Help me choose a 45 ACP

[lowdrop2001]

I just got my first gun last month it's a Glock 19. I love it I put about 600 rounds in the last couple weeks. Now I want a 45 for home defense but also to take the the range. I know I need to go try a few to find the one that feels better in my hands. But I need your expertise and experience to narrow down my search. Only have about $700 max that I could spend on a new gun. Also would like one that has a low recoil. Thanks for your help. Im looking forward going to the range and trying all the guns you suggest.

[Black Majik]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=152007

[AT'sGCSRT8]

I like the XDs. Either the service or the tactical would be good for HD and neither one has very much felt recoil IMO. Scan the FS threads as they pop up every now and then.

[aca72]

Your choices: 1911 vs. et al

Et al: SIG, HK, GLOCK, etc...

The .45 ACP is a potent caliber. Yeah, big holes! Choose well.

[realmswalker]

I can Only post about guns I have used. If you can, rent or try a 1911 like a springfield mil spec, a hk usp fullsize or compact and a glock 21. the usp is the only one that is out of your price range if you are buying new, but it can be had used for around 700.

Out of those guns I love the feel of my 1911, that single action trigger is like no other and it's got a hefty feel. The usp compact and fullsize have been flawless machines for me in thousands of rounds and I would trust my life with them. The glock 21 is nice, the same as the usp in reliability. Try them out and maybe a springfield XD and. I don't have a sig 45 but I do have a 9mm and that also is a great gun. Try a p220 if you can, but this gun also is out of your range new, possible to get used for 700.

[cineski]

On the cheap, the XD45 or XD45c is very hard to beat. If you go this route, replace the magazine springs with AGP Exra Power Springs. The mag springs in XD45's are weak and is the ONLY problem I can see with this amazing platform. I have no experience with the MP45 but have heard great things. Glock, well, I just don't like them but you obviously do so this may be the best bet. SIG has a very shoddy track record with their 220's, but they've redesigned the extractor which seems to fix their past problems. SIG is a **** company IMO. HK is IMO the best. If you can find an HK45/HK45c they are amazing, the lowest recoiling .45 I've shot including 1911's due to the recoil buffer, although way out of your stated price range. If you can't find these, the standard USP series is good, but not as ergonomic. They'll be very reliable. A 1911 is a platform that you must dedicate yourself to if used for home defense. What happens in a panic situation and you forget to flip the safety?

The best thing you can do is spend a few bucks and rent them. You'll find your own way, which is the best way to find. The .45 seems to be the most versitile caliber in terms of DA, DA/SA, SA availability. Find out which platform is best for you and it'll help you find the best gun for you.

[maxicon]

For a range gun, the 1911 is hard to beat. Even inexpensive ones are great shooters. I don't like them as HD guns due to the light single-action trigger - I prefer a strong first pull on my defense guns - but that's a personal decision.

[ncmavtgun]

You can't go wrong with a 1911, P220, or USP.
I'm sure you can find a used one at your price range.
I love all three and each have their own pros&cons.

[Black Majik]

Metal framed 45s will always have softer recoil than polymer guns. There are two production .45s (well not anymore) that had the softest recoil of all guns I've shot. They were the P220 Sport, and the Springfield TRP Operator. Both now discontinued, both all steel, and both $1000+

For $700, Either the CZ97 which I linked, or a Springfield Milspec will do just fine. The XD, M&P, Glock, FNP45, should all do fine, but they'll recoil just a little bit more. Nothing which is uncontrollable though with some practice.

Go to a shop, range or bring out some buddies, dryfire and shoot as many guns as you can. There are still many options to choose from for a $700 budget. Things to note would be 1) pointability 2) trigger 3) sights 4) aftermarket support (subjective) 5) ergonomics.

Also, for HD, it'll be a trade-off. 1911s dont come railed for a $700 budget. You'll have to get a polymer gun which will recoil more but come with a rail. Hey, maybe hang a heavier light and it'll help with muzzle flip.

[DDRH]

S&W M&P45

[the_donald_]

Here's my take on .45s after renting a few:
Glock Fullsize (G21 I believe) - too much recoil IMO, couldn't get back on target quick enough, & was anticipating the "bang" too much.
Sig P220 - nice, but the rental's sites were off, left a bad impression, recoil was less than the Glock from what I remember, I could manage the trigger OK though
Kahr KP45 - this thing practically blows up in your hand, felt like there was minimal suppression (it actually felt like Tupperware in my hand)

I regret that I didn't have an HK or XD to test during this time, there were no rentals available by me. - so no opinion on these. Still hope to shoot them soon.

I then shot a full sized all-steel 1911 in a .45 & it changed everything. Recoil was manageable, I could get back on target quickly, it was damn accurate, & it felt right in my hands.

If low recoil, HD, & range use is your aim....consider a full-sized all-steel gun. I was amazed at how it absorbed the energy.

Just my thoughts. Shoot anything you can get your hands on before you decide, you'll be glad you did.

[Rob Roy]

I recemmend either Glock 21SF/30SF or Springfield XD.

[Ptack1]

I love my mil spec springfield 1911. But i like the feel of metal guns more then polymer, and its not a carry gun (at least for now) so its just a range/woods toy.

[lowdrop2001]

Thanks for all the replys. I will defenitly have fun trying all the guns you guys suggested. I love the look of the 1911 but have never shot one. Im looking forward to it.

[Miltiades]

Steel is good

I then shot a full sized all-steel 1911 in a .45 & it changed everything. Recoil was manageable, I could get back on target quickly, it was damn accurate, & it felt right in my hands.

If low recoil, HD, & range use is your aim....consider a full-sized all-steel gun. I was amazed at how it absorbed the energy.

I have to agree with "the_donald" on this one. I own and have shot quite a few .45s, and the all steel, full size 1911 is the most pleasant to shoot in this caliber. If your application is range and home defense, then the size and weight of the gun doesn't matter as it would in concealed carry. So you might as well get something large and easy to shoot.

Another gun that offers many of the advantages of the 1911 would be the Sig P220 in the all steel version. It weighs about the same as a 1911, but gives you a different trigger action and feel.