Best First .45 ACP

[Soldier0117]

Hi everyone I need your opinions on what you think would be the best first handgun chambered in .45 ACP. This would also be my first handgun, but I test fired 9mm and .45 and I liked .45 better. Lastly I would prefer a single stack gun otherwise it probably will not fit my hand. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Rampant_Colt]

Some type of 1911 or a Sig 220

my .02 cents

 

[Belgiboy]

+1 on the 1911. They are easy to shoot, addictive and good looking.

 

[james_bond]

you mentioned the need of a smaller grip and wanting singlestacks, but please do not dismiss the Springfiels XD-45s. They are a doubblestacked yes, but not much bigger than the 9 and 40 doubblestacked. My first pistol was the Tactical XD-45acp and I love it much I have no regrets at all, my dad has the Sig P220 and now wants an XD too. The fact that the XD is half the price of many of the 1911s was one of my other reasons I got this as mu first handgun.

 

[vzenmn]

What are you willing to pay and do you perfer single action or DA/SA? This could help thin out the million different brands of 45s out there on the market.

The only experience I have is with the Ruger P90 and P97 and I would highly recommend either one and the P345 as well. They are very good guns for the little money you pay for them.

If not that you could go with a Rock Island Armory or Springfeild Armory 1911.

 

[bdg146]

I, too, would recommend the Ruger P90. In fact, my first .45 (and first handgun) was a Ruger P90. My first handgun purchase was a little intimidating, but it was comforting to know that I was purchasing a firearm with a great reputation, and I was paying less than most other reliable .45s.

 

[klover]

get a sig

p220 with short trigger option or one of the 220 type compacts.
Try one, they are very addictive

 

[WARPARTY36]

If cost is a factor then you might consider the cost of operation. It costs almost twice as much to shoot a .45 ACP as it does a 9mm. If you plan on shooting very often, this could come into play.

Make sure that you check prices at different local shops and online. There could be a HUGE difference.

 

[antsi]

Agree re, SIG P220 or 1911. However, deciding between these two will be mostly a matter of personal preference, not one being objectively better or worse than the other. Is there a pistol range in your area that rents guns? Handling both before making your decision would be essential; shooting both would be optimal.

The one thing that would tilt towards the 1911 for me would be the option of putting a Marvel Precision upper on it for shooting .22s. WARPARTY36 is right; shooting a steady diet of .45 can get pricey. Having the option to shoot .22 LR from the same platform would mean lots more practice for the same $ and probably develop better shooting habits too. For all that .45 acp is a great defensive round, .22 LR is a superior training and practice round. The Marvel upper on a 1911 frame with a good trigger makes for a legit match quality small bore pistol. This option would give you two great pistols for the price of one-and-a-half.
http://www.marvelprod.com/beauty.htm

 

[possum]

what is your spending limit? i am a solider and if are like your name suggest than i know we don't make alot of money. i would say go for a 1911 of some sort even a less expensive, taurus, or sa gi model, or a ruger p345 would be a great choice as well, mine is the most accurate pistol that i own.

if money is not much of a problem then i would look at some of the nicer 1911's like the sa loaded series.

 

[Black Majik]

Yup, go for the 1911.

Under 1K: SIG P220 or Colt Government

Over 1K: Les Baer PII/Custom Carry/TRS

Over 2K: Call Yost Bonitz

Over 3K: Colt Government and training classes to your heart's content.

 

[Soldier0117]

My price range is anything under $1000, and I do not care if it is da/sa or sa only. Also it must have a mounting rail.

 

[rantingredneck]

Ruger KP345PR and a couple cases of ammo.

 

[Hunter0924]

I would suggest looking at the Colt line of Government Models. Para and Springfield also makes an excellent example of this famous design.

 

[wnycollector]

My 1st .45 was a SIG P220. I cant say enough what a great pistol it is!!!

That being said...I put a few mags through a ruger P97 this past summer...what a sweet easy shooting .45! A good used SS P97 AND 1000 rounds of ammo can be had for less than $500 via gunbroker.com

 

[Walkalong]

Springfield or Colt 1911, or Springfield XD.

 

[full metal]

Since it's you'r first 45 I recommend the XD-45 it's simple and rugged.

 

[MaterDei]

Soldier0117,

Is 0117 your last 4? I remember marking all of my gear with W3997.

I, too, would recommend either the Sig or a 1911.

PM me if you want more specifics.

Blue skies,

MaterDei

 

[dispatch]

Ruger P90 is what I would take to the mat.

 

[bdg146]

Well, I voted for the P90 previously, but if I had up to $1k to spend on a .45, I would probably splurge and pick up one of the new HK45s. Do I know much about them? Nope. Just know I love HK and their newer pistols (P30 and HK45) are supposed to be extremely ergonomic. I haven't even held one yet though, since I know if I do I'm gonna have to start saving for one. Best to not tempt myself.

But yeah, P90 is still a great sidearm.

 

[jhansman]

No shortage of opinions here, but I'll ask you to go and shoot a few before plunking down any hard-earned. See if you can find a range that rents guns. Try a 1911, a Glock, and an XD-45. One of those ought to fit your hand and make you want to shoot it again. Then again, all of 'em might....

 

[Jason_G]

Everybody keeps recommending double stack guns. The OP saisd he wants a single stack.

I'd take a long hard look at some second-hand but like new Colt 1911's, S&W 1911's, and the Sig P220. For a single stack .45, my money would go to one of those three.

Jason

 

[tbtrout]

My first thought is a Sig 220, then a 1911 of course.

 

[Eightball]

1911, SIG 220, *maybe* the XD if it'll fit your hand. I prefer single stacks, and the XD is actually fun to shoot. Who knew?

 

[bwavec]

There is little bad that can be said about a 1911. With a little care and the occasional replacement part, it can be a firearm that will give you a lifetime of service and something to pass down. Plus you can set it up for almost anything from combat to competition and everything in between (just resist the urge to pimp it out too radically-especially in the first months after you buy it, when you want EVERY accessory add-on and doodad you can find for it), if the need and desire so arise.

For something more modern, but still very practical, look at the Sig P220 and Heckler & Koch's new single stack HK45. Neither will disappoint !!