Looking for a wide frame? 45acp

[Fat Boy]

OK, I am looking for a steel handgun that shoots 45 acp-

I know about the 1911 - the issue is that I have never gotten too comfortable with that platform what with trigger bite and all (I have fairly large hands) I know I can always go to a beavertail safety, commander-style hammer, etc.

I have handled and shot several different semi-auto's in this caliber, but always come back to the fact that the Glock, S&W, Beretta storm, etc. seem to have a wider? grip frame, which is more comfortable for me personally. I am not, however, completely sold on polymer frames, and I like the single action and controls of the 1911, but wish it had a wider frame. Is there a way to change the 1911 with aftermarket grips to be wider or beefier? Or is there a 1911 platform steel gun with the larger dimensions?

Thanks!

 

[ReloaderFred]

You may want to consider the EAA Witness in .45 acp. It has a double stack magazine that carries 10 rounds, but is very ergonomic. I also have big hands, and it fits me well.

In polymer handguns, I would highly recommend the Springfield XD in .45 acp. It's also a double stack, but carries 13 rounds in the magazine, and also fits my hand extremely well. It also has a nice trigger and great ergonomics.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[strangelittleman]

If you like the 1911, try some thick-cut Sambar stag grips or some Buffalo horn grips.
Hogue wrap-arounds w/ the finger grooves around the front strap might also be an option.
Most places that sell Hogues have the grip stand set-up, so one can feel the grips on a plastic grip frame.

 

[geronimo509]

Just get this and you problem is solved

 

[10-Ring]

I'm not a fan, but the P14-45 from Para Ord sounds like fits your needs

 

[loop]

I have large hands and standard 1911s are problematic for me as well.

The Para and other double stack 1911 models and poly double stacks are one way to go.

I've done a few things to make a 1911 more comfortable. I use an arched mainspring housing to give me better contact between the frame and the palm of my hand.

A long trigger shoe gets the pad of my trigger finger on the trigger instead of my knuckle.

I've also added mag wells to extend the length of the grip a bit. Then added grips that fit flush to the mag well instead of being tapered on the lower end and leaving an uncomfortable gap.

If you do not already have a true high rise beavertail grip safety it will help by letting you move your grip on the frame up slightly.

Because I have no trouble reaching the slide release I keep them as stock or of stock dimensions, but for the frame safety I have an issue. I over-reach it. If it sticks out to far, as most custom models do, I catch it below the knuckle on my thumb. I've gone to the Cylinder & Slide extended slim thumb safety. It doesn't stick out any more than the stock one, but I can catch it on the pad of the thumb.

Hope this info is helpful...

 

[PT1911]

why not get a double stacked 1911?

and then there is your last post... still... seems like a double stacked 1911 with a good beavertail would do the trick for you..

 

[wditto]

RIA makes a fine double stack .45 for a great price.....

 

[strangelittleman]

Since you're comfortable with the set-up of the 1911 controls, check out the H&K USP45 or the FN 45USG, they are both big pistols that hold 12 -14 rds and have big grips...

 

[BlindJustice]

I have long hands, fingers not beefy though. I shoot a standard full size
1911 - it has hogue grips - they are not flat - they're round'ish, so it makes
the grip a bit bigger in circumference. My S&W 1911 also has
the long ( 3 hole ) trigger which puts the bend of my finger at about
90 degrees, I wouldn't go back to a M1911A1 GI short trigger.
As another poster suggested as an option, I've seen the Hogue wrap
around with the finger grooves -I want some of those when I get
an Offercer's size framed 1911.

But that's me... I have a friend with the Para ORdnance P14 .45 ACP
with the double stack magazine. it is certainly thicker, the front strap of
the grip frame FYI is flat front with just a curved side as it goes back to the
grip. in comparison the S&W 1911 is standard rounded at the same place
for a reference point for you.

Off subject -I also shoot the 45 oz S&W 625 5" Bbl it has the Hogue full size N-frame grip which has basically the same shape as the stock rubber but with a bit more pronounced finger grooves and more precise checkering of course since it's Rosewood. Completely Different but it sure
is fun to shoot.

See if you can find a P14 Para or the suggested H&K USP for feel

R-

 

[BlindJustice]

Hey Fat Boy - you from SE Wash. and now live in Arizona? I had a friend with your nick who did so. I was checking your profile as to where you are -
I was going to say if you can get to Sharpshooters in Spokane that range has over 70 handguns to choose from for rentals.

Randall

 

[CWL]

Sig P220, or a HK USP45 will fill your hands.

In a 1911, as has already been suggested about double-stack versions. You can also have some custom grips made with extra-thick slabs.

 

[Fat Boy]

Hey Fat Boy - you from SE Wash. and now live in Arizona? I had a friend with your nick who did so. I was checking your profile as to where you are -

I need to update my profile; I am in Kansas, where tonight we have had Wizard of Oz like weather...thunderstorms, wind, a couple of funnel's, etc.

 

[chris in va]

I know you said 1911 style, but for a true hand-filling firearm, have a look at a CZ 97B.

My Sig 220 has a fairly large grip, but it's thinner than the 226 and is slightly awkward to use.

 

[BlindJustice]

Forgot I had them, I have some Guy Hogue ebony ( black synthetic ) w/palm swell grips I only use them once in a while for the range, they're
wide enough to dig into my side with the MIlt Sparks holster that
holds the gun in tight to the body.

Want em? pm me, we'll dicker make yah a deal
hope that doesn't break any rules.

Randall

 

[Fat Boy]

OK, not to take this to a boring extreme; I have the opportunity to buy a used 1911. It is comprised of a WW2 era slide and essex frame. I think I can get it out the door for right around $500. My idea is to buy this gun and then add the grip safety, hammer, mainspring housing, and make other adjustments myself. I am not a gunsmith, but am fairly good with tools, and can take instructions pretty well.

Is this a good idea, or should I just invest $750 in a used Kimber that already has the add-on's?

A part of me would like to try and customize the Essex, but I don't want to spend money on this and at the end of the day have a gun that is less than durable, or has other problems due to the nature of its origins...old slide, essex frame, etc.

Again, thank you very much for the comments; they are most helpful!