What's the best .45 ACP for $650 or less?
- Thread starter Troy26
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!Northslope Nimrod
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1911 platform or any platform?
OTOH... Is there any other platform in 45 than the 1911?
OTOH... Is there any other platform in 45 than the 1911?
gt3944
Member
Taurus Millenium Pro PT145 
Helstrm
Member
For that money get a Springfield, Add a few $$ to that and you can get a nice Champion model. But for less than you budget you can get a mil-Spec and They have a great warranty. Fire right out of the box.
You need to let us know what this pistol will be used for before we can give you too much info, Carry, Home defense or target..
You need to let us know what this pistol will be used for before we can give you too much info, Carry, Home defense or target..
You need to let us know what this pistol will be used for before we can give you too much info, Carry, Home defense or target..[/QUOTE]
Good point. Home defense...mabe for carry on occasion, but my Springfield XD Sub-Compact will do that most of the time.
Good point. Home defense...mabe for carry on occasion, but my Springfield XD Sub-Compact will do that most of the time.
Marshall
Member
In relation to reliability, are you limited to ball ammo with the Mil Spec since there's no feed ramp and it's mag fed?
Helstrm
Member
robertbank
Member
Assume we are talking 1911 format. If that is the case get yourself a new/used Norinco. They haven't been imported into the States for some time now but new ones can be found and/or good used ones. They are built like tanks, utterley reliable. We can still get them up here new. I have four a 9MM 1911 as well as two A1, one fully done up and one left original. They are accurate, all forged parts and well made. Interior finish where it doesn't count is rough more on the lines of WW11 type pistol.
I have yet to have a FTF in any of mine with everything from 185 gr HP Jacketed to 230 gr ball and everything in between.
Stay Safe
I have yet to have a FTF in any of mine with everything from 185 gr HP Jacketed to 230 gr ball and everything in between.
Stay Safe
dmallind
Member
Well how about a couple of options then:
SW1911 Stainless - SWs make very good reliable, OOTB 1911s for (relatively speaking in 1911 land) budget prices. Here's one:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=43764444
Advantages - will probably not NEED tweaking like some other 1911s but can be upgraded or customized as time and funds permit - nothing has as many drop in options as a 1911. you will get a nice workmanlike example of one of the quintessential gun platforms. 1911s for many people (me included) re their favorite platforms for pure shooting fun. Addictive though - you have been warned
Next option:
Glock 21 or 30 depending on size preference. Easily found for just over $500 you could have this with nightsights and a chunk of ammo for your budget.
Advantages - simplest manual of arms out there, incredible reliability and durability. Will ALWAYS go bang. Surprisingly good real world accuracy (the G30 is still a shock to me - how such a compact not overly tight package can be so accurate). Glock parts and gunsmiths are everywhere, and will function exactly the same as any other Glock if you decide to branch out in other calibers. The G30 is my "always loaded and handy" defense pistol of choice. Not as elegant as the 1911 sure, but simpler, better chance of 100% reliability, and cheaper.
SW1911 Stainless - SWs make very good reliable, OOTB 1911s for (relatively speaking in 1911 land) budget prices. Here's one:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=43764444
Advantages - will probably not NEED tweaking like some other 1911s but can be upgraded or customized as time and funds permit - nothing has as many drop in options as a 1911. you will get a nice workmanlike example of one of the quintessential gun platforms. 1911s for many people (me included) re their favorite platforms for pure shooting fun. Addictive though - you have been warned
Next option:
Glock 21 or 30 depending on size preference. Easily found for just over $500 you could have this with nightsights and a chunk of ammo for your budget.
Advantages - simplest manual of arms out there, incredible reliability and durability. Will ALWAYS go bang. Surprisingly good real world accuracy (the G30 is still a shock to me - how such a compact not overly tight package can be so accurate). Glock parts and gunsmiths are everywhere, and will function exactly the same as any other Glock if you decide to branch out in other calibers. The G30 is my "always loaded and handy" defense pistol of choice. Not as elegant as the 1911 sure, but simpler, better chance of 100% reliability, and cheaper.
Kramer Krazy
Member
If you aren't looking at 1911s, I'd probably go with a S&W 4566, 4506, or other "45" model. They are built like tanks and seem to run quite reliably. You can find ex-cop ones for under $400, every now and again. My wife picked up a 4566 for $390 a couple of months ago. New ones run around $650-$750.
SnakeEater
Member
Don't pay any attention to the above responses, you could squeeze an HK USP into the picture for $650, everything else pales in comparison.
On a side note, I bought a PT145 MP today. 250rds without a hiccup. Very nice considering the $300 price tag.
On a side note, I bought a PT145 MP today. 250rds without a hiccup. Very nice considering the $300 price tag.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
$650 could get you into a lot of good choices~!
Close to a Springfield Stainless "Loaded" 1911, an XD .45ACP for sure.
Glock 21 or 30 is assured, Certified Pre-Owned SIG P220 is a certainy.
Ruger KP-345, P90, or P-97, with NO problem. Close on an H&K USP.
Positive on a Taurus Mil Pro, or a 24-7 for that matter~!
Close to a Springfield Stainless "Loaded" 1911, an XD .45ACP for sure.
Glock 21 or 30 is assured, Certified Pre-Owned SIG P220 is a certainy.
Ruger KP-345, P90, or P-97, with NO problem. Close on an H&K USP.
Positive on a Taurus Mil Pro, or a 24-7 for that matter~!
Okiecruffler
Member
I just bought a Charles Daly for under 4bills. Had some problems with feeding on the first couple of mags, but now 1,200 rds down the road it eats everything except my mild loaded SWC's.
Technosavant
Member
Lots of good choices there.
The SA XD 45 is an object of lust, but finding one won't be easy for the near future.
A used Sig wouldn't be bad, I don't know if the "factory certified" ones are in this price range, but it depends on how willing you are to buy used (I am not too willing, myself).
For 1911s, there are a truckload of options- basic models like a Springfield GI or Mil-Spec will leave you plenty of ammo money, and you can probably fine a loaded model at the upper end of that range. A Colt Series 80 (1991A1) would be in that price range, and maybe a Kimber. Of course, let's not forget Para-Ordnance, Taurus (the newcomer), etc. Pretty much no current production 1911 is a steaming pile of junk- occasional examples will be, but in general, they are pretty reliable.
HK is also good, but also at the upper end.
If you want to conceal it, I would go with a 1911. If not, pick what you want (single or double action, light rail, etc.) on the gun and see if they fit your hand. My choice for a non-1911 would be an XD, but I have been lusting after those for some time, anyway.
The SA XD 45 is an object of lust, but finding one won't be easy for the near future.
A used Sig wouldn't be bad, I don't know if the "factory certified" ones are in this price range, but it depends on how willing you are to buy used (I am not too willing, myself).
For 1911s, there are a truckload of options- basic models like a Springfield GI or Mil-Spec will leave you plenty of ammo money, and you can probably fine a loaded model at the upper end of that range. A Colt Series 80 (1991A1) would be in that price range, and maybe a Kimber. Of course, let's not forget Para-Ordnance, Taurus (the newcomer), etc. Pretty much no current production 1911 is a steaming pile of junk- occasional examples will be, but in general, they are pretty reliable.
HK is also good, but also at the upper end.
If you want to conceal it, I would go with a 1911. If not, pick what you want (single or double action, light rail, etc.) on the gun and see if they fit your hand. My choice for a non-1911 would be an XD, but I have been lusting after those for some time, anyway.
Northslope Nimrod
Member
Remember 1911's are to be carried Cocked and Locked. If you are OK with that then they are the way to go IMO. They will be more enjoyable at the range.
If you aren't carrying it concealed.....then get a full size steel framed model.
To keep cost to a reasonable level....I recommend Springfield 1911 or Smith and Wesson. S&W are making good 1911's now.
Other than 1911's I would consider Sigs (for mucho $$) or H&K (mucho $$) or an XD (less $).
Edited to add: Oops I forgot the $650 limit. You can get some 1911's in that range or the XD.
If you aren't carrying it concealed.....then get a full size steel framed model.
To keep cost to a reasonable level....I recommend Springfield 1911 or Smith and Wesson. S&W are making good 1911's now.
Other than 1911's I would consider Sigs (for mucho $$) or H&K (mucho $$) or an XD (less $).
Edited to add: Oops I forgot the $650 limit. You can get some 1911's in that range or the XD.
AK103K
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I've actually had more problems with new Springfield and Kimber 1911's than I have with my used SIG's. I've had zero problems with the SIG's, new or used. They are one of the few 99.9% reliable pistols I've owned and scary accurate.
1911's, while usually plenty accurate, can by iffy on reliability. The only ones I ever had 99.9% reliability from where my Colts, and they were the only ones I was comfortable carrying.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
A basic NIB Kimber Custom II can be had in Alabama for $639.88~!
dmallind
Member
Troy26 said:
Well flame wars have started for less but let's see if I can make this uncontroversial, especially as I straddle both camps, loving both Glocks and 1911s
1911s, if you get a good one or if you have it tuned and tweaked to be good, can be as reliable as anything.
However, even the most passionate fan of 1911s usually must admit that the record for reliability out of the box is not 100% or close to it when taken across all brands/models. Generally speaking there is a greater chance a 1911 will need some tweaking than, well most brands but Glocks certainly. You can reduce (not eliminate) the chance of a 1911 needing some work to be reliable by doing the following:
1) Buy a full size Government model (shorter the barrel, more risk of unreliability)
2) Buy from a reputable name in the mainstream, neither junk nor high end custom (like Ferraris, 1911 exotica may need extra TLC)
3)Use FMJ ammo preferably big name 230gr. The recoil setups on some 1911s are picky and most are preconfigured for 230gr. The FMJ thing is to help feeding relaibility
4)Use good magazines - Wilson 47Ds are especially well thought of in most (not all) cases
Now nothing in this says that there aren't thousands of people who bought 3.5" barrel 1911s and started firing Bubba Reloads 185gr JHPs fed from MecGar or whatever magazines and had zero trouble. They really exist. There are no real hard and fast rules about 1911 reliability. Sometimes you get lucky with even the riskiest configuration
However again your CHANCE of being 100% reliable is lower in 1911s than Glocks. Very few people report reliability issues with Glocks. They sell by the boatload and almost every Glock buyer says they are reliable. Some may hate the grip or dislike the look or the trigger - but very few will say "the bugger didn't go bang". Now no company is perfect and Glock QC can and no doubt has missed a lemon or two, but it's rare. The most Glock-loathing poster on here (and they are legion) will normally admit that - especially for the 9mm or double stack .45 calibers.
As for simpler - 1911 veterans will tell you they are simple and yes after some practice they usually are (unless they have overtight bushings or slide stops). However I have a lousy mechanical aptitude and learned to field strip a Glock in 15 seconds after first holding one. Essentially empty the gun, pull the trigger, hold down two tabs, pull the slide off. Done. 1911s have slide stops to align, plugs (usually) under pressure from recoil springs held down by bushings and so on. Glocks are easier period. Doesn't mean you need to be a mechanic to strip and reassemble a 1911, but I think few people can honestly claim they never sent a recoil spring plug into their ceiling and/or put an idiot scratch on a frame reinserting a slide stop when they first started.
Sigs are great, HKs are great. Other brands are great too. Taurus and XD are putting out some interesting .45s lately for sure, but to me making your choice between the elegant and customizable 1911 and the 100% reliable/durable mid-price Glock is a great place to start.
AS ALWAYS - make sure what you buy fits your hand and points well for you. Gun stores selling anything you have been recommended - and certainly Glocks and 1911s - are easy to find so you can compare and get some other data (for example Glocks generally run 10oz at least lighter than 1911s - you may prefer one or the other). Glocks especially tend to have love it or hate it ergonomics. Getting a gun someone else loves but doesn't fit you is a recipe for disappointment. To wit - one of the most oft recommended guns on THR is the CZ75. People love that thing - but I just can't get comfy holding it at all. Subjectivity is the name of the game and only you can see what's comfortable to you.
ulflyer
Member
Colt
Colt NRM. Fewer MIM parts than any other. Better/easier resell should you later decide to do it. Several here in your price range:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/search.cgi
Edited to add: I'm big on Norinco 1911's too...hard to beat if you can find one at a fair price. The prices have been climbing lately, but occasionally you can find one for $400 or less.
Colt NRM. Fewer MIM parts than any other. Better/easier resell should you later decide to do it. Several here in your price range:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/search.cgi
Edited to add: I'm big on Norinco 1911's too...hard to beat if you can find one at a fair price. The prices have been climbing lately, but occasionally you can find one for $400 or less.
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