Affordable .45s?

[Low-Sci]

There are lots of .45 pistols out there, but only two models really have my attention. the .45 Glock compact, I think it's the 38, and the 1911.

Trouble is, a 1911 that sells for 900 dollars is out of the question. I'd prefer that model, because I've handled a number of them and I agree with the engineering, but all things considered, even 700 is kinda pushing the boundaries.

So the question is, what are some affordable handguns that are easily concealable, cost 650 or less, and are chambered in .45 ACP?

 

[TMM]

Springfield XD-45
SIG Sauer P220
(used, not new) HK USP45F or USP45C [fullsize or compact, respectively)
CZ-97
Various Glocks are .45ACP, like the 21 and 38
Not sure, but Para-Ordnance may have some

~TMM

 

[.38special]

Springfield XD45. Its a great gun, plus it will hold 14rounds.

 

[GoRon]

Springfield XD-45 ACP, under 600 bucks.

It comes standard with a double mag pouch, cheap holster and a magazine loader.

Link

 

[denfoote]

Glock 36: $495.43 at Top Glock.

3742 FIXED SIGHTS 6RD 495.43

Why mess with the rest when you can get the best!!!

 

[Baba Louie]

Taurus 945, 745, PT 145 Mil Pro and 24/7... the ever elusive PT1911 (gotta see one to believe in it's existance first)
S&W 457
Ruger 345, 90 and 97

Don't know if all of them are small enough to be CCW worthy, but I've CCW'd the Taurus 945 and the S&W 457

 

[chopinbloc]

glock is probably going to be your best bet for concealability and probably price as well. there are other quality .45s out there for alot less but they aren't nearly as concealable as a compact 1911 or glock.

i'm gonna hurt alot of feelings right now but if price is a concern then you probably should avoid 1911s. they are much more likely to require time with a gunsmith before they run right. they really are spoiled little prom queens. the sigs, glocks, springfields and rugers aren't very likely at all to need any work. taurus has had mixed reviews and personally, i wouldn't buy one of their autos.

 

[nelson133]

If you want a deal on a 1911 get a Rock Island. They are an import and the dealed cosr is less that $300. Mine cost me $329 out the door. Originally I was very sceptical, but it shoots as good as any standard government model, and accessories that fit other 1911 will fit it. Do a search on google for these and you will find many happy owners.

 

[BigFatKen]

night sights

Pay little heed to any weapon with tridium night sights if it is five or more years old. Tridium has a half life of 12.3 years.

 

[UberPhLuBB]

Something wrong with a $400-$500 Springfield 1911?

The GI and Mil Spec are very affordable.

 

[Mick_In_Texas]

Agree With Nelson If You Want A 1911A1 Platform...

I've bought two Springers; two RIAs (Rock Island Armory); and one Colt USGI 1911 that was manufactured in mid to late 1918.

They are ALL good 1911/A1s. My Rock and my currently owned Springer are 100% reliable, FMJs, SJHPs, Blazer aluminum, Novaks, Springer, Wilson Combat mags. GunBroker.Com has occasionally some good deals on NIB RIAs. RIA's customer support is second to none. Springer's is good, too. Springer, you might check out the guy I bought my two from, and am attempting to buy another from: Deez Shooting Sports, at http://www.gunsandaccessories.com/ He's good.

For a .45, I personally just LOVE the 1911 platform: reliable, fits my hand, easiest to carry for me. Taurus is a good brand, too, I have one. It's old, but, it's great, 100%, and they've gotten better. Ruger P90 is good, too, have one for sale, it's been 100% and it was my first .45.

Good luck. The .45 is a great round, and the 1911 platform just rocks for me.

Y'all all take care and be safe.
Mick

 

[Puppy]

Chop,

Unless you are wanting to shoot semi-wadcutters, 1911's are very reliable.

If you want to shoot semi-wadcutters out of a 1911 then yes then you *might* have to have a professional do some work on it.

Low-Sci,

There are plenty of good quality, used 1911's on the market in your price range, with a bit of looking you can find used ORM Colt 1991A1's in good condition in the $500-600 USD range.

 

[Zen21Tao]

Without a doubt a Norinco 1911. The Norinco is Chinese made version of the 1911 made to the exact specs of the 1911 so all aftermarket parts can be added. This makes the Norinco a great platforn to build up a custom 1911 on. As for quality, the Norico is made of solid forged steel not cheap alloy and its barrel is just as accurate and many match grade $2000+ guns. All of this with a price tag of around $350-$400. As for a Springfield, I also have one of their "loaded" 1911-A1 models. It is a great gun but my $350 Norinco is just as accurate.

My completely stock Norinco

 

[W Turner]

In my area, NIB Springfield Armory GI models run anywhere from $425 to $469 depending on finish. These are all serviceable weapons right out of the box.

The new Ruger P345 is a great gun, just doesn't fit my hand well.

The Taurus Millenium Pro series is getting good reviews, as is the 24/7, but I haven't shot any of hte new production ones.

The Springfield XD is another winner by all accounts I have heard.

There are good options for $500 and less, including good 1911's to be had. The RIA that I had was a winner for $350 and less as long as you don't mind a cast gun. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.


W

 

[DragonRider]

I picked up today a 03 HK USP Compact in 45 with nightsites, 3 mags, and a bladetech holster for $595.00. Has maybe 100 rounds(looking at the guiderod/barrel). Gotta look for the deals.

John

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Trouble is, a 1911 that sells for 900 dollars is out of the question. I'd prefer that model, because I've handled a number of them and I agree with the engineering, but all things considered, even 700 is kinda pushing the boundaries.

So the question is, what are some affordable handguns that are easily concealable, cost 650 or less, and are chambered in .45 ACP?

Rock Island Armory (RIA) Compact. Should run you somewhere in the $300 to $350 range, NIB. Made in the Phillippines, and definitely THE sleeper in the 1911 world. The gun snobs love to denigrate them and talk down about them, but they are well-made, affordable, and generally work out of the box ... which is more than can be said for many of the $2,000+ semi-custom pistols available.

P.S. I don't consider a full-size 1911 Government model to be "easily concealable," which I why I recommend the RIA Compact. If you're willing to buy used, look for Commander (4-1/4" barrel) and Officers (3-1/2" barrel) models by Colt. You can usually find lots of them on GunsAmerica for under $750, and I bought a used Colt Officers in very good condition for $525. Keep in mind that, technically, a Colt "Commander" will be an alloy frame, and a "Combat Commander" will have a steel frame.

 

[Shield529]

RIA has been 100% reliable for me with over 1K rounds thus far.

 

[cbsbyte]

The new Auto-Ordnance 1911s made by Kahr go from $400-$600. I heard they are pretty good guns for the money. Also many of the S&W 1911s models go for $700-$800.

 

[cbsbyte]

DP

 

[rbernie]

I can buy a Springer Loaded for $750 NIB and a lightly used one for anywhere between $550 and $650. One local dealer has the basic model blued steel Kimber for $650 NIB, and the other dealer close to me has both S&W blued steel 5" and ParaOrdnance 5" for less than $700 NIB.

Any of these would make a fine pistol.

 

[BigRobT]

I've been hearing some really tremendous personal reviews for the Taurus PT145 Millenium Pro. Because of them, I've been considering getting one for my carry gun. For under $400, it seems like a pretty decent deal.

 

[COK]

Lot's of good guns listed - I will add the S&W 457 or CS45.

 

[chaim]

$650 or less, you like the 1911 and Glock, and you want concealable.

What is your definintion of easily concealable? The Ruger P345 is a great gun. I love mine. It is about the size and weight of an aluminum Commander sized 1911.

In most areas you can probably get a Glock for your price. Good guns, and you like them.

I love my Taurus PT140 Milennium Pro. Great gun for the 640 rounds I have through it so far. I plan to get at least one more Milennium (definately a 9mm, possibly the single stack .45 PT745). These are very reliable guns, they are accurate, well made, and sold for a great price (you can get two at your limit if you wanted). Definately take a look at the PT145 M. Pro.

If you like 1911s you have a few options. I like my Charles Daly. They don't have a stellar reputation, but mine has been pretty good (over 10K rounds) and it is the older (less reliable) model- they've since been improved. The Rock Island Armory 1911 is basically the same pistol but in GI style and it has a decent rep and a great price. Among bigger names you can get the Springfield Armory Mil-spec in your price range in pretty much all markets. If you don't mind waiting a bit Taurus is supposed to be releasing an aluminium alloy full-sized 1911 with all the bells and whistles soon.

 

[Clipper]

I will simply say that I sold my Kimber Ultra Carry, and bought a (new) $320.00 stainless slide Taurus PT-145 and am extremely impressed by its functionality and accuracy.

 

[Bob F.]

I have the only Rock Island Compact I've seen. Dealer had a few 5" models. Don't remember what I paid exactly, under $500 and probably too much. Mine had a double recoil spring which was problematic. Replaced it with a $35 Ed Brown Spring and guide rod from Brownell's. I got tired of getting blood all over the gun when I field stripped and reassembled it so smoothed all the edges around the link. 100% reliable now, very accurate and it will feed 200gr LSWC's. The original spring problem may have been my doing through improper reassembly.

Bob