Looking for a new pistol - another 9mm or .45?

[kAnJii]

I have a 9mm BHP, great gun. Going to give it to my wife. I have short fingers and looking to purchase a CZ sp-01, but also interested in a .45, possibly 1911. Which model to get? Springfield or Kimber? Price is an issue and will use for HD and fun. HK usp would be an option but my fingers may be not long enough for a comfortable feel.

[supermario]

I say get another 9mm or look for a 1911 in 9mm just becus the ammo is soo much cheaper.

[Steyrlp10]

If the vote is limited to a Springfield or Kimber, I vote for the Springfield .45. Nevertheless, I'm still a diehard Colt fan -- just my .02.

Best of luck and fun with your shopping spree!

[Cokebottle]

I'm in the same boat. Keep my XD9 and buy a new gun for my wife, but buy a .45 for myself, sell the XD, and buy a new gun for my wife (she can't rack the slide on the XD).
9mm ammo is cheap, which will encourage you to spend more time at the range. If you never spend any range time with the .45, it's not going to help you in a HD situation when you're under stress. If it is primarily for target plinking, stick with 9mm. If you are serious about HD and are willing to commit the $$$ needed to maintain proficiency, then by all means step up to the .45 and transfer the 9mm to her.

It is a nice idea to have all of your HD weapons chambered with the same ammo, but following that logic, it would also be nice to have all of your HD weapons be of the same brand/model so there's no risk that you might grab one of your wife's 9mm mags when you grab your .45 when something goes "bump" in the night.
If you have two separate HD weapons, I would recommend two separate handgun safes so you don't mix magazines. Remember... when you reach for that gun at 3am after hearing a window break, you are going to be under a great deal of stress and having a million things running through your half-awake mind.
Grabbing the "wrong" gun won't make a big difference in the outcome, but grabbing the wrong mag could make a big difference.

[skscj]

1911 in 45 with a laser. Make sure the possible drugged up crazy goes down with the 1st shot of 240gr. HP of 45 ACP. Just my thought.

[5ohguy]

I have 2 1911s in 45 and my dad has a glock 17. I shoot a single box to his every three. I love shooting 45 and its my HD caliber of choice, but what sounds funner at the range? 10 minutes or 30? The other day I went to the range and after shooting, I calculated that I spent 100 bucks shooting my Kimber and SA! I was there for an hour with some friends.

I just need a good 9mm target gun now and I'll be set. Don't even get me started on shooting the 308.

[sirgiles]

+1 for the loaded springfield.

[Rekrab]

If you want a cheaper beater shooter, you can't go wrong with a Rock Island 1911.

[locosway]

I'd say to stick with a 9mm so you can share ammo, and ammo is cheaper. However, having a diversity of calibers is helpful as well. I'd also try and pickup a couple other guns in different calibers when you can so you aren't limited to 9mm, and depending on who's koolaide you drink during the week you can switch them up.

[for2nato]

if you have small hands you might look at a kimber ultra carry. its a small frame 1911 in .45acp.

[trickyvic]

I would go for a Springfield Loaded 1911 45acp.