.45 Auto under $700. Ideas?

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Did the OP ever mention what his intentions are for the gun? Range? Concealed Carry?

For a range gun, I'd go with the XD or XDm 45 full size.

For a carry piece, I like the XD 45 Compact or a gently used S&W 3rd Gen 4513/4516.
 
So what's the deal on the APEX sear modifier? I've heard a lot about it.
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First off let me say that I consider the M&P to be the best combat worthy handgun on the market right now. I would take it over anything else available.

That being said the stock trigger does leave a bit to be desired. Like most striker fired pistols there is a bit of inconsistency in the trigger pull. Not a lot, but enough you notice it once you become proficient with the weapon. More importantly, there is no tactile reset in a factory M&P trigger. To me this is a big Nono. The Apex sear fixes both of these problems. It reduces the trigger pull to a consistent draw of around 4 pounds and provides a more solid reset.

Ironically enough I don't have an Apex in any of my M&Ps. I have ran a few that did and love them. I keep planning to get mine all upgraded but just keep putting it off.
 
First off let me say that I consider the M&P to be the best combat worthy handgun on the market right now. I would take it over anything else available.

That being said the stock trigger does leave a bit to be desired.
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And, you still think it's the best combat handgun in the market? :rolleyes:

I've never had that complaint about the trigger on my XDm 45 or my CZ 9mm, which I think are both better combat pistols than the M&P. The M&P is too much like their Sigma, IMHO. I'd rather have a Ruger SR9.
 
There is a reason the XD has not been widely accepted by Law enforcement or military units.

The trigger issue i mentioned with the M&P doesn't affect the function of the pistol and if desired can be fixed with a 30 dollar part.
However that dumb, failure prone grip safety on the XD is a problem that can't be overcome. Add to that the extremely high bore axis of the XD and you have a recipe for failure. And finally if you factor in the problems getting an XD fixed when it does fail and it just isn't worth it.

Also note that I said it is the best on the market. Not that it is perfect.
 
Maybe I'll have to give the M&P another look. I'm in the market for another 9mm anyway. But, I can't abide a gun with a lousy trigger right out of the box. Right now I'm looking at a S&W 5943, a good used Browning Hi Power, or a Beretta 92 fs.
 
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Many departments are picking up the M&P and with good reason
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For decades Smith has marketed to law enforcement like whores when the fleet comes in.

I remember the Smith rep offering my father (chief of a small city) all kinds of stuff, including kick backs back in the 70's.
 
I never said the trigger was Lousy. It is about the same as a Glock Trigger just without the reset that I prefer.

Glock has had a lock on the LE market for a while now. S&W is trying to break back in. Although it isn't easy with Glock getting lawyer happy any time someone says something bad about one of their weapons.
 
Let's not forget the 3rd generation S&W autos. They haven't been made in years but you can pick up some sweet deals on Gunbroker. They are built like a tank and will shoot anything. I have a couple in 10mm and they are function flawlessly.
 
I never said the trigger was Lousy. It is about the same as a Glock Trigger just without the reset that I prefer.

Glock has had a lock on the LE market for a while now. S&W is trying to break back in. Although it isn't easy with Glock getting lawyer happy any time someone says something bad about one of their weapons.
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Nothing to do with lawsuits. It has everything to do with price. Glock can sell new guns to departments for $300 at a substantial profit. They buy buck the old ones sell those off and a profit. This is what allows them to dominate the LE market. S&W is running the same playbook. They are selling the M&P on price nothing more.
 
There is a reason the XD has not been widely accepted by Law enforcement or military units.

The trigger issue i mentioned with the M&P doesn't affect the function of the pistol and if desired can be fixed with a 30 dollar part.
However that dumb, failure prone grip safety on the XD is a problem that can't be overcome. Add to that the extremely high bore axis of the XD and you have a recipe for failure. And finally if you factor in the problems getting an XD fixed when it does fail and it just isn't worth it.

Also note that I said it is the best on the market. Not that it is perfect.
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How many LEO have adopted the M&P? How many military units? Please you like the gun and have made that clear. That's cool but the M&P is a new platform and has made in roads into LEO markets using the Glock playbook. PRICE!!!!! They low ball them to get them into the hands of LEOs. The XD is a purely commerical focused product. IIRC Springfield has never attempted to go after the LEO or military market with this gun. Again if I am mistake please correct me.

Springfield unlike other manufactures focuses on the commerical market. They are a very good marketing company and have been able to leverage the "Springfield" name to sell other peoples products. They did not develop the XD. They do not even make the XD but they sell a ton of those Croatian pistols because they are "Extreme"......... LOL

They have to my knowledge S&W has not put a single M&P into the hands of a military unit. Please correct me if I am mistaken.
 
the XD is not a popular LE gun because they will not sell parts for the department armoror to fix or modify guns.

They simply are not going after that business.

And in my never-so-humble-opinion that is the biggest weakness of the gun is the "closed shop" part policy
 
Springfield XD45 compact.

Two guns in one: Full size 13+1 mag or Compact 10+1 mag.

1911 grip angle. Gun plus full load (13+1) of 230gr. weighs in at 40 ounces.

Goes for about $470-525 online. About $550 in stores around here.

Someone above mentioned the "dumb grip safety" of the XD45, however this is actually something I sought out. Mine has been flawless for about 3000 rounds. The only issue I know of with this pistol is the striker retainer pin, which a few people have reported cracks if dry-fired excessively. I called to ask about this, and Springfield sent me a few for free, and I use snap-caps anyway.

I looked and shot Glock and M&P while buying this gun. Glock felt like holding a 2x4. M&P, while a fine gun, just didn't "do it" for me and I subsequently chose the XD45c.

I haven't regretted the choice, and carry it daily now.
 
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glock guy here but
id get the m&p .45 no thumb or mag safety
cz97 is a nice none carry gun
try a glock21sf

xd is croatian made yuck too heavy for a plastic gun
 
Being a night manager at a Holiday Inn Express, I know what I am talking about. Sig P220. Enough said.
 
Kimber Custom II
STI Spartan
Glock 21
S&W M&P 45

Outside of your Price range:
Dan Wesson Valor, Vbob, CCO.

If you allready have other defensive pistols. Then save your money and go straight to the Valor or Vbob. Feels like a block of solid steel. Has a high quality, sturdy feel, and a very smooth action that my Kimber can't match. Light 4lb trigger.
 
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