Non-1911 .45 Suggestions Please

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Redcoat3340

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I gave all my 1911's to my boys a few years ago and focused on 9mm only (and two .380s) for my pistols (I got "recoil adverse" and wimped out.)

I'm thinking about adding a .45 to the range bag again, but a DA/SA, not SA.

I really like my S&W 9s....39s and 59s and was thinking of something like a S&W 4506.

But I'm wondering what else I might consider. It won't be for carry or bedside....more of a range gun, okay, maybe by the bedside at that.

I'd like something in stainless, "reasonably priced" (under $600 and I love used), and don't mind honest wear.

I've got a Sig 220 in 9mm, so maybe 220 in .45....or??????

What say ya?
 
I have a 220 in .45 I really like-- very reliable and accurate. I don't know if they're around in stainless, though. My first thought when I started reading your post was " S&W 625," but I don't think you'd find one at 600 or less.
 
The SW625 is a great suggestion! I love mine (JM model). Moon clips make for fast reloads.

You might also consider a CZ97. 10 rd mags. It’s not stainless but it’s a fine shooting handgun. Mine seems to like most any ammo I put through it.
 
I have a 4506. It would not be my choice. It is a good gun, but every time I think my Government size 1911 it too big, I pull out the 4506 and realize just how slim and sleek the 1911 is. The other downside to the 4506 is since they are out of production, parts are becoming harder and harder to come by.

While not stainless steel, there are the HK guns, either the HK45 or HK45c, or the USP 45's.

HK USA https://hk-usa.com/product/pistols/

The late Todd Green did a long term review on the HK45 https://pistol-training.com/archives/category/range-reports/hk45

Beretta PX4 http://www.beretta.com/en-us/px4-storm-full/

The late Stephen A. Camp reviewed the PX4 45 http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/shooting_the_45-caliber beretta PX4.htm
 
I think a SIG P220 in .45 would be a great choice. Many years ago I had the Browning labeled version of the P220: the BDA, in .45 (as a side note I should have bought the 9mm. and .38 Super versions as well as they sat on dealer's shelves a long time and typically went for well under retail when they did finally sell). The BDA was extremely reliable, very comfortable to shoot, and was nearly as accurate (and a whole lot less fussy about the ammo that it used), than a Colt Gold Cup I had at the same time.
 
There were many police trade in p220’s floating around a few months ago for about $500. I think that ship may have sailed though
 
One of my favorite 45acp pistols is my Ruger P90. Its recoil is light and it's easy for me to shoot well. I prefer larger handguns. I got mine a few months ago. I think it was a police trade-in. I paid about $200 for it OTD.

View media item 1446
 
IF the Ruger P90 is too chubby for you, the Ruger P345 is excellent. I have all three Ruger P Series 45s, and the P345 is a winner
 
Just bought a used USP 45 for $550. Very happy with that.
Prices are down on new HK's right now, used ones are very reasonable.
The accuracy won't disappoint.

P220's are very nice as well.
 
Taurus had the 24/7 in 45 acp which shoots very nicely and has a 12 shot mag. They also used to offer an OSS version (was made to compete for SOCOM trials) that is basically the same with a decocker. The mags had some problems when they first came out but these were resolved and the guns are good shooters if my example is representative of the breed. Then they had a V2 with some changes but they're still solid pistols and can often be found for an attractive price.
 
I have three that fit your description, other than being stainless. A P220, CZ97 and FNX. You won't go wrong with any of them, although out of the three the CZ is my favorite to shoot.
 
Well, a SIG P-227 is over your price threshold, but a lightly used P-220 may not be ... this police department trade-in I scored for $450.

SIG P-220.jpg

Or how 'bout an FN FNX-45 (new maybe a tad over $600) ... decocker, frame-mounted 1911-style safety -- and 15 +1 capacity

nightstand.jpg
 
Fnx is pretty good, the shield .45 is stainless but has smiths proprietary coating but it’s a striker.
USP .45 or the big mk23 are single/double and are very good.
There’s the beretta px4 in .45 too, not a fan myself but my dad likes his.
 
Setting aside the stainless (if you can), the P220 or P220 Nitron Carry in .45, the P227 in .45 ... all good choices.

I gave all my 1911's to my boys a few years ago and focused on 9mm only (and two .380s) for my pistols (I got "recoil adverse" and wimped out.)

I'm thinking about adding a .45 to the range bag again, but a DA/SA, not SA.

I really like my S&W 9s....39s and 59s and was thinking of something like a S&W 4506.

But I'm wondering what else I might consider. It won't be for carry or bedside....more of a range gun, okay, maybe by the bedside at that.

I'd like something in stainless, "reasonably priced" (under $600 and I love used), and don't mind honest wear.

I've got a Sig 220 in 9mm, so maybe 220 in .45....or??????

What say ya?
 
If you have a 220 in 9mm and like it I would say get a 220 in .45.
THR member vaalpens just got one and seems quite happy with it.
 
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Check out a Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact in 45 ACP. I've got one and am happy with it.
If you're not familiar with Bersa it is an Argentinian company. I think something got lost in the translation from Spanish of the name. It is hardly "Ultra Compact", more like a "Compact" version of an "Ultra" pistol if you follow.
It fits my hand well, is very reliable, and the price is right.
Bersa's 380 ACP line of pistols are more well known but the 9 mm and 45 ACP are a completely different design. The 9 and 45 designs were "inspired" by the Walther P88 which was a design stud but market dud.
Bersa has been able to produce a quality product at a much better price.

Good Luck.
 
Check out a Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact in 45 ACP. I've got one and am happy with it.
If you're not familiar with Bersa it is an Argentinian company. I think something got lost in the translation from Spanish of the name. It is hardly "Ultra Compact", more like a "Compact" version of an "Ultra" pistol if you follow.
It fits my hand well, is very reliable, and the price is right.
Bersa's 380 ACP line of pistols are more well known but the 9 mm and 45 ACP are a completely different design. The 9 and 45 designs were "inspired" by the Walther P88 which was a design stud but market dud.
Bersa has been able to produce a quality product at a much better price.

Good Luck.
I believe the Bersas are fine pistols!
 
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