In your opinion, what is the best right out of the box 45 acp as far as reliability, accuracy, and longevity or toughness is concerned? Also most, if not all of my shooting will be with cast bullets. I can't afford custom guns so out of the box will have to do. A good trigger is also a consideration. I had looked at a Glock, but was told I couldn't use cast bullets in it. Is this true? I appreciate your input. JP
Best out of the box 45 acp
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XDKingslayer
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Springfield XD is the best in my opinion.
Glocks have polygonal rifling and they recommend not using cast lead bullets. Some people do anyways and some say if you clean it often there shouldn't be a problem, but the manual says not too. Take from that what you will.
Glocks have polygonal rifling and they recommend not using cast lead bullets. Some people do anyways and some say if you clean it often there shouldn't be a problem, but the manual says not too. Take from that what you will.
cdrt
Member
30 years ago, I would have said a Series 70 Colt, but today, considering the price and overall fit, a Springfield Armory mil-spec 1911A1 with a NM serial number.
If price is important, the Ruger and S&W offerings may be worth a look. In general, I prefer the European autos, but the good ones in .45 ACP are really pricey.
The CZ 97B is a nice gun, and I love mine. They often take a little fiddling to feed LSWC. So, I don't think it fits your criteria, per se. They run about $550 nowadays.
A Springfield Mil Spec (not GI) is probably your best bet in the 1911 platform, as others mentioned.
Ballester Molinas (spelling?) used to be dirt cheap, and they were OK guns. However, I wouldn't really consider one due to compatability issues; they aren't "real" 1911s. You don't see these around much anymore, or so it seems to me.
The CZ 97B is a nice gun, and I love mine. They often take a little fiddling to feed LSWC. So, I don't think it fits your criteria, per se. They run about $550 nowadays.
A Springfield Mil Spec (not GI) is probably your best bet in the 1911 platform, as others mentioned.
Ballester Molinas (spelling?) used to be dirt cheap, and they were OK guns. However, I wouldn't really consider one due to compatability issues; they aren't "real" 1911s. You don't see these around much anymore, or so it seems to me.
hanno
Member
Dan Wesson PM7 - well made and accurate.
Halo
Member
I have a SIG P220 and it is excellent. I don't what they're running for new, but SIGs in general are a bit pricey.
As for the Glock, if you really want one you can always get a drop-in barrel with conventional rifling and shoot lead all you want.
As for the Glock, if you really want one you can always get a drop-in barrel with conventional rifling and shoot lead all you want.
rellascout
member
The current P220 will a milled stainless steel slide and internal extractor is not your fathers P220.
I would not put the current P220 on the best out of the box list anymore.
I would not put the current P220 on the best out of the box list anymore.
possum
Member
welcome to thr, get the xd .45 acp, or one of the many sa 1911 varients and shoot and be happy!
The G21's ergonomics aren't for everybody... I have one and I love it! But that's me.
A high quality aftermarket barrel, such as KKM, Bar-Sto, or Storm Lake, is strongly recommended, if hand-loads are to be used. The tolerances of the firing chamber and barrel rifling both plays into this advice. That done, you're good to go! Considering the practical life of a Glock, it's not an outrageous investment.
Other positives in the Glock Camp include:
- Legendary Reliability--Proven Platform!
- Ready Parts Availability--Not True With XD!
- Accessories Galore--Check The Net!
- Ready Repairs Available--Not True With XD!
- Easy Conversion To 10 mm!
My 3rd Gen G21's been just great! 10,500 + rounds of .45 ACP and 2000 + rounds of 10 mm, and still going strong! No breakage or repairs of any kind!
Honestly, if you're going to look at reloading exclusively, check into the remarkably flexible 10 mm too! Load it softly for targets, push it to true .357 magnum power for trail or self-defense!
--Ray
A high quality aftermarket barrel, such as KKM, Bar-Sto, or Storm Lake, is strongly recommended, if hand-loads are to be used. The tolerances of the firing chamber and barrel rifling both plays into this advice. That done, you're good to go! Considering the practical life of a Glock, it's not an outrageous investment.
Other positives in the Glock Camp include:
- Legendary Reliability--Proven Platform!
- Ready Parts Availability--Not True With XD!
- Accessories Galore--Check The Net!
- Ready Repairs Available--Not True With XD!
- Easy Conversion To 10 mm!
My 3rd Gen G21's been just great! 10,500 + rounds of .45 ACP and 2000 + rounds of 10 mm, and still going strong! No breakage or repairs of any kind!
Honestly, if you're going to look at reloading exclusively, check into the remarkably flexible 10 mm too! Load it softly for targets, push it to true .357 magnum power for trail or self-defense!
--Ray
skinewmexico
Member
STI Spartan or XD. I'm sure my XD will hiccup some day, but it hasn't after about 2000 rounds. And every mag I've bought for it worked, and didn't say "Combat" anywhere on it.
Halo
Member
I suppose I'll have to take your word for it. My P220 was made in the early 90s and is a fantastic pistol. I don't think I've fired any other bone stock pistol with such a nice trigger. Shame to hear the newer ones aren't as good.
rellascout
member
Triggers are still good. They FTF or FTE sometimes. The extractor has to be perfectly within tolerance to function. Too tight you get FTF. Too loose FTE.
Now by no means is this on all guns. Its probably not more that 5% I don't really know and Sig is not saying. They ship thousands of P220's every month. That makes 100 bad pistols a month. I mean odds are in your favor but that is still a lot of defective pistols. That's 100 unhappy people.
The early 90's P220 is a stamped slide with a different, much more forgiving, design are good to go. I wish I still had the two I have sold. Good guns.
I hear they may be moving to external extractors.
Now by no means is this on all guns. Its probably not more that 5% I don't really know and Sig is not saying. They ship thousands of P220's every month. That makes 100 bad pistols a month. I mean odds are in your favor but that is still a lot of defective pistols. That's 100 unhappy people.
The early 90's P220 is a stamped slide with a different, much more forgiving, design are good to go. I wish I still had the two I have sold. Good guns.
I hear they may be moving to external extractors.
tbtrout
Member
West German P220
guntotinguy
Member
Absolutely!!!
Black Majik
Member
Would out of a cardboard box do? 
cluttonfred
Member
CWL is absolutely right...without a budget in mind, this is silly. There are plenty of very expensive "factory custom" 1911-type pistols that are quite expensive and you could get a gunsmith-tuned Ruger P345 (for example) with night sights and custom grips for half the price.
Tom Fury
Member
Any S&W:
But specifically third gen DA/SA S&W 4506, 4566, 4516, 4513, 457s. Less expensive, I can't tell the difference in feel between a 4566 and a Sig 220, absolutely reliable with anything you put thru it.
Did I mention absolutely reliable? Thats' my story and I'm stickin' to it.
Cheers, TF
But specifically third gen DA/SA S&W 4506, 4566, 4516, 4513, 457s. Less expensive, I can't tell the difference in feel between a 4566 and a Sig 220, absolutely reliable with anything you put thru it.
Did I mention absolutely reliable? Thats' my story and I'm stickin' to it.
Cheers, TF
+2
The trigger on the XD is nice, and only gets better after the first 400-500 rounds. My XD only has about a 4lb trigger on it.
Since cast bullets will be used, and price is a concern... I don't see how Glock could even be considered. You would have to buy the pistol, and then turn around and buy an after market barrel just to safely shoot the ammo you will be using. Seems a step in the wrong direction when looking for a cost effective solution.
Bones11b
Member
Sig P220, have never had a FTF or FTE in one, ever. Have owned and fired old ones and newer ones. Have never even witnessed anyone having a problem with a P220. Currently have a Sig P220 Match SAO, if price isn't a factor I highly recomend it or any of the other SAO Sigs.
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