Best First .45 ACP
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For the money and performance, you would be shorting yourself if you didn't go with the XD. I've owned 2 Glocks, 2 XDs, a Walther P99, and now a HK USPc. I can honestly say that out of these guns, the XDs shine by far as the best all around gun that gives you the most "bang for your buck." Now, that's obviously my personal opinion, but detail for detail I believe the XD, especially in .45, is the star of the bunch. I can go into such great detail about what I think about all these guns, but in the end I think the XD design is the best attempt at a modern combat auto. Some say the M&P is better, but for some reason it doesn't float my boat like the XD does...and oddly enough, my newly aquired H&K USPc isn't doing it as well either.
They just shoot so well and so comfortably. The construction is rock-solid too. Fit and finish is the best among polymer guns IMO. I trust mine more than my Glocks or my H&K, although none of these guns have given me a single hiccup and they have all been very reliable weapons for me.
Point is, I think everyone should have an XD in their collection. Fantastic firearms. The XD.45 should be in everyone's collection just like a G19 or G26 should be...or a 1911, or any other fantastic handgun!
They just shoot so well and so comfortably. The construction is rock-solid too. Fit and finish is the best among polymer guns IMO. I trust mine more than my Glocks or my H&K, although none of these guns have given me a single hiccup and they have all been very reliable weapons for me.
Point is, I think everyone should have an XD in their collection. Fantastic firearms. The XD.45 should be in everyone's collection just like a G19 or G26 should be...or a 1911, or any other fantastic handgun!
WoofersInc
Member
Along with the Taurus mentioned above, look at Rock Island Armory for 1911's. I just bought 2 of them recently and was impressed by how well the fit and finish on them was. For the price they can't be beat.
Here are a few in no particular order:
Ruger P345, P97, (P90 Nice but a tad large for small hands)
Colt 1911 Government Model, Combat Commander, Officers Model
Any of the Colt 1911 clones
Glock 36
SIG P220
There are others, take your time and look around.
Ruger P345, P97, (P90 Nice but a tad large for small hands)
Colt 1911 Government Model, Combat Commander, Officers Model
Any of the Colt 1911 clones
Glock 36
SIG P220
There are others, take your time and look around.
robctwo
Member
I have small hands. The Sig 220 feels larger than my 1911s. I did get the slim grips for the Sig and that helps. My 220ST has the rail, is accurate and reliable. It doesn't get shot much any more because the 1911s just feel better to me.
I would look at the all steel S&W or Dan Wesson as well for under a grand.
My Les Baer PII is my favorite, but you are talking a lot more money.
I would look at the all steel S&W or Dan Wesson as well for under a grand.
My Les Baer PII is my favorite, but you are talking a lot more money.
Soldier0117
Member
Thanks for helping guys, I was looking around and noticed Kimber has a railed model called the Custom TLE/RL II and I really like the look of it, I shot a a Springfield Mil-Spec the other day and I liked the 1911 feel. I also saw they make a .22 lr conversion for their guns, I thought that would be a good combo, what do you think? BTW how does the new HK45 compare to their USP .45?
possum
Member
and some formal training, and if you have a light rail you might as well go with a light too, i have an m6, but there are many nice ones out there, the m3,3x, m6,6x, surfire, trl 1, and 2 etc.
ForneyRider
Member
I went to local gun ranges to rent pistols and shot several before settling on the Springfield XD 45(striker fired). Rented the CZ 97 10+1 single stack(SA/DA), H&K USP 45 (SA/DA), and some others.
I have a Springfield M1911-A1 Loaded Stainless too(SA).
Took the CHL class with P220 (SA/DA).
All of these are great and different pistols. Deciding on what action you want and the size (ergos) is very important. Also, one pistol may not serve all your needs. You may want a compact model for carry, and a high cap one for plinking.
You can get a CPO Sig P220 for $450-550. Excellent all around pistol.
I have a Springfield M1911-A1 Loaded Stainless too(SA).
Took the CHL class with P220 (SA/DA).
All of these are great and different pistols. Deciding on what action you want and the size (ergos) is very important. Also, one pistol may not serve all your needs. You may want a compact model for carry, and a high cap one for plinking.
You can get a CPO Sig P220 for $450-550. Excellent all around pistol.
Lonestar49
Member
Quote: Best First .45 ACP
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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.
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Hey Soldier,
I would steer you towards, one, of many, 4" Commander size 1911's
Colt, Springfield Armory, just to name a few, are great, accurate, reliable 45's.
I think in the short/long haul, you'd be much happier with an SAO trigger, both for "consistency" and smooth, fairly light, trigger pull weight, along with the 1911's 2 safety features, palm-grip safety, and best, IMO, the thumb-slide-safety release, which allows you the fastest, draw, point to aim, and delivery of the first shot which gives you a key advantage, used legally, and for the right reasons, over any DA/SA gun IMHO.
Along with, up the road, if you decide to go for a ccw licence, the 4" Commander style is the best of both worlds IMO, for both accuracy, by means of, middle of the road 45 ammo choices in JHP, you can choose from, and recoil control with fast follow-up shots if necessary. Also, hard to believe or understand right now but, absolutely safe to carry cocked and locked with the 2 safety's and, one's true understanding and use-of, the 4 rules of gun handling.
Like anything "new" in weapons, it takes time to learn, trust, and most important, "understand" to become very comfy with one, and their use.
And, you'll find out, not real far up that unknown road, that this will make perfect sense.
Luck,
Ls
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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.
------------
...
Hey Soldier,
I would steer you towards, one, of many, 4" Commander size 1911's
Colt, Springfield Armory, just to name a few, are great, accurate, reliable 45's.
I think in the short/long haul, you'd be much happier with an SAO trigger, both for "consistency" and smooth, fairly light, trigger pull weight, along with the 1911's 2 safety features, palm-grip safety, and best, IMO, the thumb-slide-safety release, which allows you the fastest, draw, point to aim, and delivery of the first shot which gives you a key advantage, used legally, and for the right reasons, over any DA/SA gun IMHO.
Along with, up the road, if you decide to go for a ccw licence, the 4" Commander style is the best of both worlds IMO, for both accuracy, by means of, middle of the road 45 ammo choices in JHP, you can choose from, and recoil control with fast follow-up shots if necessary. Also, hard to believe or understand right now but, absolutely safe to carry cocked and locked with the 2 safety's and, one's true understanding and use-of, the 4 rules of gun handling.
Like anything "new" in weapons, it takes time to learn, trust, and most important, "understand" to become very comfy with one, and their use.
And, you'll find out, not real far up that unknown road, that this will make perfect sense.
Luck,
Ls
Thirties
Member
My opinion: get a used 1911A1. A Colt MKIV Series 70 is a good choice.
And please realize I'm not being a wise guy when I say this, but you should know that your first 1911 will definitely not be your last. That's why I suggest a used gun. It will allow you to play around with it, get a few replacement parts, and learn what you like and what you don't like about .45 automatics.
And please realize I'm not being a wise guy when I say this, but you should know that your first 1911 will definitely not be your last. That's why I suggest a used gun. It will allow you to play around with it, get a few replacement parts, and learn what you like and what you don't like about .45 automatics.
Pa.Bill
Member
I have a SIG 1911 since 6/07. It's an excellent handgun.
That's not saying others are not. The Sig just felt right in my hand more then other and there must have been 7 in front of me.
~Good Luck~
That's not saying others are not. The Sig just felt right in my hand more then other and there must have been 7 in front of me.
~Good Luck~
Soldier0117
Member
What about a used series 80? I like the idea of a firing pin safety.
First handgun - ok guys, this person is not a handgun expert with years of experience, this is a first purchase... Manual safety is probably not the best idea for a first time handgun owner.
Single stack - he expressed this preference so let's limit the options accordingly. I'm guessing grip size has something to do with it.
I saw only one recommendation for the Ruger P345. I personally have the P345D and I think it is the ideal first .45 acp handgun for a person to own. Single stack, put ammo in it, pull trigger. Goes bang every time no matter what you put in it. I have to say that next to my revolvers, this is the most reliable gun in my collection.
Especially for a new gun owner, if you make some mistakes while learning about your handguns, this one will be remarkably forgiving. And it won't set you back a mint either. Good investment. Not in the sense of "it will be worth a lot when you go to sell it later" cuz it won't. But a good investment in the sense of "when you need a gun, this one will deliver".
ETA: The fact that this is a DA/SA means that the first trigger pull will most likely be VERY intentional. This makes it useful for a nightstand gun where you may wake up groggy, be confused at first, stumble around in the dark trying to get oriented, etc. I know, finger off trigger and all that, but in the confusion of a situation in the middle of the night, this could be a good feature to have. Also, if the gun is kept condition 2 (as this gun is designed to be) that is, with a loaded round in the chamber and the hammer down, the decocker is the way to lower the hammer safely. A strong, long trigger pull then launches the lead projectile of your choice, followed by light quick pulls if needed for follow up shots.
This pistol also has a loaded chamber indicator and a magazine disconnect. One would expect a person to know their own gun well enough for this not to be an issue but it reduces the worry if the gun is ever handled by someone not totally familiar with all the safe handling rules. Yes, this shouldn't happen but we live in the real world not in Ideal Land.
Single stack - he expressed this preference so let's limit the options accordingly. I'm guessing grip size has something to do with it.
I saw only one recommendation for the Ruger P345. I personally have the P345D and I think it is the ideal first .45 acp handgun for a person to own. Single stack, put ammo in it, pull trigger. Goes bang every time no matter what you put in it. I have to say that next to my revolvers, this is the most reliable gun in my collection.
Especially for a new gun owner, if you make some mistakes while learning about your handguns, this one will be remarkably forgiving. And it won't set you back a mint either. Good investment. Not in the sense of "it will be worth a lot when you go to sell it later" cuz it won't. But a good investment in the sense of "when you need a gun, this one will deliver".
ETA: The fact that this is a DA/SA means that the first trigger pull will most likely be VERY intentional. This makes it useful for a nightstand gun where you may wake up groggy, be confused at first, stumble around in the dark trying to get oriented, etc. I know, finger off trigger and all that, but in the confusion of a situation in the middle of the night, this could be a good feature to have. Also, if the gun is kept condition 2 (as this gun is designed to be) that is, with a loaded round in the chamber and the hammer down, the decocker is the way to lower the hammer safely. A strong, long trigger pull then launches the lead projectile of your choice, followed by light quick pulls if needed for follow up shots.
This pistol also has a loaded chamber indicator and a magazine disconnect. One would expect a person to know their own gun well enough for this not to be an issue but it reduces the worry if the gun is ever handled by someone not totally familiar with all the safe handling rules. Yes, this shouldn't happen but we live in the real world not in Ideal Land.
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Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Best .45 ACP
Thumbs up, for the 1911 or a SIG P220~!
Thumbs up, for the 1911 or a SIG P220~!
Lonestar49
Member
A slight change of course there, Captain..
Quote: First handgun - ok guys, this person is not a handgun expert with years of experience, this is a first purchase... Manual safety is probably not the best idea for a first time handgun owner.
Single stack - he expressed this preference so let's limit the options accordingly. I'm guessing grip size has something to do with it.
I saw only one recommendation for the Ruger P345. I personally have the P345D and I think it is the ideal first .45 acp handgun for a person to own. Single stack, put ammo in it, pull trigger. Goes bang every time no matter what you put in it. I have to say that next to my revolvers, this is the most reliable gun in my collection.
Especially for a new gun owner, if you make some mistakes while learning about your handguns, this one will be remarkably forgiving. And it won't set you back a mint either. Good investment. Not in the sense of "it will be worth a lot when you go to sell it later" cuz it won't. But a good investment in the sense of "when you need a gun, this one will deliver".
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...
Your post got me to thinking, Soldier may well not have been, or is, "a soldier", so I chked out his profile, and this young man at least had "what it takes" to list his age, and his desire to become a Pilot..
So, my question is, will his Dad, purchase a hand gun for him, being 16yrs old, in 45? And does his Dad, or any family member, have any handgun experience they can, both, teach, and share with, this young man?
If so, I'd say the 1911 is not the first starter gun for this young man, but something with a safety, something that is a good teacher, being forgiving of mistakes, and more important, "easy to disassemble, inspect, clean, and put back together".. this also, IMO eliminates the 1911's..
Take a look at some of the single stack mags of the Sig P220 and Sig P220 Carry guns, along with the above mentioned Ruger, which I have no idea of its looks/workings, etc., but from the poster, it sounds like a possible good starting 45 and, what I think is needed here for the OP, an all-around forgiving single stack mag 45..
Best of luck, both with your first 45, and your flying..
Ls
Quote: First handgun - ok guys, this person is not a handgun expert with years of experience, this is a first purchase... Manual safety is probably not the best idea for a first time handgun owner.
Single stack - he expressed this preference so let's limit the options accordingly. I'm guessing grip size has something to do with it.
I saw only one recommendation for the Ruger P345. I personally have the P345D and I think it is the ideal first .45 acp handgun for a person to own. Single stack, put ammo in it, pull trigger. Goes bang every time no matter what you put in it. I have to say that next to my revolvers, this is the most reliable gun in my collection.
Especially for a new gun owner, if you make some mistakes while learning about your handguns, this one will be remarkably forgiving. And it won't set you back a mint either. Good investment. Not in the sense of "it will be worth a lot when you go to sell it later" cuz it won't. But a good investment in the sense of "when you need a gun, this one will deliver".
............................
...
Your post got me to thinking, Soldier may well not have been, or is, "a soldier", so I chked out his profile, and this young man at least had "what it takes" to list his age, and his desire to become a Pilot..
So, my question is, will his Dad, purchase a hand gun for him, being 16yrs old, in 45? And does his Dad, or any family member, have any handgun experience they can, both, teach, and share with, this young man?
If so, I'd say the 1911 is not the first starter gun for this young man, but something with a safety, something that is a good teacher, being forgiving of mistakes, and more important, "easy to disassemble, inspect, clean, and put back together".. this also, IMO eliminates the 1911's..
Take a look at some of the single stack mags of the Sig P220 and Sig P220 Carry guns, along with the above mentioned Ruger, which I have no idea of its looks/workings, etc., but from the poster, it sounds like a possible good starting 45 and, what I think is needed here for the OP, an all-around forgiving single stack mag 45..
Best of luck, both with your first 45, and your flying..
Ls
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glockman19
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2007
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+2
A great entry 1911 is a Kimber Custom II. They are well made fairly priced and can be customized to your liking.
Springfield and colt also make good 1911's that won't break the bank.
jimk66
Member
s&w M&P 45 acp and very reliable and accurate. My favorite is the Springfield 1911 SS TRP.
J
imK
J
imK
I respect your opinion, but totally disagree. IMO, it's kind of like how you're better off learning to drive a standard first instead of just going for the automatic. May as well learn to operate a safety now rather than having to unlearn "point 'n shoot" muscle memory after learning on a DA or something.
Jason
Guitargod1985
Member
I have to second the 1911. I don't own one (yet - it's my next purchase) but have shot several and I can say that it is probably the most ergonomic .45 out there -- for me. I have smaller hands and something kike the XD45 just isn't comfortable for me. Sure, I can shoot an XD45 with that ginormous gorilla sized grip, but it just doesn't feel right.
Johnny B
Member
1911's are a wonderful gun. At the risk of sounding like a hyperbole-spewing 1911 robot, I'm beginning to wonder what I'm doing with anything but 1911's. I don't shoot anything as well as I do a 1911, they're flat enough so that carrying one is pretty straightforward (or so I've heard; darn things weigh a ton when I put them on, so I haven't gotten around to lugging one around...yet), the flip side to their heft is that they are uncommonly soft-shooting, and the government models have a generous sight radius so they're a little easier to shoot more accurately. It's a great platform well worth sticking with. Forever.
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