I'm wanting a new .45auto

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Love&Hate12

New member
I am mostly an enthusiast of the 9mm as being the optimum service cartridge for capacity, lower recoil and marginal stopping power(good stopping power in multiple accurate hits of course with expanding ammo).

But I do respect the .45acp greatly and especially the size and weight ratio, it's a big heavy bullet and most modern HP's tend to expand near the .80's, which is pretty significant from a pistol round as well.

I own a Sigarms P220 and a Glock21 and both are tack drivers, the cartridge is very enjoyable to shoot and I have studied a lot of the defensive ammuntion with the .45, my favorite being the 185+p and then the regular 230's.

I am wanting a new .45 with possible carry option, so that leaves out some of the double stacks like the big H&K .45.

Is it time for a 1911 to be added? Or is the SA XD a reasonable hi-cap .45 with the possibility of carry in cooler weather or full dress occasion?

Let me know what seasoned collectors think, I am in my early 20's.
 
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mjrodney

New member
There are any number of smaller size 1911 platforms to choose from, if a SA only is in the cards for you. If you intend to carry this type of pistol, first decide on how; cocked and locked or on an Israeli draw.

If you prefer DA, fondle a Ruger P345 for a while. It's light as .45's go, thin as in single stack, great ergonomics in the hand and it is totally reliable as a self-defense pistol.

Both of these sell well, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding them.
 
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givo08

New member
The new HK45 has a compact version. Also, the G30 is a small but relatively pleasant .45 as far as recoil. Commander sized 1911's are nice too but a commander 1911 is actually a little bigger than your sig 220 (longer overall length, same height, same width).
 
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kgpcr

New member
M&p45

The new M&P45 will be out very soon. I would take a look at them. I own XD's and glocks and i love my M&P40 and am going to buy an M&P45 as soon as they hit the street. They point like a dream and are utterly reliable.
 
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Shane Tuttle

Staff
I own the XD .45ACP among your choices. Couldn't say enough good stuff without giving you a thesis.
However, if I was in your situation, I'd look into a quality, reasonably priced 1911. The main reason: Everybody's gotta have a 1911 in their inventory.:D
Springer's Mil Spec, Kimber Pro or Ultra Carry comes to mind. I don't know what your price range is and there are several other variables to consider in your purchase. Those are just a couple that I'd consider first.
 
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HorseSoldier

New member
+1 on the 1911.

The other .45 cal options that have been mentioned are certainly good as well, but like tuttle8 said, everyone should have a 1911 in their collection.
 
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Jason_G

New member
H&K USP compact .45. I have a fullsize USP .45, and I love it, but it's a bit big for carry (it could be done, albeit uncomfortably with baggy clothes), but the compact is quite concealable. Good capacity, the design is excellent, and from what I hear they are dead-on accurate. Definitely consider this pistol.

Jason
 
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elwaine

New member
The XD .45 compact would carry well. I have the XD .45 service model and that, too, can carry concealed without much difficulty, depending on your build. It is one sweet gun - large capacity, not as fat as most double stack guns, very accurate and reliable.

IMO, there is nothing comparable to the 1911. Just a personal preference about 1911's: get a custom gun (Baer, Brown, Wilson, STI, etc.) or get a non-custom, relatively inexpensive gun such as the SA MilSpec and send it away to a good smith for customizing. If you haven't critically compared the difference between a non-custom 1911 and a stock 1911, there is nothing I can say that will matter one way or another. If you have compared the two types, there is nothing I need to say.
 
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Trapper L

New member
You might want to give the Smith/ Wesson 4516 a look for a carry gun. These things are built like a tank and will last you forever. They are a compact but not necessarily light in weight as compared to a compact alloy frame. Most of the law enforcement guys around here swear by them and malfunctions don't seem to be an issue. It's among the very few Smiths I think are worth having. I'm looking for one myself.
http://www.kitsune.addr.com/Firearms/Auto-Pistols/SW_4516.htm
This should give you an idea about one.
 
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Love&Hate12

New member
Some good insight here, I should look into all of them.

In terms of the 1911, which brand is known for out of the box reliability more so than others? Obviously it won't be any of the match guns due to the tighter tolerances.
 
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tony pasley

New member
If you can find one a Colt Double Eagle 45 acp Commander, or full size, they did make a Defender size also. They are a great choice for carry weapon.
 
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BigMak

New member
Maybe I'm being assumptive here, but if you're in your early 20's money could possibly be tighter than for some of us older folks.

If that's the case, there's 2 .45's I would highly recommend:

1911: The new Taurus PT1911
CCW: Taurus's PT145 MilPro

I'm not necessarily a big Taurus fan (I only have 3 Tauri out of my 17 handguns) but these both have over 2500 rounds through them without any hiccups. Just my .02.


BigMak
 
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Kermit

New member
I shoot fullsize guns better than my compact guns but I do have a few compacts. That said, I really like fullsize USPs and Colt Gov't models for ALL THINGS 45 acp :D
 
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Love&Hate12

New member
Yes BigMak, funds are always a little tight, but I am the type of owner that goes through guns, so I normally have some free cash for getting something different.

I keep things that I really shoot well and like, such as the G21 and P220, then I own two 9mm's and just sold a .38 special revolver as I am able to comfortably carry the G19, which is better firepower than a snub .38.

So I am not stretched at the moment and don't really own a whole lot of firearms compared to most guys who are really into shooting and guns.

The Colt line looks to be really attractive, the Springfield's are as well but most are overdone in my opinion, such as the Operator and what not, I think solid simplicity does well for 1911, just my opinion.

Some of the Kimbers look nice.
 
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JDG

New member
You have a Glock, and probably are used to it, why not get a G36? I carry a P345, and love it!:)
 
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Shane Tuttle

Staff
From your choices between the Springer, Colt, and Kimber:
I'd go with Colt 1st. Hands down. Especially if you're not afraid of the price. Just NOTHING bad to say about one of the original 1911 maker.
Springfield a close 2nd.
Third is Kimber. Great gun, but I can only give you heresay that customer service is not top notch right now and they tend to load up on features that may turn you off if you want simplicity.
I would still research those guns more.
I simply cannot endorse any Taurus product due to shaky quality across the board and resale value hasn't held a candle to the others mentioned. The PT1911 may end up being a good gun, but hasn't proven itself compared to a Colt, etc. IMO.
Buying a Colt is almost an investment these days.
 
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