[Zeede]

I have a Beretta U22 Neos on the way, obviously for cheap, super cheap, CHEAP practice. And the recoil is low, so it is excellent for introducing women and scare-dee-cat men to pistols.

Shot a HK pistol today in 40 S&W, as well as a Glock, also in 40 S&W, and it got me thinking about what pistol to buy for a larger caliber. I decided on 45 ACP, just because I like the round. Same reason I like 30-06, it's American, it's steeped in history, it was used in WWII, etc etc.

Anyhow, I don't know a lot about pistols, so I figured I'd ask for opinions here. Here are the caveats:

1) Reliability. This is paramount. I might have to use it for home defense someday, and I won't be shooting it every week. I also want it to be easy to break down and clean.
2) Good mags! This might seem stupid, but I've struggled with mags for everything in 9mm to 45 ACP. Don't know why, but some magazines are just really easy to push bullets into, others give me fits and start to hurt my fingers or thumbs. Hopefully I am not alone in this observation.
3) I won't be doing concealed carry, but I wouldn't rule out putting it in a jacket pocket to investigate noises outside/downstairs. So, a huge match barrel would probably not work.
4) No Beretta, Browning, Ruger or CZ. I won't go into detail, but one of the companies I don't like their products, and the others I already have something from them. I like diversity in my safe.

Off-hand I liked my friend's Glock, but not its ergonomics. Shooting it was great, just didn't like the placement of the buttons. I hear good things about the HK USP.

Cameron

[HisSoldier]

I like the major brands, Colt, can't go too far wrong, commander length. Classic, as American as it gets. Dan Wesson, CBOB, commander length, a lot of quality for the money. Kimber, you'll hear a lot of buzz about poor quality but that's not my experience. I don't own a Springfield, so can't comment on it. Magazines, what can I say, I find the .45 ACP to be a lot easier to load than any other caliber because they are large and easy to manipulate, unlike .22's. Checkmate makes good magazines. Just opinions based on experience.

[Rob G]

Not sure about the H&K but have you looked at a Springfield XD? I just shot one at the range recently and it was very nice. Good accuracy, I'm told reliability is excellent (don't own one to test that). Ergonomics were nice. Also you can get them in several barrel lengths so you can pick out what size you want. I don't think the .45 is available in the compact (the smallest one) but the next size up (not sure what they call it) should be small enough to fit in a pocket long enough to check out strange noises at night.

I think it comes with a loader too to help you get bullets in the mag easier.

[Jack2427]

I have Colt, Sig, S&W, and Walther/S&W semi autos, includes a new Sig SAO Commander size. Also own several 45 ACP wheelguns.
The 45 ACP may be one of the most versatile cartridges available today, just ahead of the 9mm. You can get just about any purpose round you want from super powered combat to mild target. You can even get a +P FMJ 230 gr for deep penetration, like on a bear.
If I could have only one caliber, it would be a toss up between it and the 9mm.

[HOLY DIVER]

just bought a S&W MP45 after 150rds no problems very very accurate!
but you know its hard to go wrong with a 1911 i have a tricked out springfield that drives tacs but there are allot of man. out there that make very good 1911's, springfield is just the one that i happen to own

[Zeede]

How are the Taurus 1911's?

Cameron

[possum]

it sounds like you need a 1911 platform handgun. i would say look at the sa line, they make great quality 1911's in all sizes. i would say go for a loaded model, or the loaded champion!

there are mnay great mags out there, cmc, and wilson and others, good mags aren't hard to find.

[HK G3]

The first handgun I ever fired (100% true, btw) is a 1911 Colt at 21 feet. I was able to hit the head and center of mass after one mag - it just seemed so intuitive to me, granted, I had a fair bit of rifle practice, and manual dexterity training prior to going to the handgun range with my friends. The Sig 1911 that I shot afterward, however, was a complete POS - I got a stovepipe after 2 mags.

That said, I'm absolutely enamored by HK. Their USP .45 just seems like the perfect handgun when I hold it, and the USP .45 compact is just almost an absolutely perfect fit in my hands. I can't wait to get my hands on their newest HK45 models. Some of my friends make fun of me for having such loyalty for the HK line, but after you've fired a few of their top-line weapons, you'll be hooked - just like me :), though I must admit, that your bank account hates you for it, :p

[12131]

HK G3, if you like the HK USP45, then you'll love the new HK45. Wrap you hand around it, and you'll see what I mean.

[The Lone Haranguer]

On the basis of the quality and performance of my own 9C, I can recommend the S&W M&P .45 for your consideration. It won't fit in a jacket pocket, however, nor do I now how easy the magazine is to load with your fingers alone. There are loading tools, e.g., the HKS Magazine Speedloader, that make this easier.

[HM2PAC]

I would recommend:

1. 1911 (Colt, Para Ordnance, Kimber,.....)
2. HK USP
3. Sig P220

I also find the Glock to be uncomfortable to shoot. I can do it, I just don't prefer it. 1911's, HK, Sig......all are very ergonomic.

You may also want to look at the new FNP45 by FN. I haven't handled one, but the initial reports are good.

[gggman]

Buy the HK USP 45, fullsize unless you have very small hands. It's an ablolute joy to shoot, very low recoil, extremely accurate, and utterly reliable. It's not an inexpensive gun, but you'll never regret having spent the money. And the mags are very good.

[2nd 41]

I only owned Colt's. 2 Gold Cups..1 Government. Only regrets were selling them. These were series 80. Just bought a Gold Cup Trophy. Cannot go wrong with a Colt.

[Zesty]

XD45 Service model sounds perfect. Check one out if possible.

[highlander 5]

I have a Para and a S&W 1911 very happy with with no major problems My other 45 is a S&W 625 revolver 5" barrel and I love it shoots as well as I can do use moon clips and the fact that I don't have to look all over hell and earth to find my brass makes me very happyand recoil is like a 38 spl.

[MICHAEL T]

Colt Commander or Gov.

[Zeede]

The Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec seems like a good buy, any opinions on that particular company/model?

Cameron

[TwitchALot]

Actually, it sounds like you're in the market for an XD, not a 1911.

Smaller than a Glock, just as, if not more reliable, easy to break down and clean, don't need to worry about lube or oil all that much, and stickable in a jacket pocket for a .45. Great construction of course, with metal sights and trigger (compared to the plastic on a stock Glock), and it likes all kinds of ammo.

As far as mags and thumbs go- get the Uplula universal pistol magazine loader. You'll love it. :)

[pmbiker]

I already have a 1911, have had several actually. Can't go wrong with any of the bigger names. Find the one you like at the price you like and get it. Most larger compaines will stand behind their product with a warranty.

My latest .45 purchase was a M&P. It was close between the MP and XD. The XD wins in capacity, but IMO that's about it. A major factor in my decision was that the MP is made in America, the XD in Croatia. Springfield Armory may be an American company but they go outside of our borders for many of their guns.

[conrad carter]

Glock 21SF.

[makarovnik]

The .45acp rocks. Especially if your gun can handle +P's.

[Jimmy Dean]

I own a Taurus Mill. Pro, very small, I prefer the ergonomics on it. I can see though how this gun would be uncomfortable for a guy with big hands so...

Um, I can't attest to it's accuracy, since I am not the best shot with a pistol, workin on findin somewhere to get some range time in.

[shooter429]

For the money, these guns are amazing! Lots of custom parts, night sights, great fit and finish and very reasonably priced. From what I have read, they are reliable too, though this is one gun I have yet to aquire myself. It is at the top of my "next" list. Check one out and compare it to other sub 1K 1911s

Shooter429

[Ala Dan]

Sounds too me, like you are speaking directly of a SIGARMS P220A Carry.
Known for its reliability [right out of the box; as all SIG Classic P-series
pistols are]; and with mags made by MEC-GAR over in Italy, I don't see
how you can go wrong. Its a smaller scale version of the world reknown
SIG P220A (full size); and is suitable for coat pocket carry. Problem is,
its not cheap; expect to pay a bit more for this quality handgun~! ;) :D

[K.L.O.sako]

i haven't seen it mentioned yet but the baby eagle .45 i just bought is superb. the grip seems to fit every one who holds it. accuracy is great. 10 rounds in each clip. zero malfunctions so far. there tested daily on the worlds terrorists in israel. if you're looking for somthing different this might be the one, not alot of people have them either so you won't see five just like it at the range. got mine nib for $550. try one and i think you'll be pleased.

[bwavec]

I have had nothing but good experiences with the .45 USP (both full size and compact models).

The new HK45s (again both full size and compact) are tempting.....I am waiting to be able to put my mitts on one in person.

As the new HK45s come in to stores in larger numbers, the USP45's may go down a little in price.

[Detachment Charlie]

I've got several 1911s; one is my daily carry. I also have revolvers. But when I go to check out the "bumps in the night," my XD45 Service is in my hand.

[PAPACHUCK]

XD45 Compact or Sig P220 Carry.

[Treo]

If you're looking for an inexpensive & reliable 1911, I have no problem recomending a Rock Island Armory product.
I have the G.I. model W/ ZERO bells & whistles on it. Shoots nice & every time I pull the trigger it goes BOOM. I paid 405.00$ W/ a spare mag for mine

[mpmarty]

I have in the past six months bought two 1911 pistols in 45acp. One Taurus and one RIA Tactical. The Taurus had to go home for a warranty fix immediately as the safety would snap off and the hammer would drop if you pulled the trigger with the safety on. Taurus USA sent it back to Brazil (the labels are still on the box showing where it went) and there must be a custom shop there that worked on my pistol. It was back in two weeks and is the sweetest shooting, most accurate 45 I've ever had the opportunity to shoot and as an IPSC competitor for the past twenty two years I've had many an opportunity to shoot multi thousand dollar guns. The Taurus is suddenly my favorite range gun and the RIA is a safe queen waiting to be sold. Nothing wrong with the RIA, it is like my Norinco, Ballister Molina, and other 1911s, it works and looks ok but can't hold a candle to the Taurus.

[kenjs1]

Steel Commander sized Kimber - or another vote for the Dan Wesson.

[hanno]

Another vote for Dan Wesson.

[Grizzly Adams]

1911 platform. I have SA 1911A1, SA Loaded Champion, Para Ordnance P14-45, and have owned several Colts. All have performed well.

[TwitchALot]

I don't quite understand why so many people are recommending 1911's. As I understand it, the OP doesn't know a lot about pistols, wants a reliable gun, and wants one that will fit in a pocket.

The 1911, while a good pistol, is not a pistol for a non-dedicated person IMO. In other words, if you want your 1911 to serve you well, you'd better damn well know how to take care of it, because it's not nearly as maintenance free as other designs. There are numerous parts and issues that may come up and will require some know how to fix or tune. Often, they need work to be extremely reliable (some are great out of the box, but could be made more reliable still). With a five inch barrel, its less "stickable in a pocket" than shorter barreled guns (four inches and smaller, I reckon).

While the 1911 is a fine pistol, it seems like that in this case, it does not fit the user's needs and requirements, IMHO.

[Mac45]

I'll agree that a 1911 isn't the first thing that comes to mind when someone says "Pocket Pistol", but I don't think the OP would be ill served with a 1911.
I've never thought that my 1911 was more or less maintenance intensive than my other pistols.
I suppose that's subjective. What's a PITA to me, may not be to you and vice versa.
Do some of them need to be tweeked to be reliable?
Sure. On the other hand, do a search on any brand or type you like, and you'll come up with someone having a problem.
It's an unfortunate reality that sometimes gun makers let less than perfect examples of their art get out the door, but it happens to all of 'em at some point.
Please don't take this to mean I think the OP has to run out and get a 1911.
But the man wants a .45 ACP, I DO think they're worth a look.
Everyone is different, in the end, he'll find what fits him best.

[Rayden]

Fnp-45

[Zeede]

I held a Smith and Wesson M&P and did not like it. The Colt 1911 I held was nice, my friend has one and we're going to go shooting w/ it tomorrow.

I do like CZ's, for accuracy out of the box, value, and quality. I need to find a 97 B to handle, as I don't know how it feels in the hand.

I'll probably shoot a XD-45 tomorrow as well, just for comparison.

Cameron

[greener]

For price versus features the pistol is a great buy. I've had one for about 10 months and have enjoyed shooting it. No problems with the pistol and I've been impressed with the accuracy I've been able to achieve. Some folks don't like the Heine sights, but it took me about 5 rounds to figure them out.

[H2O MAN]

I have two G21s, you may want to look at the G36...

[JustinL]

The only .45ACP I own is a Para 14.45 LDA. I bought it because I wanted a double stack / double action 1911 and when it comes to that they are really the only game in town. I have not regretted the purchase one bit. As for the others I do not have much experience.