Which .45ACP with a Rail to buy?

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GunNut

GunNut

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Looking for a .45ACP handgun, for home defense.

Want it to be able to accept a surefire or like weapon mounted light.

Which guns are availabe, and which would you recommend?

Thanks,
Steve
 
Glock? Single action? DA/SA? DAO? Polymer?

You don't necesarily need a rail to mount a light. Surefire sells several models that replace the slide release assemblies for 1911s, BHPs, 1st and 2nd Gen Glocks, and other pistols that don't have rails.
 
Right now I have a S&W 4506-1 and 1006, for my bigger guns.

Does anyone know of a way to add a rail to the 4506?

That would save me some money, and be very nice.

Steve
 
Theres 2 that come to mind that I absolutely DROOL over.

Ones a 1911 platform and the other isn't. It depends on whether you want a 1911 platform, I recommend it. :D

The Wilson CQB with Light rail and the Sig Sauer P220ST.

Pretty self explainatory...
 
Cheapest good quality new gun I've seen with a light rail was the Taurus PT-100 variation -- about $380 in stainless, $340 in blue at recent gun shows.

Its not available in 45ACP but is .40 S&W (or 9mm as PT-92). Can do cocked and locked like a 1911 with frame mounted safety, or if you push the safety well past off to decock for DA/SA carry like with a Sig or Beretta.

I've a old PT92 (no rail) that has held up very well and is one of my favorite 9mm pistols to shoot.

The Kimber TLE II with light rail is a great choice but will set you back about $800. Sig GSR has a rail but was $900.


I don't buy into the need for a light rail. I've Crimson Trace Lasergrips on my nightstand gun -- great in bad light with these old eyeballs. Gun in one hand flashlight in the other seems more versatile and less expensive (CTC Laser grips ain't cheap, but I can't use night sights any better than regualr sights without my reading glasses (which I also keep on the night stand between the gun and flashlight in an attempt to cover all bases) :(

--wally.
 
I'd really like a Sig GSR or a Kimber TLE/RL, but their too dang expensive.

Held a Ruger P345, and while it is better than the previous Ruger offering, it just didn't feel right.

The only gun that I'm currently thinking about is the S&W SW99 in .45ACP. Felt very nice in my hands, and is "traditional" SA/DA.

Steve
 
The only gun that I'm currently thinking about is the S&W SW99 in .45ACP. Felt very nice in my hands, and is "traditional" SA/DA.
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I thought the SW99 was the "American made" version of the Walther P99. I didn't know it was made in 45ACP. I'd hardly call the P99 traditional DA/SA. Perhaps I'm confused about the SW99.

Walter P99 runs about $500 around here.

--wally.
 
"American made" version of the Walther P99. I didn't know it was made in 45ACP.
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Yes, you are correct. Walther made frame and S&W slide group. Yeah, it's available in .45ACP.


I'd hardly call the P99 traditional DA/SA.
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As far as I can tell, with the decocker, you get a heavy first shot and light second. If you prefer not to decock, you have something in line with a Glock.

Steve
 
I use my HK USP with the UTL II for home defense. It is a very reliable, durable, and accurate weapon in my hands. I could praise it all day and tell you how it is the best thing since sliced bread, but I'll let you decide that on your own. I have lots of experience with most modern autopistols and own many guns from Colt, HK, Glock, Sig, Walther, Beretta, etc. That said, I would highly recommend it (the USP).

Of course, the Glock 21 or SIG P220 would be next on my list. I've had no problems with any of the three guns listed in this post.
 
I have Smith 4583TSW bought new 2months ago, has a rail ,very smooth DAO and accurate. Got it on sale for $420. inc transfer, worth every penny. If you like Smith autos check it out.:cool:
 
.357sig, get outta my head!:mad:

I've been shooting IPSC for a few years now. I've shot the Glock 34, Glock 20 (.40sw), SA 1911, S&W 1911, and now I'm using a SV (which is a whole 'nother story). I say this 'cause owning a 1911 which works well does not mean that all 1911's are reliable. Bottom line is, I've seen 1911's fail ... and I've seen Glocks fail. But, far more 1911's than Glocks. And, my Glocks have never failed ... not once ... even the Glock 20 using a .40sw bbl, and the 10mm mags ... not once. I also own a HK USP .40 ... never shot it in competition ... but, I actually used to have twins and sold one to my buddy to shoot in competition and he's never had a problem ... not once. As it is, my other HK USP .40 does nightstand duty ... admittedly, in part, because I have no holster and mag-holders for it suitable for competition and I favor other guns for that purpose.

IMO, for .45acp, I'd go with Glock 21 (only 'cause it has higher capacity), then the Sig P220 (better DA trigger, IMO) and then the HK USP .45. However, I'd consider .40 just as effective and, in that case, I'd go with Glock 35 (or Glock 20 w/.40sw bbl) (only 'cause it takes a bit to get used to firing DA, then SA), then Sig P226 .40, then HK USP .40. And tritiums on it ... absolutely! Even with a light ... especially with a light! Also, if you get any Glock other than the 35, get a 3.5lbs connector installed ... just about any decent gun shop will do that for ya in 5min for about $30. ;)

Also, I'd have to agree that I don't find anything "traditional" about the SW99.:confused:

Also, FWIW, YMMV, I'd avoid Kimber like the plague. They're not the quality they pretend to be. Cost me $150 on a brand new gun ... not to mention 4 others that never worked right outta the box. If you want a good quality 1911, go with S&W or the Sig GSR. If you've got money, go with SV, STI, or Wilson. (Actually, you can get a really nice STI for about the same price as the "fancy" Kimbers ... ~ $1000). IMHO
 
Does anyone know of a way to add a rail to the 4506?
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I'm no gunsmith, but it would seem to be do-able. Ask on the 'smithing forum, or call S&W.

Lotsa S&W autos have rails, and they don't seem to differ too much from the 4506 as far as frames go.

Just be advised that the 4506 is already heavy. You're going to be making it heavier by throwing a light on it ;) ... however, it IS upfront weight, which will help with muzzle flip...

Mike
 
For home defense I tend to prefer a single-action, in case I need to make a very accurate shot. I have kids and my nightmare is a hostage or abduction situation where some evildoer has my child in his arms. So I switch between a Kimber TLE/RL2 with a Surefire x200 light and a HK USP variant9 with match trigger, UTL light and 12-round magazines. Both guns are loaded with Ranger Talon RA45T. Both guns are very accurate, reliable, and have good single-action triggers.

I've had a couple Glock 21s but couldn't shoot them as accurately as the HK or Kimber. Accurately enough to keep them in the black at any range up to 50 yards, but at the range under ideal conditions. I really like Glocks and a Glock 19 with Big Dot 24/7 sights is a regular carry piece, but I can't shoot it to the minute-of-eyeball precision level I could concievably need at home.
 
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