Non-1911 .45s

[Got_Lead?]

I have several .45's, and find the both the Sig 220 and XD-45 very comfortable to shoot. Both are lighter than the 1911, and recoil flips up the muzzle a bit more, however because of the ergonomics of the gun, they have more of a "push" than a knock when they fire. I think both are very comfortable to fire.

Your selection of recoil spring strength also affects felt recoil, if a spring is way too low powered for the load you are shooting, the slide will slap into the frame pretty hard at the end of it's rearward movement, this can impart a pretty good whack, which you will feel, definately.

One of the .45's that I don't like shooting is the Taurus PT 945, it's OK for lighter loads, but it has a very lightweight frame and limp recoil spring. It slaps my hand pretty hard with anything above wadcutters. I would investigate a slightly stiffer recoil spring, but the ergonomics of the slide serrations are slippery as snot on a doorknob. I'd need grip tape or something to improve this before going to a stiffer recoil spring, or I might not be able to work the slide.

Anyway, I would not hesitate to recommend either an XD or Sig

 

[Sniper X]

Since I am a 1911 guy, the only non 1911 in .45acp I would ever buy is the S&W Model 25 revolver.

 

[labhound]

Stoeger Cougar 8045 or Beretta PX4 .45 ACP.

 

[jef2015]

Check out the FN FNP45. I just picked one up today, $650 + tax, can be had for around $600 on buds guns. The two major selling points for me were low recoil and ambi decocker, slide release and mag release. Oh yeah, 15 round mag

 

[chez323]

"West German SIG P220s can be had for less than $600."

Go with the Sig P220, I picked up my for under $500 and I love it.......... solid, great shooting and very reliable 45!

 

[Formula94]

Another vote for the FNP45. I got mine at my LGS this spring for $650 and I'm sure you could find them cheaper on line.

 

[jkulysses]

It might not be the prettiest gun and it's a little on the large side but I love my Ruger P90 in stainless steel!! I bought it brand new about 13 years ago for $300 with a cleaning kit, 4 mags and 3 boxes of ammo and I have never once had a failure with this gun after hundreds and hundreds of rounds that weren't due to a bad reload. It used to be my carry gun using a Simply Rugged Cuda holster but I will admit that concealing this gun is hard to do unless your wearing a hoodie, jacket or baggy tee shirt and it can get heavy on your side after a while. It's now my bedside and range gun.

 

[KMO]

+1 on the Ruger P90...as dependable as any .45 auto out there. And, for the aesthetically sensitive, it's amazing how the appearance improves with the addition of Hogue finger groove rubber grips. The P90 is truly underrated among the .45 auto enthusiasts. The newer, lighter, slimmer P345 is also a top performer, and can be purchased new for about $450. Remember, the best gun stuff is made in Arizona!

 

[9mmepiphany]

I've always been a closet Ruger .45ACP auto fan...much less so their other CF autos. The ones I have shot have always been reliable and accurate.

Call me shallow, but I just could not get over their sense on line or their sheer size...I could at least understand it in the P90 in the original intended chambering in 10mm. The P97 is smoother and flows better, but I could never get pass the protruding barrel from the receding front of top of the slide

 

[NMGonzo]

Bersa

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

+1 on Ruger P97, also have found Ruger P90s to be totally reliable, and accurate. If I'm going to have a plastic pistol, it will be Glock. or P97

 

[Jeb21]

Another vote for the M&P 45 - soft shooting, reliable, accurate, light, and you can get it with or without a manual safety. It can be carried with the right holster and cover garments.

 

[Slamfire]

I went with the SIG P220. A local gunshop was selling them for $650 and I thought that was a good deal.

I like the double action, no external safeties, a decocker. This is about as close to a double action revolver I can get in an autopistol.

I can easily thumb cock the thing, no beavertail in the way.

It shot low for me and I had to install adjustable sights. Once zero'd I found this pistol surprisingly accurate. About revolver accurate. I am quite impressed, used to be that you had to sink $400.00 extra in a Colt M1911 to have the accuracy that this pistol provides out of the box.

No function problems with 200 LSWC's or 230 LRN or 230 FMJ's.

The recoil spring is so stiff I have to sling shot the slide as I do not have the finger strength to depress the slide release.

I have bruised my thumb getting 8 shots in the magazine. Magazine springs are also very stiff.

If you can scrap up the money I do not think you will be disappointed with a SIG in 45 ACP.

 

[jackpinesavages]

For the smaller .45 you want the Glock 30. Try one.

 

[exavid]

I was looking for an inexpensive .45 auto and decided to give the Taurus 24/7 PRO DS a try. I've fired about 300 rounds through it so far, Winchester white box, Federal Eagle and some Remingtons. Not a single problem, the pistol doesn't seem to be particular to different makes of ammo. The trigger is light and smooth, this model doesn't have the 'trigger safety lever'. The two double stack magazines hold 12 rounds and with the poly frame the grip is thin and comfortable for someone without big hands. The grip angle is perfect for me. This model has a 4" barrel. I've found the gun to be accurate at 50' and comfortable shooting. Recoil is more of a 'thump' or push with little barrel flip. I know there are many who don't like Taurus but I currently have three of their auto loading pistols all of which function with no problems. I will admit the 740 Slim .40 which is a pretty compact pistol for .40S&W has a snappy recoil it's still a good carry gun due to it's small size and thin width.

 

[45crittergitter]

I really like the Taurus 24/7 OSS, which is a 5" gun, a rare length for a DA autoloader. I think they have shorter (non-OSS) 24/7s as well. Bud's had them for cheap ($350 or so, delivered).