Hey all. Been gettin ideas for a first .45 and here's what I've seen. The 1911 series has the best feel but I'm not big on customizing just yet and am not sure if they'll feed hollowpoints reliably without customization. The ruger p90 and HK USP series are either too big or ergonomically weird for my hands. The ruger p97 and p345 feel good though. The P220 feels good, I had a little trouble reaching the mag release till I got my hands on a P220ST with hogue grips then I could reach it fairly easily, however the P220ST does feel a little heavy. Then there's the Glock 21 that I picked up and although it was a little fat I could reach all the controls and felt it had great pointability, but the KB stories I've heard are kinda scary unless you guys can convince me otherwise. Mind you I've only held these guns not fired them. Any advice would be appreciated.
Choosing a .45
- Thread starter 8mman
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SnakeEater
Member
Did you try the USP Compact .45? How about the SIG P245? What is the main purpose of this pistol gonna be? Range gun, IPSC, CCW?
Absolutely love my USP .45 Compact. Zero problems with feeding, ambidextrous and easy to reach mag release, large slide lock lever. I noted your post that says you've checked out the USP series, but I highly encourage checking the compact model before ruling out HK.
Owned an early Gen. 3 Glock 21 for a few months. I bought it as a carry pistol, and never had any problems whatsoever. Sold it to fund a Kimber purchase, figuring I could find another G21 with relative ease anytime I wanted to. Great pistol though, would rely on it for carry any day.
Owned an early Gen. 3 Glock 21 for a few months. I bought it as a carry pistol, and never had any problems whatsoever. Sold it to fund a Kimber purchase, figuring I could find another G21 with relative ease anytime I wanted to. Great pistol though, would rely on it for carry any day.
Spitfire
Member
1911
Have 300 rounds of WWB 230 gr JHP and 600 rounds with the FMJ downrange on my Springfield Mil Spec no failures to date. I am using the factory mag and stainless Metalforms all with the flat follower and the dimple.
Have 300 rounds of WWB 230 gr JHP and 600 rounds with the FMJ downrange on my Springfield Mil Spec no failures to date. I am using the factory mag and stainless Metalforms all with the flat follower and the dimple.
Black Majik
Member
Go for the 1911. Even if you dont wanna customize it theres plenty of selections available.
If you want a regular shootable 1911 go for the 1911. There are also semi-custom 1911s available so you get all the bells and whistles without actually customizing it. For a neat semi-custom theres the Les Baers, Ed Browns and Wilsons.
I'd definitely go 1911 for the .45 ACP cartridge.
If you want a regular shootable 1911 go for the 1911. There are also semi-custom 1911s available so you get all the bells and whistles without actually customizing it. For a neat semi-custom theres the Les Baers, Ed Browns and Wilsons.
I'd definitely go 1911 for the .45 ACP cartridge.
1911s are great but a bit complicated to take down the first time or two.
The new P345 looks good as a value gun.
I carry a Glock 30 every day, 10,000 rounds through it an all my fingers are still attached. Assuming you shoot jacketed factory ammo or standard pressure jacketed reloads, you will be just fine.
I've probably put 30,000 rounds through various Glocks since 1993-94 and never personally seen a Kaboom (with how much time I spend on a range, this means something..... though not as much as some). Stick to factory pressure jacketed rounds, and you'll be highly unlikely to ever have any problems with the Glocks.
The 30 is the compact version of the 21 (easier to hide, and fits some people better.. the 21 doesn't fit me).
The new P345 looks good as a value gun.
I carry a Glock 30 every day, 10,000 rounds through it an all my fingers are still attached. Assuming you shoot jacketed factory ammo or standard pressure jacketed reloads, you will be just fine.
I've probably put 30,000 rounds through various Glocks since 1993-94 and never personally seen a Kaboom (with how much time I spend on a range, this means something..... though not as much as some). Stick to factory pressure jacketed rounds, and you'll be highly unlikely to ever have any problems with the Glocks.
The 30 is the compact version of the 21 (easier to hide, and fits some people better.. the 21 doesn't fit me).
In .45, which is my preferred cartridge for carry, I have two Glock 30s, a Glock 21 and Norinco 1911. So far the plans for 2005 acquisitions are another Glock 21 and another 1911, probably a NRM Colt GM. Having both gives your the best of both worlds. I can't or won't take the time and spend the ammo to shoot the Sigs well because of I don't like their bore axis (too high) or the DA/SA transition.
If I could only have one .45, I'd keep the Glock 21. I am glad that I upgraded from the G36. Put your Glock 21 in some Kydex and you have a rig that is no thicker or less concealable as a 1911 in leather.
Glocks Kaboom? Don't shoot unjacketed projectiles or your crazy cousins reloads and you'll be fine. I've put about 10K rds of .40 and about 30K or .45 through Glocks and I've never had a Kaboom. The owners of Louisville's indoor ranges have never seen a Glock Kaboom and they rent them.
If I could only have one .45, I'd keep the Glock 21. I am glad that I upgraded from the G36. Put your Glock 21 in some Kydex and you have a rig that is no thicker or less concealable as a 1911 in leather.
Glocks Kaboom? Don't shoot unjacketed projectiles or your crazy cousins reloads and you'll be fine. I've put about 10K rds of .40 and about 30K or .45 through Glocks and I've never had a Kaboom. The owners of Louisville's indoor ranges have never seen a Glock Kaboom and they rent them.
Ash
Member
The EAA Witness .45 has served me very well.
Ash
Ash
robertbank
Member
My Para SSP has fed every form of .45acp available including three variations of lead cast bullets without a hicup. Gun has a ramped fully supported barrel and is capable of remarkable accuracy out of the box with fixed sights. Can't think of a thing I would change or needs changing. I have heard similar comments about the LTC which is on my wish list.
I'd go with a 1911 -- you seem to agree that they have the best feel. 
Over on the 1911 forums, the vast number of posts seem to suggest that Kimber, Springfield, and Colt will all work to make sure your gun feeds the rounds of your choice under warranty, if it won't out of the box.
The Glock is a solid (though soul-less) choice, as is the USP. I just prefer the 1911's narrow grip, pointability, and controls (just seem intuitive to me, though that could be because I grew up on 'em). Sigs are great shooters, but I've never been able to adjust to the DA/SA transition -- beautiful pistols, though.
Over on the 1911 forums, the vast number of posts seem to suggest that Kimber, Springfield, and Colt will all work to make sure your gun feeds the rounds of your choice under warranty, if it won't out of the box.
The Glock is a solid (though soul-less) choice, as is the USP. I just prefer the 1911's narrow grip, pointability, and controls (just seem intuitive to me, though that could be because I grew up on 'em). Sigs are great shooters, but I've never been able to adjust to the DA/SA transition -- beautiful pistols, though.
Thanks for your replies so far guys. I plan on using the gun for range and home defensive purposes by the way. Although the 1911 series of guns feel the best I'm havin a hard time choosing between the Glock 21 and SIG P220. The glock seems to have better pointability and feels fairly ok in my hands, but it seems everytime anyone talks about gettin a non-1911 series gun all the SIG P220 fanatics come out. Keep it up guys with the suggestions.
cerberus
member
Find a range that has them
I sure would try finding a range that you could try shooting them. I have three Kimber .45acp 1911s and a Glock23 in .40 They have been great preformers. I am planing on getting a SIG 220 it get a lot of good posts. I won't sell any of the guns I have just want to try something else.
I sure would try finding a range that you could try shooting them. I have three Kimber .45acp 1911s and a Glock23 in .40 They have been great preformers. I am planing on getting a SIG 220 it get a lot of good posts. I won't sell any of the guns I have just want to try something else.
The sig P220 and the G21 are both great guns. I think that folks who argue that one has huge advantages over the other in terms of reliability or even accuracy are just playing politics. THR is, after all, a decidedly "anti-glock" board.
Hail Dean Speir!
http://www.thegunzone.com/1911a1-kb.html
Mmmmm,mmmm! Pass the Black Oxide Flavored Kool-Aid!
Hail Dean Speir!
http://www.thegunzone.com/1911a1-kb.html
Mmmmm,mmmm! Pass the Black Oxide Flavored Kool-Aid!
cerberus
member
About Glocks
I like my G23 it preforms very well. And have seen some Glock .45acp's shot at local range they were doing a really good job IMHO. Only item I have to post about Glock is that any person who is new to firearms needs to get some real hands on safety instruction about how a Glock works before they are turned out to carry them loaded and in battery. As so many have for some reason ended up shooting themselves or having an ADC and shooting someone else. Glocks are military by design combat firearms.
I like my G23 it preforms very well. And have seen some Glock .45acp's shot at local range they were doing a really good job IMHO. Only item I have to post about Glock is that any person who is new to firearms needs to get some real hands on safety instruction about how a Glock works before they are turned out to carry them loaded and in battery. As so many have for some reason ended up shooting themselves or having an ADC and shooting someone else.
Glocks are military by design combat firearms. chetrogers
Member
I love my Ruger p97dc.It was under 400 and hasnt failed me at all..If money was a issue you cant go wrong in my opinion.
Black Majik
Member
I just read what I wrote. Wow... finals will do that to ya. Sorry it didn't make any sense.
I meant to say go for a NRM Colt Government. Apologies all.
Can't speak about the others because I don't have enough experience with them, but as to a standard blued Colt with the new barrel, I don't believe you are going to have issues with it. My own personal test for a 1911 style pistol is will it feed a lead semi-wadcutter? Those seem to give the pistol more fits than any other kind.
gigmike
Member
I have both a Sig 220 and two Kimbers, full size and one pro sized. The pro Kimber needed $90 worth of gunsmithing before it ran perfectly, the full size did so right out of the box. Both feed hydra-shock, lawman, and black talon perfectly. Because of how the feel in the hand and felt recoil these are my carry guns. I have full confidence in them. The Sig is a blast to shoot. However again because of "feel" I don't carry it, that and it's rather wide compared to a 1911. The grip is large for my hands, apart from that and the double action first shot I do enjoy it as a range gun. It has never ever had a malfunction in just over 10 years of ownership. I hear good things about the USP compact so that may be an option for you.
cstreu1026
Member
I am guessing since you are looking at Sigs and 1911's that cost isn't too much of a concern. But one gun that felt really good in my hand, but have yet to fire, is a Taurus PT145. I tried a glock and its just not comfortable in in my hand but the taurus is very comfortable. And IMO felt a bit more solidly constructed. Then there is the price.....I can get a stainless one for $289 new locally so I may end up with one. Now what I am trying to decide is do I want to get a carry gun (the Taurus) or do I buy a 1911 just to shoot at the range (which i really do want). I may end up passing on the higher end 1911's, get a mil-spedc springfield that is on sale at a local shop for $399 and get the Taurus too. The Sig 220 seems to be able to be had on the used market locally for relatively little... I have seen them for between $400-$500 whch isn't cheap but seem sa lot less than the price tag on the new ones.
Lobotomy Boy
Member
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I went through this same thing myself last winter. There are a lot of nice .45s out there. Even Bersa makes a surprisingly nice .45. I was drawn to the CZ 97, but couldn't find one. I ended up buying a Glock 21 and have been extremely happy with my choice. It is my favorite gun to shoot of the five handguns I own. I even prefer it to my Blackhawk.
cslinger
Member
One of those SIG fanatics checking in.
P220, no question.
P220, no question.
Pointman1776
Member
Consider this...
Consider the following...but bottom line, go for a test drive.
1. Any gun is just a tool...so ask yourself what is the job? Get the right gun for the right job. Home? CCW? Competition? A new toy? Curiosity piece?
2. Purchase price range?
3. Amount of additional $$$ required to get it to meet your needs.
4. Reliability for years to come.
5. Materials / style / preference? Stainless? Steel? Aluminum? Plastic?
6. Local law constraints (e.g. CA DOJ "approved-only" handgun list).
7. Go for a test drive.
I own and have shot more types of .45's than I can count. My absolute favorites are Kimber Team Match II 1911 Stainless and the Sig P220 ST. Although I shoot HK's, Berettas, Glocks, Paras, Rugers, they each have their own drawbacks (reliability, overpriced, known parts weaknesses, etc.) that make them less attractive to me, personally.
For competition, consider stainless (better heat dissipation, longer durability, etc.):
1. 1911 = Kimber Team Match II Stainless (or any other Kimber); absolutely best bang for the buck and requires zero after-purchase gunsmithing or customization (with a possible exception for trigger polishing ($50-$90) to suit your preferences or different sights).
2. Sig P220ST. I love my Sig. Even before Ernie Langdon stormed the 2003 IDPA Nationals with his.
Home Defense = I recommend a DAO or DA/SA to prevent AD's due to a light trigger, especially when you've been jolted out of bed at 3 AM in the dark of night and the adrenaline is rushing, etc...
So Sig P220, Witness, XD, etc. Maybe a Para LDA Hi-Cap if it's legal for you.
CCW / Carry: go for something lighter, like XD or alum Sig, 'cuz you'll probably end up ditching even the best gun in the world if it's too heavy for your belt.
Hope this helps. Be Safe. Have fun!
Consider the following...but bottom line, go for a test drive.
1. Any gun is just a tool...so ask yourself what is the job? Get the right gun for the right job. Home? CCW? Competition? A new toy? Curiosity piece?
2. Purchase price range?
3. Amount of additional $$$ required to get it to meet your needs.
4. Reliability for years to come.
5. Materials / style / preference? Stainless? Steel? Aluminum? Plastic?
6. Local law constraints (e.g. CA DOJ "approved-only" handgun list).
7. Go for a test drive.
I own and have shot more types of .45's than I can count. My absolute favorites are Kimber Team Match II 1911 Stainless and the Sig P220 ST. Although I shoot HK's, Berettas, Glocks, Paras, Rugers, they each have their own drawbacks (reliability, overpriced, known parts weaknesses, etc.) that make them less attractive to me, personally.
For competition, consider stainless (better heat dissipation, longer durability, etc.):
1. 1911 = Kimber Team Match II Stainless (or any other Kimber); absolutely best bang for the buck and requires zero after-purchase gunsmithing or customization (with a possible exception for trigger polishing ($50-$90) to suit your preferences or different sights).
2. Sig P220ST. I love my Sig. Even before Ernie Langdon stormed the 2003 IDPA Nationals with his.
Home Defense = I recommend a DAO or DA/SA to prevent AD's due to a light trigger, especially when you've been jolted out of bed at 3 AM in the dark of night and the adrenaline is rushing, etc...
So Sig P220, Witness, XD, etc. Maybe a Para LDA Hi-Cap if it's legal for you.
CCW / Carry: go for something lighter, like XD or alum Sig, 'cuz you'll probably end up ditching even the best gun in the world if it's too heavy for your belt.
Hope this helps. Be Safe. Have fun!
sigma 40ve
Member
I have :
Para Ord Tac Four & C7.45, Springfield Gov model (customized) and a good ol' High Point.
I am going to get 2 more 45's. The new Ruger and a Glock 21. I have handled both, and liked them. Besides I own other Glocks, that's enough reason to get a G21.
Para Ord Tac Four & C7.45, Springfield Gov model (customized) and a good ol' High Point.
I am going to get 2 more 45's. The new Ruger and a Glock 21. I have handled both, and liked them. Besides I own other Glocks, that's enough reason to get a G21.
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