.45 acp sidearm

Ah yes the .45 sidearm for the military debate. I'll vote for the S&W M&P full size for GI.

You mean if I could carry whatever the heck I darn well pleased? Either an HK45 or a custom Colt 1911.

Absolutely no question, Glock 21.

Lighter than the M9, 1 or 2 less rounds, can work in sandy environments, and that fat (and textured, on the Gen 4) grip really agrees with gloves, in my experience.

Though I don't know a single person in the military that ever had to use their sidearm (not saying it doesn't happen, I'm sure plenty of folks have been saved by the Beretta), if I had a choice, I'd still want what I'm most comfortable with. And surprise surprise, it's the G21.

As doubtful as it may seem, at least two of Uncle Sam's military units are authorized to carry 45 acp sidearms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MEU(SOC)_pistol

http://www.tactical-life.com/magazines/tactical-weapons/hk45c-us-navy-seal/3/

When I was in the Navy, I carried a Colt 1911A1 while on watch during duty. I would choose that pistol again if I had the choice today.

S&W N-Frame revolver with fixed sights, lanyard loop mounted on bottom of grip frame and loaded half moon clips.

You did say "sidearm." Worked for great grand pappy will work just as well today.

I carried a 1911 on duty by choice for a number of years. Given the choice these days I would choose a Glock 21 or an XD45.

Two or three months ago, I would have said a S&W M&P45, but then I bought my first 1911. Having seen the way I can shoot with that pistol, and how intuitive it was for me I can't say I'd prefer anything else. I have only put about 400 rounds downrange and have kept it nice and clean, so I can't say vouch for unwavering reliability yet, although it has yet to fail.
But they have worked reliably in service to our country for over 100 years now and in freezing temps, forests, hot humid jungles, sandy dusty deserts etc… so I have no reason to think they wouldn't continue to serve just as reliably.

jamal28 said:

If you were in the us military and uncle sam(i highly doubt that) decided to authorize .45acp. Sidearms to carry in the field which sidearm would you carry?

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Colt Combat Commander. I'd get one of mine, send it to Robar to be Rogaurd & NP3 Plus coated, and it a good set of Wilson 7 round mags.

Why 7 rounders? They found the 8 round mags, in sandy places, didn't work so well. I'd use the regular 7 rounders with heavy springs.

I don't like do-dads on my guns. Good set of sights, good trigger, and that is that.

The Commanders I have came with bevertail grip safeties and regular thumb safeties and that is all I need to.

And I do like the firing pin lock in case I had to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

I ain't worried about capacity. I assure you I WOULD HAVE A RIFLE ALSO!

I have to admit, the Series 80s and above Colts work very very well and am quite pleased with them.

Deaf

S&W M&P45, Modern reliable firearm, American Made, American Company.

Glock 21 or an XDm 4.5.

I like the XDm better but the G21 is easier to field service.

Glock 21 Gen4. I used to carry a 1911, then an M9, in the Navy. I never liked either one.

My personal .45 is a Baby Eagle II, but it's for HD, and I do not carry the heavy thing, nor would I expect GIs to do so.

Carry ANY .45 I want? Too bad the Glock 21SF is too fat for my hands. I mean, yeah I can make it work, but why put myself at a disadvantage? Let's pretend uncle sam still authorizes 9mm NATO. I'd carry a G34, no question. No other sidearm I'd feel more comfortable with.

Glock 21 without hesitation

A 1970's Colt Commander I packed a 1911 most of my career and I have always like the Commander over the Government 5" Add better fixed sights. Little trigger work and good 7 round mags . Leave old style grip safety no full length guide rod or other needless junk. Just a 1970's Commander with better sights and trigger

Sig 220 hands down.

Glock 21SF

If I had bigger hands - FNP-45 (go big or go home).

SIG P220, Glock 21 Gen4, S&W M&P 45, FN 45, HK45, HK45 Tactical...they'll all work. I'd prefer American made guns.

But, getting rid of FMJ and going with JHP would make what they have more effective. They really should evaluate any international agreements they have made and see if JHP is acceptable. If not, they should change the agreement.

Same as what's on my nightstand.

M&P45 4".

Of mine, I would take the USP45

Well, if it were me I'd say the HK USP45 Tactical or regular USP45, hands down. But if it was going to be issued probably the HK45 since that one is made in the US (most of them anyways). If it was my call I'd authorize the HK45c or USP45 Compact for people whom the standard USP is too large. To me it's an easy call. The USP is as reliable as death and taxes, extremely durable and very accurate. It's about as soft shooting as you can find in a .45 ACP with the possible except of the FNX/FNP 45. If I was authorized to run it cocked-and-locked (or in any way that meant one in the pipe) that would give me 13 rounds, not too shabby.