[AgaveHound]

Hey gang, I'm in the market for a 45. Cost is a concern so I've narrowed it down to either a Kahr or a Bersa. I may use it as a conceal carry so size is concern as well. Pro's/cons of these handguns? Or perhaps a different maker?

Regards,
Chas

[10-Ring]

I like the Kahr -- it's a bit snappy because of its compactness & weight but she's a good shooter

[geronimo509]

get a steel not polymer model to combat the "snappyness" that .45's usually dont have

[greenjeans]

I have a Kahr CW45 and it is very easy to shoot. One of my absolute favorite pistols. It gets a lot of carry and I have never had a malfunction of any kind with it. I doubt there is a thinner .45 out there.

[Glockman17366]

Kahr or a Bersa

You've picked two firearms on the opposite ends of the cost spread.
Kahr's are not, by far, inexpensive guns. If you can swing the price of a Kahr, you can go for a Colt 1911.
All that said, I'd look for a Glock 21 or 30. Nice guns and you should be able to pick one up for about $450-$500.
However, if you're in a tight money situation, you might want to consider a 9mm. Every bit as good a stopper as a .45 ACP firearm and a lot cheaper to shoot. If you go for a 9mm, the glock 19 is a great choice.

[Dan Crocker]

Every bit as good a stopper as a .45 ACP firearm and a lot cheaper to shoot. If you go for a 9mm, the glock 19 is a great choice.
Oh boy, the flame wars will begin for sure. I'd back the Glock 19. Great gun!

[ArchAngelCD]

If you give us a price range it will help us a lot. Also, do you want to buy new or is used alright too?

[tunnug]

also if you want to stay with a .45 or are willing to try other calibers, or even size of the gun, you've got full size, compact and sub-compact, are you going to CC only or both shoot and carry.

myself I carry the g-23 when it doesn't have to be concealed and the khar k-40 when CC.

[mathewsman99]

kahr

[PT1911]

I would avoid the Glock or handle one extensively before buying it... those who love them, love them, those who hate them, would rather go it with a knife...hehe... ok..... slightly overboard there... but I would say Kahr if you can afford it... great guns... then again, the bersa is not a bad second choice... comfortable, good shooter, and pretty cool looking to boot.

[sohcgt2]

Quote:
Kahr or a Bersa

You've picked two firearms on the opposite ends of the cost spread.
Kahr's are not, by far, inexpensive guns. If you can swing the price of a Kahr, you can go for a Colt 1911.
All that said, I'd look for a Glock 21 or 30. Nice guns and you should be able to pick one up for about $450-$500.
However, if you're in a tight money situation, you might want to consider a 9mm. Every bit as good a stopper as a .45 ACP firearm and a lot cheaper to shoot. If you go for a 9mm, the glock 19 is a great choice.

You included the limitation of Kahr or Bersa in your post so between those 2 in .45acp you have suggested a Glock G19 in 9mm. If you have no experience with Kahr or Bersa why not save your opinion for someone asking to help choose between a Glock and a HK?

I like the Kahr better myself.

[AgaveHound]

Ok, let's try this.

Which handgun would you recommend for approx. $500 in the 45 flavor? I am of average ht/wt and hands. I currently own an older taurus .357 that I shoot pretty well and it feels good, but with a 6" barrel it's not gonna be used for daily carry.

I will try to shoot different guns before I buy, but I'm leaning towards a med. frame size and possibly a UC depending on how it feels. (Yes, I know both I mentioned are small and will get a feel for them before I buy.

tnx in advance guys!

[Ed4032]

I have both. Either one is a great choice.

[KINGMAX]

A GLOCK 21 is my first choice in 45 acp. Mine is a generation III, was purchased prior to the SF Model was available. I really like it, have had no issues w/ it thus far. As far as 'blow-ups', I do not know of anyone around me, nor at any range I shoot at that has had one to 'Blow up'. I use a good grade ammo, no reloads, clean and inspect it upon returning from the range that day. I have a Certified GLOCK armorer inspect mine twice per year. He wants to know when am I going to shoot it, that is how clean it is. He committed that he has never seen a used GLOCK so well maintained.

A 45 acp is a man stopper. I Feel as if the 9mm is so fast that it will pass right through a human body. The 45 acp is a bit slower, a heaver round and will take someone down if you hit them. I select a 230 gr., Semi-Jacketed HP for my personal protection round these days. I prefer a 230 gr Silver-tip HP, but they are so hard to find, so expensive if you happen find them.

For target rounds I just use a good grade of Ball ammo. Winchester, Remington or MAGTECH. I never use reloads.

[dbski]

Don't have khar, but have the Firestorm mini 45. I have not had any problems with it.

[Dan Crocker]

For around $500, I'd take the XD-45 compact. It's my house gun and it's awesome.

[kanook]

ruger p345. it's compact, reliable, not expensive

[christcorp]

If you can find a good used one (Because new is way out of your price range); I'd go with a SigSauer P220. I've had/have 10 different 45 acp's. The Sig P220 and the Springfield Armory 1911A1 are my 2 favorite. The 1911 is a bit too big to carry; but the P220 is excellent. Used; you might get in the $500 range. But there are so many versions of the P220; combat, full size, carry, SAO, DAK, etc... But if you find one in the feel/size you like; you will totally fall in love with it. And you WILL hit what you aim at.

[PAPACHUCK]

My choices on a CCW 45 from personal experiences only;

XD45 Compact Service
G30SF
Taurus PT145Pro

There are others in your price range, but as others have stated, buy what fits YOU, what YOU like, and what YOU shoot well.

[ArchAngelCD]

XD45 Compact Service
G30SF
Taurus PT145Pro
I would add the S&W M&P to that list. It might be a little over $500 but not much. If you buy before April 30th you get 2 FREE Magazines too.

[AgaveHound]

ohhh my, I just checked out the XD45. Not much more than I wanted to spend, but it looks like a nice pistol.

Anyone got input on this baby?

[Dan Crocker]

I have one sitting beside me at the moment. It's a great size, accurate, eats ANYTHING in .45 ACP, recoil is negligible, and when you toss a 13-rd mag with the shoe on it, you get a full-size service gun. It's a sweet pistol. I'm fully comfortable trusting my life to this gun.
I own and like Glocks too, but in .45s, the XD grip fits me much better than the Glock 21 or 30 and feels only slightly larger than my Glock 19 9mm. I can't recommend the XD 45 compact highly enough.

[HD Fboy]

Fit is everything. I have a $1300 Kimber and a $600 Glock 21c. The kimber by definition is a more accurate gun but I have huge hands and the Glock is a better fit. BTW I hated Glocks until I bought one. I have handled handguns for 35 years and no external safety on a simi auto was hard to get around. Now, I may sell off a 1911 colt and get a subcompact Glock. They are butt ugly, but they shoot good in my hands.

[Dan Crocker]

Now, I may sell off a 1911 colt and get a subcompact Glock. They are butt ugly, but they shoot good in my hands.I gave my dad my 1911 after I bought my XD...and now I have a Glock too. Ugly guns, but yeah, they work. Amen to that!

[samurai]

Glock 30

[AgaveHound]

Picked up the XD45 today. I'm a happy camper. :D