Looking for a 8 shot 45 acp pistol...any suggestions?

Status
Not open for further replies.

10-Ring

Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2002
Messages
12,035
Location
California
I've kinda narrowed my choices to the 1911 (how could I look at 45 acps & not at least consider another 1911?), a USPc 45 (already have 4 diff't USPs, this would round things out a bit), and the SIG P220ST.
Current front runners are the USPc 45 & the SIG 220ST.
USPc 45 would go well with the others I have. Plus, I've very familiar with the manual of arms so there'd be no learning curve (at least in theory).
The SIG 220st does have a few things going for it. First, being an all steel 45, I'd bet it's a dream to shoot. Secondly, since there is no mag compatibility in the USPs, buying mags for this gun (either USPc 45 or SIG) is truly unavoidalble. Lastly, I think I'm ready to give SIGs another chance.
So, OUTSIDE OF BUYING BOTH! What are the pros & cons of both & why should I buy one over the other?
 
I'd buy a 1911. It's a different platform & will add some variety to your collection.

Besides, no .45 battery should be denied a nice 1911! :)
 
Go for the 220ST.... It's a great pistol, and probably my most favorite .45acp right now. It's extra heft does indeed reduce flip compared to a standard 220 with aluminum frame.

The HK USP45 is also a great pistol. However some folks have a difficult time with the size and blockiness of the grip. This is offset by the 10 round standard mags available. One plus is the variation of safety options.
 
I was shopping for a new .45 last month and looked at everything you mentioned.

The CZ-97B really felt good. The Witness (CZ clone) felt even better because it's grip is more narrow. Best feeling .45 I could find (10 rounds, too). 700 rounds with no problems.

Try one out before you decide.
 
Out of what you mention I'd go with a 1911.

Other good options:
Taurus PT945 (alloy frame)
Ruger P90 (quite accurate and inexpensive)
CZ 97 (actually 10 round mags, but you can find something to do with the extra 2)
 
Of the three choices originally mentioned, it's kind of hard to go wrong, I think. Never had the HK, but I'd probably judge it a keeper, based on other peoples comments who own them. Having some :)D ) experience with the other two, I'd take either.

Which one do you like the most? (This is the only real criteria you have to satisfy to be happy with a gun purchase, after all). Buy it.
 
I've got a project Colt '91a1 that I'm having more fun customizing than shooting. Also have a SA Mil Spec that I've been enjoying completely stock. So, in my mind, the 1911 niche has been filled (at least temporarily).
As for which I would prefer most right now...honestly, it's a toss up between the 2. I'd like the USPc 45 because it would be a nice addition to my existing USP collection. The SIG would be nice simply because I don't own one right now. But I've had 'issues' w/ SIGs in the past and am a little leary about investing $1000 into another one.
My son says we need a custom 10/22 in the mix, but what does he know? :rolleyes:
 
Definitely a 1911. Preferably a Springfield Loaded Stainless or Kimber Classic Stainless.
 
Neither are bad pistols, although I'm more fond of the 220 than the H&K. OK, I'm a lot more fond of the 220...and you should be able to find a LE-turn-in for a lot less than a grand.

That would let you turn the rest of that thousand around to a plain 10/22, and a bull barrel, and a nifty stock, and let you learn how to fix a 10/22 trigger and bolt hold-open...



Alex
 
Don't have one, but I've been turned off USPs because of the idea (picked up on TFL) that they use cast (MIM) parts in a few places. Maybe I'm confusing the brand with another, but cast parts knock a gun off my acquisition list.

One that is still on it is a Taurus PT-145. Last price I heard was $365 NIB at a gun show.
 
Originally posted by Blackhawk
Don't have one, but I've been turned off USPs because of the idea (picked up on TFL) that they use cast (MIM) parts in a few places. Maybe I'm confusing the brand with another, but cast parts knock a gun off my acquisition list.
.

MIM parts work fine if done right. That said, I dislike USP 45s because I had one and the welds gave on both magazines.
 
If I wanted to nitpick, I could say similar things about a standard P220 I once owned. But really, anything man made will have some imperfections now and then, but when companies build reputation & loyal fans for building quality, I would be willing to bet that the glitches are atypical. I have had nothing but great luck w/ all of my HK's and I think I'm ready to give SIG another try.

Almost wanna get the SIG just to prove that the 220 I had really was a lemon & not typical.

Decisions decisions decisions
 
I've had zero trouble with either of my Kimbers and Wilson 8 rounders. Any of the firearms mentioned in above posts should also work

SO

You're just going to have to buy them all!
 
Give a 1911 platform a try. I am falling in love with my Kimber compact and with a Wilson 47D or Shooting star Magazine it holds 8 + 1, I'll grant you you have a little magazine stickoutus. With a flush mag, It will hold 7+1. I'm always for the plus 1 carrying condition 1. Happy New Year from a new refugee from shooters
 
The photo is of a Jardine Valtro. This is a semi-custom pistol that sells for about $1200.00, roughly double the price of a USP. By all accounts they are excellent.

Blackhawk said:
but cast parts knock a gun off my acquisition list.

Then I imagine a Caspian custom 1911 would be off your list along with a number of other very fine products such as the Wilson CQB. Caspian frames and extractors are cast. They are also regarded as among the best you can possibly buy.

Honestly, as an engineer, I just don't understand the production method phobia some people have. May be an example of not liking something you don't understand ?
 
Ala Dan - why no need for the 220st? Is it just simply your aluminum 220 hasn't given you reason to look elsewhere, or is there something about the steel frame you don't care for?
How old & how many rounds have you put through your 220?
 
Get the 1911 boss; then you will see what all the fuss is about
Colt, Kimber, or Springfield get a full size and some Wilson 47d mags find one with a sweet trigger (not hard) and be prepared to catch the bug. If you have 4 Hks you will get a Dozen 1911s:D
 
Take a look at the Kimber Ultra Ten II. Thats the one Im gonna acquire after I get back to the States. Its a sweet ride.
2501_Ultra_Ten2_L.jpg
 
I have a SIG Sauer P220 and a Kimber Custom II, so I recommend either of them. They both cost less than the HK USP does and magazines for the P220 and 1911 cost about half that of USP magazines.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top