45 for Life

Okay so I'm surfing thru THR and stumble across a thread that asks the question "if you could only have one 9mm for the rest of your life, what would it be????" Well you guys know me I start getting ideas and just have to post 'em.

So naturally my question is... If you could only have one 45 (all 45 types included here i.e. 454 casull, .45 mag) for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why???

Please keep in mind that this is a preference thread so no squacking about someone elses decission. If it's what they like, let 'em have it, or at least keep it in the PM's Please. Thanks all for understanding.

So I guess I will go first...


I would have to go with a 1911, more preferably my Sig Sauer GSR 1911 C3. They are thin enough to conceal shallow or deep and they are very well known for accuracy (1911's in general) I love the comfortablility of them, not so hot on the 7-8rds thing but that's what other mags and tactical reloading classes are for. I really do like the fact that you can pretty much swap out parts, cause most are versatile/universal, so finding parts to fix it with shouldn't be all that much a problem. They are highly customizable and they have been around for just over 100 years (or at least the design has been.) All in all I would have to say it's just one of the safest and best choices, but of course this is IMHO.

So there you go guys/girls, let 'er rip.

S&R

USMCDK

Ruger KP90DC.

I`ll take any 45 Glock or HK USP series.

If i could have only one it'd have to be one i don't own in acp yet and that'd be a glock 21. While i'm fond of my 1911's they don't take well to being dirty where a glock will go bang after you stomp it into the mud. My XD would be my second choice as it seems to very reliable also but given that its a relativly new design....I'll say this though. If i could only have one handgun of any caliber it'd definiately be a 45acp. Who knows what you may run into in one of those teotwaweki situations. Zombies, mutants large carnivores.....I want to know they're going to go down when i pull the trigger and anything less just hasn't convinced me.

Even though I've been pleased with various .45's I've possessed, I would like to have a lgt wght Colt Commander.:)

Oh...it's a 1911. No doubts. Now which one? Colt for sure.

I have carrid a Kimber Classic (MK I) for more than a dozen years. Before that, I carried an M1927 Argentine (made in Argentina on Colt machinery under Colt supervision) and before that a WWII Remington Rand.

Definitely an M1911, and I like the one I currently carry.

highorder wrote (without looking at the sub-forum):
I'll go off the beaten path and say the .45-70

It's one of my absolute favorite rifle rounds for its versatility, longevity, and raw power.

Oops, I didn't see this was in handguns! In that case, I'll take the .45acp in a 5" steel 1911. A vanilla answer, but an easy call.

I will stay with my Systema 1911A1 and be happy.

My Kimber Custom 2 is doing just fine for me.

This is the easiest "what if you could have only one" ever.

COLT SAA - 1st generation - perfect condition.

Ruger NMBH convertible dressed, reamed and handloaded.

Ruger KP90DC.

Me, too. Been there, done the 1911 thing. The koolaid ain't that great.

Some version of a Colt 1911a1.....in .45acp of course

Probably my Kimber CDPII Pro, although I have a feeling my future Fusion commander bobtail will edge it out.....:evil:

1911, one loose, one tight. :D

XD45. No break-in required. Use as directed.

I would keep my WWI Colt 1911. I just love that old gun!

One?

Hmmm.

A while back I'd not have hesitated a moment and selected one of my several 1911's.

A few years before that I'd have chosen one or another metal-framed S&W TDA pistol.

In the early 90's I'd have chosen my Ruger KP90DC.

Why? All of them have provided me with reliable functioning for many thousands of rounds over the years.

Now?

As much as it seems odd to me, and as much as I'd not have expected to say it ... I'd have to go with the M&P 45 I bought earlier this year and have been using. Simple. Robust. Reliable. Well-balanced. Surprisingly very, very accurate (despite its heavy trigger). Easy to maintain & support as an armorer. Who'd a thunk? ;)

It's just a handgun, though. Just .45's for this thread, though, right?

All things considered, a .45 ACP handgun (of any design) might be farther down on my list of 'only one' handguns to consider when it comes to reducing my handgun collection, for whatever reason, than some others.

I'd place a .357 Magnum revolver closer to the top, if not at the top ... followed by a 9mm pistol.

From my perspective a .357 Magnum would have a greater range of utility than a .45 ACP, being able to handle a wide range of Magnum ammunition as well as .38 Special ammunition. Pretty useful for a medium-bore handgun in a decent variety of situations. The 9mm alternative could be selected, as could the .45, to handle normal defensive needs within a wide variety of sizes/weights ... but the 9mm caliber alternatives would generally be smaller across the range of defensive handguns than a .45 might.

And this from someone who's enjoyed shooting .45 pistols & revolvers since childhood, although I only own 10 handguns chambered in .45 ACP at present, 9 of which are pistols.

My Colt Gold Cup Classic:D

Well... I suppose if I was a handloader, i would say .45LC (I know, just bear with me calling it LC so people know its not ACP)

If this is some magical world of one caliber for life, .45LC can be loaded a lot hotter than .45 acp and therefore do a few more jobs, particuarly in a good levergun.

it is not unheard of for people to shoot 300 grain bullets at 1300 fps in .45LC with some of the newer revolvers out there. That's pretty good medicine for most dangers.

XD .45's or my SW 1911 PD

I'd be well served by my Les Baer Concept II.

There's a DW CBOB that's been calling my name every time I pass by the shop...

don't think I'll be able to resist much longer.

Yes, Ruger P90DC.
http://photobucket.com/albums/y281/qavsiv/ERG//ERrugerp90dc1.jpg

I guess it would have to be this one for me

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w338/astark_photo/Jessie112.jpg?t=1219709321

Sig Equinox :D

Well,I have a Colt 1911 series 80. But if I could only have one 45 it would be my 4506. Always goes bang no matter what I feed it. Not concealable in the Alabama summers but accurate and reliable.

SIG P220

or

Colt 1911 XSE

or

S&W 625

S&W 4506. I love my 1911's, but the big Smith is plenty accurate and much more robust.

.45 Colt revolver, 4.5" bbl. Can do it all.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/PAPACHUCK/IMG_0163.jpg

'Nuff said.

Colt’s 1911 - .45 Automatic Colt Pistol. Made for each other.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/jdc1244/Colt01970.jpg

Some sort of Double Stack STI.

This one looks mean
http://www.special-warfare.net/data_base/202_pistols/pistol_001_02_us_auto_03/sti_strike_gun_01.jpg

For me:

My Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt aka long colt.

I don't own a 45ACP pistol but if I did it would be in a Glock - maybe like my former Glock in 9mm.

For my husband:

His Freedom Arms or his Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt.

His Kimber in 45ACP/automatic colt pistol.

Catherine
PS: I do think that other single action revolvers in 45Colt are SWEET too. I think the same about ones in Colt, Kimber, etc. = SWEET.

HK USP without a doubt. Supreme reliability, cocked and locked, very accurate, 13 rounds. The trigger is alright, but not a deal breaker. I cant imagine any other .45 on my side.

My only .45 right now is a Springfield Armory 1911A1 but if I had to choose only one .45 I'd go with the next handgun I plan to buy, the SIG-Sauer P220.

My .45 is a Springfield Armory GI 1911 A1. I am very happy with it no bells no whistles just a plain good .45 that eats all the ammo I can afford.

1911 - Period.

I'd have to pick either my Kimber Ultra Carry or my Para LTC 1911s....

One of my four Kimber 1911s. Which one? As long as CHL is legal, my Stainless Ultra Carry or my (pre-series II) Ultra CDP...or my Pro CDP.

No CHL? My Pro Eclipse. Or maybe an S&W M-25 in 45LC. :)

Fortunately, I don't need to make that choice...at least, not today.

Currently saving my $$$$ for a Les Baer Stainless Stinger, to join my TRS
and other various makes and models of 1911~! :uhoh: ;) :D

S&W model 25. in .45LC.

Or a Ruger p90.

Actually no. Scratch that.

S&W 945. It was the first .45 I ever fired, and one of the most accurate and comfortabe guns I ever handled.

If I could only have one, it would be my Briley Versatility, built on a Commander slide with an Officer's frame. It is light, carries and conceals well, and shoots like a dream.

I hate limits on 1911's though. It's hard to pick.

Oops, I didn't see this was in handguns! In that case, I'll take the .45acp in a 5" steel 1911. A vanilla answer, but an easy call.

:banghead: HAHAHA Some time I wonder about you HIGHorder. All pun intended on that one. HAHAHA

Whoa 12131 who many friggin mags do you need :D

Some sort of Double Stack STI.

This one looks mean

It looks like a meat tenderizer. STI guns............:barf:

Whoa 12131 who many friggin mags do you need.
"need"? It's never enough.:evil:
http://photobucket.com/albums/y281/qavsiv/ERG//ERrugerp90dc2.jpg

easy for me, only have one .45 anymore
1911 NHC GRP

Ruger Bisley Blackhawk 5.5" stainless in .45 Colt.

M'bogo

This one would be hard for me...I have all 45s and nothing else except my Colt Woodsman Target I got for my 16th birthday!!!

1) old model Ruger Blackhawk 45Colt with the 45acp cylinder 7.5" bbl.
2) NM Ruger Bisley Blackhawk 45Colt stainless 5.5" bbl
3) Ruger Redhawk 45Colt stainless 5.5" bbl
4) S&W Mountain 45Colt first series with firing pin in hammer
5) Colt Gold Cup 70 Series 45acp blue of course
6) Kimber Ultra Carry CDP 45acp 3.5" bbl

I also have a Rossi 1892 SRC stainless in 45Colt!!!:D:D:D Not to mention my Marlin 1895SS and Browning 1886 both in 45/70!!!:evil: I need to get a Browning 1885 High Wall and will soon.

Now you guys help me narrow down my 45s to just one!!!:neener:

Built this in the early 80s and still wear it daily.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc194/StrawHat/SW45ACP002Small.jpg

(I should update that photo)

Tough choice. If I was a city slicker I'd say Springfield XD 45. If I lived out in the country and had 4-legged bad guys I'd want a .45 long colt, probably a Ruger Blackhawk.

Sig P220 or Glock 21. Love shooting 1911s. Hate the magazines. Hate carrying them. Hate cleaning them.

I would hate to give up my XD service model but if it comes down to only one it would have to be the S&W 625.

I love my Taurus PT1911SS. I'd choose that if I could also keep a lighter 9mm for carry. But if I had to only have one handgun at all, it'd probably be an HK45.

Well my stipulations on this was only one .45 I didn't say anything about restricting ohter calibres. So I guess you loading up on .44's, .40's, .38's, .357's and or any other calibre wouldn't be against the rules.

This one just came back from a make-over. For the first 20 years I carried it daily, it got kind of ratty. Hope this lasts me another 20.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/jaysouth/HPIM1944.jpg

My experience is with XD, Glock, HK, Ruger and 1911. The most reliable has been XD and it shoots real good too.

As much as I love my 1911, if I could have only one 45ACP, it would have to be my S&W625. I bought it, thought I hated it till I learned how to run it, and now can't get enough. I still shoot my 1911 better (slightly) but if I were going to have just one forever, it would be the revolver. Light loads, heavy loads, any type of bullet profile- no problem.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/privateer0000/IMG_1509.jpg

Smith & Wesson 3rd generation all-stainless models: 4516, 4566, 4506

all steel construction, very reasonable price, feeds any ammo, ultra-reliable, and will last nearly forever.

Well, I guess I'll be the different one here. I think I'd be happy with my HK Mark 23 SOCOM.

If you stipulated that it would have to carried concealed, than I'd have to go with my HK45c.

Runners up:
Sig 220 Platinum Elite
SW Model 625JM

Without a doubt, Smith 945- though parts (lack of in terms of future repair issues) could pose a problem down the line. And if that's a major consideration, the 1911 sort of stands alone.

I'm with Strawhat!

I love my 1911s . . . but mine would be this S&W 25-2 from 1980 . . . chopped to a 3 1/4" barrel!

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/363/363373/folders/282194/2256768new25-2plusmoonclips-edited.jpg

S&Wfan what are those blue like bullets at the bottom of you pic???? Lead without jacket???

S&WFan,

Nice job, did you do the work yourself or farm it out?

I have a 25-5 that I wish wore a 4" tube. Might be the next project!

Kimber Pro BP Ten II. Solves the limited mag capacity at 13+1. ;)

S&w 625.

S&Wfan what are those blue like bullets at the bottom of you pic???? Lead without jacket???

Look like those Aquila IQ 117 grain alloy jobs....

colt 1911

1911 here too.

Can we get replacement parts for the piece we pick?

Of Course there will be replacement parts, you can't keep it for life if it doesn't stay maintained

This one

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/43040/2928265290077375260S500x500Q85.jpg

Custom II with S&A magwell, wilson combat safety and i just got a hi-viz sight.

Glock 21SF.

i have shot alot of 45's plastic and metal, plastics you can keep...out of my 1911's i'd definitely go with my s&w s/s 1911, you can have the rest of my pistol's, .....just playing.

all are very good choices in my eyes, very nice to see such responses, keep 'em coming.

Still going, huh? ;)

The standard size Dark Earth M&P 45 w/thumb safeties I bought earlier this year has continued to impress me.

So much so that I'm considering picking up one of the compact models. The difference in overall length (8.05" v. 7.125") and height (5.5" v. 4.8") and weight (29.6 oz v. 26.2 oz) of the standard & compact .45 models seems as though it might be just enough to make the compact a viable alternative for those times when I feel like carrying something larger than a J-frame, and don't mind wearing a belt holster.

I have owned 2 1911 .45's

A para ord P14-45, which failed miserably.
A Kimber Pro CDP II, which is in the process of failing miserably.

Dunno. Might go back with Colt because I have had really great luck with my .38 super.

Check this out first; you might change your mind. Since I posted this I have talked to 4 other people with the same problem - Looks like Sig may not have done their homework on this gun. I love it, but am starting to wonder about it:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313308

I'd have to go with the M1911. I have three of them, an M1927 Argentine (built on Colt machinery, under Colt supervision, and basically a 1930s-era Colt), a Fed Ord kit gun -- I finished and assembled the parts, and a Kimber Classic (MK I). The latter is my carry gun, the other two currently wear .22 Conversion kits -- a Colt Service Ace on the M1927, and a Ciener on the kit gun.

I also have 3 .45 Colt revolvers, a Colt New Service made in 1906 and two Ruger Blackhawks, one with a 7 1/2" barrel and one with a 5 1/2" barrel.

The latter two guns can be loaded as hot as I care to shoot.

Probably my Springfield GI .45 in stainless. Its stock right now, but I bought it has my project gun...my plans for it include a loop style hammer, a set of aluminagrips, and possibly a new trigger set.

XD 45 ACP Tactical 5"

So far I've had this one for 36 years. Guess I'll keep it.


http://www.fototime.com/B2AC5CFE94C79C7/standard.jpg

SaxonPig, why is your front sight on backwards?

Keeps it from snagging on the holster when you draw -- not uncommon in the 60s and 70s when good service sights for the M1911were rare.

Thanks Vern, I knew there had to be a reason.

fullsize USP. I don't even own one though. . . In .45

Ruger Blackhawk in .45 long colt for sure. That covers everything from powderpuff plinker to bear blaster. I live in the out in the sticks, if I lived in a more urban area I'd want a Kimber of some sort.

Not backwards, custom made from key stock to allow a good sight picture but still allow snag-free draw from concealment. Rear sight is from a K frame S&W. That's the way we did it back in the days before everyone and his uncle was building custom 1911s and parts abounded. This was my personal defense pistol for many years.

A project gun to be.... Colt 70 Series Repro. for the base

Interim Semi-Auto
S&W 1911 5" Bbl. Stainless Steel (SS)
Mods * Les Baer SS MSH w/vertical serrations
* Wilson Combat extended SLide rel./Lock
* Hogue Rosewood grips relieved for above.

Revolver
S&W 625 5" Bbl.
Mods: * S&W Perf. Center Master Revovler Action JOb
* HOgue full size checkered Rosewood grips

Long Gun
Marlin 1894 20" Bbl. .45 Colt but it's going
to be converted to .45 Auto RIm since I keep a lot
of it in stock - it'll carry more rounds up the tube and
a shorter stroke of the lever to cycle rounds.

Hard choices
I have a CZ 75B and like the DA/SA w/thumb safety
and have been considering a CZ 97

no answer here I guess... just love .45s

Randall

Does it have to be a .45 ACP aka automatic colt pistol or only in .45 Caliber?

Semi automatic pistol or ANY handgun including revolvers?

If anything in .45 Caliber is allowed in this thread - I would pick my Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt aka long colt.

I do NOT own a automatic pistol in 45 ACP.

If I did BUY one but I doubt it - I would choose a GLOCK in 45ACP because I love Glock in the Model 19C and Model 19 = 9mm.

My HUSBAND loves 45ACP, 45Colt aka long colt, etc.

He LOVES Kimber, Colt, etc. in semi automatic pistols. He loves his Kimber so much that people who shot his gun went out and bought Kimbers. Maybe Kimber should give him a FREE GIFT! He just got a second Kimber and it is really pretty. I have not shot it yet.

He loves Ruger, S&W, Freedom Arms, etc.

I am not even going into rifles or a shotgun now.

Catherine
Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt Lady

Colt 1991A1

XD45 Compact
It does everything very well. With the 10 round magazine it conceals easily and comfortably in an IWB. Lock in the 13 round magazine and it's a fantastic full-size duty weapon. With only a spring change it'll run .45 Super all day long (for the four-legged predators). :)

With my original post I was sticking with .45 acp, but since everyone is chiming in about .45 Colt, Ill jump in.

My old model blackhawk is tough as they come and I would NEVER trade that gun away.
It takes some incredible loads, but is fun as heck to shoot as well!
Theres just somethin' bout .45 Colt.

If you dont own one, go buy one!!

Ruger NMBH convertible dressed, reamed and handloaded.

me too!

Colt Lightweight Commander.

I love 1911's as much as the next guy, but for me it's a Smith and Wesson 625 45 Colt. The perfect balance between strength and size/usability. It'll take a solid 45 Colt load, which for my money is better than a 44 Mag and with less chamber presure. Yet it is not so big, heavy, and bulky that you don't want to carry it in the field. No it's not a 454 but the real world differance isn't as great at "handgun" range as some of us would like to think. Beside I'll gladly accept the trade off of a better package and give up what additional power the 454 (or 460 for that matter) has. If I had to pick a 1911 or a carry gun it would be a 10 MM, sorry no 45 ACP's for me.

I love 1911's as much as the next guy, but for me it's a Smith and Wesson 625 45 Colt. It is the perfect balance between strength and size/usability. It'll take a solid 45 Colt load, which for my money is better than a 44 Mag and with less chamber pressure. Yet it is not so big, heavy, and bulky that you don't want to carry it in the field. No it's not a 454 but the real world difference isn't as great at "handgun" range as some of us would like to think. Beside I'll gladly accept the trade off of a better package and give up what additional power the 454 (or 460 for that matter) has. If I had to pick a 1911 or a carry gun it would be a 10 MM, sorry no 45 ACP's for me.

Ruger P345

Best DA trigger I've experienced on an auto pistol.

SA trigger rivals high end 1911s.

Accuracy was astounding with my simple reloads* and very good with factory ammo.

Too bad they're eleven hundred bucks. I guess that's no biggy if I can never have another 45, hehehe.

* = 230 gr. FMJ bullets over 5 gr. of Bullseye

Just thinking, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea for us to always buy the gun as if it will be our last of that type...

M&P would be my choice.

No no no no no no NO! I want more than ONE!

Ok ok it's only a hypothetical question (for now) calm... breathe....

Well let's see here. I own 3 of them now, and planning to GET a S&W 625 someday soon, so I can only comment on what I have now.... One of my two 1927 Sistemas (1911A1), one has already been modified to death to almost match a high end Les Baer, but the other one is still pure GI (wellll ok I did replace the MSH with a flat GI one) but it still LOOKS GI.

Yes, I'll keep that one. Not a misfire yet, and easy to find/replace parts. Good quality old world steel, should outlast me by a long shot.

....course, if I could have another it'd be my T/C Contender with the .45-70 14" barrel.