Entry Level Target Gun in 45 ACP

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DMW1116

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I’ve been looking around for an entry level pistol to use for target shooting to cover the requirement of a 45 caliber. I’d like to keep price below $750 if possible. I’ve checked out some Girsan and RIA target models but haven’t really jumped on anything.

My requirements somewhat limit options. 45 caliber, adjustable sights, and ambidextrous or left handed.

I plan to hand load and can usually find a load that works pretty good. Obviously at this point I’m not looking for a 3/4” @ 25 yard pistol. 2”-3” should do until my skills catch up. Going from rested to unsupported my group size will more than double. At least my point of aim and point of impact aren’t changing as much going from rested to unsupported. That used to move by more than the group increase.
 
The Springfield is sweet but out of my range unless guns aren’t going for MSRP anymore.

Is a 1911 the way to go? Would a Glock 21 or 41 or XD series in 45 do the job?
 
CoalCrackerAl said:
Wow the Springfield is gorgeous. :thumbup:
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My acquaintance’s was nicely finished. But not overly accurate for the moniker or price. Still a good option.
My Taurus would hang with it with me shooting both. I do not recommend the Taurus. Though a good pistol it is, it took five thousand rounds for me to discover its shortcomings as a 1911.

I hear good thing about the RIAs. But for a “Target Pistol”, I immediately think of a budget over a thousand dollars. It’s easier to spend it up front than to tinker it later on a 1911.

DMW1116 said:
Would a Glock 21 or 41 or XS series in 45 do the job?
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1911>Glock>XD.:thumbup:
 
I've shot a Girsan 1911 Match, it shot nice. It's in your price range, can always upgrade as you go
 
DMW1116
I’ve been looking around for an entry level pistol to use for target shooting to cover the requirement of a 45 caliber. I’d like to keep price below $750 if possible.
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You're probably not going to find all that much in the way of target grade 1911s (i.e. Colt and Springfield Armory), in that price range. Maybe used but would still be kind of pricey. Best bet would be something like the Girsan MC1911 Target (Palmetto State Armory has them for $693), or else a RIA Ultra FS ($619.99 at Grab A Gun). Tisas has their 1911 Match Pistol but it's got an MSRP of $1199.95.
 
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DMW1116 said:
The Springfield is sweet but out of my range unless guns aren’t going for MSRP anymore.

Is a 1911 the way to go? Would a Glock 21 or 41 or XD series in 45 do the job?
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Whoa, I got the impression you wanted a 1911 from your OP.

Sure, get a Glock or XD. Replacement parts would be easier to fit, and if the particular model didn't come with adjustable sights, you can probably get aftermarket adjustable sights.
 
I’ll play… you might consider a SW625 revolver. A used one should fit your budget and they are absolutely “tack drivers!”

Handloads with SWCs are perfect for target shooting. Light loads are accurate and fun to shoot.
.45acp rounds in a moon clip load and unload faster than a semiautomatic.
Great sights (gold dot front/I changed mine for F/O HiViz, and adjustable rear)
Nice selection of grips available (SW n-frame)

Heavy enough to handle any .45acp recoil.
 
Rock Island 1911's are great pistols for the money.Mine's a 10MM,but it has several features that you usually only see on higher priced guns.Mine was at the local gun store,and it was out the door for $700.Good trigger,adjustable rear sight ambi safety,rail on the frame and other things that make it a good value.I seldom go for anything that's not made in USA,but I made an exception for it.
 
I do like a nice revolver. I’ve had better luck with revolvers being accurate enough for this use than autos, though I’m working on a good target load for a Canik 9mm. A 1911 isn’t required just a 45 caliber. I’m torn whether it’s easier to make 6 holes and a barrel or a good single barrel and all the moving parts that have to line up.
 
DMW1116 said:
until my skills catch up
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pick a platform and stick with it for max accuracy. accuracy is doing everything the same and different platforms are not the same. a 1911 platform would be best, because there are multiple companies selling accurate 1911 pistols.

DMW1116 said:
Going from rested to unsupported my group size will more than double.
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if your grip and trigger squeeze are consistent, your follow-through is causing the size difference.

luck,

murf

p.s. if you don't have a good 22rf pistol (mkII), get one. and dry-fire as much as possible to improve accuracy.
 
I had a stainless Springfield Target 1911 in 9mm (I know, not apples to apples) that was very disappointing in terms of accuracy.

I've never owned a Rock Island personally but, based on a friend's example that he bought for his son's graduation gift, I would have no problem spending my money on one.
 
murf said:
pick a platform and stick with it for max accuracy. accuracy is doing everything the same and different platforms are not the same. a 1911 platform would be best, because there are multiple companies selling accurate 1911 pistols.


if your grip and trigger squeeze are consistent, your follow-through is causing the size difference.

luck,

murf

p.s. if you don't have a good 22rf pistol (mkII), get one. and dry-fire as much as possible to improve accuracy.
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See I though it was because there appears to be someone playing racket ball inside my red dot sight.

I do have a decent 22 with a Holosun sight I’ve been practicing with for a while now. I need to do some ammo testing with it find the best load.

My goal is to keep all my shots inside the black of an NRA 25 yard timed and rapid fire pistol target with a centerfire pistol. Ultimately the goal is all x-ring hits but I understand even the very best can’t do that every time.
 
DMW1116 said:
See I though it was because there appears to be someone playing racket ball inside my red dot sight.
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close your eyes and that problem will go away. :)
DMW1116 said:
do some ammo testing with it find the best load.
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not real important in this context. no recoil of the 22rf helps to "feel" what is right and wrong with your shooting process.

good goal. dry-firing counts as practice/training when going for your goals.

luck,

murf
 
DMW1116 said:
Is a 1911 the way to go? Would a Glock 21 or 41 or XD series in 45 do the job?
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I have an XDm .45 and it's quite good. Not sure if it's match-winning good though.
Sadly Walther stopped making PPQ in .45 when they switched to PDP.
 
DMW1116 said:
A 1911 isn’t required just a 45 caliber. I’m torn whether it’s easier to make 6 holes and a barrel or a good single barrel and all the moving parts that have to line up.
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No, but when someone says “target 45 pistol” that is the standard to which all is compared.:cool:

I am of the opinion that it’s easier to get an accurate 1911 than a revolver. Only because a 1911 is obviously better. Way better. Obviously.:D

As well, the 1911 is kind of like an AR. So many have done so much for so long, even the cheap ones are very good, albeit lesser finished. But if lustrous blue and pedigree moniker aren’t important to you, perfectly functional and accurate 1911s can be had for a pittance.

Even my Taurus is very accurate and tightly built. The hammer is larger than normal and the nickel plate seems to be flaking off the “stainless steel” hammer surfaces. As a stand alone pistol it’s very good. As a tunable 1911 with standard parts, hard nope. But I was naïve and needed to find out for myself.;)

For your current requirements I’d search out a RIA to fiddle with, or a Ruger to use to death as is, then hotrod. Buy the sights you want up front, and try to wear it out.:thumbup:

Did anyone say Dan Wesson yet? Worth the saving for…:)
 
I agree that when "target pistol and .45" I think of a 1911 also.

I've had 7 1911's over the years, but I had an old Springfield XD .45 Service that was a tack driver with just about everything I shot through it; it was more accurate "easily" than tayloring loads for any of the 1911's.
 
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