Reliable and Inexpensive .45

[M.C.]

I was hoping to get some input on what brand makes a decent .45acp pistol for less than $500. I want something that will shoot straight, is easy to disassemble and clean, and won't require me to sell my first born child to acquire it.

I would love a kimber 1911, or a USP45. But I can't justify the expense. I don't really want anything like a hi-point either.

I appreciate the input.

 

[outerlimit]

Ruger P90, Glock 21.

 

[M.C.]

I've never shot a Ruger semi but I have heard that they aren't all that great from a few people.

How is it in comparison to am XD?

 

[dusty14u]

I would recommend an RIA 1911 or ATI 1911. There are several companies in the Philippines that produce good solid 1911's.

I purchased this ATI commander sized 1911 for $380 and have 600rds through it now. It has been faultless so far and I am looking at the 3" Titan model now. Good bang for the buck.

 

[Dr_2_B]

For $500, you can find a pistol that you by-no-means would be ashamed of. I for one would buy used, but that's your call.

- Used Glock 21 or 30.
- Kahr CW series.
- Ruger.

There are others.

 

[clueless]

Kahr CW45 - $410 at Buds. I hear great reports from that 45.

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

para GI Expert is around $500. i am looking at maybee getting one myself but would like to hear from some Para GI owners about reliability first. i think they are all made in N.C now.

 

[NidStyles]

I second RIA and ATI.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Check out the Bersa Thunder .45. Usually cost about $350 to $400.
I have three Bersa 9mms, excellent pistols.

 

[CZ57]

You should be able to find a SA XD .45 for around $500 now that the XDm has been out for over six months.

 

[G27RR]

XD45 Tactical

 

[Jed Carter]

Used SIG P220, New Glock G21, a whole bunch of inexpensive 1911s. http://centerfiresystems.com has some of the best prices on Rock Island 1911s. Sorry I cannot recommend an XD, it just has things on it that a pistol of it's type does not need. I prefer an all metal pistol, but if you want a plastic/ polymer frame then get the original, Glock. If you want a polyframe besides a Glock then look at an used FNH FNP 45, or H&K USP 45.

 

[PT92]

Take a look also at the IAC 1911-A1 R100 Regent 45. I have heard nothing but great things concerning this piece and it's in your target-price area.

-Cheers

 

[chris in va]

Used G21SF. Found one locally as a police trade-in for $500 out the door, including night sights (which I didn't need, but oh well).

Absurdly easy to not only field strip, but completely take apart. Crazy amount of aftermarket support too.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I would recommend you take a look at the (in personal order of preference)

1. Kahr CW45 - best trigger and value
2. S&W M&P45 - best ergos, trigger can be fixed
3. Springfield XD 45 - good combination of ergos and value, if you don't like the the M&P or CW
4. Ruger 90 or 97 - rugged and overbuilt, the 90/97 are the best shooting CF service autos they make, don't have the problem often related to the 9mm or .40 guns
5. Glock G30 - the best they make larger than 9mm, lots of after market parts

I'd switch #4 and #5 depending on how they fit your hand. While I really like my G19, the G30 is a bit large for my hand

 

[speaksoftly]

Rock Island

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Used S&W 457, 4506, 4566 or 4516.

 

[mbruce]

Glock .45acp has way more magazine capacity options... you can get some zombie killing 30 round mags for it....

Glock is only way to go if you're looking for a SHTF gun in your price range... magazine options, accessories, and you will run into a lot of people who have accessories/magazines...

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I got a Para GI Expert, reliable, accurate, paid around $500 plus NIB. STI Spartan for a tad more for their lower end models.

 

[ekgandj]

XD is very good and will be very reliable. I just got a Para GI Expert and I love it. I have 500plus rounds through it with only 1 ftf with a promag, ithe mag got promptly returned. It has eaten everything I fed it. I have heard nightmare stories with cs but I believe that is getting worked out, time will tell.

Sent from iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[chieftain]

If you are looking for reliability long term, exclude any cheap 1911. Short term some may shoot fine, to about 10,000 rounds, but long term, they just will not stand up.

If you are only going to shoot a few hundred rounds a year, it really doesn't matter what you get.

In the 1911 world though, reliable and cheap are an oxymoron.

I would add to the present suggestions the S&W M&P 45acp. Good price, great shooter, seems to be very reliable.

I prefer the HK 45 and HK 45c, but they are above your price range, and some very high speed folks like the M&P 45acp just as well.

Good luck.

Fred

 

[george d dennis]

i have a glock 36 and it works fine. also a springfield loaded that cost more.

 

[18DAI]

S&W 4566. Durable, reliable and accurate.

I carried one on duty for many years. Bet your life reliability and doesn't weigh more than the average 1911.

Underated, so it can be had for less than $500. TJ

 

[MtnCreek]

Purchased a used G21 for $450 w/ one mag. Can't go wrong with a Glock!
I purchased a new Sig P250 in .45 for $420 shipped; it also came w/ additional mag, Sig 2 mag pouch and Sig holster. (Sell the Sig holster and buy a Blackhawk). A lot of people don't like the DAO of the Sig; I didn't either the first time I shot it. Believe it or not, shooting the Sig DAO has made me a much better pistol shot. I used to anticipate recoil and rotate my hand forward. It was not really noticable until I started shooting the DAO. Still working on correcting this, but getting much better.

If you're interested, I bought the Sig from Northern Firearms via Gunbroker.

 

[PT92]

Don't get me wrong--I would love to have a high-end 1911 but simply cannot afford one.

So for me it's just like shopping for anything else--I simply do research and find the best value for my dollar and to me there are plenty of reasonably priced viable choices available in the 1911 model.

-Cheers