Help me pick out a 45.

[Deadpool]

I own a Glock 19 and 26 and now I'm thinking about making the leap to 45. I really like my Glocks but I am not a fan of the 45 caliber Glocks. The 21 feels too big and the 30 and 36 are too small. I can't understand why Glock doesn't make a midsize 45.
Anyway, I'm thinking about going with either an XD 45 or an M&P 45. I'm curious what those if you that own these like/don't like about them.
Thanks in advance.

[1911Operator]

SA fully loaded 1911 roughly $800, or get that XD! I shot one once and my first 3 rounds were in the bull's eye! great gun but not too pretty.

[POLICESTATE]

I'm very happy with my Kimber TLE, $1000

[Casual_Shooter]

Go handle a few to see what fits you best.

I bought an all-stainless P220 on the recommendation of a friend. Great gun.

[aca72]

Why Not Get a Sig P220?

[Flying Bones]

I own a Glock 19 and 26 and now I'm thinking about making the leap to 45. I really like my Glocks but I am not a fan of the 45 caliber Glocks. The 21 feels too big and the 30 and 36 are too small. I can't understand why Glock doesn't make a midsize 45.
Anyway, I'm thinking about going with either an XD 45 or an M&P 45. I'm curious what those if you that own these like/don't like about them.
Thanks in advance.

I can identify with you 100% as I felt the same way about the Glock 21, you have held the 21SF right?

I own and XD45 and It's a great gun but with a high tang grip I often engage the slide release resulting in a failure to achieve slide lock on the last round.

I've since shot/held M&P45 and purchased one, I like it over the XD as it eliminates the slide lock problem with a smaller slide release locate further from the backstrap. It's only that one problem that made me steer towards the M&P as a hopeful replacement of the XD. You may/may not have that problem, holding/shooting is the only way to tell, assuming you've got a grip/stance you understand and trust.

[cyclenut]

If you don't mind the DA/SA, I'd recommend the P220 as well. HK USP or compact are very good choices as well.

[base64]

Buy the Nighthawk custom GRP on the boards here, before I give in and buy it myself!

[usctrojan]

I can identify with you 100% as I felt the same way about the Glock 21, you have held the 21SF right?

I bought the 21 and didn't like it... so gave it to my dad who has huge hands. I went out and got the 21SF for myself after. On the 21 I was shooting slightly to the right because the grip is too big. On the SF I can shoot the target perfectly (given I don't screw up).

Time to go to the range and rent!

[DaveFJ80]

I can't understand why Glock doesn't make a midsize 45.

G38 .45 GAP

Somebody had to say it

[usctrojan]

G38 .45 GAP

Somebody had to say it

More impressive is people actually bought it!

[Legasat]

YOU have to decide a few things first:

1911 or not?

DA or SA or DA/SA?

Full size, intermediate, or compact?

After you answer these, I recommend you go rent a few and shoot them. By the time you are done, I'll bet you will know the right answer.

I went through this process and ended up with a nice Dan Wesson 1911 and an M&P 45. Both have been flawless.

Best of luck with your decision.

[bigbob76]

I have the 21, 30, and 36. They all need to have the grip frame reduction process done to fit my hand. I already have the 30 done and will probably do the 36 next. The hump on the backstrap especially doesn't work for me.

[elSquid]

Anyway, I'm thinking about going with either an XD 45 or an M&P 45. I'm curious what those if you that own these like/don't like about them. Thanks in advance.

I own both.

XD45: good ergos, decent trigger. The bad: the controls are blocky, sharp edged, and really stick out from the frame. It's easy for the strong hand thumb to ride the slide stop, and for the support hand thumb ( at least mine, thumb forward grip ) to want to rest on the top rear corner of the takedown lever. I believe the XDm has revised controls. ( Not that it does us any good. ) The XD has a grip safety that blocks the striker and prevents slide movement when not depressed. Some people like this feature, some don't. Personally I'd be happier if it didn't lock the slide, but it's not that big of a deal.

M&P45: great ergos, interchangeable backstraps. Trigger takeup is pretty bad: I can feel two distinct "hitches" during trigger movement before the sear. Trigger break isn't bad, though. Many people swap in Apex Tactical parts which supposedly make the trigger quite good.

Both shoot fine, have decent magazines, and are fairly priced.

If I had to choose between them I'd take the M&P, mainly due to ergos. But that's me. Shoot both and decide for yourself.

-- Michael

[themailman]

The Glock 30 with a +1 extension is basically a midsize .45 Its bigger than a Glock sub compact and smaller than a fullsize.