What Should My First .45 be?

[Ben86]

I plan on buying my first .45 pretty soon. I'd like to get some suggestions. I've only been shooting for about 2.5 years now. My first handgun was a Glock 22, which I traded for a Glock 17. I have also bought a couple other compact 9mms since then. I don't want a Glock because I have two already. I prefer to have something that is at least half way easy to conceal and from an American company.

Right now I am stuck on the Ruger P345: http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=6645&return=Y

Even though I'm not used to a manual safety or da/sa gun. I fell in love with this gun the first time I held it. Any comments?

 

[J.R.W.]

If you fell in love with the Ruger when you held it, find one, shoot it to make sure, and buy it. Rugers are a bit bulky, but generally you can't go wrong as far as quality.

 

[Ringer]

Have you looked at the S&W M&P? Similar trigger operation as your Glocks. Can be had in a compact if that is what you are looking for. I don't own one yet but plan to. Not trying to talk you out of the Ruger just saying what I plant to get as a Glock owner.

 

[rondog]

Get a Rock Island Armory Tactical model 1911. You'll never go back.

 

[S&Wfan]

Everyone eventually gets a good ol' single stack 1911. Nothing is as flat and easy to conceal in a .45ACP. Better yet, they are a classic handgun in every way imaginable!

Mine is a first year Kimber ULTRA CDP, a 3" barrel, aluminum frame 1911 "lightweight officer's style" .45ACP. It has a special dual recoil spring for reliablility, plus all the sharp edges have been radically "melted" (smoothed) for CCW use.

With an ambidextrous safety, even if your strong hand is injured in an attack you can get it going with your left. Also, this type safety is mandatory for lefties like me.

Adjustable trigger with a sweet factory trigger job, and night sights, this little 23 oz. Kimber has been totally reliable for the past eight years or so since I got it . . . and very accurate too!

I'm posting a photo of it next to a steel framed S&W Model 36 J-frame snubbie, another CCW-sized classic, for size comparison. Ironically, both weapons weigh the same!

 

[wnycollector]

If you like the Ruger 345, try to put your hands on a Ruger P97. They can usually be found for less than $300. Persoanlly I prefer the smoother shape of the P97 to P345. Here is a nice deal of a P97 http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=119970712

 

[TG13]

XD45ACP.. either Service or Compact..

 

[floydster]

If you want a .45 that is the best kept secret in the gun world, you can't beat the Witness Match Elite,it is absolutely awesome and for the money it is a best buy bar none.
I have a Match in 38 Super and .45 ACP, far better then my CZ's.
Floydster

 

[possum]

The Ruger P345 was the least expensive handgun that i have ever bought but the most accurate, it had some issues at first but they were squared away quick by Ruger they are a great company and they really took care of me. i highly suggest the p345, no one says you have to use the safety or decoker.

 

[okespe04]

XD45..... or a glock

 

[Newton]

Firestorm 1911 Government DLX.

 

[matai]

FNP 45, that's what I'm getting.

 

[Ken Grizley]

first .45

I've been going back and forth between a 1911 and a Glock 30.. Since my first .45 will be for home defense, I think the Glock or Taurus (I know, Taurus isn't USA and you said no Glocks, but I'm on a budget..) is a better option because it is accurate enough (you don't really need a Wilson Combat tack driver in home defense ranges, though if I had the money, I probably would..) and won't cost you an arm and a leg to replace if it becomes evidence (God forbid).
If your not getting it specifically for home defense, or plan on using it more for sport shooting I'd go 1911 from any of the top brands.. But it all depends what fits your hand and what your comfortable with, you should definitely rent some different .45s at the range first, you might end up with a S&W revolver and 12 moon clips of hollowpoint if that is what you shoot the best!
The Ruger P345 looks like a great option, and I've had good experience with Rugers in the past, have you looked at Colt perhaps? I mean, they have been making .45s for quite awhile now.

 

[bpl]

1911

 

[MikePGS]

M&P Compact, or M&P Full-size

 

[Corner Pocket]

Ben86, I note that you mentioned, regarding the P345, "I fell in love with this gun the first time I held it..."

When I was in a quest to buy my first 45 about 18 months ago, I rented a Springfield XD-45 at a local range, and shot well with it. I pondered on the possibilities for a while, and went to a gun show one Saturday morning with the intention of bringing an XD-45 home with me. Before I bought it, I happened by a table where there was a P345. I picked it up, hefted it, and really enjoyed what I experienced. Like you, I was immediately captivated with that wonderful slim grip! That's the one that came home with me!

The P345 is my primary carry piece. I've put just over 3,200 rounds through it, most of them reloads that I've built. This gun is sweet, and I'm so glad that I selected it. All the best to you in your quest!

CP

 

[C-grunt]

1911

 

[BadShot25]

1911 or xd-45 or both.

 

[Norinco982lover]

XD45ACP.. either Service or Compact..

I would like to second this but...instead of service or compact...how about the Compact Service model

I'm stuck deciding between the XD-45 compact and the XD-40 subcompact

 

[Just One Shot]

Get a Rock Island Armory Tactical model 1911. You'll never go back.

+1

While I don't yet own one I have been doing some research on them after locating one for $399.00

The price is right and everyone I talk to that owns one seems to love it.

 

[Claude Clay]

under-cut trigger guard
check out how with and without feels.
otherwise whats right for you is what works for you; as has been mentioned

 

[sqlbullet]

Check out the EAA Witness Elite Match in 45 ACP. I love my 10mm version of this gun. I also like my standard Witness.

Also, the new Taurus PT 845 is worth a look.

 

[BL]

I'm gonna go against the grain here and say Sig P220. I held one a few years ago and wasn't crazy about it, and then I got to shoot one over the past few months and decided that when I get my CCW .45 it's gonna be a 220. They come in SA/DA, SAO, and DAK(DAO) so you can pick whatever trigger you like.

 

[tblt]

springfield 1911

 

[ArmedBear]

I like the XD. But I like a good 1911, too. And the CZ-97. Haven't tried some others, but there isn't a lousy gun on the list above.

Hard to say.