[tmoody]

I want to participate in 45 caliber competitive handgun shooting and I would like to purchase an out-of-the-box competition 45 caliber pistol for under $1500. Could I get some pistol recommendations from this group?

[Jim Watson]

What kind of competitive handgun shooting?

If for NRA Conventional Pistol (bullseye) you need a very accurate gun. A Les Baer or Rock River hardball or wadcutter gun lists for about $1700, maybe you could find one for $1500.
Or buy something ordinary (less expensive) and figure on having it accurized by someone like Alan Tanaka when you have learned the ropes and need more out of the gun.

If for an action sport like IPSC or IDPA, accuracy is less important and you can get into a gun for that anywhere from a $550 Taurus on up.

[cdrt]

If you're shooting Bullseye or other disciplines, you can check with Clark Custom Guns in Louisiana, www.clarkcustomguns.com. I have two of his Bullseye guns, one in .45 and one in .38 Special and both are tack drivers. His prices are competitive with other gunsmiths.
Also, High Standard in Houston has some out-of-the-box .45s that are reasonably priced, www.highstandard.com.

Navy Vet...you can never have too many 1911s.

[rchernandez]

As I was getting started in Bullseye competition and considering my choices for a wad gun, an acquaintance suggested posting a "wanted to buy" ad on the Bullseye (mailing) List. I eventually decided to get a SA MilSpec that I had a gunsmith work on but ads for wad guns customized by some of the legends of the industry occasionally go up for sale on the list for very reasonable amounts...saves 6-18 months of waiting!

[KMKeller]

S&W Performance center 945. From the factory can hang with all of the high dollar 1911's.

[frenchwrench]

Go to Dawson Precision(sp) and check out the STI Spartan.

[Buck Nekkid]

Now pard, if'n ya want a durn nice .45 that's ready right outa the box for competition, then I gotta recommend a Ruger Vaquero!

Yep, you'll find that the Vaquero is ready fer just about any Cowboy shootin' ya got in mind!

I don't know why y'all overlooked the Vaquero, or thought our pard that started this post was askin' about them ol' John Browning 1911's :)