Thinking about a .45ACP or .40S&W service pistol- would like feedback

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chaim

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OK, I'm thinking about getting another big bore service pistol. I love my Charles Daly 1911, but with over 10K rounds now it is getting a little loose and could use a tune-up. I'm using this (the fact that it may be at the smith for a few weeks) as an excuse to shop for another big bore service pistol as it shows up the fact that I don't have a spare- my only other full-size is a 9mm.

I don't want any bashing of any of the brands I'm listing. I'm not a newbie and I know what is good and what I like. I trust Taurus (I've had 4 with no problems) and don't want Taurus bashing. I don't want any 1911 suggestions- I love 1911s, but I'm going to hold out for the Taurus 1911 to come out to see how it looks before I buy another 1911 since I'm thinking that Taurus may be my next 1911.

What I do want:

-A full-sized, or larger intermediate sized, big bore handgun.
-I prefer single stacks in .45ACPs
-I prefer double stacks in full-sized, or near full-sized, .40S&Ws
-Mostly I'd prefer to be at 30oz or less, though there are a couple guns I'll make exceptions for
-I prefer fixed sights, but again, I'm willing to consider exceptions
-I would prefer .45ACP in most cases, but in some guns I'd prefer a .40S&W
-I want a gun that is pretty durable
-I would prefer DAO without a safety, a decocker only, or a frame mounted safety that works up for safe down for fire (only a few exceptions on this one).
-I would prefer a service size gun that is carriable (for winter carry anyway) to one just too big to ever consider carrying, but this is a secondary consideration living in MD (I only can carry when out of state).
-I want to be under $500 (MD prices- here, a SA Mil-Spec is usually around $550) and I'd prefer to be no higher than the $400-450 range.

Here are my main options right now:

-Taurus 24/7 in .45ACP. 12+1 rounds of .45ACP and not too terribly thick. See below for other criteria.

-Taurus 24/7 in .40S&W. Basically a larger version of my Taurus PT140 Milennium Pro that I love so much. 15+1 rounds of .40S&W. While, I'd generally prefer .45ACP right now, in this gun I'd prefer .40S&W. More rounds, similarly effective rounds, same sized gun. The biggest thing in the .40S&W's favor is that I could use the 24/7 mags as extended mags to reload my PT140 M. Pro. The DAO 24/7 is being discontinued for a DA/SA version- should mean clearance prices on the DAO 24/7 soon, but could also mean parts availability could become a problem a few years out.

-Taurus PT100. I want a big bore sevice pistol. I want a PT92. I'm only going to be buying a few guns this year, so this compromise will give me a little of both (more or less- it will be the PT100, the .40S&W version of the 9mm PT92). I may be totally happy getting basically the .40 version of the PT92 and a big bore, or I may be disappointed because of too many compromises (it isn't the 9mm PT92, it isn't a .45ACP). It is also the largest and heaviest of the options I'm currently considering.

-S&W SIGMA in .40S&W. New these run a bit under $400 around here. The new SIGMAs have fixed the issues of the original ones. Decent gun, S&W, good price.

-S&W 457. A little smaller than most of what I'm considering, but a nice .45ACP for under $500.

-Taurus PT945. One of my top two choices right now. Good gun, accurate, reliable, inexpensive. Fits my hand very well.

-Ruger KP345. The other of my top two choices. Probably the best Ruger auto ever made. Fits my hand well, well made, single stack (so thin), reputation for decent accuracy and it is a Ruger (thus reliability and durability).

Guns out of my price range that I'd consider (if I can find them used at the right price- though this makes them harder to find):

-Any S&W .45
-SIG 245. A little smaller than the others, but a nice gun.
-A SA "Loaded" or Kimber Custom II
-Ruger P90. Not really out of my range (at the top of it locally), but it is quite a bit bigger than I'd prefer. However, it is a great gun- accurate, nearly indestructable.
 
For a good .40, I would recomend a used Sig P226. I think a used top quality pistol (Sig/HK) is a better choice and a better value than a new second tier pistol.
Another top quality .40 is the H&K USP. I think the USP is probably the toughest .40 on the market.
I owned both the Sig and the H&K and I went with a Sig P226st (stainless frame) because it was more accurate.
Both were 100% reliable.
 
Hi Chaim,

Would the P220 be too big to consider? It is a full size single stack, but since you're considering the P245 and its not DAO, I figure you'd look into a P220 since I think the longer grip does help.

For a full size 40, there is the P226 DAK (DAO). I'm honestly not sure if the DAK trigger also applies to the 226 .40, but it would be a great firearm also. The standard P226 is excellent however, as I'm sure you're already aware of.

Now, of course for around $500 tops it'd have to be a CPO SIG, but the ones I've seen have been very good conditions. Or a slightly loved (used) SIG done PPT, there are floods of SIGs over at the SIGforum. Some of em' are being sold for pretty good prices too.

Good luck :)
 
You're more than welcome to try out my Ruger P97; I think it fits your description nicely, although I'm not sure about the exact weight. I carry it in West Virginia up on the mountain all the time and never get tired with it.

I bought it used from another THR member (Greyhound) for around $275 I think. 100% reliable in almost 4,000 rounds.

Now that the Ruger KP345 is out, I'd think there would be some fine deals to be had on the P97s.
 
G22

I have got to throw in a police trade in and refurbished Glock 22 .40 cal. Goes about $380 with night sites, two mags and new clamshell glock case. Double stack, 15+1. Can change from .40 to .357 to 9mm with a barrel change and mags, CHEAPLY!!!! Plus I am finding lots of cool toys to change out and alter on my glock.

Check CDNN to order one, or ask local gun monger to dig one up.

Hell a new G22 should only be $520 or so.
 
I strongly, wholeheartedly scream-from-the-highest-rooftops-edly recommend the Smith & Wesson 4506. Unlike a lot of the guns mentioned so far, it is an old-school all-metal single stack.

It's heavy but carry-able with the right holster and dead-nuts accurate. I have one with the three-dot Novak sights. If I take my time, I can put 8 shots into a single ragged hole at 50'. If I shoot fast with a hangover and too much coffee, I can still put all 8 into a group smaller than my hand.

After firing over 10,000 rounds though mine with various types of ammo, I can pronounce it eminently reliable. Whether it's 230 gr hardball, 200gr lead semi-wadcutters, Wolf, Mil surplus, designer "boutique" ammo, +P, various handloads, or even .45 Super, I have yet to have a misfire, FTF, FTE, or stovepipe.

If you can deal with the weight, there is no better big-bore auto. YMMV
 
Of the guns in your primary list I'd go with the Ruger P345. Of all the guns you listed, I'd go (and did go) with a Ruger P90. It felt better in my hands than the P345, but YMMV of course. I am pleased as punch with it. It's the softest shooting .45 I've ever fired (compared with a P97, a couple 1911s, Star Firestar, S&W M625, S&W 1938 Brazilian contract, and a Glock 21).
 
Hi Chaim,

I read and I think I may have missed something...?

Why do you not include the PT145 in your review? It fits all of your requirements and you are already familiar with the form factor.

Just curious...
 
Check out the thread on the S&W 4586 Police trade in's on the S&W forum. It gives the dealers name in NC with a phone #. They are $299.00 and going very fast! Lot of .45 auto for that money IMO.
 
Bill B. is on the right track. I'd get a S&W 4506 or 4566. I also like the 457/4516 but I wouldn't consider it to be a "duty" pistol.
 
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