Best (not cheapest) 45?
- Thread starter bagmanhd1
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I don't know about rest of people here, but I jsut purchased a S&W M&P 45. It is reasonably price, has good ergonomics and is very accurate shooter. I have tested fire many of the guns in various calibers at the range, and even though these were used and dirty range rental guns, I was still very dead on with accuracy, even being a new shooter. The gun has a very nice feel and is well balanced in your hand. For the price, I think HK45 is wrong decision and I avoided that route. The S&W M&P 45 is very economical and popular gun. I really don't like Glocks, but I know they have a slim double frame out that may make them more ergonomic, haven't tried them yet.
If you want a good gun for the price, I think M&P 45 is way to go. Also, I hear Springfield 1911's are a good value for the money, but I decided not to go the 1911 route. I just like to avoid manual safetys on all guns I own. HK45s are nice looking guns, and one day if I am rich and money is no object, maybe I wil lget one. However, after reading more and more about Sig 220, I have come to the conclusion that it may be superior and better constructed gun and costs about the same as the HK45. Sig P220 is another good choice if you have more money to spend. I have shot Sig P220 at the range and as a new shooter it takes practice, because it has very low recoil. When you learn how to aim that thing and resist any jerking, its the most accurate gun I am yet to shoot compared with the polymers or Kimbers.
BTW, I just purchased a Sig P229 Elite and I can say its so beautiful and feels so nice in my hand. It is a compact gun with a 15 round capacity using Italian Mec Gar mags and has good weight to it, it probably has minimum recoil I would think. Haven't shot it yet, but next week I will.
If you want a good gun for the price, I think M&P 45 is way to go. Also, I hear Springfield 1911's are a good value for the money, but I decided not to go the 1911 route. I just like to avoid manual safetys on all guns I own. HK45s are nice looking guns, and one day if I am rich and money is no object, maybe I wil lget one. However, after reading more and more about Sig 220, I have come to the conclusion that it may be superior and better constructed gun and costs about the same as the HK45. Sig P220 is another good choice if you have more money to spend. I have shot Sig P220 at the range and as a new shooter it takes practice, because it has very low recoil. When you learn how to aim that thing and resist any jerking, its the most accurate gun I am yet to shoot compared with the polymers or Kimbers.
BTW, I just purchased a Sig P229 Elite and I can say its so beautiful and feels so nice in my hand. It is a compact gun with a 15 round capacity using Italian Mec Gar mags and has good weight to it, it probably has minimum recoil I would think. Haven't shot it yet, but next week I will.
i have a Springfield TRP i would not trade for anything, but that said. you need to go shoot some and choose the best .45 for you all the ones that have been recomended are good guns. the Glock is the only striker fired pistol i woud own, or recomend to people, just my opinon.
Boba Fett
Member
To answer all your requirements:
STI
STI
STI
STI
http://www.stiguns.com/
Don't know where you live bagmanhd1, but find a place that carried STI. Have them pull out a Kimber, a Springfield, and an STI. Rack the slide on all of them and pull the trigger.
STI's slide is like a room temperature stick of butter sliding around on a superheated Teflon pan. And the triggers are beautiful.
The whole gun feels completely solid.
The price is going to be anywhere from around $600-2000+ depending on which one you get and if you decide have any sort of custom work done.
j1979
Member
If your looking for a gun to last forever and to hand down to the kids, the choice is obvious. A good 1911. I am a big fan of Dan Wessons. I am having some custom work done to my Valor and will have a bunch of money in it, but that was my choice. IF money is no concern from the get go I will say get a Les Baer TRS hands down. Can be had for 1700ish. Or a great DW for about 1k. A 1911 is just nostalgic and sexy. Who the he!! wants to be handed down a glock or HK or any polymer for that matter. They serve a purpose and the good ones are 100% reliable but is not something I would buy for a lifetime and for a hand down to my kids. Just my opinion.
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glassman
Member
Another vote for Dan Wesson. Very well made, very accurate, a joy to shoot.
http://cz-usa.com/products_handguns_dw.php
http://cz-usa.com/products_handguns_dw.php
kentucky_smith
Member
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- Oct 6, 2005
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- 1,686
Wow, I still like Colts
Mike OTDP
Member
Best? If I were doing a straight factory gun, a Pardini GT45. Fantastic trigger, superb accuracy. Otherwise call Clark Custom Guns.
Jim PHL
Member
My priorities - in order -are:
Quality
Performance
Ease of use
Value
What really doesn't matter is price. I am really looking for a one-time purchase of a semi-auto .45 that I can shoot forever and will to my kids
Not just to pile-on, but based on your post I really must agree with some manner of 1911-style pistol. Quality and value are kind of "combinable". You can get quality at a lower price, but a true "heirloom-quality" piece will be worth what you pay for it. If price really doesn't matter you should definitely go full custom, although if you don't want to go through a LOT of trying different brands and configurations, then some of the semi-customs are also excellent choices. When we get into those "Only one gun" threads, I get to thinking that a high-quality 1911 fits just about all the criteria - except for those who put magazine capacity at or near the top of their list. I am not in the camp with those who feel a full-size steel 1911 is an ideal concealed carry gun (although it can obviously be done) but I think it works well for just about everything. Contrary to what most people post, they do not all have to be tuned to be reliable and accurate (especially the semi- and full-customs). Accurate, reliable, potent and (don't like really like the term applied to inanimate objects but, ok...)sexy. I agree with the poster who earlier said as far as an heirloom, a polymer gun - though an excellent tool - doesn't really "speak" to future generations, even tho they may appreciate it as the tool it is.
Quality
Performance
Ease of use
Value
What really doesn't matter is price. I am really looking for a one-time purchase of a semi-auto .45 that I can shoot forever and will to my kids
Not just to pile-on, but based on your post I really must agree with some manner of 1911-style pistol. Quality and value are kind of "combinable". You can get quality at a lower price, but a true "heirloom-quality" piece will be worth what you pay for it. If price really doesn't matter you should definitely go full custom, although if you don't want to go through a LOT of trying different brands and configurations, then some of the semi-customs are also excellent choices. When we get into those "Only one gun" threads, I get to thinking that a high-quality 1911 fits just about all the criteria - except for those who put magazine capacity at or near the top of their list. I am not in the camp with those who feel a full-size steel 1911 is an ideal concealed carry gun (although it can obviously be done) but I think it works well for just about everything. Contrary to what most people post, they do not all have to be tuned to be reliable and accurate (especially the semi- and full-customs). Accurate, reliable, potent and (don't like really like the term applied to inanimate objects but, ok...)sexy. I agree with the poster who earlier said as far as an heirloom, a polymer gun - though an excellent tool - doesn't really "speak" to future generations, even tho they may appreciate it as the tool it is.
Keep in mind the 1911 has been around for 100 years and is going strong. Who's to say parts are going to be available for the HK or other poly flavor of the month in 25 or 30 years? If you buy with the intent to pass it along as an heirloom, stick with a quality 1911.
Any of the top of the line 1911 manufacturers make guns of heirloom quality -- Brown, Baer, Wilson, Nighthawk, and Springfield Pro. I would also look at Colts, especially those who have seen the inside of their custom shop. I don't mean the commemoratives but those like the Colt Special Combat or Combat Elite. The Colt name will continue to add value for a long time.
Any of the top of the line 1911 manufacturers make guns of heirloom quality -- Brown, Baer, Wilson, Nighthawk, and Springfield Pro. I would also look at Colts, especially those who have seen the inside of their custom shop. I don't mean the commemoratives but those like the Colt Special Combat or Combat Elite. The Colt name will continue to add value for a long time.
KINGMAX
Member
GLOCK 21 is my first choice
G21
G21
benderx4
Member
HK45 for home defense.
Les Baer TRS for the range.
Les Baer TRS for the range.
Hungry Seagull
member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2009
- Messages
- 2,167
Hold it folks, back up. Give the man some room.
Whatever you want for a handgun for yourself, make sure it fits your hand first before all other thinkings.
I loved all the Colts, had the cash for em but... alas they dont fit me.
I loved the XM's and some of the other guns but either the rack was too hard or the stuff on the guns out of reach etc... pick pick pick...
I found a S&W M&P .45 APC that did the trick for me it fits in my hand (Not necessarily yours) and settles right in ready to go. Just needs a rack.
Im the shakiest shot in the whole USA, but when I put that M&P in my hand, it becomes part of me the same way the remmy 870 does (Does that make sense?)
Cheers.
Whatever you want for a handgun for yourself, make sure it fits your hand first before all other thinkings.
I loved all the Colts, had the cash for em but... alas they dont fit me.
I loved the XM's and some of the other guns but either the rack was too hard or the stuff on the guns out of reach etc... pick pick pick...
I found a S&W M&P .45 APC that did the trick for me it fits in my hand (Not necessarily yours) and settles right in ready to go. Just needs a rack.
Im the shakiest shot in the whole USA, but when I put that M&P in my hand, it becomes part of me the same way the remmy 870 does (Does that make sense?)
Cheers.
sohcgt2
Member
If your happy with your G19 Then you'll be happy with a G21. Best is very subjective, what I like you may not like. There are many very good pistols chambered in .45acp some are value priced like Glock and Ruger, some are very high priced like Ed Brown and Nighthawk Customs. It comes down to personal choice. If you want to pass down an Heirloom quality handgun then I would recommend one with historical significance like a Colt 1911 Govt, H&K USP, or Colt Officer's model. If you choose a 1911 you need to remember the only ones that hold their value are wartime productions and Colts. All the others, My Springfield Armory, Kimbers, Wilson Combats, Tauruses, are all knock offs. Some are higher priced Knock offs than the original but still knock offs.
Great stuff folks
I really want to thank you folks that have responded. Excellent information!
Keep the comments coming, but this much I've leaned:
Need to hold each pistol to see how it fits my hand (average size guy, but the wife is on the small side).
Rack the slide to see how it feels.
Shoot 'em if I can.
Thanks!!
I really want to thank you folks that have responded. Excellent information!
Keep the comments coming, but this much I've leaned:
Need to hold each pistol to see how it fits my hand (average size guy, but the wife is on the small side).
Rack the slide to see how it feels.
Shoot 'em if I can.
Thanks!!
I own five 1911s from Taurus to Springfield to Colt.
I recommend that you buy the original, buy the Colt.
I would suggest a O1918 Colt WWI Reissue 1911 for $900-$950.
http://ezine.m1911.org/ColtO1918_frame.htm
Plus in 5-10 years it will be worth much more money than a fake copy.
I have never had a problem with my three Colts.
Buy the original......buy the Colt.
The term "1911" gets thrown around a lot and I believe the meaning has become diluted. The original military designation, however was "Model of 1911" which was abbreviated as "M1911". Of the myriad pistols being built and sold today as "1911s", most have strayed far enough from the original, military design and specifications that they are 1911s only in general form.
Rgds
Eric
I recommend that you buy the original, buy the Colt.
I would suggest a O1918 Colt WWI Reissue 1911 for $900-$950.
http://ezine.m1911.org/ColtO1918_frame.htm
Plus in 5-10 years it will be worth much more money than a fake copy.
I have never had a problem with my three Colts.
Buy the original......buy the Colt.
The term "1911" gets thrown around a lot and I believe the meaning has become diluted. The original military designation, however was "Model of 1911" which was abbreviated as "M1911". Of the myriad pistols being built and sold today as "1911s", most have strayed far enough from the original, military design and specifications that they are 1911s only in general form.
Rgds
Eric
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