Help picking new handgun: 9mm vs 45ACP

[JeeperCreeper]

It seems I am in a conundrum (a good one to be in) as it is now time to purchase a new handgun. I am selling my Para P14 1911 and want something new!!! I am torn whether I want another 9mm (for cheap ammo) or another 45 (for big booms). My collection for 9's and 45's is as follows (I listed construction/operation as I want something kinda different than what I have):

9 MM:
-Ruger SR9E (poly striker)
-Star 30M (steel DA/SA)
-SCCY cxp2 (poly DA CCW)

45 ACP:
-Ruger P90 (steel DA/SA)
-HiPoint FMJ (poly striker but is a beater)
-Ruger Blackhawk Convertible (SA revolver)

I want to keep the price around $400 and I don't like Glocks and M&Ps and don't want a new caliber (maybe 357 mag) and I don't reload. I want to pick the brains of people here and see what's out there and what opinions of my choices you all have. Thanks for the help!!

 

[cluttonfred]

It looks to me like you've got 9mm covered with a CCW auto, a full-size polymer DA auto and a full-size all-metal DA/SA auto. In .45 ACP you've got the all-metal DA/SA auto, the SA revolver and the Hi Point boat anchor. (I know, some people love them, just a comment on the looks and weight.) I'd say you need a smaller .45 ACP to round out your collection, something that you might even CCW. Since you're getting rid of the Para Ordnance P14 then you probably don't want a 1911.

In a used gun, I'd suggest one of the small stainless Smith & Wesson single-stack DA/SA .45s, maybe a 457 or 4516. For a new gun, maybe a Kahr CT/CW/CM45 (poly DAO), Bersa Thunder 45 Ultra Compact (metal DA/SA), Sig P250 Compact 45 (poly DAO), Springfield XDS 45 Compact (poly DAO). I am sure there are lots more possibilities as well.

PS--Sorry, I only noticed that this was a poll after I posted!

 

[bannockburn]

I voted for the ATI FX45K 1911 mainly because it's more old school and certainly different in operation than what you already have.

 

[Saleen322]

For sheer fun factor, it is hard to beat a single action revolver. My (current) favorites are the 10mm-38/40, a 327 mag, and the 9mm-357. The 9mm is very accurate, almost like shooting a 22 LR in recoil, and you never lose any brass!

 

[Tony k]

I think Owlnmole makes a good point. I voted other. I'd consider a more compact forty five to round out your options

 

[FIGHT NIGHT]

9 MM:
-Ruger SR9E (poly striker)

I had often looked at this gun with lustful eyes
But I would choose a PPQ for my next 9 mm

 

[steelbird]

How about a military/LEO surplus like the ex-Italian police Berettas currently selling at PSA?
Or a Bond Arms derringer? That's certainly different.....
James Bond lookalike - Canik TP9 ( looks kinda like the P99 from the Brosnan movies )

 

[buck460XVR]

Of the guns you have listed I would go for the SR45. But I personally would have to have a good magnum revolver if I already had a flock of bottom feeders.

 

[TfflHndn]

I'd suggest the Rock Island 9mm/22TCM combo. It's a common caliber to your 9s, but with the added barrel for the .22TCM which will give you the boom and the fun, in a 1911 platform. If you try one, I bet you'll love it.

 

[ohbythebay]

Any Flavor of the CZ 75 family. My personal favorite, CZ 75 SP01 Tactical. 18+1 rounds of pure 9mm joy with an amazing light recoil...shoot almost as easy as a 22

 

[Valkman]

I don't know which one but I vote .45 - I don't even own a 9mm!

 

[Tallball]

A 1911. Duh.

 

[wow6599]

Of the ones you listed:

Ruger SR45 (stainless) - Good gun, but full size like your other .45 ACPs
ATI FX45K 1911 (black w/ threaded barrel) - Again, full size .45...and do you have or want a suppressor?
SIG Sauer SP2022 (black w/ nightsights) - Okay firearm, but doesn't seem to bring much more to your collection that you don't have, unless you just want a low-end Sig.
Ruger P95 (stainless) - Same thought as the Sig, but I would take this one before the SP2022.
Revolver: Ruger 9mm convertible or other .357 - I don't have one, but wish I did. If you want to get into another caliber (.357), I would go this route. Very, very versatile!
WILDCARD!!!!!!!! none of the above, fool - A polymer frame Kahr in .45 ACP would be my choice, given what you already have.

 

[Saleen322]

OK, let me offer another Sig variation. I picked up a Sig P220 Match Elite in 45 and it is a shootin' son of a gun! It has been crazy busy lately so I haven't got a chance to shoot it that much yet but what I have, I am impressed. YMMV

 

[khegglie]

Is that a P 14-45 you're selling?
That seems to fill out you CURRENT collection nicely.

Maybe consider another hj cap .45?

 

[MoPed]

EAA Witness in .45ACP or a RIA 1911A1 in 9mm. They seem to a hot item right now!

 

[ShootALot523]

glock 20 10 mm or older all steel S&W 10 mm, way more fun than a 45.
9 mm - cz75, walther ppq5"

 

[nuzhung]

Just picked up an ATI fatboy FX LW .45 acp last week for $419. It's very accurate and very concealable. Bonus,(depending on your state laws) it has a 12 round double stack mag that has no issues with FTF or FTE.

 

[Toprudder]

EAA Witness in .45ACP or a RIA 1911A1 in 9mm. They seem to a hot item right now!

^^^^ +1

I am very partial to the Witness line. They are copies of the CZ75.

My wife and I now have 4. She has a poly full size 9 and a poly compact 9. I have a poly full size 40 and a steel frame full size 45. The polys all cost under $320 each, the steel frame was around $450.

I have shot her full size 9, bench rest at 25 yards, and had a 5 shot sub 2" group. I can shoot 1" groups at 10 yards off hand with the 45. I think my next will be a 10mm Elite Match.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I ended up getting an SAR B6P (EAA CZ clone) for super cheap, and I'm looking for an SR45 now used, so hopefully I can kinda break even with my 1911 sale

 

[joem1945]

I have a CZ 75B in .40. Shoots great but you'll need to change the grips if you want better control to Hogue with finger groove. Makes it much better.

 

[Toprudder]

I have a CZ 75B in .40. Shoots great but you'll need to change the grips if you want better control to Hogue with finger groove. Makes it much better.

Exactly what I did for my Witness pistols. The only option for the polymer frames were the slip-on Hogues, but for the steel frame 45 I bought the Hogue CZ75 grip. Wasn't a perfect fit, I had to stretch the rubber front strap, and carve the inside of the side panels so the mags would fit, but it was well worth the effort.

 

[TennJed]

I thinks the Blackhawk convertible is the best made gun of the bunch, but you will not get a new one for $400 and it is getting harder to find good used ones for that price. You would have better luck finding a used 45 colt only one around the $400 mark, but even then they are getting more expensive every day.

I have and love a SR9c. It is my primary carry. You would do fine with one of those

 

[JeeperCreeper]

YOu've already got a lot more guns than I bother to own. What is it that you are trying to accomplish?

I like guns. I like variety. I like collecting. And while I am still young, unmarried, with no children, I want to actively pursue my hobby.

I thinks the Blackhawk convertible is the best made gun of the bunch, but you will not get a new one for $400 and it is getting harder to find good used ones for that price. You would have better luck finding a used 45 colt only one around the $400 mark, but even then they are getting more expensive every day.

I found my Blackhawk convertible for around $450, maybe $500 NIB. I saw a used 357/9mm stainless one with a 7.5 in barrel for $350 at my LGS. When I went to buy it, it was gone within 24 hours.

I have a CZ 75B in .40. Shoots great but you'll need to change the grips if you want better control to Hogue with finger groove. Makes it much better.

I hope my CZ knockoff shoots well, but I don't think I will be able to find hogue grips for the pol version. I might get lucky and see if Witness grips work for my SAR

 

[GAMEOVER44]

Id go with none of the above.

Personally after owning both 9mm and 45 ACP they BOTH have their place. 9mm is a penitrator while 45 is heart stopper. Recoil is similar depending on handgun.

For Polymer your best bet is Springfield Armorys XDm. They are fantastic guns (owned the XDm 9 when it had the original slide serrations) and have quite the capacity many long for without protruding magazines. Also customer service is top notch not to mention their custom workshop.

My personal choice is a 1911. A good one like the Dan Wesson Valor is money in the bank! Expensive but well worth it! http://cz-usa.com/press-release/dan-wesson-valor-1911/