Need a full size 45 with a rail... HELP!!!

[Will Learn]

I'm looking for a full size gun as described in the title. It will serve mainly as a home defense pistol. I want a rail for my weapon light so I can use both hands on the pistol or use my off hand while still being able to index the trigger or light.

I've been looking at the new S&W M&P 45 but have always kind of been turned off by S&W's automatics. I thought about going with a XD or Glock(21) but they both have polygonal rifling(unless I get a after market barrel) and I couldn't shoot lead through them. I reload mostly lead so this wouldn't work too well.

I'm trying to keep things under $500 which isn't too out of reach I don't think. I'm surfing the equipment exchanges on sites to see if I can't find something. If anyone has any experience with the S&W M&P 45 let me know how you like it. Sorry if my post is riddled with grammatical errors its late. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[MPanova]

Have you looked into the Taurus 24/7 Pro 45? I carry one everyday and its been perfect for thousands of rounds of different HP. I think Beretta is making the PX4 Storm in 45 now which is high on my list of must haves but I want the 9mm version since I have a ton of 45's already

 

[Old Fuff]

Also check out CZ - they have full-sized pistols with rails that can be used either in a double-action mode or cocked & locked. Prices aren't bad either.

 

[u084708]

As the previous post noted, the CZ 97B is a fine .45ACP automatic - very accurate, reliable with FMJ ammo (HPs are a problem for some), and in your price range. I love mine.

Kent

 

[D-Man]

Definitely check out the M&P45 - these are light years ahead of the Sigma design, and even better than the classic 3rd generation autos.


I've been extremely happy with mine for it's short 2 month ownership. While the price is around $500 - $575, they do have the $50 rebate and 2 free mag offer until the end of January.

Other options may be a used H&K USP or Sig P220 CPO.

The FN45 should be released soon too (if not already).

 

[tydephan]

I've got the M&P45 and really like it.

My full size 45 want list was:

Sig P220
M&P45
HK45
Glock 21

I liked every one of these guns. It basically came down to which one I wanted first, and could afford.

That was the M&P. I was familiar with the M&P (already owning 3).



I don't have many rounds down the pipe yet, but I haven't experienced any issues with it.

It wears an Insight M3 right now.

 

[briang2ad]

RIfling

XD or Glock(21) but they both have polygonal rifling(unless I get a after market barrel) and I couldn't shoot lead through them

The XD has conventiuonal rifling. If you want one gun, get the MP. If you want TWO for the price of one, get the XD Compact.

 

[PO2Hammer]

How about a used Sig P220? Plenty of good ones around five hundred. Good rep for firing lead bullets (I've been researching my next .45acp). Ergonomics that can't be beat.

 

[possum]

xd would fit the bill,
m&p .45 would as well

XD or Glock(21) but they both have polygonal rifling(unless I get a after market barrel) and I couldn't shoot lead through them

xd's do not have polygonal rifled barrels, i shoot lead almost exclusivly in my xd's.

 

[gunnerh]

Both the XD and M&P are great shooting guns. After firing both I got the S&W but it was close contest. I have put 500 rds thru mine with zero failures.

 

[Will Learn]

Wow, I though the XDs had polygonal rifling. That adds the XD to the list, thanks for the info. I think its down to the S&W and the XD. I'm going to take a look at the CZs as well. How is the trigger on the XD and S&W?

 

[SigLaw]

The CZ97 does not have a rail, to the best of my knowledge.

 

[tsix]

I own an M&P 45 with ~ 1500 rounds thru it. Not one single hiccup, with as many different types of ammo as I could find. Excellent pistol!

 

[Markbo]

Honestly Will, almost everyone makes a full sized .45 with a rail now. You won't ever be able to make a decision based on the rail issue. You need to handle and shoot some of these very different guns to see what your personal preference is.

I would never choose any handgun because someone else likes how it feels. There is just a ton of personal subjectivity that comes into play with a defensive arm.

 

[trackaddict88]

Is the taurus

a cocked and locked safety? Like some 1911's?

 

[Apple a Day]

Ruger 345 is an option.

 

[hrgrisso]

Sig

You can't go wrong with a Sig and a used 220 should be right inside your price range.

 

[Will Learn]

I thought about the sig, but its capacity leaves something to be desired. I really like my 229 and wish they came out with a 45 in their new super cap model, although I'm sure it would be out of my price range.

I think I might go for the XD as it has 13+1 capacity, rail, and I can shoot lead with it. It has a similar grip angle to the 1911 which I also like.

I just looked at the new FNH fp45 looks interesting. I just can't find a good deal online for one(yet).

 

[TBT]

The XD's are excellent guns. I've owned several in 9mm and am interested in the XD45c. My next 45 will actually be either the XD45 or the M&P45. I really like the low bore axis and Smith and Wesson's customer service and lifetime warranty so personally I'm leaning towards the M&P.

 

[Will Learn]

I thought Springfield had a lifetime warranty? I just sent my friends XD 9mm back to them no problem, they're even going to reimburse shipping. The thing about the S&W thats turning me off is that its the same height is the same as the XD and it has 3 less round of capacity.

 

[RancidSumo]

Have you looked into the Taurus 24/7 Pro 45

+1
I own a Taurus 24/7 PRO but it is a .40 S&W. It is a very good gun and it has over 1500 rounds (don't know exactly how many) without a problem. Now if only I could shoot worth a damn.

 

[MPanova]

Yes the 24/7 is able to be carried cocked and locked like a 1911 and the safety moves up for safe and down to fire like the 1911. You can also carry it with out the safety if you want and it would be like carrying a Glock

 

[cookekdjr]

I would prefer the M&P .45 were it not for the lower capacity (10+1). Can't go wrong with the XD45, though.

 

[D-Man]

What model XD are you comparing in height against the M&P45? Is it the compact model with the shorter baseplate (which still has more capacity than the M&P's 10)?

I recall looking at the Tactical against the M&P, and thought the M&P was the shorter gun height-wise. Of course the tactical did have the edge in capacity.

S&W will be coming out with extended mags (14 rounders I believe) which would give me the impression it would be the same size height-wise as the XD Tactical.

I'll look to compare actual #'s at home today from websites (unless somebody else beats me to it).

 

[crazed_ss]

EDIT: NEvermind... missed the $500 requirement