I'm thinking about getting a .45...

Kimber

That is pretty vague. I seriously recommend getting to a rental range and trying several.

Do you reload?

If you don't I'd rethink 45. The two main cartridges below it in hollow point will do you fine...

HK USP sounds like it perfectly suits your needs and price range

I have been very happy with my S&W1911PD Commander with Laser Grips. Here's one without:

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

A little higher price:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_71/products_id/32908

My gun:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_71/products_id/15090

I wanted a lightweight 1911 for carry. If you want all steel, the Dan Wessons have a good reputation, and the added benefit of the bobtail grip:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_82/products_id/17999

My gun isn't that much fun for three to four hundred round range sessions due to the weight, but I have full size all steel 1911s for that function.

My pick for a 1911 was a S&W 1911PD. It's commander length so it's a bit shorter than a full-size gov't model.

My pick for a non-1911 would have been a Glock 36.

I like my 1911PD so much I'm starting to doubt I'll ever get a non-1911 .45.

Consider a revolver as well as an Automatic in .45 acp

I shoot a S&W 625 along with a Kimber 1911. Both have been enjoyable choices.

My 1911 is a SW, and it is a fine firearm. My non 1911 45 is the XD45, and it is head and shoulders above Glock, SW M&P, and FN, IMHO.

1911 - Springfield Loaded
non 1911 - Springfield XD 4" Service

^^^This

Glock 30.

Like some said , go to the range and handle them.

Must ranges have rentals you can use, test some that you like the feel of them first, I found the Ruger 345. It fit my hand great, I love shooting it and sells for $450. and weights only 29 oz. I have owned it for 2 years. never a problem. I have bought other guns since. XDm 9mm, Ruger P95 9mm, Sig Mosquito 22cal
good luck.

1911 - Springfield, Colt, or S&W

Non-1911 - HK or XD

1911 - Springfield Loaded
non 1911 - Springfield XD 4" Service

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+1

Have fun,
DFW1911

New guns?

IMHO

1911 - Springfield or Kimber with an internal extractor
Non 1911 - Springfield XD.

Dan Wesson CBOB and a Glock 30

So, here's what I'm looking for: I want two consensus picks, one 1911 and one non-1911, for the best firearm below $1,000. I would prefer that they be compact or sub-compact, and they can be used, I just need to know what to look for and at what price range.

Click to expand...

Have you determined what you want your 45 to do? Will it be a carry gun, a range pistol or a collectable safe queen? Do you want something with a rail so you can hang "stuff" from it? Or do you want something uncluttered? And how often will you shoot it? Does the cost of ammo need to be factored in to the equation? (When I bought my first 45ACP, I loved the "shove" so much I immediately made plans to reload.) Could you give us a little more to go on?

I graduate in three weeks, my personal 14-year odyssey to learn absolutely nothing...

Click to expand...

It took you 14 years to graduate??? I hope you're in the medical field.

Anyways, get these:
Kimber 1911 approx. $1K
Glock 21 approx. $400-500...depending on your state.

Non 1911

CZ 97B
EAA Witness Elite Limited

1911

Dan Wesson Pointman 7 or Bobtail Commander

My CZ tends to show.......

Springfield 1911-A1 Ultra Compact

I have a Springfield Trophy Match and it's the most accurate weapon I've used. I'd go for the Ultra Compact if I wanted a smaller 45.


Ruger P95 for the non-1911. My friend has one that I've used. It's had over a hundred thousand rounds through it and never a failure. Very accurate.

Great advice given previously to try some out at a gun range. That's how I made my decision. Nothing worse than putting down a lot of bucks and finding right out of the box that you don't like the feel of the weapon.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on.