.45ACP....can't decide?

[MikePaiN]

Sometimes it helps to talk it out...and get a few more points of view
For a few weeks, I've been going over getting a .45ACP handgun(I don't own anything this caliber, yet). Part one is done, selling my custom 10/22 for funding, which nets me about $620....
I have two options that I can't decide between.
1. I bought a SIG P220 SAO in .22lr, through the SIG "X-Change" program I can get a .45 upper and one 8 round mag for $399. I love this pistol and I hear they are most awesome in .45...
2. I have a 1911 bug....I've been looking hard at these and want one badly, but it is going to cost $100-400 more for the pistol alone, over the $620 I have for a decent 1911.

Even though it makes much more financial sense to get the SIG upper(hell, I could get case of .45ACP ammo to go with it and still pay less than getting a 1911). I am still drawn toward the 1911.
So talk to me

 

[geronimo509]

Either way I think you will be happy. There are good 1911's that can be had for 620$ I'm sure more people will chime in and let you know about the 1911's.

 

[NGIB]

I recently bought a new Colt Commander for $695 and I picked up a lightly used stainless S&W 1911 for $625 so they're out there. I have a Sig P220 SAO .22 myself and as I have 1911s, I probably won't even use the coupon for the .45 top end. The 220 is a great .45 though...

 

[shameless]

Many 1911's can be had for $600 or under.

Perhaps one of the "Best" overlooked, is the Rock Island. Relatively low
cost, and can be modified as funds permit. Out of the box, the are
acceptable shooters and well worth the money.

 

[rellascout]

I would not use the step-up P220. IMHO its trigger pull is not up to the same standard as a full production line P220.

Keep your P220 as is and get a 1911.

Used Colt, SA or Dan Wesson all fit the bill.

NIB RIA is a decent choice. Lots of people like the Taurus but IMHO they are lacking quality in things like thumb safeties. Lots of MIM parts there.

Also look for a STI Spartian. It is an amscor but finished by STI. A nice step up from the RIA IMHO

 

[m_kirk2001]

Go with the SIG upper for $399

I say go with the SIG upper for $399. You can shoot it in .22LR all day long for a few bucks, and have the same familiar gun in your hands when you want to put out some serious thumps on something.

IMHO its trigger pull is not up to the same standard as a full production line P220.

If the above statement is truly correct then I wouldn't do the step-up, but look into it to see if that is true. The 1911 is a timeless classic and you will have your opportunity to add one of them to your collection some day. Take your remaining $200+ and get some good SD ammo and practice ammo, maybe some accessories you don't have right now so you can put your .45 to good use carrying it around, and put any money left over towards your next gun for your collection. That is what I would do based on the limited information that you have provided and my lack of sufficient experience with a P220 to speak with authority on the matter.

 

[jhco]

can't go wrong with either but you have more options to fit your exact needs with a 1911

 

[MikePaiN]

--not making this any easier ...hehe

member, jigglyjames had an unfired STI Spartan FS on this forum for $575 but I was a day late getting the funding together

My 220's trigger is quite good...little takeup w/ a super clean light SA break.

 

[weisse52]

I wish this was the toughest decision I needed to make today.

I love the 1911 platform, as long as you go with a quality platform. If you ask me that means Colt. Quality can be had at all price points. I have a Norinco I paid $250 for that is flawless. I think you can find a Colt for about your price.

But, if you like the SIG platform you will enjoy adding the upper to what you currently own. You can not go wrong either way.

Now that was helpful was it not?


Oh. A COLT IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT ANSWER! I feel better now.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

While I think upgrading your P220 is the best way to go, I think you have to go 1911. Once you have an itch to get a 1911, it will remain until you buy one. Personally I think there are better platforms for the .45 ACP, but I had the same itch and wasn't satisfied until I bought my SA loaded 1911. FWIW, the SA XD in .45 is hard to beat, and has displaced my 1911 as my favorite 45.

 

[tipoc]

For the money that you have it would be possible to get a used Sig P220 in .45. From what you say you favor the Sig platform so it seems to me a logical choice. About the upper I don't know others may have experience with that.

You also have the money for a good used 1911. You'll have to learn a new manual of arms for the gun. The challenge for you is learning the difference between a good used one and one that's been worked over by a fella with a hacksaw and a dremel. Or who changed out so many parts in an effort to "upgrade" the gun that it no longer runs as it should. There are a lot of those out there.

Taurus makes a 1911 that is reasonably priced. I've read good things about them (American Rifleman, etc.) but have no direct experience with 'em myself.

Your call.

tipoc

 

[LancerMW]

get yourself an STI Spartan! you wont regret it!

 

[Mags]

You can find used Kimbers all day long for about 600-700 and used Springers for 650 and less.

 

[2nd 41]

1911's are in a league of their own. If you decide on one...buy it right the first time. Save and get the one you will enjoy shot after shot. Try a friends 1911 or rent one at a range if possible. Take a test drive.

I bought a Springfield Loaded....had the custom shop do trigger job. It is fun to shot. It hits real good. It's as good as my Gold Cup. Springfield has a great customer service. Keep that in mind.

Buy NIB if you can. I watched some people disassemble & clean their 1911's. I would not want to be the second owner. Good luck whatever your choice is. If you are seriously thinking about a 1911....buy one to get it off of your mind. Works for me.

 

[MikePaiN]

I went out to one of the biggest Gun shops in CT today, I've always gotten good service there, they have a great selection and decent prices...can't hurt to look and ask some questions, right?
They had a massive selection of 1911s $800 and up with plenty custom and high enders over $2k . The sales man was pretty much in the same boat as you all...couldn't argue with the price of the SIG conversion....but thought I'd be very happy with the "right" 1911. He was right.
I looked at a few of the Taurus 1911s at ~$650 and they had two absolutely stripped SA GIs at $599 and nothing used. The prices were still high, didn't want to pay $650+ for a Taurus or $600 for a bare bone of a pistol...Then down in the corner of the case I spotted a Para GI Expert 1911 The sales guy, says "I didn't know we had any of those left, that Para is the best 1911 deal in the store" It was at $519! incl. factory trigger job(very crisp), skeletonized hammer, stainless steel barrel, 3dot sights and two 8rd mags.
Best of all they had one in the range's rental case(nothing like a gun shop with an attached range)...They let me put 16rds through, I loved it, came out and had them warp up the new one....then I want back and ran 60rds through mine, its a shooter and just a great pistol. I shot 25 and 50' marks at both ranges I was easily able to keep nice groups of~2.5" on the 6" post-it targets they had, not shabby for the first time with a 1911 and a .45.

pics:

 

[bearmgc]

Mike, you got a great deal!

 

[Mags]

Nice gun

 

[CZ223]

I am not trying to rain on your parade

and I hope that you remain as happy as you are. I was looking at one of those at Cabelas the other day and, while it looked pretty good, something, I can't remmber what, was not working. I went over to 1911forum.com and found a lot of complaints about these. Again, it did look good and, Para is a good company, so I hope it keeps on running. I have the Taurus Duo-tone and will probably get a second.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

Buy NIB if you can. I watched some people disassemble & clean their 1911's. I would not want to be the second owner.

+1 on this. Buying a used 1911 is like buying a well used 4x4. You never know what that guy did with it.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

I am not trying to rain on your parade

Well, I'm sure that's what you did. Nice job dude. Why not just end your post with "juss-sayin".

Whether what you said was true or not, you could've just congratulated the OP on buying a nice pistol. Real nice move.

 

[MikePaiN]

I am not trying to rain on your parade
and I hope that you remain as happy as you are. I was looking at one of those at Cabelas the other day and, while it looked pretty good, something, I can't remmber what, was not working. I went over to 1911forum.com and found a lot of complaints about these. Again, it did look good and, Para is a good company, so I hope it keeps on running. I have the Taurus Duo-tone and will probably get a second.

Another Taurus owner on the defensive...
I have nothing against a Taurus, but the Quadzillion complaints across the net on their weapons and service dwarf any other company's, not to mention every other gun in any forum's "for sale" is Taurus hmmm...
I owned a model 66 once(sold now)....let's just say I'm not anxious to get another Taurus.

 

[Water-Man]

Get the Sig. I have the P220 in .45 acp and it's as good as it gets.

 

[BMF500]

I bought a GI Expert about 5 weeks ago. Since I've put 600 rounds through it, well past the break in period. It has operated flawlessly from the first round with excellent grouping. Return spring is a bit stiff, but I'm sure that will work it's self out in time. If not no big deal there, just can't half step on assembly and disassembly. For a $538.00 1911 (tax included) from a company with a reputaion like Para, I don't see how anyone could complain.

 

[BMF500]

Good call Mike, you are really going to enjoy that one....

 

[weisse52]

I am sure you will enjoy that 1911.

I am not a fan of the big "beavertail" grip safety they put on some 1911's. I really do like the "commander" style Para is putting on these handguns.

Enjoy!