Best .45 caliber auto for under $800...

[MTMilitiaman]

That meets the following criteria:

-ambi controls
-same trigger pull for every round. This means SAO, DAO, striker fired, and DA/SA with manual safeties that allow cocked and locked carry are fine, but most DA/SA autos with decockers are eliminated
-night sights
-frame mounted rail for white light
-barrel length of at least 4 inches
-no magazine disconnect
-not an HK

I am not finding a lot of them. Pretty much, as near as I can tell, this criteria limits me to polymer framed autos like the Glock 21SF, Springfield Armory XD, and Smith & Wesson M&P, which I read is available without the magazine disconnect.

I handled a SIG P220 SAO yesterday. It was $850 which might be doable. But I can't find any 1911s that meet the criteria for that price range, and there aren't a whole lot more options on the market.

 

[CountGlockula]

Glock 21, 21SF, 30, 30SF and 36.

 

[lee n. field]

-ambi controls
-same trigger pull for every round. This means SAO, DAO, striker fired, and DA/SA with manual safeties that allow cocked and locked carry are fine, but most DA/SA autos with decockers are eliminated
-night sights
-frame mounted rail for white light
-barrel length of at least 4 inches
-no magazine disconnect
-not an HK

XD. Have someone or Springfield itself install your sight of choice. The slide latch is not ambidextrous, but it meets all of your other criteria.

 

[Eric F]

Eaa poly witness is likely going to be the least expensive I saw one go last week new for $289 on gunbroker. I have owned a non railed poly eaa in the past in 45 and it worked every time with out fail. Ok oops I missed the part about amby controls I am uncertian if they offer that or not.

 

[Blue Brick]

Ruger P345 and you could buy two!

 

[dontshakepandas]

M&P 45 is completely ambidextrous. Mine has a great trigger and fits my hand great and doesn't have a mag disconnect. You can get them with night sights or install them later on your own, and if you ever decide you want a laser, crimson trace makes an awesome product for the M&P.

 

[Babalouie]

M&P or XD

 

[Thernlund]

I handled a SIG P220 SAO yesterday. It was $850 which might be doable.

If you can make the stretch, do it. Awesome firearm.


-T.

 

[kludge]

Xd-45

 

[kcshooter]

Smith & Wesson 1911 may fit in the price range, used Springfield or Kimber, although S&W and Springer have a lifetime warranty.

 

[Jason_G]

For C&L, other than a 1911, I'd go for an H&K USP. I would probably rather have the HK45, but the USP is a little cheaper, under your $800 mark.

Jason

 

[Don357]

Get on the list for a Zastava EZ45 available from EAA. based on a mixture of Sig and Walther properties and the 9mm and .40S&W versions are excellent shooters and highly reliable.

 

[lloydkristmas]

I got a very lightly used USP .45 for about 600 bucks, and I'd take it over the Glock any day. Mags are $$$ though...

 

[jakk280rem]

cz-97
sig 220
kahr tp45
i don't know all th specs for these pistols. i dont think the kahr is ambi.

 

[LawofThirds]

1911 by one of the better manufacturers.

Kimber, Springfield and S&W all can be found for mid 700's with the features you desire.

 

[Haemon]

Kimber, Springfield and S&W all can be found for mid 700's with the features you desire.

Man, LawofThirds, I've been looking for a decent 1911 from any of those makers and all of my local shops start them at just under 1000. Seriously. Not sure if they're limiting their stock to "high end" (and higher markup) models, but I'd love to see a Kimber or Springfield for under 800 anywhere in my county.

 

[camacho]

Man, LawofThirds, I've been looking for a decent 1911 from any of those makers and all of my local shops start them at just under 1000. Seriously. Not sure if they're limiting their stock to "high end" (and higher markup) models, but I'd love to see a Kimber or Springfield for under 800 anywhere in my county.

Forget about the local shops. Find an FFL dealer in your area who transfers (it can be a pawn shop) and go to the Internet vendors. Buds among others has great prices on everything. Check it out:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php

 

[camacho]

But I can't find any 1911s that meet the criteria for that price range, and there aren't a whole lot more options on the market.

What about the Taurus PT1911. I think it has what you want and it is very reasonably priced ($596).

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/27389

 

[Thernlund]

Get on the list for a Zastava EZ45 available from EAA.

Big +1 to that. I've never handled one, but I've heard really good things and wouldn't hesitate to buy one I'm pretty sure.


-T.

 

[skoro]

this criteria limits me to polymer framed autos like the Glock 21SF, Springfield Armory XD, and Smith & Wesson M&P, which I read is available without the magazine disconnect.

I have the S&W M&P45 without the magazine disconnect. I can highly recommend it.

 

[Defensory]

Springfield XD .45 Compact

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?model=23

 

[rellascout]

Didn't the OP as for a gun that was the same trigger pull every time?

If that is the case my picks would be Glock choose your size or Colt 1911 XSE

 

[Kowycz]

Glock 21

http://www.impactguns.com/store/764503507212.html

 

[7mmRemMag]

+1 on the taurus. Picked my SS PT1911 up on gunbroker for $485.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=104494624
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=104506740
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=104489819
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=104914851
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=104740243

 

[M&PVolk]

M&P .45 or a Kimber 1911.