Entry Level Target Gun in 45 ACP

I’ve been looking around for an entry level pistol to use for target shooting to cover the requirement of a 45 caliber. I’d like to keep price below $750 if possible. I’ve checked out some Girsan and RIA target models but haven’t really jumped on anything.

My requirements somewhat limit options. 45 caliber, adjustable sights, and ambidextrous or left handed.

I plan to hand load and can usually find a load that works pretty good. Obviously at this point I’m not looking for a 3/4” @ 25 yard pistol. 2”-3” should do until my skills catch up. Going from rested to unsupported my group size will more than double. At least my point of aim and point of impact aren’t changing as much going from rested to unsupported. That used to move by more than the group increase.

 

The Springfield Loaded Target is their "entry level" target gun https://www.springfield-armory.com/...target-45-acp-handgun-stainless-ca-compliant/

 

I have RIA ULTRA FS in 45,10mm and 9mm. Awesome shooters for the money.

 

Wow the Springfield is gorgeous.

 

The Springfield is sweet but out of my range unless guns aren’t going for MSRP anymore.

Is a 1911 the way to go? Would a Glock 21 or 41 or XD series in 45 do the job?

 

1911 IMO my 1st 45 acp was my Ruger P345. It sits in the safe now since i got 1911's. I shoot my friends Glock 21 now and then it's ok.

 

I had a Ruger SR1911 Target under consideration but then they all disappeared.

How about a Sig P220 if not Glock or XD?

 

I've shot a Girsan 1911 Match, it shot nice. It's in your price range, can always upgrade as you go

 

DMW1116

You're probably not going to find all that much in the way of target grade 1911s (i.e. Colt and Springfield Armory), in that price range. Maybe used but would still be kind of pricey. Best bet would be something like the Girsan MC1911 Target (Palmetto State Armory has them for $693), or else a RIA Ultra FS ($619.99 at Grab A Gun). Tisas has their 1911 Match Pistol but it's got an MSRP of $1199.95.

 

Whoa, I got the impression you wanted a 1911 from your OP.

Sure, get a Glock or XD. Replacement parts would be easier to fit, and if the particular model didn't come with adjustable sights, you can probably get aftermarket adjustable sights.

 

I’ll play… you might consider a SW625 revolver. A used one should fit your budget and they are absolutely “tack drivers!”

Handloads with SWCs are perfect for target shooting. Light loads are accurate and fun to shoot.
.45acp rounds in a moon clip load and unload faster than a semiautomatic.
Great sights (gold dot front/I changed mine for F/O HiViz, and adjustable rear)
Nice selection of grips available (SW n-frame)

Heavy enough to handle any .45acp recoil.

 

Rock Island 1911's are great pistols for the money.Mine's a 10MM,but it has several features that you usually only see on higher priced guns.Mine was at the local gun store,and it was out the door for $700.Good trigger,adjustable rear sight ambi safety,rail on the frame and other things that make it a good value.I seldom go for anything that's not made in USA,but I made an exception for it.

 

I do like a nice revolver. I’ve had better luck with revolvers being accurate enough for this use than autos, though I’m working on a good target load for a Canik 9mm. A 1911 isn’t required just a 45 caliber. I’m torn whether it’s easier to make 6 holes and a barrel or a good single barrel and all the moving parts that have to line up.

 

that’s a nice looking example.

I do seem to shoot the 2 1911s I’ve shot pretty well but they weren’t as good as my Ruger revolver. Granted I’ve got about 500 rounds in various hand loads in the Ruger.

 

pick a platform and stick with it for max accuracy. accuracy is doing everything the same and different platforms are not the same. a 1911 platform would be best, because there are multiple companies selling accurate 1911 pistols.

if your grip and trigger squeeze are consistent, your follow-through is causing the size difference.

luck,

murf

p.s. if you don't have a good 22rf pistol (mkII), get one. and dry-fire as much as possible to improve accuracy.

 

what is your goal?

 

I had a stainless Springfield Target 1911 in 9mm (I know, not apples to apples) that was very disappointing in terms of accuracy.

I've never owned a Rock Island personally but, based on a friend's example that he bought for his son's graduation gift, I would have no problem spending my money on one.

 

See I though it was because there appears to be someone playing racket ball inside my red dot sight.

I do have a decent 22 with a Holosun sight I’ve been practicing with for a while now. I need to do some ammo testing with it find the best load.

My goal is to keep all my shots inside the black of an NRA 25 yard timed and rapid fire pistol target with a centerfire pistol. Ultimately the goal is all x-ring hits but I understand even the very best can’t do that every time.

 

close your eyes and that problem will go away.

not real important in this context. no recoil of the 22rf helps to "feel" what is right and wrong with your shooting process.

good goal. dry-firing counts as practice/training when going for your goals.

luck,

murf

 

I have an XDm .45 and it's quite good. Not sure if it's match-winning good though.
Sadly Walther stopped making PPQ in .45 when they switched to PDP.

 

A fancier RIA would be fine.

I don't think that CZ makes 45's anymore, but Tanfoglio probably still makes them.

The 1911 and the CZ75 are my two favorite "platforms".

TanfoglioTarget45 by Tallball posted Jun 4, 2018 at 9:16 AM

 

"target gun" usually means a hand fitted match barrel.

"low budget" is not usually in the same sentance.

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/barrel-parts/barrels/1911-xact-fit-barrel-prod7611.aspx

 

I agree that when "target pistol and .45" I think of a 1911 also.

I've had 7 1911's over the years, but I had an old Springfield XD .45 Service that was a tack driver with just about everything I shot through it; it was more accurate "easily" than tayloring loads for any of the 1911's.