SAO .45. What are my options?

[IdahoLT1]

As much as i like the 1911's, im not a big fan of their capacity. So what are my options for a SAO .45ACP or a DA/SA .45ACP that can be "locked and cocked" in SA mode?

This will be used primarily for a home defense firearm, so a picatinny rail is a big plus. Unless theres a light that attaches to the front of the trigger guard and doesnt interfere with the shooting finger.

Im aware of the Witness line, but kinda turned off after the amount of money i have put into my 10mm Match that didnt completely fix its problems. I have thought about just buying the conversion kit, but not sure if it will fit as tight. It also doesnt have a rail.

Im also aware of the CZ97, but theres no accessory rail.

The one im looking at the most is the Beretta PX4 Storm, but is a DA/SA gun w/ a decocker, so it misses my guidelines.

 

[Weedmonk]

Suggest you take a look at the fairly new Sig P220 SAO. I have an older P220 DA/SA with the folded slide and it is one of my favorite handguns.

 

[Code3GT]

what about a double stack 1911? still gives you the 1911 and solves the capacity problem

 

[mpc12]

If you really like the 1911, you might take a look at the Para Nite-Tac. 14rd capacity, however the trigger is the LDA system, which I like, but many people do not.

 

[Sunray]

A Series 70 Colt with high visibility sights and good ammo. Forget all the excess unnecessary accessories. None of 'em will make you or the pistol shoot any better.

 

[meef]

IMO - here's your best option by far.



SIG P220R Eilte Carry SAO.

'Nuff said.

 

[IdahoLT1]

The problem with the SIGs is their capacity. They hold the same amount of rounds as a standard 1911, so with that, i'd go with the 1911.

And the accessory rail is for a light. It would be easier to hold a pistol and a phone, rather than a pistol, a flash light and a phone. If an intruder were to enter my house, I wouldnt have any pockets to hold a phone, if i were to decide not to shoot and call the police with him/her at gun point. Maybe i dont need it, but thats what im looking for.

 

[Disaster]

You definitely should look into an HK45, if your budget can afford it (best deals seem to be just under $900 on gunbroker.) If not, look into the older USP's. They've been running under $600 on the used market and have a 12 or 10 round capacity (depending on the date of manufacture.) The older USP uses a less common rail but you can get an adapter for $20.

 

[chipperi]

The Taurus is a nice gun I have had a PT145 for about 2 weeks now I have put about 200 flawless rounds through it so far. It is SA/DA it is always SA unless the round ftf then a second da pull can be made. It does have a small rail. Taurus does make full size 45s as well, even a 1911. Oh and the 145 is 10+1 capacity.

 

[burningsquirrels]

what about a glock? 13+1? relatively cheap when used and good for the house, and has a rail?

 

[Beagle-zebub]

FN is supposedly making a SAO version of the FNP45.

 

[Disaster]

FN is supposedly making a SAO version of the FNP45.

There is a "USG" model that has recently become available that can be carried cocked and locked or decocked. Because it is new it isn't available everywhere and it has a $50-100 price penalty over the standard model.

 

[Zesty]

I know it's probably a long shot but maybe an XD45 w/manual safety and a nice trigger job would fit the bill?

 

[SureThing]

XD
Witness Elite Match, but no rails
M&P
CZ 97

It will be hard to get a rail and safety other than the XD.

 

[Ethereal]

You want a 1911, but with better capacity? Umm, double stack 1911. You want more options in that? Try Para-Ordnance, STI, Kimber, Wilson Combat, and Springfield Armory.

 

[IdahoLT1]

So ive been looking at the Taurus PT945. Seems they are DA/SA but can be left locked and cocked. Just ones with a rail are hard to come by. They are a tad smaller than the Sig 220 but have the same capacity.

How big are the grips on a double stack 1911?

I guess depending on what feels the best, my 4 choices would be a Beretta PX4, SIG 220 SAO, a double stack 1911 or the Taurus PT945. The Beretta is there just because i have shot the 9mm version and it was a tack driver in my hands.

 

[IdahoLT1]

Well after reading the new Shooting Times magazine, they had a Taurus PT845 on there. Its exactly what i want. DA/SA with the ability to leave locked and cocked. Accessory rail, 1911 style safety and a 12+1 capacity. It comes with 3 back straps and its DA trigger pull is ~10lbs and SA pulls is almost 4lbs. The only downside is that its polymer. Now just need to buy an AR so the 45 can be moved into the #1 position on my list of guns to buy.

 

[james_bond]

The Springfield XD-45 acp with (With or with out Thumb safety)
I t gives you 13+1 rnds of 45 ACP
and is SAO