Help me choose a .45 house gun -- 1911, Sig P220, H&K USP, CZ97, etc.?

[Frisconian]

I'm looking to upgrade my house gun (currently a Glock 22) with something more substantial. I thought I wanted a 1911, but lately I've been considering a steel framed pistol like Sig P220, H&K USP, CZ97, etc. I've fired all of them (except the CZ) and liked them all. However, there can only be one.

Any feedback? Pros and cons? Pluses and minuses?

I don't want to spend more than about $1,000...

 

[auberg]

I really like my Colt Defender. At short range, (it only has a 3 inch barrel) It is spot on the target. I bought mine a couple of years ago, but I think they are still under a grand.

Good Luck

Frank

 

[10-Ring]

As a house gun, I want real simple and natural in my hands -- I routinely have my USP or one of my 1911s on the night stand. The USP was first tho

 

[9mmepiphany]

i'm pretty sure the H&K USP has a polymer frame

i would favor the Sig 220 over the 1911 as it is less maintence intensive, has a DA/SA trigger and doesn't have additional safeties to be swiped off.

if it is only going to be a house/range gun...as opposed to a carry piece...i'd recommend a Sig 220ST. it has a stainless steel frame which reduces recould to the level of a 9mm. the economy route would be to look for a CPO model...about $600

 

[heavyshooter]

i'm pretty sure the H&K USP has a polymer frame

i would favor the Sig 220 over the 1911 as it is less maintence intensive, has a DA/SA trigger and doesn't have additional safeties to be swiped off.

if it is only going to be a house/range gun...as opposed to a carry piece...i'd recommend a Sig 220ST. it has a stainless steel frame which reduces recould to the level of a 9mm.

+1
Mega dittos - I can't add anything to this.

 

[shootistpd27]

Why not stay with what works.

Just get a 45 glock. I love colts, kimbers, and any other kind of gun. But for home protection you cant beat a glock. Simply to use and extremely reliable.

 

[Snowdog]

Far be it from me to talk someone out of purchasing a new toy. However, I honestly don't think you need an upgrade if you're currently using a G22. Anything that offers 15 +1 rounds of .40S&W is a potent platform indeed!

If given the option, I would stick with a 1911 as that's what I'm familiar with, though I wouldn't mind spending some time getting familiar with a Sig 220 either.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the only qualms i would have of a Glock as a nightstand gun would be that you normally woudn't keep it in a holster.

waking from being asleep and groping for a gun with it's safety mounted on the face of its trigger just makes me a mite uneasy. when my only available gun was a Glock, i usually kept it beside the bed with an empty chamber

 

[Pilot]

I think they are all great choices. For higher capacity you can't fo wrong with a full size USP. My USP Tactical .45 holds 12 + 1 and accepts a can.

 

[Bentonville]

HK45C or HK45....reliable, adjustable grip, accurate, reliable, top of the heap in pistols. Just try one out....you won't need convincing then.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Xd 45

 

[jpatterson]

Which one were you the best with? I've only shot a few handguns, and the 1911 I currently own is the style I shoot best with, apparently.

The way I see it, you likely won't have too much trouble with any of the major manufacturers, but the one thing I'd want in a house-gun is to be proficient in it. Had an XD45 and I was TERRIBLE with it, 1911's just feel more natural to me and thus, it's my house gun.

 

[benderx4]

Well, for me, sitting in my nightstand is a HK USP45 Tactical holding 12+1 of 45acp JHP.

A VERY nice slightly used one can be had for $750 - $850. I paid $800 for mine OTD and it was less than a year old at the time. Adjustable sights, match trigger, and reliability on par, if not better, than Glock.

Since I took this pic, I've added a Hogue Handall and Vortex flash surpressor.

 

[ArmedBear]

XD 45 would be my choice. Practical, simple, and it shoots well in my hand. I'm one of those people for whom Glocks don't point naturally.

It's not the connoisseur's toy that some other guns are. But it works, and it works well.

 

[bondmid003]

There is nothing wrong with the tried and tested 1911 as long as its a good one. I've got the USP in .40 S&W and love it, so I'm sure its just great in .45 as well

 

[robctwo]

S&W1911PD Commander with Crimson Trace laser grips. Doubles as a nice light carry 1911 as well. Scandium frame. Laser is zeroed at 20 yards, so is good from point blank out to the edge of the acre lot, in case I'm being charged by a pack of zombies. Laser is great for low light conditions, and eliminates need to use sights. I can peek around a corner with gun at waist or chest height and put rounds right on the red dot.

 

[Storm]

Just a note, the HK USP is not steel framed. Neither is the HK45, a gun that I would strongly consider.

If you will consider a used gun you may be able to score a USP .45 at a good price. I recently saw one for just under $500

Of the steel framed guns it's hard to do better than a SIG 220, one of the most accurate out-of-the-box .45's out there. So is the CZ97, but be forewarned that this is not a gun for small/medium hands.

 

[Frisconian]

Thanks for the replies -- I should have pointed out that my choice is also at least a somewhat aesthetic one. I've ruled out Glocks, XDs, Storms, M&Ps, etc., because I already have two polymer pistols (both Glocks) and I'm looking for something a little different, not only for the "art" of it, but also to mix things up when I'm at the range.

I didn't realize the USP was all polymer -- I've only handled one once, when a friend let me fire a few rounds, and it felt so solid that I assumed it was steel with polymer grips.

I'm really kind of leaning toward the Sig P220, but can only find it in my area in the basic variation -- I'd like to find an Elite or Elite Stainless version...

 

[SwampWolf]

I didn't realize the USP was all polymer -- I've only handled one once, when a friend let me fire a few rounds, and it felt so solid that I assumed it was steel with polymer grips.

Well, no, it's not all polymer. The frame is polymer (or something akin to it) but the slide is steel.

 

[Bill B.]

Look at a 4586 Smith & Wesson and save about $500 of that $1000. One of the best .45 ACP's built IMO .

 

[Furncliff]

This one.




Why this one? Because after you beat to death the dirt bag that has invaded your home the cops are gonna want your weapon.


Or you could go with this.

 

[calaverasslim]

I have a Hi Standard by ARMSCOR, shown above, but to get serious, try a S&W M21, M22, M24, M25 or M29...4" barrel

 

[Frisconian]

Well, no, it's not all polymer. The frame is polymer (or something akin to it) but the slide is steel.

Uhhh, yeah, I was really just referring to the frame -- I realize that polymer might not be the best material for slides/barrels, etc.