Which 45 ACP pistol?

[vta]

I've got the SA Loaded and the XD45. Such different guns but if I had to pick, I would probably pick the SA 1911 Loaded.

Now if it was a XDm...



Well, I wouldn't know because its too dangerous of a gun for me to own.

[Swoop]

Sig 220 Elite is under my bed ! If you want a 1911 spend a couple hundred more and get an operator I'm sure glad I held out for my MC operator well worth the extra coin.

XD's are good guns but don't compare to A Sig Elite especially I asume you are in law enforcement and have looked into acquiring one they are an amazing bang for your buck but you have to not mind the da first trigger pull which I love. Otherwise a good old 1911 should be your choice just be sure to get the better one and not have to add a bunch of aftermarket things to it later, do it right the first time.

[Cali-Shooter]

First "Official" handgun I've ever shot was an XD45. Loved it. My paper target had different body parts labeled on the torso, and I repeatedly placed my shots thru the poor guy's spleen

My recommendations are: XD45 or XDM45

or

1911 (Kimber, Springfield Armory, USGI)

My $0.02.

[powaybob]

I have two 1911s, an XD, and Ruger P345, all in .45ACP. I shoot the best with the XD and it feels better in my hand than the others. Second to that would be the 1911 because I have shot it more, then the P345.

[zfields]

Mmmmmmmmm xd love.

[Cali-Shooter]

I have two 1911s, an XD, and Ruger P345, all in .45ACP. I shoot the best with the XD and it feels better in my hand than the others. Second to that would be the 1911 because I have shot it more, then the P345.

Mmmmmmmmm xd love.

Yep, totally agree. I've only ever shot an XD45 once, and it was magic in the air! Only gripe is because of the Commiefornia magazines that we have to deal with, default capacity is 13 I believe, so its annoying how 3 more rounds is somehow worthy of a felony

[tacticalcity]

Of the firearms you listed there is only one option. The Springfield 1911 Loaded. Reasonably short trigger pull that is the same every time, very short trigger reset, accurate, reliable and time tested. Definately the way to go if you want a 45ACP. If you like the 1911, consider looking at some others. There is a wide range of 1911s out there. This one is a great starting point, I am just saying spend some time comparing them to make sure you find the one that best meets your needs and tastes.

Springfield XD = very long trigger reset and height over bore issues with their sights all of which makes truly mastering this handgun very difficult. Definately would not own one of these, unless it was a gift in which case I would be honored just to be thought of.

Sig 220 = Not sure if you meant to say you want the DAK version. If you did that is a LOUSY action. You have to completely release the trigger before you can pull it again, which is the exact opposite of how you want a trigger to work. The shorter the reset (amount you have to release trigger before you can pull it and fire again) the better. Short reset equals greater accuracy. If you want the DA/SA version you will get a shorter reset, however DA/SA guns are not as easy to master as SAO guns like the 1911 you are looking at. The first trigger pull is hard and long, while follow up shots are short and light. In an overwhelming majority of shooters this results in one shot too high and one shot two low, and neither where you want them. The sig cannot be carried cocked and locked. If it could, the DA/SA would not be as much of an issue. Definately would not own one of these, unless it was a gift in which case I would be honored just to be thought of.

In your shoes, I would rank my favorite .45ACP handguns in this order.

1) 1911 Variant - I prefer the really expensive ones like those made by Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, and Nighhawk but the Springfield Loaded is a great starting point, and is really nice firearm. SAO trigger is very easy to master.

2) Glock - Because every trigger pull is the same, it has a short reset, and the trigger safety is much easier to master than a thumb safety. If this were a caliber other than .45ACP Glock would be my first choice.

3) H&K UPS or H&K 45 with a V1 trigger pack - Unlike other DA/SA handguns, you can carry an HK with a V1 trigger pack cocked and locked. Doing so allows you to bypass the first DA trigger pull leaving you with a very light, smooth SA trigger pull every single time. You still have a thumb safety to contend with, and the magazine release is a bit goofy, but it is a much better option than Sigs, XDs, CZs, and just about everything except a 1911 or a Glock.

There are plenty of people that love Sigs, XDs, and CZs and the like despite the flaws I mention above. I don't have a problem with that. It's not like they are junk or anything. They are well made and very nice firearms. I just feel it is important to be fully aware of the CONS before you buy. If you are aware of the CONs, and still feel the PROs make it worth it, then go for it. So what if we like a different cup of tea. I'm cool with that.

As for the myth that Glocks like to go KABOOM, that is nonsense. All guns can and will kaboom if there is manufacturing defect or you try and use bad ammo in them. You can find a picture of a KABOOMED handgun for every make and model gun if you try hard enough. Glocks are no more likely to Kaboom than Sigs, 1911s, or any other gun out there. They are extremely well made, have high quality control, as do the other major brand handguns. The Glock haters have an inferiority complex. We Glock lovers brag about how perfectly designed the action is, and how easy that simple design is to master compared to their much more expensive gun and they get jealous. That is all that Glock hating is about. Call them ugly, as they are. But don't try and say they are poorly made. That is just ridiculous.

If you are going to take the advice of others, and take them all to the range please be sure to train realistically. Don't just plink, taking forever in a day between shots, cocking the hammer on the DA/SA to make it easier, or other unrealistic things like that. Train from the holster, shoot controlled pairs, non-standard responses (3-5 shots), headshots with whatever condition it is right out of the holster, and see which firearm gets the most hits where they are supposed to be. If you do that I would be willing to bet the 1911 and Glock will shine compared the others, especially if you are a new shooter. If you do not know how to properly do any of the above, visit the COMPETITION & TRAINING SECTION and sign-up for one of the many DEFENSIVE or TACTICAL HANDGUN COURSES. Odds are there is one in your area. They will train you properly, so you don't hurt yourself or anyone else. Plus, those courses are EXTREMELY fun! I take them all the time, just because I enjoy them.

[ilkhan]

I bought the XD45 (compact / 4") first, have a P220R planned for december, and will add a SA loaded 1911 as funds allow. So thats my suggestion for order.

[light]rail+capacity trumped perfect trigger/looks for the first gun.

[DannyInSoCal]

I've narrowed it down to three 45 caliber pistols around $800. Springfield 1911 Loaded, Springfield XDM or Sig 220 Elite Dark. Tried the Glock 21SF and its still quite big. This will be my HD pistol. Something I would reach for when I hear something go bump in the night. I would also use it for range/target shooting so I want it accurate. What do you guys think or am I missing something.

Just curious why you didnt consider the Glock 30SF / .45 ?

It will hold the longer 21 13rd mags...

Thanx, D

[den888]

I'd go with the 1911...

[dennab]

XDm and don't look back.

[FUBAR]

Glock 30SF is still kinda big but might be managable. I gotta check it out now.