life to a GLOCK. I have never had a failure to fire in either of mine, but have seen many Kimbers jam. Plus 13 round magazines are a huge bonus over 7 or 8. Also if put in a high stress situation I dont want to have to fumble with a saftey, just point and shoot only GLOCK has that. I have never shot the XD, or USP but doubt I would like them, and the grips on a Sig just dont work for me.

[R.H. Lee]

I'm going with the Glock 21. It will stand up to serious abuse, is thoroughly reliable, has double the capacity of any 1911 pattern pistol, and has the simplest manual of arms.

Only mods I'd make would be night sights and grip reduction as desired.

[HSMITH]

No doubt about it, my choice would be 2011 type from STI or SVI but preferably built by my choice of smith.....

[2TransAms]

The USP is tied 5-5 with the ol' single-stack 1911? Hmm...I voted USP,I'd rather shoot a 1911 anyday,but 12+1 is the kicker here folks. Plus,it's Jack Bauer's gun:D

[Geronimo45]

CZ 97. Save the extra money for more mags and ammo. If you're carrying openly, you may be dealing with more people than a concealed carrier.

[ugaarguy]

I'll take the Standard 5" Springfield Armory "Loaded" model, stainless or parkerized. As soon as I got it I'd have the armorer replace all lockwork with Wilson or C&S machined parts and install & tune the C&S spring steel extractor; ala 1911Tuner's recommended reliability mods. Since my hand is fat at the top by the thumb and thin at the bottom near the pinkie the memory pad type beavertail would get replaced with one that has a standard profile grip surface. The ILS flat MSH would be replaced with a non ILS A1 style arched MSH (to fit my hand) with lanyard loop for retention. Throw in a bunch of Wilson 8rd mags and I'd be very happy with the setup as a backup to a long gun.

['Card]

No-brainer: XD-45. :cool:

[Deer Hunter]

I went for the CZ 97. Great gun for a good price, leaves you money for ammo and mags. Plus, it fits me better than all the others on the list.

[SigfanUSAF]

Since a pair of ivory handles Colt SAAs isn't a choice, I'll take my two P220s:cool:

[Chipperman]

USP 45 Tactical with night sights.

[Black Majik]

Ya know, as much as I want to pick the 1911 (and as much as my mouse is just hovering over that option on the poll), I'm going to have to pick something else.

My pick, would be something polymer :what: , something not 1911 :eek: , and something tacticool :what: :eek: . Thankfully not something Glock :D

My pick, if I was gone for crazy conditions.... would be a HK Expert with night sights and Surefire X200B.

Go tupperware!

[usmccpl]

Ruger P90 or P97






one shot one kill

[Optical Serenity]

HK USP.

[P95Carry]

SIG 220 - it is very close to my carry 226 and of course manual of arms identical.

Plus it's a great and reliable shooter.:)

[HSMITH]

Lots of posters touting price as a reason when money isn't supposed to be an issue.....

It is also interesting to note how many are picking 'rack grade' guns when the sky is basically the limit. No point to make, just an interesting (to me) observation.

[P95Carry]

Hope my 220 ain't ''rack grade'' H ;) :)

Mind you my 226 ST cost a fair bit more than a 220.

[lycanthrope]

2011.....

Why have 8, when you can have 16 in a platform lighter than a Government model 1911.

[Geronimo45]

With rack-grade, you don't have to worry about somebody 'improving' the gun and having it go berserk. Also don't have to wait for your gun to be custom-built.

[thumper723]

Double Stack 1911.

Trusted my life to mine in the gulf, granted I'm a pilot so I don't get too much dust/gunk/use. It is truly a weapon of last resort after having a bad day already.

I have a Springer HiCap Semi-Loaded. It is my CCW peice as well.

[orionengnr]

No-brainer: XD-45.

Yeah, my thoughts exactly.
If I didn't have a brain, the XD would be the obvious choice.

Hmm...guess you're not going to like me for that one :rolleyes:

Sorry...or not. :)

1911, and if money is no object, then a custom 1911, probably alloy framed, probably Commander or Officer sized...because the scenario, as stated is that I have to actually carry it quite-a-few hours per day.

Single stack, because I own "full capacity" double-stack Glocks, XDs and 1911s... and don't really care to carry any of them.

[jlh26oo]

Some fine choices, but I can't pretend to be any more classy than rack grade:


http://theprepared.com/content/view/90/40/

[usp_fan]

P220. Accurate, Reliable, easy to shoot fast, DA-hammer down carry. Good camera presence--not that that matters...

--usp_fan

[Longbow]

I would've just voted for Glock, but since S.A. had upgraded their finish on the XD .45's, its now a toss up between these two.

[RON in PA]

Ruger KP-97 or 90

[TimboKhan]

I went with "other", in my case a Ruger P90. My main reasoning for that choice would be:

A: I am very familiar with the gun.
B: I have no doubts as to its ruggedness and ability to function in adverse conditions.
C: I like the fact that it is DA/SA.
D: I like the sights.
E: Though bigger than most guns, I don't believe that the small amount of additional weight would prove troublesome.


I am sure that if I sat and thought about it, I could come up with some other reasons, but thats what I got right now. I don't know that I saw a "bad" choice on your list, its just I would happen to choose that particular gun over the others, but as always, thats just me.

[jlh26oo]

lol Ayoob's choice. Would that be SUB "rack grade" then?

One thing I'd add to your p90 list is tremendous accuracy per dollar value (imo ymmv).

Only reason I chose a G21 over a P90 is size/weight/shape etc, which is a huge personal preference. If it fits your hand, you have Glock reliability and durability for bill less; probably with an accuracy edge. FINE choice.

BTW I too liked those sights.

[arthurcw]

I don't understand why people would chose a 1911 single stack when there are guns like the XD-45 that hold double the rounds.

Becasue some of the double stacks just don't fit in the hands of some people and the point of aim is WAY off. :(

[Snake Eyes]

Yo-Bo 1*

[Smurfslayer]

USP. It's configuration and operation can be changed or delivered by the factory to DAO, LEM (which is fancy DAO), SA, DA/SA. HK cert. smiths may also effect the change. Truth be told, anybody with decent mechanical skills and the parts can.

The guns are accurate, easy to shoot and reliable. Those with small hands could opt for the compact.

[MCgunner]

Lots of posters touting price as a reason when money isn't supposed to be an issue.....

Regardless of price, I'd carry my KP90DC. It works as good as anything ten times the price, so why switch when I shoot it so well? It's amazingly accurate and 100 percent reliable. Don't see the need to spend more and take a chance on less.

[stiletto raggio]

I love Glocks, but I voted STI/SVI. SVI is the highest evolution of the 1911-type pistol. A truly hi-cap .45, reliable as hell, more accurate than anyone shooting it, custom built to your preferences, great sights, and a truly amazing trigger. Lighter than a regular 1911 to boot.

I would prefer one in 10mm, though.

Did I mention they are easily the best looking pistols on earth? I own two widebodies right now, and I can't wait until I can afford a true custom 2011 from SVI. I just wish Smoking Hole was still in business.

[rbernie]

CeeeZeeeeeeee......

[trickyasafox]

g21. others are great choices, its just what im most comfortable with

[High Planes Drifter]

Sig 220. Im farmiliar with it. Reliable, accurate, no safety to worry about. Just right IMO;)

[seeker_two]

SIG 220....for all the reasons High Planes Drifter listed....:cool:

[Ala Dan]

While my heart lies with both the SIG P220A and the 1911; MY gut feel'in
rest with the Springfield XD.45 ACP~!:uhoh: :D

[larry starling]

Single stack and a COLT.......:evil:

[Chris Rhines]

Glock is what I mostly shoot, so Glock is what I pick, although the .45ACP isn't my favorite. Glock 21, Warren Tactical sights, probably a grip reduction.

- Chris

[John C]

I chose a Glock 21 as well. I have several high dollar .45s for shooting bullseye, so I know what I'm comparing against. For shooting a 3 inch offhand group at 50 yards, a Les Baer wad gun. For combat? Make mine a Glock 21. I don't think there's really anything close to the Glock 21 in capability, except the HK USP. I personally prefer the lower bore axis of the Glock, so I shoot it better.

-John

[Zen21Tao]

Wow, it is hard to choose a single .45 without considering its primary use/purpose:

For a target shoorter I am a 1911 fan all the way. I would go with a top dollar Kimber over many customized 1911s.

For a tactical shooter I would go HK USP all the way.

For a duty/carry weapon I would go with a Sig P220 (OWB) or a Sig P245 (IWB).

[Brian Williams]

Call me old school, but give me a Colt 1911A1 USGI, with USGI or Mecgar mags.

The other choice would be a Yo-Bo Titanium commander if I were to be carrying this all day every day.

[Pistol Toter]

I voted Glock 21. I like mine, it's on my hip as I type. I don't believe it could be beat for the type of weapon we're talking about. I have, however extensively handle, not fired yet, the XD45 and from what I can tell about it, it would make a good one. I think the 5" version is on my radarscope. P.T.

[SaxonPig]

I have pretty consistent tastes in my 1911s. I prefer the full-size gun, I favor ivory stocks, the Colt name is a top choice, and I avoid most of the modifications that seem so popular.

Pictured below is a Series '70 with S&W sights (commonly done in the early 1970s), A Series '70 Super, and a Series '70 Gold Cup. Also pictured are an RIA Super and a 1911 made with a Charles Daly lower and a Colt .22 conversion upper. I call it a Dolt. It came with the extended safety and I left it even though I don't want it. These one wears faux ivory while all the others are genuine.

http://www.fototime.com/DCCB4F756FE10D7/standard.jpg

[jfruser]

Standard grade single stack 1911 (Kimber, Springfield, Smith, etc.)

SW1911 from the factory. Which exact model to be determined.

The single stack fits my hand better than the double-stacks. Also, the trigger is better than any of the plastic guns.

I would likely back it up with an Officer's ACP in .45ACP, making me tote 3 guns: primary (rifle, I presume), sidearm, and backup.

[Cousin Mike]

I picked the Sig P220... Not only because it's my favorite gun, but because it's the pistol I'm most accurate with. Bells & whistles don't mean much to me, especially for a gun that's going to be holstered a nice amount of the time. I'd probably have my company gunsmith install the short trigger, and leave it alone.

Why mess with perfection? :D

[.45&TKD]

.45ACP=1911!

Since money is no object, I would go with the high end custom 1911's, and since it is a secondary weapon I would stick with the single stack and Wilson 47D's. (The double stacks must effect your grip, but then I've never shot one.)