Next .45

[Harleytoo]

So I have been a bit on a buying/trading spree of late. I am marking it up to a late-life crisis (I had my mid-life crisis at 39 when I bought a Corvett and a Harley, so I need a new excuse at 53).

I have thinned out the gun cabinet, sold a few, traded a few and have a few on consignment right now.

I did pick up a Mil-Spec 1911 (1911 R1 Build thread) that I am playing around with. But aside from the 45 ACP conversion cylinder for my Ruger ROA, it is the only .45 I have now.

And that seems ... 1 shy.

So, since I just got the 1911, I am thinking about getting something ... Else.

I first was thinking about getting a 4 3/4" 1911, but that is really not that different from what I have and one of the pistols I have on consignment is a Springfield EMP. So kinda been there done that.

So I was looking through the crop of non-1911 designed 45 ACP's. I want something about the size of my Sig P229.

My first inclination was to just grab a PX4 Storm Full Size in 45 ACP, and that is where I am still leaning right now.

But I thought I would hit up the inmates to see what suggestions you might have in a P229 sized 45 ACP that would come in around, preferably, the $600-$800 mark (or less).

Suggestions?

Edit: No Glocks, please and I want something with a full size grip, no short grips.

 

[greenmtnguy]

Are you against all striker-fired semi autos, or just Glocks?
I've been debating between an XD and a M&P myself.

 

[Harleytoo]

Generally not a Glock fan, but to extend that thought you are correct. I have never warmed up to striker fired guns. I really have nothing against them, just prefer a trigger. The thing I like about my P229, P226 and the PX4's is that they are all DA/SA hammer pistols (I converted both PX's to G, decock only).

So, to be consistent with what I have, that would be what I prefer. Unless someone could talk me into something else.

Also, the slide profile of most striker fired guns just seems too blocky to me.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Since you have a 1911 I think a SIG P227 just might interest you. I know I have been looking at one for a month or so, ever since I bought a Sig in 9mm.
http://sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/pistols-p227.aspx

 

[Harleytoo]

I have been looking at the P227 as well. The only problem is the price point is about $200 more than I am hoping to spend.

 

[bannockburn]

Harleytoo

I was thinking the same thing: how about a SIG P227? Except for the part where it's a bit over budget (by about $300 or so), it would make for a great companion piece with your P226. Another gun you might want to consider, also within your budget, would be a CZ97.

 

[Harleytoo]

I was actually looking at the P220, not the P227 as the size is more to my liking.

I am trying to decide if I like the CZ's. If the Jericho 941 was just a bit smaller it would be in my wheelhouse.

 

[Harleytoo]

Actually there is one in the size I want;

https://iwi.us/Jericho/Jericho-FS-Mid-Size-Steel.aspx

 

[Harleytoo]

Looking at that Jericho and the PX4 Storm FS, price point for both is mid-$500's. That is pretty attractive. Both are about the same size.

 

[jamal28]

Try the FNX45

 

[Texzig]

Harley I have the answer for you. The sig 227 carry. It is my favorite 45 and is almost identical size to my 229. I did add the srt along with the standard (size) trigger. The picture has the skinny trigger but has been replaced. I shoot this thing fantastic, almost as good as my legion. Your more than welcome to take it for a spin.

227 carry on the right


227 on top.

 

[Texzig]

Oh and I also have a PPQ 45 if you want to give it a try. Trigger is 4 lbs out of the box. My 9mm has 1500 rounds through it and the 45 trigger right out of the box is lighter.

 

[I6turbo]

CZ 97B. Mine caused me to lose interest in my 1911 to the point that I just sold it. And I'm not much for selling guns.

 

[JDR]

Take a look at a Dan Wesson Valor, whether it's a full-size like mine, or a bobbed or non-bobbed commander length

 

[Harleytoo]

Tex, you and I are shaping up to be fast friends. Its great to know how close that 227 is in size to my beloved 229. Of course, you are evil putting the idea of another $1000 gun in my head.

FNX and Walther are both great guns, but I can't get around how they look and neither fit my hand all that well.

CZ is worth a look.

The DW V-Bob is a long standing "on my list" kinda guns. Again, pretty pricey and back to 1911, which I got. I have been considering bobbing the rear of my R1 as part of the work I am doing. I really like that look.

OK, top of the current list (and I am removing the Jericho as reviews are pretty bad/mixed about it);

- PX4 Storm FS 45
- Sig P227

Edit: oh and again, Tex, you are an evil, evil man!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Ignoring price

Sig P227 looks to be a nice gun.
PX4's are appealing to me. I had a Stoegar Cougar and it was a nice enough gun for the price.
FNX 45 is a large high capacity gun, but at a fair price.
CZ 97
My HK45 is an excellent gun, and with the safety decocker, it closely mirrors the operation of a 1911.

 

[TomJ]

I've sold a couple of safe queens recently to pick up a couple of Sigs. The deals are out there if you can be a little patient. I picked up a P220 that looks like a new gun for $500 from a seller on Armslist. On Tuesday I picked up a certified preowned P229 357 SIG from Bud's for $628. I was able to take it to the range yesterday, and it's fantastic.

 

[Harleytoo]

Tom, good to know. I am not in a rush on this purchase (got to let the CC cool down a bit and get the other guns sold).

The P227 Carry Nitron (which I think is the model you have Tex) is really looking great. I like the PX4 platform, but I am a bit concerned that it is a bit light for a .45 round. It shoots 9mm fantastically, but I could see the bigger round (even in the larger FS frame) taking its toll over time on it. Have not ruled it out, but just a talking point.

 

[I6turbo]

I am trying to decide if I like the CZ's. If the Jericho 941 was just a bit smaller it would be in my wheelhouse.

Regarding size, have you handled or fired the CZ 97 B? Are you concerned about it fitting your hand, or something else?

I've seen a number of internet comments about the 97 B being a large gun, only fits big hands, etc., to the point that I expect a lot of people who haven't handled or fired one are under the impression that it's a gigantic gun in the direction of a .50 Desert Eagle or something. Or just way bigger than a 1911. Neither is the case, especially with the 2013+ model 97 B's which have thinner grips than the older models.

I have normal size hands (size L gloves fit me) and the 97 B actually feels more secure in my hand than a 1911. I think the 97 B grip is ever so slightly larger, but if so it's a tiny bit and it simply feels better in my hand. A lot of the better feel is probably due to the fact that the 97 has the wonderful CZ ergonomic shape as compared to the straight grip of the 1911.

Here are some comparative photos.

The slightly thicker 1911 is on the left, of course:


Aligned fore-and-aft just under the beaver tail where the web of your hand fits:

 

[Harleytoo]

I6, thank you for that comparison. That is very helpful. I was not overly worried about the size, but it is nice to know that it is effectively the same size as my 1911.

That puts it up a bit higher on my list. So currently here are the standings;

- P227 Carry Nitron
- CZ 97 B
- PX4 Storm FS 45

 

[bannockburn]

Harleytoo

I would still keep the P220 on the short list though the P227 Carry sure is tempting. I had a Browning BDA (a.k.a. early SIG P220), in .45 and it was a fantastic gun both in terms of it's ergonomic design and intrinsic accuracy. Using the same match ammo for both guns, the BDA had no problem keeping up with a Colt Gold Cup. First time shooters had no problem going from a Ruger Mk.II, Star Model B (9mm.), and then finishing up with BDA.

 

[Harleytoo]

So looking at the P220 and P227 side by side (in the carry version, which approximates my P229 almost exactly), aside from grip angle what is the difference?

Visually, it looks like the P220 grip is closer to the P226 (which feels ... fantastic to me) ant eh P227 grip is more akin to the P229.

Is there anything else I should know about the differences?

Also, looks like my price point for either could be around $850.

 

[Texzig]

Harley,The main difference between the two is really the size of the grip and the 227 has two extra rounds 10 vs 8. Also the 227 has a 14 round option but candidly that magazine seems to be 50/50 on weather you have problems on failure to feed. Ongoing issue w/ the 14 round mag option. 10 round has been perfectly reliable.

Honestly your best bet would be to go to a LGS store and get a feel for both. That's what I did and the 227 felt perfect. I just barely have large size hands and it is perfect for me. One thing that may be unique to me, I often find that while the slimmer grips always seem to feel better, I tend to shot better with the thicker grip option.

FYI If you can get out during the week day I should be around later next week if you want to go shooting.

 

[TomJ]

So looking at the P220 and P227 side by side (in the carry version, which approximates my P229 almost exactly), aside from grip angle what is the difference?

Visually, it looks like the P220 grip is closer to the P226 (which feels ... fantastic to me) ant eh P227 grip is more akin to the P229.

Is there anything else I should know about the differences?

Also, looks like my price point for either could be around $850.

The P227 has a slightly thicker grip. That may or may not matter to you, as ergonomics are a personal thing. You can expect to pay a little more for the P227. I haven't found P227's for $500, where I did find a nice P220 at that price.

 

[Harleytoo]

Truthfully, the difference between the 229 and 226 grips is noticeable to me, and the 226 "feels" better, but I think I shoot the 229 better. That said, and I will check, but I suspect that the grip thickness between my current 222/229 and the 220/227 is negligable especially with my big mitt.

The factor in the grip "visually" seems to be the more rounded 220 verses the more straight 227. Either would be fine. I will probably look for which I can get a deal on. But Tex, yea, feeling them both in hand would be nice.

Problem is finding someone locally with both.