Need Input On Choosing A 45

[Tecolote]

I'm trying to choose a 45 for range use. I've narrowed it down to these models:

Glock 21, simple manual of arms, easy maintenance, feels ok in my hands, very affordable

HK USP, like DA/SA and cocked and locked, easy maintenance, balances well in my hands, pricey

1911-Help! Way too many choices in the $500-$700 range, price point between Glock and USP. I want something reliable, with easy maintenance

Opinions, advice, and pictures please. Thank you.

 

[MAURICE]

Ive shot the HKs, Glocks, and 1911s. They are all great, but I am a die hard 1911 fan myself.
Everytime I start thinking about how it would be nice to hace a Glock in 9mm as a fun gun I remember that I can buy another 1911 for that price.

Shoot all of them before you buy one, and you wont regret any of them.

 

[lefthandblack]

Definitely check out the Springfield Mil-spec 1911. I recently purchased one brand new for around $400.00 and it is great. You can usually find them for under $500.00 More accurate than my friends Kimber which cost about $300.00 more and has fed 1000 rounds flawlessly so far including about 150 various hollowpoints. What is nice about the Mil-spec is that you can go as far as you want in customizing it or leave it stock. Very happy with mine and Springfield has great customer service. It also has a lifetime warranty. What more could you want?

here it is:

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-ms.shtml

 

[lefthandblack]

Oh yeah, I forgot, there is sticky thread at the top of this forum with a torture test of the Springfield Mil-spec. Pretty impressive.

 

[gbran]

Range work?

DAO or DA/SA is OK for self defense, some even think it is better, but if you want to do range work, get an SA. And, there ain't no better SA trigger than that found on a 1911. There is a reason you don't see DAO or DA triggers on hunting or target rifles.

 

[Tecolote]

The full size 1911s feel top heavy to me but the Springfield GI Champion looks promising.

 

[wardog]

My current favorite .45 for the range is a SIG P220 ST. Pick one up. Hefty, solid, well built. Fun to shoot.

 

[mainmech48]

Just a thought, if you're interested in a relatively low-cost, sweet shooting, and unusual .45 for the range: CZ 97B.

I got mine for $459 + tax at a local shop NIB. It's as accurate as my Big Name custom 1911 (which cost me 4X the money) with nearly any ammo, and edges it a little with Federal Match ball.

While the polymer finish may lack something aesthetically for some, it's extremely tough and practical. It kinda grows on ya, with time and use.

Mine had some trouble with SWCs and TCs OTB, but fed ball and HPs 100% from the gitgo. After a trip to Neil Keller's for an ambi thumb safety and basic action fluff, it eats anything. Absolutely reliable in the 3700+ rounds since-not one malf of any sort even when filthy from cheap Wolf ball.

 

[Pointman1776]

Hmmm, for <$7 c's, reliable and easy to use...may I suggest the following?

1. Sig P220ST (stainless) I got mine for $625 NIB with night sights and three 8-rnd mags. Most people I have shoot it agree that it has less felt recoil than even my Kimber 1911's (Custom II, Stainless TLE II, and Team Match II). And the take-down is about 3 seconds and does not require any tools.

If you haven't had a chance to shoot a P220ST yet, be sure to do so before making your final decision. And, of course, there is this often referenced review: http://www.galleryofguns.com/shootingtimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1230

2. 1911 = Kimber Stainless TLE II or any Kimber for that matter, and you can get a GREAT 1911 with great options/features and quality/reliability/durability and accuracy/performance for that price range.

3. CZ 97 B

4. IMI/MRI Baby Eagle (or) EAA Witness

I haven't had good experiences/results with Glocks, H&K's, or others (yes, I know, a borderline heretic), but that's just me. I can do things with my Sig, Kimber, CZ, and Baby Eagle that I can't seem to replicate with other pistols. And for non-carry use (i.e. heavy range or stock/prod comp), stainless holds up and performs better for me than most other materials, especially when heat dissapation and weight c.o.g. can play a big factor.

But, no matter, TRY IT before you buy it, and buy what YOU shoot best.

Make sure it brings big grins to your mug.

 

[10-Ring]

Let's see, I've owned 2 Glock 45's...one 21 & one 36...sold'em
I still own 2 HK 45's...a USP & an Expert...love'em both!
Just bought my second 1911...on Colt XSE & one Kimber Custom II...like them both ALOT but still haven't shot them as much as my HK's..yet!
For the range, for easy maintanence & for out of box reliability, I'd go w/ the USP 45

 

[tc300mag1]

Hk usp is a good one so is a springfield 1911 loaded i have both and doa lot of shooting with them ... While not the high $ of the Hk or 1911 my Ruger p90 shoots just as well as the others..

trigger is lot better on 1911 and i shoot it better long range but for close up work they are all the same .

 

[Black Majik]

Gun in .45 ACP ~~~~> 1911 ~~~~> Colt NRM Government.

See how easy that was?

 

[DHart]

There are dozens and dozens of very capable semi-auto pistols on the market... yadda yadda yadda.... big yawn... but no other semi auto pistol is directly comparable with a Colt 1911. Current Colt models are difficult to find and a little more expensive than many clones, but then again, none of them are Colts. For straight out of the box reliability, my experience has shown me that Colts manufactured during the last few years are setting the standard. The typical new Colt will eat any ammo type or brand, from any magazine type or brand, no break-in period required... over and over again. These are fighting guns, pure and simple. Look elsewhere for new fangled doo-dads and gizmos. Here are a few of mine:

Colt Series 70 - new production/re-issue (Esmeralda Grips)

Colt 1991A1 NRM - Custom by John Harrison/Precision Gunworks

Colt LW Commander XSE - Casull Short Trigger, Wilson Drop-in Grip Safety, McCormick Slip in Rear Sight, Arched MSH

Colt ORM Commander - Brown Arched MSH, Colt Short Trigger

Colt Special Combat Government-Blue over Satin Nickel

 

[ruger357]

Colt NRM or SW1911.

 

[Erik]

Another nod to the Colt NRM. Beautifully finished, reliable, accurate, and available for close to the $500 depending on your location.

 

[Snake Eyes]

I never understand these dillemas.....it's either got a prancing pony on it, or it's not mine.

 

[MICHAEL T]

NEW COLT ! You will save money in the long run if you buy the best to start with.

 

[Richard.Howe]

Having owned all of the above-referenced guns -- including the G21, HK-USP, 1911, and P220ST -- I now only own 1911s. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. Just stick with your inclination toward a 45 ACP.

Read the boards and stay away from the 1911s that are known to be a reliability problem. Contrary to some, you can get a 100% reliable 1911 without going over $800.

Shoot the crap out of rentals / friends' guns and make up your mind based on hand fit and fun-factor. In your case, ANY of these platforms (Sig, HK, Glock, etc.) will work, are reliable, and reasonably accurate. Remember, you won't "like" the gun if you don't enjoy shooting the gun at the range; if you don't like it, you shouldn't trust it. Enjoyment breeds familiarity.

If I were you? Springfield GI or Colt NRM. These are more of a "lifetime" gun than any others I've owned. Who could imagine handing down a Glock to your grandson?

Take care,
Rich

 

[Richard.Howe]

Forgot to mention, also look at Dan Wesson Patriots. I have one and it is, in my opinion, one of the very best bargains out there for the 1911 pattern.

 

[wildehond]

There is something very satisfying in shooting a good 1911. My personal preference is a Colt Gov. Model Series 70.

wildehond

 

[PowderBurn]

I've got a G21 that I'm very fond of, and take into the woods with me all the time. It's always in my hand when I open up the cabin after being away for several weeks. 15+1 rounds of 45ACP feels very comforting when there's no other help nearby.

But I really miss the SS Colt I let my dad take to Florida for the winter. I agree that there is a palpable mystique surrounding the 1911 that nothing else can fully satisfy. So I'm shopping around for another one now, since he won't be back til May.

 

[Gunnutz13]

My 45 preference...

is a Colt Gold Cup National Match

 

[Puppy]

I have owned several various types & brands of .45acp pistols over the years, I am not an expert by any means but over the years I have noticed a trend in my own personal preferences.

I have gravitated towards the Colt brand, Series 80's types, with factory enhanced features but not custom shop options, Commander & Officer sized models, with all stainless steel slides & frames, but not "BRIGHT SS" finish's & wrap around rubber grips (both pachmyer & crimson trace).

Of course I carry & abuse my pistols on a daily basis & put a hefty amount of rounds through them on a regular basis, and I certainly would'nt classify any of my pistols as "investments, or custom show pieces" or "safe-queens".

I seem to have lost complete interest in poly-framed pistols, I dont care much for blue'd finish's anymore as they always seem to show wear way to quickly & I have even begun to think that if it aint a "Colt" I aint trusting my life to it.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Why, you're gonna trade it in anyhow

 

[Black Snowman]

I just put a check in the mail for a blued CZ 97B. That pretty much sums up my feelings on the subject