Which .45?

[JimmerJammerMrK]

Bottom line: I'm turning 21 soon and I'd like to purchase a pistol before late January. My budget for the gun is $500-$600 (not including ammo, accessories, etc). I'd like to buy new. I've narrowed my caliber down to 45 ACP. (I'll most likely be buying a .22 pistol as well, but that's another thread).

I'm stuck between a few different models, in particular the Springfield Armory XD, the Springfield Armory GI 45 1911, the Glock 21, and the Glock 30. I've shot Glocks before and have liked them. I realize the two styles are pretty different, I'm just looking for input from people who own/have owned both. Is the GI 45 a quality gun? I know it's relatively inexpensive compared to other 1911s. Which will last longer, shoot better, fail less, and be the most dependable? This will be a plinker/HD/SHTF gun. Size doesn't matter as it will not be a CCW gun. Also, I live in CA so magazine capacity isn't too much of an issue.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[acmax95]

I would go with the 1911. I have held Glocks and did not care for them, and I have not handled an XD. I do own a 1911 (though it isn't a Springfield) and would get rid of my other pistols long before parting with it. Especially since you don't intend to carry I think the 1911 is a great choice.

 

[KINGMAX]

Glock 21

 

[OFT]

1911

 

[Highland Ranger]

All good choices. I'd lean toward the XD and 1911, and for a first gun, a 1911 seems right. Not familiar with that particular model though - I'd do some research on it to make sure it is reliable.

 

[foghornl]

Residing right now in "Foggy's Artillery Locker"

SA Mdl 1911's 2
Ruger KP-90 1
Springfield XD 0
Glock models 0

 

[Walkalong]

XD, 1911.

No particular order, although I have one XD, and several 1911's.

 

[FLoppyTOE]

All great guns, but glocks feel akward to me. I own a couple xd's and they are the cats a**. However, you can never go wrong with a 1911, and actually I own that springfield 1911A1 and have no complaints

 

[FoMoGo]

CZ-97 B


Jim

 

[Corporal K]

Glock 21 - hands down.

1911's are way overrated - and yes, I owned a Springfield Loaded Model in the past.

 

[AllisonDT]

Since you are limited to 10 rounds in California, I'd go with the Glock 30. There's no need for the larger G21 since you can't take advantage of the added 3 rounds in the magazine. Some folks say they shoot the G30 better than they do the G21 anyway.

That's my pick!

 

[Geno]

Colt 1911A1

 

[Schofield3]

I’m partial to the 1911

 

[rondog]

Corporal K is wrong, it's GLOCKS that are overrated. Start with a 1911, the Springer GI is a fine choice.

 

[BlindJustice]

I have a full size, S&W 1911 Stainless Steel w/fixed Novak sights.
I'm going on 40+ years of being partial to the 1911. If you can swing it
the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec has better sights, as well as
the enlarged/lowered ejection port. These two additions are worth
more than getting an SA G.I. and then modifiying it.

Also, I have a S&W 625 5" Bbl. .45 ACP revolver - it uses full moon
clips for extracting the rimless ACP case. My favorite revolver, great fun
at the range and firm recoil, but it is the N/Large frame Double Action
Shooting requires practice.

I got the 625 for just over $600 The S&W 1911 was almost $800

I'm thinking the next .45 ACP will be an Officers frame but I don't
think those are CA Compliant.

Randall

 

[bluemalibu]

I love the slabside 1911, having humped the hills of Korea and served with the AMTU with it... but I think that a glock or XD would more quickly be mastered by a newer shooter.

Hey B/J.. I must have been typing while you posted. If you're like me, you too will love the Officer's ACP. Luckily for me, I purchased my stainless version years before the Great State of Confusion got stupid.

Schofield3... Do you too have a family connection to the break-top? I have only been able to afford the $1000 Uberti 45 Long Colt up to now. ...some day though!

 

[Dogbite]

I have owned Glocks. I have also had the GI 45, and their loaded model. The GI 1911 is a great gun, mine was accurate and dependable. Now, as for your pick, I would go with the Glock model 30. They are incredible. 10 rounds of 45, and they are light, very accurate, and pretty much bullet proof.

 

[Quoheleth]

I respect Glock reliability & functionality.
But I don't care for them personally.

I very much like XDs. It was a toss-up between the XD and Smith MP when buying a new 9mm this spring. I did the MP becuse the adjustable backstrap made it a bit more comfortable, and the rebate plus mag deal was the kicker. Have you checked out the MP?

And I love my Springer GI.

So, I guess my preference would go: GI, MP, XD. Glock doesn't make my cut.

Q

 

[ulflyer]

Whichever Suits Your Fancy

Although 1911's are my favorite because I'm an old fart that came up with these type guns long before the plastic's ever came out. I love to take em apart and clean and mess with them. The heritage, tradition, etc. Ocassionally you get a 1911 that is tempermental and requires some fine tuning. If piddling with them is not your thing, and you fully expect a gun to fire right out of the box every time, then you may well like the Glock better. Suggest you find some friends, or a gun range that rents, and shoot both type. Whichever one you decide on initially, you can always add the other to your
collection later on. Let us know how you make out.

 

[S&Wfan]

Which will last longer, shoot better, fail less, and be the most dependable? This will be a plinker/HD/SHTF gun. Size doesn't matter as it will not be a CCW gun. Also, I live in CA so magazine capacity isn't too much of an issue.

1. LAST LONGER?
2. SHOOT BETTER?
3. FAIL LESS?
4. BE MORE DEPENDABLE?
5. SIZE DOESN'T MATTER?
6. MAGAZINE CAPACITY NOT AN ISSUE?

You are the perfect candidate for a .45ACP S&W REVOLVER!

It will outlive you.
They shoot "boring" one-hole groups at 10 yards and roll coke cans easily at 50 yards.
They will NEVER fail you . . . the old saying goes "Six fer SHURE!"
They go BANG when you pull the trigger . . . no safety to forget about flipping.
AND . . . they can be reloaded by some of us just as fast in competitions as we can reload our Glocks and 1911s!

Check out the S&W 625 or 25-2 .45 ACP revolvers!!!

SERIOUSLY!

No . . . you can't have my customized, chopped barrel S&W 25-2. It is the very last handgun I'd ever get rid of . . . and the one I want in my hand if trouble ever comes my way.

and . . . after a day at the range, wearing Hogue "rubbers." Note the "boring" accuracy of even my short barreled one! . . .

(ten yards, standing and unsupported)

 

[Schofield3]

Do you too have a family connection to the break-top? I have only been able to afford the $1000 Uberti 45 Long Colt up to now. ...some day though!

Haha, I wish….nope no connection, just love the model 3’s and same here I’m waiting to find an original in decent condition, they certainly are expensive!

 

[D-Man]

Out of the choices you mentioned, I'd go with the XD. The polymer guns will be easier to maintain, and to me the XD grip is much more comfortable to handle than the Glocks.

While 1911's are great, the stock GI might be missing some things you really want to have, like better sights, a true beavertail, etc. Sure, you can add these items as you go along, but think if you do want a 1911 with the bells and whistles, you're better off starting with at least the Springfield Mil-Spec, or the Loaded if you can stretch your budget even more.

 

[psp7304]

Glock 30SF

 

[wtfd661]

Since you said you have shot Glocks and liked them then for you I would recommend the Glock 30, 10 rds, good size and if needed you can conceal it (I know you said that wasn't a consideration but still an option).

 

[Texasred]

Get a Glock, great aftermarket support, great magazines that are affordable and the gun will last nearly till the world ends.
You know it will work and you don't mind the grip. Regardless of someones minute bad experience, this gun will feed anything and the bbl will last forever.