Which .45??

[TexasJoe]

Ok, I am gonna open up a can of worms, but it should be fun.

I am looking at purchasing a .45, but I want some input. Parameters I am looking at are:

Has to be out of the box reliable and accurate for self defense purposes. I don't want something that is "perfect" as long as it gets a diet of $50.00 a box special ammo.
7 rounds in the mag or better.
Repair/replacement parts must be readily available.
Must be reasonable to maintain. I am not in favor of a weapon that takes a microscope and a sledgehammer to field strip.
Fixed sights
Prefer a 4" barrel, but will consider 4"-5".
It has to wear well. I live in South Texas, and it gets hot and sweaty here most of the year. Something that rusts when you look at it won't work for me.
I would prefer a manual safety. Not required, but a preference.
Reasonably priced. I can't afford something much more than $650-700. I can strech that a bit, but only a bit.

I owned a Colt Combat Commander for a time, liked it. About the right size for my hand. Something that is a double-stack might be too large for me.


Your ideas are welcome!!

 

[BlindJustice]

Buds gunshop has:

Commander 1911 Stainless $821

Commander 1991 Blue $687

that's setting the bar for yah, Joe

or off the wall, you could look for a stainless
S&W 625 4" and go with Full moon clips for
less than the above. used

Randall

 

[Beskytte]

Only own one gun currently, and haven't shot many more. I don't know much, but outside of the 1911 clones are a Jericho IMI also called a Baby Eagle in .45, and the CZ97 is in .45. These are well liked guns by the people who own them.

BTW, seen the Jericho for as low as $400, dunno if you'd be able to find it again that cheap though. And the CZ97 would be around $600-$650.

 

[ljnowell]

Personally, to really be sure to meet your requirements I would recommend a glock. If you dont like them maybe an XD or M&P. YOu can get high capacity and excellent value with any of the brands I mentioned. The only reason I suggested glock in particular is your notation of price. If you get a glock you can watch a video on you tube that shows you how to detail strip. Glock is very good about sending parts free of charge if you call and ask nice. Even if you purchase at retail glock parts are CHEAP. You can fix it your self very easily. They just go bang every time.

I like 1911s also. If you get a good 1911 from a reputable company you will get a fine gun too.

 

[Bowhunter57]

TexasJoe,
In the price range, mag. capacity, 1911 frame (having readily available parts), accurate out-of-the-box, crisp trigger and reliable would take in the Rock Island Armory - Tactical model.
http://ezine.m1911.org/RIATactical.htm

This pistol features a wide beaver tail safety, skeletonized hammer, Novak sights and a match grade trigger that breaks like glass. I've shot one that would produce 2" groups at 25 feet, in a standing off hand position...and it was my first time shooting this pistol. All for about $430 to $480, depending on the area.

Good luck with your choices!
Good hunting, Bowhunter57

 

[texgunner]

Consider the Colt Lightweight Commander(4.25") or a Springfield Armory Lightweight Champion(4"). I have the Colt and my Dad has the SA, both are good pistols.

You can also check out the Kimber Pro series(4").

Tex

 

[JaxNovice]

Based on what you said I would get a polymer pistol.

FNP-45
XD-45
M&P.45

 

[surjimmy]

You might try a Springfield Loaded in a SS, 1911 parts are everywhere and easy to come by.

 

[trillium]

XD 45 4in Service or Compact with or without manual safety may be slim enough for you, meets your budget and "eats" anything from surplus ammo
to expensive UltraPowerDoubleHydraShockGoldenBrass .45

 

[jehu]

To fill all your requirements you need a HK45,HK45c,USP45,or USPc45. These are the best out of the box guns out there, IMHO.

 

[18DAI]

S&W 4563TSW. Take the rail off and it fits Sig 220 holsters.

Light weight, accurate, and without the luggage rack good looking too.

8+1 single stack in an uber reliable package. Try one!

 

[jdh]

M&P 45. 10 + 1 capacity. Accurate, reliable, and easy to maintain. With the changable back straps you can fit the grip to your hand size. Within your budget and there is a rebate promotion on now.

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

Given your criteria, sans barrel length and safety, a Glock 36 would fit the bill. Very reliable out of the box, wear resistant, easily maintained, huge after market support and it is a single stack .45 ACP. The only short coming is perhaps the capacity, but you mentioned a single stack as a preference. If you want the larger capacity, then you could also look at a G30 (a lot thicker) or the new M&P 45 Compact.

 

[TexasJoe]

Wow, lots of great information! Thanks! I have considered a Glock, but prefer 1911 style. But I'm not married to either one, this is kinda a concept of a "working pistol". A lot of great points to start researching.

 

[abuelo]

Kimber pro series would be a good possibility, sounds like the right size.
XD also a definite possibilty

 

[distra]

You are describing a Glock 36 in my opinion. I carry one almost as much as I do my 1911's. I also like my Springer Micro compact 1911. 6 round mag, but will take higher capacity mags for a 1911. Nice thing about both is they conceal well in light clothing.

 

[ernest.t.bass]

A H&K USP Compact would fit your description. I've had all manner of 1911s from Llamas to full race Caspians-they are great guns but need some tuning and fitting typically.

Try an H&K-get a used one if you have some doubts and you can always sell it.

 

[possum]

sounds like you need a 1911 to me. fits all your parameters, and i think it would fit your needs.

 

[ernest.t.bass]

A H&K USP Compact would fit your description. I've had all manner of 1911s from Llamas to full race Caspians-they are great guns but need some tuning and fitting typically.

Try an H&K-get a used one if you have some doubts and you can always sell it.

 

[robctwo]

I have a S&W1011PD Commander.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_71/products_id/11747

 

[Kind of Blued]

S&W Scandium Commander - A little more $ than you set aside, but they're beauties. It's a 1911, so there's a chance it won't run (hollowpoints) 100% out of the box.

Glock 30 - I'd bet it'd run like a top out of the box. Cheap and effective tool. Not much to look at, but it'll get the job done.

S&W M&P 45 - I'd personally choose this over the Glock only if you really want a safety. Budsgunshop is selling the compact model now as well.

 

[k9stang]

I'll second the RIA tactical. Mine has no feeding issues with hollow points.

 

[moooose102]

if you have the money, Kimber, or Wilson come to my mind first.

 

[sta500rdr]

+1 for the Baby Eagle/Jericho. I own one, carry it and love it. It gets used and abused here during the michigan winters, have never had a problem with it. Good price on them as well.

 

[CountGlockula]

All those qualifications fit a Glock model 21.

Try one out and see if you like it.