.45 ACP ideas

[Ruber]

Since you are entertaining the idea of the discontinued CZ97, check out the off roster EAA/Tanfoglio Witness. Just as easy/difficult to come by. I always felt the Witness is what the 97 should have been with several improvements/advantages.

Still, i do prefer the HK USP for a big 45 and the Sig p220 for a more slender 45. Either the Expert or the standard USP with a few factory upgrades will be great. Only problem with the usp is the proprietary rail.

Love my 1911's, but they have all been converted to something other than 45 auto since I got the p220.

[checkenbach]

I have a P220 Combat, a West German P220, a Glock G21 SF, and a few Colt 1911's. The 220'S shoot great and are very accurate, as are the 1911's, but the G21 is laser accurate, and a softer shooter than all the others. All the guns listed are great, but I shoot the P220 Combat and the G21more than the rest.
That said, I would like to get a G41, but refuse to pay double for an off roster gun.

[rhodesengr]

Thanks guys. All great posts. I understand that personal preference plays a big factor. There is a range nearby that rents guns so i can see what they have in the way of 45 ACP. I went through this process before buying my SP-01. I was able to try a Glock and a CZ75B side by side. I was a little surprised to read that the Glock was very accurate. That was not my experience when testing the 9mm's. he Glock was even a target type model and was much bigger pattern than the CZ. I remember hitting the center dot on my first shot with the CZ. I have no false illusion of being a good pistol shooter. So probably the Glock could deliver tight patterns with more practice but I also didn't like the feel of the gun compared to the CZ.

I think I'd be "all over" the P220 if they ones available were all steel. There is a stainless version on Roster but I don't see them available anywhere or even on the Sig website. So maybe it was discontinued.

There is a store not too super far from me that seems to have a number of 45's in stock. Probably worth going there and getting my hands on a few. I do have a history of buying sight unseen after doing some research like this.

I'll be making my own ammo so I'll also need a caliber conversion for my SDB and large pistol primers. Powders I have covered. I looked up a bunch of load already.

I was also surprised to see that the Kimbers may have a bad reputation. I have a retired LE friend that has several and says they are top-notch.

I really appreciate all the great info.

[walmart_ar15]

When Kimber first came out like 30 odd years ago, they were trash low end 1911 copies. All sort of reliability issues with them. Back then even the Norinco 1911 copy was better than the Kimber. Since then, they had grown and learned from their shortcomings. But people have long memories. I for one will never buy a Kimber, especially at current prices. Again, that's just personal preference.

Best deal around seems to be the RIA. But none of the ones you are likely interested in are on CA roster. 1911 A-2 GI FS is a good deal for just the frame. Expect to spend some more $$$ to customize it. A new slide with sights already installed, cut it for a tail and new hammer would be the min.

And chances are as long as all parts are RIA, they will drop-in fit. Tuner has it on-sale this week.

[rhodesengr]

1911 A-2 GI FS is a good deal for just the frame. Expect to spend some more $$$ to customize it.

I should mention that I am not really interested in one that needs or wants mods. I did change the sights a couple of times on my SP-01 but would prefer to not even have to do that. One review I read about the P220 was that it was great out of the box. My reservation about weight is just about recoil. people say they soak up recoil well even though they are down around 30oz.

My hobby aspect is evolving to be more about ammo making and speed testing. Just not real interested in a "project gun".

[Ruber]

My hobby aspect is evolving to be more about ammo making and speed testing. Just not real interested in a "project gun".

CZ/Tanfoglio and Hk USP are very solid 45's and forgiving for handloaders.

I have a RIA I've modified for 460 Rowland that I will also use for developing hot 45 autos and 45 Super. But the USP works well for load development too.

[walmart_ar15]

I would second the USP, but unfortunately, they are no longer on the roster.

[naz]

I should mention that I am not really interested in one that needs or wants mods. I did change the sights a couple of times on my SP-01 but would prefer to not even have to do that. One review I read about the P220 was that it was great out of the box. My reservation about weight is just about recoil. people say they soak up recoil well even though they are down around 30oz.

My hobby aspect is evolving to be more about ammo making and speed testing. Just not real interested in a "project gun".

Ria is not going to need mods to shoot 45acp. It’s fine.

Btw, if you’re into ammo reloading and more power, I guess you will pursue 45super? You’ll need some mods to your 1911 for that.

How about getting a 10mm and going for full power “200gn at 1200fps” or hotter loads? Get a G20 and shoot the heck out of it stock. And then if you want to plink, load it with 40sw

[Peahi2]

go big les Baer premier II mike drop

YESSS!

[beerman]

I have 3 guns in 45 auto. A Remington Rand , A Colt Gold Cup and a Sig P220. Of the 3, I prefer the Sig. Funny cause I bought it to keep the miles off the other two. Never dreamed I’d enjoy it so much. That said, the HKs and CZs are darn nice shooting too.

[S.A.]

Another .45 to consider, S&W 3rd Gen autos, 4500 series.

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1835651&highlight=4506

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1835490&highlight=4506

[Wordupmybrotha]

CZ 97B - my favorite 45acp.
You can add a rail.

[dozer wright]

I purchased in a Kimber Custom 2 in 2016. The finish was garbage.Started wearing almost immediately from Holster use. The flash rusting barrel.
It shot great but quality wasn't there.
Traded/ sold it.

Couple years Back I picked up a Springfield Mc Operator.
Which seems to be a great firearm.
My next purchase will Be a Hk Usp in 45acp preferably a Mark 23. Been hunting for a while. One day.

[robert101]

I can tell you that my SA Loaded and vintage Colt Commander are great guns. I have a DW 1911 but in 10MM. I highly recommend Dan Wesson 1911's as great guns and a great company.

[gsparesa]

HK USP, not metal but I think it's the best handgun I own. HK USP Expert in 45ACP.

The expert would be a fine choice for those locked into CA. H&K makes fine handguns but some models have the funcky mag release. Though, I didn't find it hard to master. Other than that, if you want pizazz, look at the P220 Equinox Elite Full-Size.