First Polymer Frame Pistol

[Sneakshot92]

Hi all. I'm looking forward towards purchasing my first polymer framed pistol in a few months and am looking for a few reasonably affordable options. I'd prefer something in 45 acp because I reload for it in my 1911. I also should mention that about half of my reloads are with home cast lead bullets.

 

[Fiv3r]

Are you looking for a carry piece or a range gun?

I have had several .45 pistols of the polymer variety. My current favorite is a Shield .45. It falls in line being something easier to pack than my 1911 and slimmer than my Charter Arms Pitbull revolver.

If you reload and shoot cast lead, I suppose that rules out a Glock.

 

[Sneakshot92]

Are you looking for a carry piece or a range gun?

I have had several .45 pistols of the polymer variety. My current favorite is a Shield .45. It falls in line being something easier to pack than my 1911 and slimmer than my Charter Arms Pitbull revolver.

If you reload and shoot cast lead, I suppose that rules out a Glock.

I suppose mostly a range gun. I usually carry my 1911 but my old taurus 357 gets carried from time to time.

 

[RON in PA]

S&W M&P 45. Great pistols, the original or the new model 2.

 

[bersaguy]

The Ruger SR45 is a good contender for what you're looking for. The M&P45 is good too. I've been sniffing around those two for a while now. For a bit more money, the HK45 is very nice and hammer fired. Or you can go the whole hog and find an FN-FNX 45 and take advantage of the 15 round mags.
But for reasonable ($500ish) price, the Ruger and S&W are your best bets

 

[JTQ]

I suppose mostly a range gun. I usually carry my 1911 ...

S&W M&P 45. Great pistols, the original or the new model 2.

Yes, the M&P is very popular with the 1911 folks. If you want, you can even get an M&P with a thumb safety that is pretty close to the 1911's.

 

[FFGColorado]

my first polymer framed pistol in a few months and am looking for a few reasonably affordable options

Glock 21..easy.

 

[Sneakshot92]

Glock 21..easy.View attachment 924603

Everyone i've talked to in the last 2 weeks has said to just buy a glock. It pisses me off. Not saying they aren't good guns, but i'd like to have a better understanding of my options.

 

[FFGColorado]

Everyone i've talked to in the last 2 weeks has said to just buy a glock. It pisses me off. Not saying they aren't good guns, but i'd like to have a better understanding of my options.

5 or the 6 replies above never mentioned 'Glock'...Do some google-foo..and there are only about 10,000 responses answering your question. Besides, if 'everyone in the last 2 weeks' have said 'Glock, well maybe there's a reason-eh? Not sure why it would 'piss you off'...

Hi all. I'm looking forward towards purchasing my first polymer framed pistol in a few months and am looking for a few reasonably affordable options. I'd prefer something in 45 acp because I reload for it in my 1911. I also should mention that about half of my reloads are with home cast lead bullets.

Glock is one..whether it bugs you or not.

 

[cc-hangfire]

S&W M&P 45. Great pistols, the original or the new model 2.

Another vote for the M&P 45. (Edit - the reason why I suggest it is ergonomics, manufacturer support, and availability of accessories - holsters, magazines, etc)

I understand that Glock’s polygonal rifling barrels require jacketed rounds - no lead bullets. With your cast lead bullets, Glock doesn’t meet your criteria.
So, yes, you can be p***ed off since those recommending Glock either 1) didn’t read your post, or 2) don’t know about the polygonal rifling issue.

 

[Sneakshot92]

5 or the 6 replies above never mentioned 'Glock'...Do some google-foo..and there are only about 10,000 responses answering your question. Besides, if 'everyone in the last 2 weeks' have said 'Glock, well maybe there's a reason-eh? Not sure why it would 'piss you off'...


Glock is one..whether is bugs you or not.

I guess I failed to clarify something. Everyone I talked to in person said buy a glock. I came here to see what other options I would end up with.

 

[bersaguy]

You can powder coat your cast bullets and run them thru a Glock....But they're not my cuppa tea. Fine guns, just don't have that certain je ne sais pas. Can't say enough good things about the SR45, softer shooting than my 1911. There's also the Ruger American in 45acp. No experience with those though. The most available right now is probably the S&W M&P45

 

[Mike J]

I don't have any experience with these pistols in .45 but I really like my M&P 2.0 Compact in .40. Maybe you should find somewhere you can look at these guns & see how they fit your hand.

 

[fxvr5]

Get your hands on some of these guns. They don't feel the same and it really matters.

Personally, I vote for the S&W M&P. Great ergonomics.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Do the new gen 5 Glock 21s have conventional rifling for lead bullets?

Not sure what rifling the big FN 45 has.

HK's or older Glocks would need coated lead.

 

[5-SHOTS]

In not particular order:
HK USP
HK 45
Walther PPQ
Springfield Armory XDM
Grand Power P45
EAA Witness Polymer
S&W M&P45
Remington RP45
Ruger SR45
Ruger American
SIG-Sauer P320
FN 45
Glock 41

 

[JTQ]

Do the new gen 5 Glock 21s have conventional rifling for lead bullets?
.

There are no Gen 5 G21's

The Gen 5 guns are limited to 9mm models https://us.glock.com/en/gen5

 

[PO2Hammer]

Thanks.
That's the trouble with plain lead, most poly framed guns are also polygonal rifled.
Any of those guns on 5-SHOT's list have conventional rifling?

Unless the OP wants to powder coat his bullets.

 

[Boarhunter]

Yes, the M&P is very popular with the 1911 folks. If you want, you can even get an M&P with a thumb safety that is pretty close to the 1911's.

And if you get one with a manual safety, look at APEC's line of sweet replacement triggers. Good plastic for a traditional 1911 shooter.

BOARHUNTER

 

[5-SHOTS]

Of the pistols I listed, I'm pretty sure only HKs, Glocks and maybe new Walthers have polygonal rifling barrels.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

My 1st poly frame pistol was a Springfield XDs. It's a good solid pistol. However I'm not sure how it handles cast lead bullets.

 

[Edcnh]

The Glock 21 makes a good range gun. As do HK, Ruger and S & W and many others. Also plated bullets can be used in barrels with polygonal rifling. If your planning on casting your own lead bullets you might want to stay with conventional rifling.

 

[MrShooter]

The Ruger SR45 is a great option, the grip is very similar to a 1911 and they're very easy to clean and very accurate too. A Springfield XDM is another great choice, they're pretty much indestructible!

 

[Zendude]

The Ruger American is a good choice that might be less expensive than a S&W or Glock. For a budget choice, you might consider a Remington RP45.

these days your choices will be limited by availability.

 

[bannockburn]

I would say try out as many of them as you can. I do that mainly because I have small hands and most polymer frame .45s are a bit too wide for a good grip. If I were looking for myself I would check out the Ruger SR45, Ruger American Pistol (Duty or Compact), S&W M&P 45 M2.0, S&W M&P Shield M2.0, and the FNX-45.