Best low-end 45acp?

[dave_az]

Easy enough question. I'm thinking of under $300 - what is the best out there for 45acp? For 9mm, I'd think about Star BM. What about 45?

 

[RonGoode]

Firestorm/Bersa makes some good .45s

I had a MiniFirestorm .45 and it was a great little gun. Don't think it's under 300.00 though.

 

[Josey]

Rock Island 1911. I haven't found anything to knock about them. I would say Colt M1991A1s in good used condition also.

 

[BamBam-31]

How about a used CZ 97? Grips are kinda fat, but a great gun from all I've read. I have a CZ 75b Tactical, and if the quality is similar, it's worth a look.

 

[WonderNine]

If you find a CZ97 for under $300 let me know where.

 

[Scooter .45]

I vote for the Rock Island 1911.

 

[Black Snowman]

I echo Wondernine. Best used price I've seen is closer to $400, I WANT ONE! There's one for sale on this board right now and they're asking $450, which around here is a pretty fair price. Never ever seen one used locally. Seems everyone who buys them here keeps them and the few that do go on sale don't last long.

I can't vouch for any cheap .45s personally but some good deals can be had on used EAA Witnesses which seem to be solid performers. Plus, if you ever get a CZ-97B later they take the same mags.

 

[Tropical Z]

My vote would be for either a Hi-Point or S.A.M. 1911.

www.hi-pointfirearms.com

www.shootersarms.com.ph

 

[snubby]

The Cobra (ex-Republic Arms) Patriot .45 Auto is an OK gun that can be had for under $300.

 

[JoeWang]

Used Ruger P90 stainless.

 

[mlk18]

Used ruger P90 or new Ruger P97. I am not sure what the Colt Systema's are going for, but they used to cost less than $300.

 

[Sean Smith]

SA Milspec or Ruger P-series.

 

[mcole]

the ruger's, hands down. mcole

 

[McNutt]

Personally I would wait until you get a little more money and try to buy something nice. Some cheaper .45's are the SA Milspec and the CZ-97B, as mentioned above. Both are reportedly great guns that offer excellent value. Saving up for one of those would be much better in my opinion then getting a sub-par gun because of the price.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

The CZ-97B is a great gun, but too big for my hand. (Had one, traded it away.) Its a lot more expensive than the other "bargain" .45s. Probably worth it, though.

Witness makes some pretty good .45s; quality control has been "spotty" over the years -- but seems to bet getting better. I have a Witness .45 (Sport Long Slide) that is about as good as they get.

The Ruger P-97 is also a great gun and is probably the best bang for the buck in a new, warrantied .45 acp available for under $350.

 

[caz223]

I bought a star PD for less than $300 out the door.
It's an alloy-framed gun similar to a compact 1911 (Similar to the BM.).
Two words of caution, parts are scarce, and they are not ever to be dry-fired without snap caps.
Mine is a great little gun.
With my carry load, the rear sight is screwed down all the way, but it shoots to POA.

 

[McNutt]

Yeah, I forgot about the Ruger. Solid gun and definitely worth considering.

 

[Mike Irwin]

EAA Witness should be a serious contender.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Bersa .45, just a bit under $300 if you shop around

Taurus PT145 Millenium PRO, just a bit above $300

EAA Witness compact, also just a bit above $300

All of these would work.

For me, I like the Taurus best but the jury is still out on the improvements from the original Millenium pistols. The Taurus has more to offer. 10 rounds, DAO, compact, good sights and lifetime warranty (might need that)

Oh yea, the Ruger is a contender too if you want a big .45

I look at weapons in .45 that would fit my CCW needs. Can you tell?

 

[dsgrntldPW]

You may be able to find an excellent used Ruger P-97 for $300 or less. The thing is accurate and comfortable to shoot, but is not a CCW piece. Another nice thing about it is it can do double-duty whenever you need a hammer.

 

[Denmark116]

Just found this, dont know if it is any good.....

http://www.davidsonsinc.com/consumers/subsites/featured_items.asp?ID=155&table=dealer_prices

LL10600
Llama
MINI-MAX 45AP PST 6RD MATT $264.69

 

[Denmark116]

Bersa
THUNDER 45AP UC DA 7RD M $311.75

Same website....

 

[wally]

I just got a Star MB 9mm from www.jgsales.com Looked pretty rough but shoots great, had a few feed problems with 145 gr Silver Bear, could be weak mag spring or the fact that nobody loaded 145gr 9mm ammo back when it was in production. Was 100% with two boxes of Wolf.

Cleaned it afterwards and hit it with some elbow grease, steel wool, and cold blue and the thing looks darn respectible now.

--wally.

 

[spooky1]

Another vote for the Ruger P Series from me. I switch between my P90 and my P95. And, they're both made in Arizona! Probably some of the best Customer Service in the industry if you ever needed to use it (I doubt you would!).

Oh yeah, I would not consider the Rugers "low end" either, just very very nicely priced for the quality. Definately worth a lot more than they cost in my book!

 

[rbernie]

I'd look at the Rock Island (for a 1911-style SA) or the Witness for a DA/SA. The Ruger P90/P97 would also fit the bill, but my money would favor the ergonomics of the EAA Witness over the longevity/warranty of the Ruger.

I had a Rock Island (officer-size) thru which I happily put about 4000 rounds, and it was a true stone-cold bargain for anyone wanting to back into a 1911-style piece.