Economical .45's

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grimjaw

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I am interested in .45ACP lately. I'm steering away from 1911 style for the time being and I'm interested in some of the handguns that aren't $700+. I've found these so far.

- Ruger P90
- Ruger P345
- S&W 4506
- Springfield XD45

I'm sure there are others. I've tried the Glock versions, and the grip is too thick. I have smallish hands and short fingers.

Does anyone have opinions on any of the above or can you suggest one? Doesn't have to be currently manufactured, and would prefer it to be $500 or less.
 
For total reliability and a buttery smooth trigger, I would look for a Smith & Wesson 4586. They were made from 1991 thru 1998, and examples can be found from $400 to $600, depending on condition.
 
I own the P345, and it fits small hands great. The trigger in SA mode is very short, almost to cramped for me. I only notice it when I switch from my CZ75. The XD line of guns, are the only other one in your selection that I've shot, and for double stacked mags, the guns dont feel much wider than my Ruger. They are good reliable guns. If you like the feel of the P90, that would be my pick.I would wait for Ruger to work all the kinks out of the P345, before I bought another. Mine has had a few feeding issues, from full mags, but never fails while shooting. It only does it while dropping the slide on a full mag. For all I know, it could be the plated bullets I reload with, because it never failed with fmj bullets. Anyways, the P345 is very accurate, and it's the best feeling gun in the hand, with the best trigger, that Ruger makes, and for a price thats hard to beat.:)
 
The Ruger P90 gets my vote. $418 plus tax here in Southeast Texas. Sure it's ugly (in some folks' opinion, anyway :D ), and a bit bulky, but it's a joy to shoot, and quite accurate (YMMV, of course). My P90 was my first .45, and I've thought about getting another P90 just because I like it that much. I took it out last week, as a matter of fact, after a couple of months of it sitting by the bed as I got acquainted with the 1911, and it ate everything I fed it with nary a malf. With a couple of exceptions the first time I took it out (slide locked open, I think it might've been because I was limp-wristing) this has been the case for over 2,000 rounds since last August.
Anyway, let us know what you get...
 
you may want to try a taurus pt 745 pro, a pt 145 pro or a 24/7 pro. all have smallish size grips and are 45 acp. all are now made in da/sa and have a manual safety. the best part about em is if you look around, the first two can be had new for under 300 and the 24/7 pro for around 350.
 
Since you said you aren't wanting a 1911 right now I won't suggest the ~$300 RIA.

I will say its hard to go wrong with either the Springfield XD45 (up to about $500 now) or the new Taurus 24/7-PRO (running about $350). I think the CZ97 is the worst of their offerings, but its not really bad, just not great either -- but I'd also look at the steel framed EAA Witness .45 also running about $350. The CZ97 takes the same mags as the Witness .45, Witness fits my hand much better as I find the CZ97 bulkier than everything other than a Glock 21.

--wally.
 
I enjoy shooting my XD 45ACP and have had no failures in over 600 rounds. A fine pistol for a reasonable price. Usually about $479.00.
 
mil pro

+1 on the taurus PT145,1200+ without a single malf.its my favorite everyday carry.whole lotta bang for 300 bucks.
bentwrench
 
A friend used to own a Ruger P90 and I used to own a KP89 (basically the same gun in 9mm). The metal framed Rugers are very blocky and fairly crude. They aren't the nicest guns around. But, what they do well they do very well. The .45s are quite accurate and all of them are built like tanks- they are very reliable and durable.

I currently own a KP345 and I'd say it has all the plusses of the earlier P-series but in a gun that is actually a nice gun. It both looks good and feels good in my hand. It is accurate and reliable (it does require to run wet though or it will give some trouble- just lube it well and it will be 100%). The only problem is a poorly designed magazine safety that keeps the gun from firing without a mag- with their magazine disconnect if you dry fire without a mag in the gun you can damage your firing pin and disable the gun. Easy to deal with though- either remember to only dry fire with a mag in place, or remove the mag disconnect (a relatively easy job I understand).

I'd also add some guns from Taurus to your list.

The Milennium Pro series are great guns. Accurate, reliable, well made, and inexpensive. The .45ACP PT145 M. Pro has a double stack mag that puts 10 rounds in a compact package without any more bulk in the grip area than many single stack .45s.

The 24/7s are interesting guns. They seem to be pretty popular. Most people who own them are more than satisfied, though they don't seem to be quite as good as the M. Pro series or Taurus' metal framed pistols.

The PT945 is a gun to consider. The alloy framed Taurus autos have a great reputation for reliability. I've heard from few owners who were anything but thrilled with their guns. The only real drawback with the PT945 is that some people with beefy hands or very high grips can experience hammer bite- there isn't enough of a beavertail. Adding more metal would be difficult so your only fix would be to have the hammer bobbed. However, if your hand will work with this gun it would be a great option (of if you don't mind bobbing the hammer).
 
Given your choices, I'd pick the SA XD45.

Me personally, I like the Glock 30 and 21, but they are not for everyone.

Steve
 
Well, if you have small hands, I think your two best choices would be the XD-45 or one you didn't mention is the EAA Witness steel frame.
 
My son has a Ruger 345 that he like's. Had a few problem's with it but Ruger has it running fine, now. I'll probably get one. My favorite 45 is my XD ACP Tactical. I would recomend it for you.:)
 
I'll vote for XD 45. Otherwise, an RIA 1911 can be had for <$350 in my area. I have very good experience with it. Mine is reliable even with most hollowpoint ammo.
If CCW is an option, then the Taurus Millenium Pro is my choice.
 
Econo-45??? :confused: I guess I'd recommend from the "pre-owned" market & see what you can find. Maybe an older HK USP or USPc, a CZ, Glock 21 or 30 or a S&W (if the grip fits you!)
Good luck finding the right one!
 
XD45 gets my vote!

I don't think that you'll find any better for the money than the Springfield Armory XD45. I've been shooting for a lot of years and I own quite a few handguns but I REALLY like the XD45. It is my daily carry pistol.
 
P90, extreme accuracy, extreme reliability, extremely tough, and a decent trigger all at an affordable price. It's a little bulky, but no heavier than a K frame revolver and is comfortable in a Milt Sparks summer special. What's not to like about it? It's a fantastic weapon, my favorite of the Ruger P series. In fact, my P90 is my favorite of any autoloader I've yet to own. Oh, I've owned 1911s.
 
Taurus MilPro PT745 for compact, 24/7 Long Slide for fullsized.

H_PT24-7LS-45SS.jpg


Wonderful ergonomics, great shooters. IMO, nicer than the XD.
 
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