runninmike
Member
I found a pre-owned, unfired P220 for $600. I like it very much, it goes bang every time.
Best-MC
Best-MC
What's the best .45 ACP for $650 or less?
- Thread starter Troy26
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GoRon
Member
Get a Glock. You can get a new Glock at www.gtdist.com for $465 + $60 for night sights = $525 or at www.topglock.com for a little more. Glocks are extremely durable, light, accurate, and reliable. That is why so many law enforcement agencies/military groups favor Glocks. Plus, the Glock 21 (full sized .45) has a standard mag capacity of 13 rounds, not including one in the chamber (total of 14). Extra mags can be found for under $20. There are plenty of accessories including flashlights, lasers, high cap magazines, etc. ready for Glocks. Additionally, Glocks can be purchased in OD green which looks really sharp. The only downside to Glocks, as with other similar pistols is that lead ammo is not to be used.
Sigs and H&Ks are terrific. However, Sigs have a low mag capacity, are slightly heavier, and are priced higher. The H&K MK21 is an excellent gun. Unfortunately, finding one for less than $700 in new condition is near impossible. Plus, the H&K holds 1 less round than the Glock. Plus, additional mags will run over $40 for the H&K.
1911 style pistols are cut and dry solid, reliable, proven tackdrivers. However, a brand name (Colt, S&W, Springfield, Kimber, Para Ordnance) model in the plainest model will cost nearly $500. The better models with custom features such as skeleton hammers, special finishes, special grips, trigger jobs, etc. can cost, on average, $700-1000+. 1911s generally have mag capacities of only 8-10 rounds.
Any .45 you buy, I think you'll like, but for under $650 you can buy a Glock and have a proven, trusted pistol and still have some money in your pockets. Just ask anyone who has a Glock. They probably do not complain.
Sigs and H&Ks are terrific. However, Sigs have a low mag capacity, are slightly heavier, and are priced higher. The H&K MK21 is an excellent gun. Unfortunately, finding one for less than $700 in new condition is near impossible. Plus, the H&K holds 1 less round than the Glock. Plus, additional mags will run over $40 for the H&K.
1911 style pistols are cut and dry solid, reliable, proven tackdrivers. However, a brand name (Colt, S&W, Springfield, Kimber, Para Ordnance) model in the plainest model will cost nearly $500. The better models with custom features such as skeleton hammers, special finishes, special grips, trigger jobs, etc. can cost, on average, $700-1000+. 1911s generally have mag capacities of only 8-10 rounds.
Any .45 you buy, I think you'll like, but for under $650 you can buy a Glock and have a proven, trusted pistol and still have some money in your pockets. Just ask anyone who has a Glock. They probably do not complain.
Black Majik
Member
There are 4 guns that I can think of from the top of my head.
There isn't really a best since we dunno what you criteria for "best" is.
1) Springfield Armory 1911 GI
2) Springfield Armory 1911 Milspec
3) Springfield Armory XD45
4) CPO SIG Sauer P220
For me, I prefer 1911s, but the P220 would be a close second. I've shot the XD's before, but not in .45 ACP, but I honestly feel that it'd be a strong contender.
Also check out the CZ97 and Glock 21.
There isn't really a best since we dunno what you criteria for "best" is.
1) Springfield Armory 1911 GI
2) Springfield Armory 1911 Milspec
3) Springfield Armory XD45
4) CPO SIG Sauer P220
For me, I prefer 1911s, but the P220 would be a close second. I've shot the XD's before, but not in .45 ACP, but I honestly feel that it'd be a strong contender.
Also check out the CZ97 and Glock 21.
you can get a springfield park'd loaded for $650. Mine's never had a failure and will do one ragged hole groups. I actually have 3 springfields and a S&W that have all been failure free.
The xd's are also nice--I've got two of those as well. I've owned sig's and walther's etc, but still have my 1911's and xd's.
The xd's are also nice--I've got two of those as well. I've owned sig's and walther's etc, but still have my 1911's and xd's.
45R
Member
My choice for the BEST 45ACP is the P220
1911 guy
Member
Paper puncher or carry gun?
If you want a carry pistol for accuracy to 25 yards or so, go with a RIA or CD. They're not as pretty, but reliable and accurate enough for serious work. Higher priced pistols will get you more accuracy and there's nothing wrong with carrying one, but I prefer to wear the bluing off a less expensive but just as reliable pistol. Springfield Mil-Spec, I'm sure one or more Kimber models (get internal extractor) or the S&W 1911 will fit that bill.
If you want a carry pistol for accuracy to 25 yards or so, go with a RIA or CD. They're not as pretty, but reliable and accurate enough for serious work. Higher priced pistols will get you more accuracy and there's nothing wrong with carrying one, but I prefer to wear the bluing off a less expensive but just as reliable pistol. Springfield Mil-Spec, I'm sure one or more Kimber models (get internal extractor) or the S&W 1911 will fit that bill.
dhoomonyou
Member
Glock 30.
Since I see only one other has mentioned this pistol, I will toss in another "hey, don't forget" for the Ruger P90 in .45 acp.
Durable, rugged, reliable, and a soft shooter. Excellent price.
A lot of people ignore the Ruger Semi-Autos, and that is a shame.
Durable, rugged, reliable, and a soft shooter. Excellent price.
A lot of people ignore the Ruger Semi-Autos, and that is a shame.
gudel
Member
under $650, you want new or used?
mainmech48
Member
Lots of new options retailing under your price right now. It's a good time to be a buyer, all-in-all.
Springfield's new XD-45 and the Taurus 24/7 have been getting a lot of favorable press. Cynicism aside, it can't all be hype.
Ruger's new 345 has, too. And they're all often found nicely discounted from MSRP.
My personal favorite is the CZ 97-B. I got mine for well under $500 NIB. Soft-shooting, tough, reliable and very, very accurate.
Springfield's new XD-45 and the Taurus 24/7 have been getting a lot of favorable press. Cynicism aside, it can't all be hype.
Ruger's new 345 has, too. And they're all often found nicely discounted from MSRP.
My personal favorite is the CZ 97-B. I got mine for well under $500 NIB. Soft-shooting, tough, reliable and very, very accurate.
Troy26 said:I know there are many fine quality .45 ACP's for more, but hey...my budget is what it is ya know?
Let teh flame wars begin!
Glock 21
Glock 30
Glock 36
Any one of the above...or all three. Get the gun and two mags for $500 and you'll have $150 left for practice ammo.
Of course, I must admit that I'm biased.
azredhawk44
Member
For HD and occasional carry, huh?
G21 is a bit big for occasional carry unless you don't mind telegraphing to the world that you are strapped with a hand cannon.
I own one. It is doing HD duty right now. My "out of the house" guns are either an XD9 4" or a ruger sp101 3".
G30 is a good compromise between concealability and firepower. I think it is 10+1 for standard mags, and can take G21 mags for HD purposes to give you the 13+1 firepower of the G21.
I also own an inexpensive 1911. A Charles Daly Empire, I picked up used for about $250. It is purely a hobby gun. It is 99% reliable, but the glock is 100% reliable.
I despise S&W's autos. I've shot 3 different ones and can't stand them. Yuck. YMMV.
Can't comment on Taurii.
I'd suggest a G30 with tritium sights and the two standard mags that come with it, and one extra G21 mag for when it lives in the nightstand.
G21 is a bit big for occasional carry unless you don't mind telegraphing to the world that you are strapped with a hand cannon.
I own one. It is doing HD duty right now. My "out of the house" guns are either an XD9 4" or a ruger sp101 3".
G30 is a good compromise between concealability and firepower. I think it is 10+1 for standard mags, and can take G21 mags for HD purposes to give you the 13+1 firepower of the G21.
I also own an inexpensive 1911. A Charles Daly Empire, I picked up used for about $250. It is purely a hobby gun. It is 99% reliable, but the glock is 100% reliable.
I despise S&W's autos. I've shot 3 different ones and can't stand them. Yuck. YMMV.
Can't comment on Taurii.
I'd suggest a G30 with tritium sights and the two standard mags that come with it, and one extra G21 mag for when it lives in the nightstand.
psychophipps
Member
My Ruger P97DC shoots like a dream out of the box. Reliable as the sun, smooth trigger, inexpensive, feeds anything, consistent accuracy with all the loads I've tried so far, light weight, reasonably accurate, and has very manageable recoil for it's light weight. In fact, with all of the gun mag guys going on and on with what I've just said, I find it very confusing that one hell of a lot more people don't own Rugers.
Guess they just aren't 'high speed/low drag' enough...
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
Guess they just aren't 'high speed/low drag' enough...
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
Troy,
I like cheap and reliable. I have expensive guns....but I really enjoy the cheap workhorses. My Bersa .380 and Ruger P95 get a lot of attention and I'm getting the PT145 (hopefully) this week. I've seen so many good reviews on it for a small CCW pistol that I'm sold. I really like the feel, concealability and the 10+1 capacity.
I don't have any problems with any of my guns, springfield, colt......etc. But if you can get a tool that does the job without paying a mint....go for it. I think the PT-145 suits my needs for a large caliber CCW pistol perfectly.
Jerry
I like cheap and reliable. I have expensive guns....but I really enjoy the cheap workhorses. My Bersa .380 and Ruger P95 get a lot of attention and I'm getting the PT145 (hopefully) this week. I've seen so many good reviews on it for a small CCW pistol that I'm sold. I really like the feel, concealability and the 10+1 capacity.
I don't have any problems with any of my guns, springfield, colt......etc. But if you can get a tool that does the job without paying a mint....go for it. I think the PT-145 suits my needs for a large caliber CCW pistol perfectly.
Jerry
Another (strong) vote for Ruger. I totally love my P90. Yeah, it's "chunky looking" (like an Abrams tank) and there are sexier looking guns out there, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is totally reliable and makes me look like a better shooter than I am with its accuracy.
I got mine with Hogue grips and an extra magazine for $399 new.
One note - I have large hands, so the P90's grip fits me perfectly. If it is to thick for you, try the P97 or P345, both of which have thinner grips.
I got mine with Hogue grips and an extra magazine for $399 new.
One note - I have large hands, so the P90's grip fits me perfectly. If it is to thick for you, try the P97 or P345, both of which have thinner grips.
RAZOR65
Member
i recently picked up the xd .45 service and first day ran couple hundred rounds thru it with no problems , good groups from using
sights and "point and shoot" and i am no expert..good weight and balance , and no more recoil than my baby eagle 9mm..jb
Armis Exposcere Pacem
sights and "point and shoot" and i am no expert..good weight and balance , and no more recoil than my baby eagle 9mm..jb
Armis Exposcere Pacem
Glock 21. No funky thumb/grip safeties; no quirky extractors; no MIM parts to break, etc., et yada. Pick it up, squeeze the trigger and it goes bang every time for a long time with no problems. Followup shots are quick, too, once you get the hang of the trigger reset.
Trainman
Member
I believe dmallind said it best back on #24. Look at em all. Buy the one that is best for you. There are a LOT of good firearms out there for sale, but only a few of them will be ones that YOU like. It's a subjective thing really.Troy26 said:
Personally I like the Taurus PT-145 Mil Pro. But I also like my Bersa .45.
ajoker31 said:
Have you shot one yet? I looked at them. They have gotten some attention on the froumn, which certainly got mine. My only concern was stability for a smaller frame. If I knew they diddn't kick like a mule and could still allow me a good follow-up shot if I needed it, I would highly consider it.
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