Which .45 ACP Handgun?
- Thread starter ATN082268
- Start date
- Status
badkarmamib
Member
Out of the options, I picked the FN. I do not find Glock's grip angle comfortable or pointable (and that is entirely subjective, and I have owned 2). However, my first choice in .45 will always be a 1911 Commander, the FN would be a second purchase 
Combat Engineer
Member
The CZ 97B makes for a good boat anchor... or club, should you run out of ammo. The FNX-45 has somewhat similar features to a 1911 (exposed hammer, thumb safety...) and FN have been building guns for a long time... make mine a FNX-45 in desert sand.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,297
Of the four to choose from I would go with the CZ97. The Glocks and the FN guns just don't have the right design dimensions and feel to them for my smaller hand. The CZ is also a bit larger in size but I can still get a comfortable grip on it.
huntsman
Member
I chose Glock for capacity and the 41 because I could hunt deer in Ohio with it.
Grunt
Member
I would go with an H&K USP45 but lacking that choice, I guess the FNX with it's lighter weight polymer frame and ability to be carried cocked and locked is what I would go with out of the choices you listed.
Sergei Mosin
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2011
- Messages
- 1,918
I'll start by saying I'm not a huge fan of any of these guns; I've considered and rejected them all for various reasons.
Glocks are fine for those who like striker-fired guns for defensive purposes. I'm not one of them; I have two striker-fired pistols (a G17 and a VP9) but for me they are range-only. Between the G21 and the G41 is a matter of taste; the G41 is probably the better range gun but the G21 is a little handier.
The CZ-97 is a nice gun but it is big and it doesn't fit my hands very well at all, which is a bit surprising given how well my other CZs (75B and P-01) fit. But that poor fit is enough for me to pass on it.
The FNX-45 would be my choice out of this bunch. I like hammer-fired guns and I like the option to go DA/SA or cocked & locked. I really like the idea of having 16 rounds of .45 ACP on tap. What I don't like, and why I don't have one, is that detail-stripping the gun requires a trip back to the factory. I like my guns to be a little more user-friendly than that.
My .45s are 1911s, HKs, and a SIG that's on its way to my FFL.
Glocks are fine for those who like striker-fired guns for defensive purposes. I'm not one of them; I have two striker-fired pistols (a G17 and a VP9) but for me they are range-only. Between the G21 and the G41 is a matter of taste; the G41 is probably the better range gun but the G21 is a little handier.
The CZ-97 is a nice gun but it is big and it doesn't fit my hands very well at all, which is a bit surprising given how well my other CZs (75B and P-01) fit. But that poor fit is enough for me to pass on it.
The FNX-45 would be my choice out of this bunch. I like hammer-fired guns and I like the option to go DA/SA or cocked & locked. I really like the idea of having 16 rounds of .45 ACP on tap. What I don't like, and why I don't have one, is that detail-stripping the gun requires a trip back to the factory. I like my guns to be a little more user-friendly than that.
My .45s are 1911s, HKs, and a SIG that's on its way to my FFL.
GBExpat
Member
Home Defense & Range? The Glock 41.
Well, that is certainly good to know. How far can you break down that gun? I do appreciate everyone's constructive feedback. Thank you.
Sergei Mosin
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2011
- Messages
- 1,918
Basic field-stripping is as far as you can go without destroying parts. They seem to have designed it that way intentionally.
kBob
Member
Your choices remind me sadly of our current election choices for president.
Glocks have just never blown my skirts up. I did get all excited when Glock said early on he was considering a thinned down one that used single stack 1911 mags, but that never quite happened. Though recently he has gotten close.
The FN just looks like too much going on.
I have not tried the CZ97, but did try some of the early Italian made guns that were in .45 ACP before CZ got around to it and found them a bit bulky and really only useable single action as a result. This is sad as I love the original CZ75 even though it is in that Frau and Kinter Kaliber, 9x19mm.
About a half century ago someone stuck a 1911A1 in my hands and sort of ruined me for other .45 Autos. The only .45 ACP I have ever really liked is the Sig 220 or in my case the old BDA (not to be confused with the later .380s and such). Even it seems a little bulky for that first round DA, but is nice after the first shot is gone. (Actually I mean semi autos as I like S&W M1917s and M25s and he Ruger Black hawk Convertible)
Of what you listed I would have to hold my nose a vote for one of the Glocks just because of the availability of parts, service, and accessories.
-kBob
Glocks have just never blown my skirts up. I did get all excited when Glock said early on he was considering a thinned down one that used single stack 1911 mags, but that never quite happened. Though recently he has gotten close.
The FN just looks like too much going on.
I have not tried the CZ97, but did try some of the early Italian made guns that were in .45 ACP before CZ got around to it and found them a bit bulky and really only useable single action as a result. This is sad as I love the original CZ75 even though it is in that Frau and Kinter Kaliber, 9x19mm.
About a half century ago someone stuck a 1911A1 in my hands and sort of ruined me for other .45 Autos. The only .45 ACP I have ever really liked is the Sig 220 or in my case the old BDA (not to be confused with the later .380s and such). Even it seems a little bulky for that first round DA, but is nice after the first shot is gone. (Actually I mean semi autos as I like S&W M1917s and M25s and he Ruger Black hawk Convertible)
Of what you listed I would have to hold my nose a vote for one of the Glocks just because of the availability of parts, service, and accessories.
-kBob
BSA1
member
My choice is the Beretta PX4.
Sorry that this doesn't help bit I am not a Glock.
Sorry that this doesn't help bit I am not a Glock.
stchman
Member
The CZ97BD and FNX-45 are the more expensive of the lot, that's for sure. A Glock 21 can be had for ~$500 and the G41 for not much more. I bought my Gen4 G41 lightly used for $500 even.
The Glocks have more capacity than the CZ and only 1-2 less than the FNX.
With this being said, I have the FNP-45 which is a fantastic gun, but I like my G41 too.
The Glocks have more capacity than the CZ and only 1-2 less than the FNX.
With this being said, I have the FNP-45 which is a fantastic gun, but I like my G41 too.
DeepSouth
Random Guy
Of those I'd pick the FNX 45, however, I can't easily think of 3 choices I'd rather have. A P220 would be topping my list, even if I have to buy it used.
worldtraveler119
Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2010
- Messages
- 29
i have both P220 and FNX tactical. FNX is a lot better shooting.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
Have had a CZ97B in the family for a while now and it is an impressive piece.
One of the softests shooting 45's out there, IMO.
Accurate to boot.
It doesn't fit into many competition categories but is a great shooter.
One of the softests shooting 45's out there, IMO.
Accurate to boot.
It doesn't fit into many competition categories but is a great shooter.
FL-NC
Member
Glock 21 is a fine weapon that can serve many purposes without spending a lot of $.
I agree, it is a strange list. Of the choices I went with the FNX even though I have never shot one. I have shot enough Glocks to know I do not like them.
Actually, the choices in the poll are likely the last that would have come to mind, if they even ever did.
My first choice would probably be a good Model 1911A1. Second a SIG-Sauer P220. Want something cheaper? Go with a full-size SIG-Sauer P320. Cheaper still? Try a Stoeger Cougar 8045, which is actually a terrific pistol with soft recoil and can sometimes be found for a steal, although magazine capacity is a bit limited at 8 rounds, and mags can be a bit hard to find and pricey.
Actually, the choices in the poll are likely the last that would have come to mind, if they even ever did.
My first choice would probably be a good Model 1911A1. Second a SIG-Sauer P220. Want something cheaper? Go with a full-size SIG-Sauer P320. Cheaper still? Try a Stoeger Cougar 8045, which is actually a terrific pistol with soft recoil and can sometimes be found for a steal, although magazine capacity is a bit limited at 8 rounds, and mags can be a bit hard to find and pricey.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
Didnt vote. All those choices dont compare to my 1911. But thats just me YMMV
Ranger Roberts
Become a THR contributing member!
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2012
- Messages
- 1,091
I have all of the guns listed in the poll. That said, I would choose the FNX. I like the weight, the hammer, the DA/SA option and that fact that it is threaded (I have suppressor's so threading is a plus for me). I shoot the FNX very well and have never had any reliability issues. Truth be told, I haven't had reliability issues with any of the listed models though.
- Status
