Help Me Pick Next Pistol

[LouisianaGunner12]

I'm getting a self defense .45 pistol. I know there are many more pros and cons to each handgun, but these are the ones that matter to me most. Based on this list, what would you pick?


-Colt M1911A1 (1991 series)

Pros: I like it and have desire for one (good looking), long lasting, great ergonomics, low recoil
Cons: Possibly unacceptable reliability, a springfield 1911 let me down before

-HK USP 45

Pros: "top of the line", supposedly great durability, great reliability
Cons: Ugly (to me), I don't really want one or care for it (but if it's the best I'll go with it), bulky, high bore axis, snappy recoil (to me)

-Glock 21sf

Pros: Low recoil, great reliability, Do want (good looking to me), supposedly long lasting
Cons: Possibly prone to limp wristing, some say overall inferior to HK USP, the "kaBOOM" stories scare me

 

[BluedRevolver]

Alright I'll bite. It sounds to me like you don't care for the USP, and find it uncomfortable to shoot, so I'd knock that off the list. Your concern abou 1911 reliability may or may not be substantiated, but in the case of Colt, they seem to be putting out a good product these days.

I like the 625, but if you don't feel comfortable with 6 rounds, go with something else.

It sounds to me like the Glock 21sf might be good for you. It's reliable, and the kaboom issue really isn't one. As far as being inferior to the HK, you don't like the HK, and the Glock is still a great gun if it is, but I'd say it's subjective to your preferences. And your preferences seem to point you to the glock. It will last a looooooong time, more than you can shoot.

Here's a suggestion: if you can fork out the roughly $1500, get the Glock and 1911. This way you can be pretty sure you'll be happy either way

 

[surjimmy]

I am a huge 1911 fan, but not knowing how new you are to guns. Why not a S&W 686 or some other 357mag? You can practice with 38's and for SD load up with the 357 or hot +P 38's.

 

[2wheels]

Based on your comments, I'd cut the USP out of the running right now.

I also wouldn't worry about any kB! issues with the Glock. That'd only be something I'd worry about if I was a reloader.

Personally, I'd go for the Colt.

 

[LouisianaGunner12]

I am a huge 1911 fan, but not knowing how new you are to guns. Why not a S&W 686 or some other 357mag? You can practice with 38's and for SD load up with the 357 or hot +P 38's.

I'm not new to guns. I own many 9mms and a .357.

 

[Fred_G]

I would get the Colt or another good brand of 1911. Glock makes a good gun as well. They are very different platforms, so maybe shoot some with a Glock and 1911 and see which one you like better.

The 1911 will be heavier, which may be good or bad. The Glock shoots more boolets before you have to reload.

I don't own a Glock anymore because of the grip angle. But am not putting them down, I just chose another type of gun. YMMV.

 

[HDCamel]

Reliability shouldn't be an issue with a Colt. They DO set the standard by which all 1911s are judged.
The Glock would be a hell of a lot cheaper though.
I'm not an HK fan, so they won't get an endorsement from me, but I doubt you'd have any problems with one either.


In your shoes, I'd go for the Colt.

 

[bluethunder1962]

Nobody beats a Colt

 

[Furncliff]

If I carried I would probably carry a 1911 because I shoot the best with it. If I carried I would never carry anything until I had a gunsmith do a reliability job on my weapon.

 

[Josh45]

Out of those, I am going to have to suggest either the 1911 or the Glock.
I don't know if your really stuck on Colt but if not, There are other brands that can serve you well. It is heavy of course which in turn helps with the recoil and so far, I have seen these guns are accurate out of the box.

As for Glock, There dependable and reliable. Grip angle is a bit weird and takes some time to get use to. Recoil isn't to bad in my fathers G22 .40 S&W so I can't imagine you having to much recoil in the one your looking at.

As for the KaBooms!, Those tend to happen with the .40 caliber versions and usually with reloads IIRC. Don't hold me to it, I am just repeating what I have read.

The good thing about both of these firearms, Is that there both customizable to your liking. The take-down is much simpler on the Glock for me than it is compared to the 1911. Then of course, The Glock is polymer framed and the 1911 is a steel frame.

I am personally looking for a 1911 myself and so far, I am looking at the 1911 Remington R1. Just my opinion.

 

[tarosean]

1911 = best trigger
Glock = crap trigger
Hk = worse than glock crappy trigger

I'd go with the 1911 thou

 

[kcshooter]

If you like the ergonomics of the Colt, I can't see how you won't hate the ergonomics of a Glock.
(Ergonomics of a Glock, that's funny)

If you already don't like the HK, you never will.

I'd suggest maybe looking at the S&W M&P series, if you want to go polymer.

I'm a 1911 guy myself, and I have not a single bad thing to say about my 1991.

 

[Fred_G]

I have a Smith M&P, like it, as it is similar to my 1911 as far as grip angle and controls. I did not mention it before, 'cause it was not in the OP's list.

 

[LouisianaGunner12]

But if the HK really is the superior weapon, shouldn't I go with that?

 

[cadcom]

I'd go Colt but I would dang sure look at the SIG P220 if I were looking....

 

[Teachu2]

I've been shooting and carrying Colt 1911s since 1981, and they are still my favorite for range work. I'm also fond of S&W revolvers. Never cared for poly guns, especially Glocks. That said, I finally found a Glock that I like to shoot and shoot well - the G30. Amazing accuracy, comfortable recoil, and a hoot to shoot. Shot a rental at the range, and immediately bought one. And a G34. Next up will be a G21.

It's a different grip, sight picture, and everything else - which is not exactly news. Accept that, and try different techniques until you find what works for you.

Glock, Sig, Colt, XD, M&P 45, H&K, and many others make quality .45acp firearms. They each have a lot of loyal customers. Colt's 1911 is, far and away, the iconic .45aColtp pistol, and that is a factor in and of itself. I will always have a Colt 1911 in my collection, and will always enjoy shooting it, tinkering with it, and admiring it - but I'll be carrying a G30, probably unmodified in any way. The G21 will probably get a trigger job, but I may leave it alone as well.

BTW, I may also add a M&P 45 and/or a XD Tactical to the stable. I also have a Sig 20229 with night sights on the way - I sure wish CA didn't have 1 in 30 and an approved list....If CZ 75 SAs become available, I'll probably get one of those, too!

 

[Dr_2_B]

But if the HK really is the superior weapon, shouldn't I go with that?

Some will argue that point. Without a doubt, HK's a fine handgun, but the other two on your list are fine handguns as well and you can rely on them just as readily as you can the HK. And it sounds like it just doesn't suit you too well (bulky, bore axis, & recoil). Life's too short to own a gun that just isn't the right fit for you.

And again, the Colt and Glock are truly great handguns. You'd never have to apologize for either of them.

 

[2wheels]

But if the HK really is the superior weapon, shouldn't I go with that?

No.

There are a million and one fine handguns on the market, if the HK doesn't fit you you're wasting your money buying it.

If you shoot a Glock or 1911 better than the USP, the USP is in fact the inferior weapon!

 

[kcshooter]

But if the HK really is the superior weapon, shouldn't I go with that?

Dude, you want to go with a gun that you don't want or like simply because the internet told you it was "superior"?

I don't even know how to respond to this at this point.


You need to take a few days away from the keyboard.

 

[HKGuns]

HK for the purpose stated.

 

[viper7342]

I have owned a Colt 1991A1 "Compact Model" (Same as Officers Model) since 1997 and it has yet to malfunction in any way, it is accurate for it's intended purpose and reliable as hell, so, I can't forsee you having any problems with a Colt. However, If you like a DA/SA pistol and don't care for the H&K, I would second the suggestion of checking out a Sig P220, if polymer is your thing, and for some reason you can't get over the grip angle on the Glock, after shooting one, I would also suggest the Smith M&P, I have one in .40 S&W and I love it, As for me, I'm strongly considering purchasing an American Classic 2 1911 style .45 auto as my next handgun acqusition. Good Luck in your hunt for that perfect handgun.

 

[dcarch]

The kB! isn't an issue with the Glock 21. Any gun can kB! on you. If I were in your position, I would go with either the Glock or the Colt. I personally carry a 1911, but the Glock is a very, very good option. I cannot comment on the HK, as I have not owned one, but in my own opinion, they are a little overpriced.