Need a 45 ACP. Suggestions?

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Bacardi151

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I have a single action revolver(22lr), Browning Challenger(22LR), CZ75 (9mm), Marlin 7000t (22LR)

I punch paper holes. Hunting is unlikely. Self Defense is just as unlikely.

My brothers both have Kimber 45 ACPs that I enjoy shooting. We have friendly competitions at ranges, etc.

I'd like to add a 45 ACP to my collection and cost IS an issue. I'd like to get something at least a little different. Also, I live in Kalifornistan, so my selection is limited.

The 3 models I have narrowed my search to are:

Ruger Blackhawk Convertable 45LC/45ACP
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=10463&return=Y

FNH FNP-45
http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/model.asp?fid=FNF020&gid=FNG001&mid=FNM0062


Charles Daly 1911
http://www.charlesdaly.com/1911.asp

All three appeal to me for different reasons. All three are in my price range (~$500)

Blackhawk-I get the legendary 45 LC for fun, good reloading platform, and as a single action, I wont burn through the ammo as fast. Accurate, Classic, adjustable sights

FNP-45 Simply a clean, reliable, Accurate, premier modern pistol

1911 CD has a rep for amazing customer service. Upgradeable for better accuracy. The defacto 45 ACP platform.

I'd appreciate any comments on my choices as well as possible other models I should consider.
 
Springfield Armory XD 45. I'm a revolver guy who doesn't like tupper-ware guns, but this one is a semi-auto I like. Pretty much trouble free, recoil is easy to control and amazingly accurate for any gun. It's been torture tested and held up as good as any Glock.
 
Any of those are fine. You will get quite a few opinions with this one. My only hesitation with the FN would be availability of holsters, cost of magazines, etc.

Go to a range, and rent a few. All will feel very different in your hand. I have monkey hands, so the G21 fits really well.

Good luck!
 
I would take a look at a Ruger P90. They are built very 'rugged' and will last you a lifetime. Since it will be used mostly for range duty, no need to worry about the DA/SA trigger. Single action on my P90 is actually 'nice' and I have no problem shooting up there with high-end 1911s. Bill Ruger consulted a former Bar-Sto employee to help design the barrel, so the P90 is (and I've seen this myself with my own P90) very accurate. Again, since it is for range use, the 8+1 capacity isn't an issue either (for people who have a problem with that).
 
I'd recommend checking out a Sig P220. Just be aware that some newer ones, especially the stainless models, have problems with the internal extractors. Sig started producing them with an external extractor which has fixed the problem. Or you could just buy one of the older non-rail frame models which are very reliable. You can never go wrong with a 1911 either. ;)
 
CZ-97B is a great choice. High quality, reasonable price and very accurate.
 
For the 1911 platform (which I recommend) I suggest you look at a Rock Island Tactical versus the Charles Daly. I have 2 Rock's and they are solid well built entry level 1911s. From reading over at the m1911 forum, Charles Daly is no longer selling the same 1911 they were (same as RIA, made by Armscor) in the past. Just my 2 cents...
 
I have the .45 ACP/.45 Colt Ruger Blackhawk. If self defense is not on the menu for the pistol/revolver, I'd highly reccomend this single action revolver.
Mine has the 7 1/2" barrel, ajustable sights and is extremely accurate. If it came with better sights it would be awesome. Fun gun to shoot!!!
 
I've heard some very good things about the new CD 1911s, and from what I've seen (on another forum) they can stand up to the best in the industry with their customer service.

The Blackhawk's a great choice too, for a variety of reasons.

Both are very different - you need to decide what your end purpose will be.
 
I agree with novaDAK. I would go with either the Blackhawk or a KP90DC. Would have to find a good used P90DC since they don't make them any more. The P90 with a safety would be ok if you like safeties. :)
 
I'd go with the FN. I have heard nothing but good things about them. Plus, they hold 14 rounds.
 
Looks like you're getting a lot of different opinions here. The 1911 would get my vote, especially since you are familiar with the Kimber. Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
For about $500 you can get a Tanfoglio Witness imported by EAA (calling it an EAA Witness would be an injustice) in 45ACP and including a 22LR conversion.
 
Have you looked into a Taurus? They are somewhat on the average to cheapy side and I know for a fact that their revolvers are very accurate. I have not dealt much with their autos but I know their Gaucho line as well as alot of their longer barreled revolvers are pretty accurate and pack a good punch. I have only shot their 357s, which are awesome on the range, but I have friends that own their .45lc gaucho and loves it. He reloads as well and can hit with the gaucho at very long distances. I have seen him hit a clay target on a berm at 300 yards from the first shot.... but he has had the gun for around 12 years now and knows it inside and out.
 
I have several types of 1911's. BUT, my favorite 45 is a Bersa. And it was cheap too. It has been very acurate right out of the box.
 
if you are limitting yourself to the three that you posted. The revolver is proven reliability, no comments there. The FN would be a good modern firearm, but I thought that price was the main factor. The Charles Daly, well . . . I have limitted experience with them. The 5 that I have shot always had a issue, FTF, FTE, light strikes . . . they were older models when they first came out so these probelms may well have been fixed by now.
Look into used firearms if cost is the deciding factor
 
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If you want to beat your brothers with their Kimbers you can pick up a slightly used H&K USP fullsize for $500 to $650 and woop their ass.:what::neener::eek:
 
My duty guns have always been 1911s, and I love them all. I am transitioning to the Springfield XD45 Compact though. Ergonomics are the same as the 1911, just added magazine capacity and a light rail.

I looked at the FNP-45. It's a monster. I wouldn't consider it for ccw, definately a uniformed duty belt type of pistol. I almost bought one.
 
as per 'loneviking' :
Springfield Armory XD 45. I'm a revolver guy who doesn't like tupper-ware guns, but this one is a semi-auto I like. Pretty much trouble free, recoil is easy to control and amazingly accurate for any gun. It's been torture tested and held up as good as any Glock.
Click to expand...

I've shot many .45ACPs (especially the 1911's but when I started shooting the SA-XD 45, I knew instantly that this would eventually take over as the most popular .45ACP ever. The 1911 has held that spot for a long time but I believe Springfield has a winner.

If you haven't had the chance to try one at the range, do it before you buy a .45

You won't regret it!
 
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