In the market for a 45.

[Armedleprechaun]

I'm torn between the Springfield 1911 and the M&P 45. I like the Mil Spec a lot. However, I sold it because, with my dexterity it was hard for me to get the slide stop back in. I love the feel of the 1911. I figured the M&P with thumb safety is the closest I will get to the 1911 feel. So, do I give the Mil Spec another try' Or go with something else.

Thanks,
Armedleprechaun

 

[9mmepiphany]

The M&P is a modern design which will continue to work though more abuse and less care than the 1911

It is much easier to field strip and re-assemble.

 

[tomrkba]

I have had the best luck with Colt Government Models. I really like the XSE models.

If you're set on a Springfield, take a look at their Loaded line. It's a decent pistol.

 

[JustinJ]

I haven't shot the MP .45 but i love my .40. I also love my Glock 21SF and have as much faith in it as my Arsenal 74 after reading about the 150K torture test. Outside of the range i see the 1911 as obsolete. I'd also look at the HK45.

 

[bannockburn]

I voted Other as in a Colt Government.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

m&p
Lots of versatility to match it for your hand, you can buy goodies for it, and you can maintain it more easily.
And, it's a bargain.

 

[Lateck]

Can't go wrong with a SIG P-220.

Lateck,

 

[coalman]

Op: Given your limits, I would not get a 1911 even though I prefer it. A Glock, XD or M&P will serve you best IMO. The XD45 w/ ambi thumb safety gets my vote if you are looking for a manual safety on a poly gun. It's metal and very low profile. I like it for what it is. That said, not for me. Good luck.

p.s. The Glock may be hard to field strip with dexterity issues. The XD not at all.

 

[Armedleprechaun]

Thanks guys, Keep 'em coming.

 

[JTQ]

However, I sold it because, with my dexterity it was hard for me to get the slide stop back in.

If that is the case, I think it's a no-brainer then, get the M&P.

I have a 1911 and love it, but I've had it since the '80's, long before the M&P came out. If I were buying now I'd get the M&P. I'd skip the thumb safety though. It seems out of place on a pistol like the M&P.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I would have a hard time considering one as an alternative to the other excluding the caliber similarity.
Couple extra rounds to the S&W
Polymer frame (for what that may matter)
S&W mags are most likely more expensive

But really, my advice would come down to a question: You've already owned the SA so what about it or yourself do you think has changed to overcome having sold the last one due to limited dexterity? You've already seen that movie.

Would an aftermarket extended slide stop help your assembly issues?

 

[Monster Zero]

XD

After having tried one at the range, it would be XD all the way for me. Shoots ball ammo like a Ruger Mark III.

 

[sgtstryker]

OK..I'll say it...Combat Commander. Blued or stainless, you choose.

 

[jmr40]

Every gun owner should have a 1911. If for no other reason than the history. In my experience the good 1911's ain't cheap, and the cheap ones ain't good. If you can't afford a good one, wait until you can.

Until then most any of the modern designs are really a better choice as a SD gun, and offer better reliability for a lot less money. S&W, Glock, XD, and Ruger all offer modern, reliable designs for about 1/2 the price of a quality 1911. The M&P is probably as good as any, although not my favorite of the bunch.

 

[Pilot]

If you have a few extra dollars, get a basic Colt 1911. If not go for the Milspec. I have both, and prefer the Colt, but the old Springer goes bang every time as well.

 

[Skylerbone]

If reassembly was the sole consternation then here's your saving grace: http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=5&f=49&t=104426. A small file, fine tip Sharpie and 2 minutes is all it takes, I just finished said same on a new Harrison slide stop minutes ago. Hopefully you'll revisit the 1911 platform in the future with less frustration.

Back to your question of what to buy I don't feel the Mil Spec is built to true carry standards whereas a choice like the M&P offers reliability rivaled by few in its price range. There are a great number of user serviceable parts and upgrades including excellent sights and ignition sets. If it weren't for my 9c I'd probably already own the .45 ACP version and may someday for woods carry (I hate scratches on my 1911s;-).

It does come down to your comfort level, your budget and your mindset about which will prove more practical. Ask any LEO who carries a Glock, there is no shame in relying on a modern combat handgun as they too were purpose built for the task.

 

[el Godfather]

If you had not given choice for OTHER, I would have voted Springfield. Since the OTHER option was available and no particular criteria for voting was given except that you like 1911, I voted other in favor of:

Dan Wesson.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Can't go wrong with a SIG P-220.

I agree. If I had the budget and was in the market for a .45 that's the way I would go.
However of the choices listed, I chose the 1911. They're just freakin awesome in every single way.

 

[Bentonville]

HK45C. Don't buy until you shoot one of these.

 

[Manson]

I own the P220 SAO and it's a suitable option to a 1911. No polymer and a single action trigger. Single stack and pretty accurate. And a lot easier to take down.

 

[GLOOB]

A Mil Spec with an idiot mark already on it.

 

[rskent]

Before you buy, you should try out a gen 4 Glock 21. It’s the best shooting Glock I have ever shot.
Please note that I am NOT gonna go out and sell my old Government model Colt. It rattles when
you pick it up but it runs and runs and runs.
Steve

 

[Zerodefect]

Some Springys have hard to install slide stops. If you come across another 1911 like that any decent smith can install a Greider or 10-8 slide stop lever that'll be easierto click in. Not that a hard to popin SSL is really a bad thing.

When that happens here's what I do:
-stick a 3/32" punch in the frame to line up the barrel link
-pop the SSL in so it hangs straight down into the trigger guard area. Only the SSL pin is in, not the lever or lug, which is just hanging straight down
-tug on the barrel to make sure the SSL pin actually went through the barrel link
-now rotate the SSL up and snap it in being careful to avoid idiot mark.
-then install recoil spring and plunger last.

I'll recommend in price order:
Colt
Dan Wesson
LesBaer
Ed Brown

 

[Skylerbone]

Snapped a few photos for clarity today, cell phone quality but they demonstrate the point of the log man slide stop modification- trapping the plunger and facilitating easy re-installation of the slide stop. This is the one I cut last night for my Smith. The markings on the lobe are actually from just a few take downs and no Sharpie was necessary.

 

[Armedleprechaun]

I'm giving Colt a hard look. I want a good basic model. I was thinking a 1991a1. Thoughts? The only thing is, they're kinda hard to find in my neck of the woods.