45. ACP under 600

[JP from Phoenix]

I'm looking for a NIB 45 for around 600 bucks. I have the 357 the 9 and wanted to have all my popular calibers covered and get myself a 45. So far I'm thinking about a Springfield milspec, Taurus 1911 and a CZ97. I do have smaller hands though and they are all pretty big guns. I'm not too big on the polymers but the M&P .45 would be nice too what do you guys think. Price is an issue i noticed when you jump to .45s the price tag tends to jump up especially with 1911 styled ones

 

[JDGray]

Small hands and CZs don't go together, specially the 97. Any 1911 fits small hands well, single stack models that is. Not on your list, but Rugers P345 is as small as it gets, the trigger in SA, is almost cramp in my hands. The wifey likes it

 

[davinci]

I have a springfield milspec 1911, I find it to be a versatile platform and a joy to shoot. The taurus 1911 has some features that the springfield doesn't, so it's a definite consideration I have yet to fire one...still waiting for the stainless model to come out and I'll buy up a pair.

You could buy a Kimber, and I have a custom II kimber, but I find that they aren't worth the hefty price tag. I got my springfield for $400 NIB, and my kimber for $700 slightly used, in box. The springfield, I feel is exactly the same, but the kimber sure is pretty. I like pretty guns as much as the next fella, but I'd really prefer to have to ugly good-shooters for the price of one pretty good-shooter.

 

[Obiwan]

I LOVE my M&P 45

 

[raytracer]

For me, slim grips on a 1911 just can't be beat. Taurus, Springfield and Rock Island all make a 1911 that you can get home with for under $600 and still have money for grips and ammo.

If you think the price of the guns goes up when you look at .45 ACP, wait till you buy ammo! Once you get bit by the .45 bug, you'll be reloading before you know it.

Joe

 

[JP from Phoenix]

is there anything else or is that pretty much my choices? The Milspecs look pretty nice but dont you need to make a bunch of improvements to those? I'm still somewhat new to guns so what are all these improvements for? The Taurus feels a little heavy to me but that was after handleing a bunch of lighter 9mms. Those i notice have been going up in price. The M&P is pretty much the same size as the 9mm versian isnt it? i really liked how that one felt in my hands in a 9. the 97 i never seen in stores, i just want one because they are sweet looking pistols

 

[wally]

Take a look at the new RIA Tactical, under you max price and will leave you $$$ for some ammo afterwards.

Go to forum.m1911.org and browse the Armscor/RIA forum where you can hear from happy campers and not so happy campers that were made happy by RIA's customer service.

Well over 10000 rounds on my oldest RIA.

--wally.

 

[Detritus]

is there anything else or is that pretty much my choices? The Milspecs look pretty nice but dont you need to make a bunch of improvements to those

If you're talking about the one Springfield labels the "Mil-spec" model and not the "GI .45" aka "GI Mil-spec" aka "WW2 GI". and since you do not seem to be wanting this gun to be able to go through a bunch of HSLD type courses...

then No it does not really need a bunch of improvements.

• Unless you are left-handed there is no real need for an ambidexterous safety.
• Full length guide rods are nice but not needed (John M. Browning knew what he was doing).
• beavertail safety and commander hammer, if needed these can be fitted at a later date, and most that i've met that felt that need had large meaty hands.
• the three-dot sights found on the SA "Mil-Spec" are perfectly fine for probably 95%+ of the shooting most folks will ever do. if you MUST have night sights, then you have a choice of either a set that fits the existing rear sight cut and staked on front, or having the smith cut the slide for Novaks etc.

also any 1911 i know of that has all three of those upgrades and that falls under your price cap is likely to have problems (the Taurus 1911 is still working out it's bugs, do a search on them).

right now the two guns topping my own personal "what 1911 next?" list are the SA Mil-spec and the Rock Island Tactical.

 

[hexidismal]

For smaller hands, check out the Ruger P345. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Mine's been great, but I have very large hands, and the grip is definitely a bit small for me. Should be somewhere around $450 NIB I think, maybe even a little less. And it's not a bad looking gun.

 

[Black Majik]

M&p .45

 

[rellascout]

CPO Sig P220 (As good as new) or Milspec 1911

 

[JonP]

I just bought an STI Spartan for $580, and it's great! Ran very well straight out of the box - 500 rounds so far, zero malfunctions. Fiber optic front sight, tough finish. I highly recommend!

 

[Tackdriver]

I'd have to throw in another vote for the Ruger P345. I just ran my first 1000 rounds though it last weekend it was flawless and extremely comfortable for just under $400 OTD.

 

[waterhouse]

Check out the features on the STI Spartan, they are well made and have really nice triggers for the cost.

 

[Surefire]

Since you are considering at least one polymer pistol (M&P), then I think you should add the Springfield XD45 to your list. Great, accurate shooter with super light recoil.

 

[10-Ring]

If it had to be new & it had to be under $600, I'd give the M&P a good hard look

 

[JP from Phoenix]

is there any polymer framed .45s that are SA/DA?

 

[JDGray]

is there any polymer framed .45s that are SA/DA?

P345

 

[.357 magnum]

JP-Taurus 24/7 is SA/DA

JP- I own a Taurus 24/7 .45acp I can say it is a really Awesome gun! I had bought one of the older models to start with and It had the Mag issues--would not feed! I took it back and made Cabela's reacquire it. Three months later I decided to by a 2007 version and have Loved it ever since! It is surprisingly accurate and trouble free! I also have owned Taurus 24/7 .40's and 9mm I really like the SA/DA trigger setup! Still own a .40 and 9mm version. So I do recommend the Taurus 24/7. I also recommend the Springfield XD .45! I own two of those! And Last, but not least! I absolutely recommend the SW-MP .45 also/I own the .40 version. I have to honestly say, if I had bought an MP first, I really doubt I would have even tried the other brands! The Gun is that good! I am not taking anything away from Springfield or Taurus. Love em both, but the MP really is a Great gun! One last thing the Sprinfield XD's I own have never had a failure of any type! Period! They are in the over 2500 RD mark] The 24/7 Had one fail to feed in the first 200 RDS a FMJ practice round from CCI. Has never had a failure since. [another 700 Rds or so] Plenty of hollowpoints in that bunch. The Mp also never a failure of any type. I believe I am over 700 Rds on the MP.
I hope you get what you are looking for!

The Best to You and Yours!

Frank

 

[JP from Phoenix]

I really like the classic 1911 design but have no problem with anything that is a solid gun. I have a little while to think it over though. I have to pay my new beretta off before i buy anything else lol. gives me a month of 2 to think it over. My top picks are the Taurus PT1911 and the Springfield milspec and the MP 45, i'm starting to take fancy to that ruger p345 too.

 

[Deer Hunter]

Not too much of a difference between a 97 and a 75, by the way.

Go with what fits your hand best.

 

[JP from Phoenix]

yeah those CZ97s are very nice too, they dont look THAT big. I wish i could find a store that has every gun i like so i can handle them all. I'd hate to have to order one off the net and not like how it feels. Eventhough i have small hands I still like big guns lol.

 

[gp911]

HA! I read the title and thought 600 was velocity in fps! Silly me!

I vote Springfield.

gp911

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Originally posted by JP from Phoenix:
The Milspecs look pretty nice but dont you need to make a bunch of improvements to those?

The Mil-Spec has sights you can see and a lowered ejection port. The sights (IMO) are the only improvement I, uh, I mean you, truly need; everything else is optional. A beavertail grip safety (with the necessary accompanying ringed hammer) is more comfortable to shoot over a long period than the standard one, but functions no differently.

 

[obxned]

For smaller hands, check out the Ruger P345.

Mine works just fine for large hands. Reminds me of a 1911 w/ arched mainspring housing.