Analysis/paralysis - .45 auto

[mnhoj]

I'm looking for a range/home protection large capacity, easy shooting .45 semi auto. with a budget of $1K all in.
My eyes are bleeding from all the reviews I've looked at in the past week.
I think I just need to narrow it down a bit and was hoping for a few opinions and suggestions.

I had a G17 15 years ago and haven't shot since so I don't really have a preference to what type of action. I do like the idea of a crisp predictable trigger. And my hands are a bit on the small side.

1911s. I've shot a few years ago and liked it.
RIA tactical. Maybe with a few mods?
Kimber, Remington, Ruger or others?

Sig Sauer P220 is another I'm really interested in. Are there enough QC issues to be concerned? I'm not savvy about buying used so I think a german made is out of the question.

CZ 97b. I like this one a lot but it seems to be pretty scarce.

HK 45 is out of my budget but I might be able to just squeeze it out. This seems like the one.
Maybe a USP 45 instead?

Glock 21/SF/Gen4 - Seems like the most practical. Just rather try something else.

Any others?
Thanks.

[bwhited]

Have you looked at the Springfield XD line?

[TeeMan]

I was going to say: Springfield XD .45 Ugly as sin but a solid, affordable option for HD.

[Spaceghost]

It's a PITA to change the sights on an XD, not sure about the newer ones, but make sure you look into it before buying.

I would trying renting at your local range and renting any prospects. Have you looked at the M&P series?

The trigger on a P220 takes a lot of dry firing to get the hang of in double action. I had one and sold it. Definitely rent the HK, a friend of mine had one and it was a New York trigger. He sold his a year later.

The RIA Tactical is great out of the box. The sights could be better and VZ grips would make it a little easier on the eyes. Still well under your budget with new sights and grips.

I haven't had the opportunity to shoot a CZ and would love to try one out.

Where are you at? We might be able to point you to a local range or two where you can rent a few yourself and see if you like them. Nothing better than trying before buying.

[mnhoj]

Have you looked at the Springfield XD line?

I was going to say: Springfield XD .45 Ugly as sin but a solid, affordable option for HD.

Thanks. I have looked but it didn't really catch my eye. I'll take a better look.

It's a PITA to change the sights on an XD, not sure about the newer ones, but make sure you look into it before buying.

I would trying renting at your local range and renting any prospects. Have you looked at the M&P series?

The trigger on a P220 takes a lot of dry firing to get the hang of in double action. I had one and sold it. Definitely rent the HK, a friend of mine had one and it was a New York trigger. He sold his a year later.

The RIA Tactical is great out of the box. The sights could be better and VZ grips would make it a little easier on the eyes. Still well under your budget with new sights and grips.

I haven't had the opportunity to shoot a CZ and would love to try one out.

Where are you at? We might be able to point you to a local range or two where you can rent a few yourself and see if you like them. Nothing better than trying before buying.

Thanks for the response. I'm in Torrance. I used to go to Sharpshooters years ago. Sounds like rentals will solve a lot of guess work.

[timbo399]

I'd say HK USP45 but if hands on small side it's a pretty large handgun. I remember when shopping for my first handgun the 1911 just felt much more natural to hold. But same as Glock 21sf, even the sf version I found the grips quite large but nothing can't get used to. If you owned a Glock 17 before and used to the striker fired manual of arms, yes, maybe Glock 21sf might be the 'boring' choice, but boring can be good for HD gun!

I have mostly 1911s for my .45's but also a Glock 30sf and thinking of adding a 21sf gen 3 just , well, to have it, cause I'm a gun addict.

Gen 4 Glock 21 can also change grip size and use what feels best to you.

[3006Garand]

A Springfield 1911. Try a loaded model.

[faterikcartman]

P220

[stix213]

At least hold a USP 45 before buying. I have small hands too, and while I love mine it is on the large size for me. But out of your list I'd go with either the Glock since you have previous Glock experience, or the USP.

[osis32]

If you want a full ten rounds a pistol designed I'm double stack would be advantageous. I too enjoy the xd45 especially the tactical model. If you want a 1911 hard to beat the ria tactical. I enjoy mine immensely. The p220 is a great weapon if you get an older one but has about the same capacity as the 1911. If you like all steel construction and are able to find one the cz97 is a great pistol. I couldn't find one so i bought an eaa witness match. You should specify what trigger type you prefer (sao or da/sa) and capacity preference. That will help others with suggestions.

[Iknownot]

Try (rent / borrow) the various types. Pick the one you like best? That's the way I'd do it.

[Powder_Keg]

I had a Springfield XD45 with 4" barrel about a year ago, sold it to another forum member. It was a good gun and plenty accurate.

With SSE coming to an end, I picked up the newer XDm 45 with a 4.5" barrel. It has a match barrel and should be a lot of fun to shoot. Unfortunately, I can't get it out of jail for a couple more weeks.

OP, lots of options out there, let us know what you go with.

[ShooterStymie]

You're considering Rock Island, Remington, Ruger, Glock...but you're concerned about a Sig P220 because of QC issues?

A little knowledge goes a long way

[9kracing]

With the $200 rebate HK is currently running, I would think the HK45 should fall well under 1K.

If you're looking for a smaller gun, the USP compact .45 is another option.

It seems like if you've ever wanted an HK, now would be the time to buy one with the rebate going on.


I just checked Budsguns... the HK45 is $1002 and the USPc is $864. Both come in pretty well under your 1K limit after the rebate, in fact you can get tax and DROS too.

[cannon]

Go to the range and rent them all and pick the winner.

What you read and decide will probably be tossed aside by the actual shooting. One of them will fit naturally in your hand and others won't.

P.S. Get a Colt!