.45 acp pistol choices - Gun-Forums.Com

Fronty Owner

11-01-2009, 11:36 PM

The only way I buy used is from someone I know and trust VERY well or after someone I know and trust VERY well has agreed its worth the amount to be paid. Too many kitchen table gunsmiths in the world these days..

Adaminak

11-02-2009, 12:48 AM

Used 1911 (Colt, S&W, Para, Kimber, Dan Wesson) from a gunshop comes to mind first, followed closely by a S&W M&P 45 or a Springfield XD 45.

Fronty Owner

11-02-2009, 01:05 AM

Used 1911 (Colt, S&W, Para, Kimber, Dan Wesson) from a gunshop comes to mind first, followed closely by a S&W M&P 45 or a Springfield XD 45.

Already have an XD40SC.
Nothing wrong with the XD would happily have another. Just, well, I already have an XD which is why it didn't make the short list above.

Hadn't thought about the M&P.

Adaminak

11-02-2009, 01:21 AM

Good point on the XD...I totally understand that mindset, although my wife doesn't get it and probably never will :D

I really like the M&P, and will likely end up with one so I can convert it to 460 Rowland. They're well made, and completely different than the Sigma series.

The CZ 75 is finally offered in 45ACP, just renamed the model 97. It's another option that you don't see too often:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=145271021

NIB for right around $600 and I've come to trust CZ for reliability and longevity.

Fronty Owner

11-02-2009, 02:02 AM

for a while, S&W was giving the sigma's away if you bought certain other guns. The sigma wasn't considered either.

that CZ is a sharp pistol.

wyododge

11-02-2009, 03:33 AM

Adaminak

11-02-2009, 04:57 AM

for a while, S&W was giving the sigma's away if you bought certain other guns. The sigma wasn't considered either.

that CZ is a sharp pistol.

Got a Sigma with my .500 and promptly sold it for $250. We both felt like we got a good deal, so it worked out.

I've always like the CZ-75, but never was fond of the 9mm. Now that they offer it in 40 and 45, I'm thinking it might be time to add one to the collection.

Another thing to think about: I love my Sig 220. You can't get one new for $600, but you can find a used one, or even better a police trade-in, for right in that ballpark.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=145177637

Shovelhead

11-02-2009, 07:23 PM

As far as the 1911, I have never really liked them. Didn't like the lack of a de-cocking mechanism other than releasing the hammer. Didn't really feel safe to me.

Not sure why someone would want to 'decock' a 1911. :confused:

It was designed to carry Cocked & Locked.

Only two times I lower the hammer on mine.
One is to launch a 230 gr projectile, the other is after the weapon has been unloaded and 'cleared' by me, then disassembled during cleaning.

patdaly

11-02-2009, 08:29 PM

Amen Shovel, I feel a whole lot safer with mine cocked and locked than I ever did decocking my Ruger P85.

I always wince when I push that lever.......

Fronty, you should be able to pick up a new base Springfield, etc. 1911 for the price you mention.

Fronty Owner

11-02-2009, 11:16 PM

My nephew (MSG 29 Palms) has a Glock, I really like it. Not sure of the price though. I have a baretta 40 S&W. Nice gun but I didn't know you could disable the firing pin by pressing ever so slightly on the muzzle. Pretty easy to get the slide off too. I personally like the glock for capacity and weight. My Baretta is okay, but I don't think I would by another. As far as the 1911, I have never really liked them. Didn't like the lack of a de-cocking mechanism other than releasing the hammer. Didn't really feel safe to me.

The barrettas I have looked at are out of the price I wanna pay.
I have a 9mm, I have a .40S&W, Im thinking a .45 would be nice to add to the collection.
It sounds like there are a few options in 1911. There are just so many to look thru that I haven't fully researched the options. The ones I had looked at in the $600 price range, were either taurus or names I hadn't heard of.

Adaminak

11-03-2009, 04:54 AM

Just read in American Rifleman that Para Ordnance is now making a GI spec 1911 with MSRP of $599.

Stay away from anything Taurus unless you're never ever going to use it as a defensive tool. Every single Taurus I've ever owned had a critical flaw of one sort or another, and my experiences are shared by many others.

Good luck, happy hunting, and let us know what you end up with!

Fronty Owner

11-03-2009, 11:26 PM

taurus might make the list if I start thinking I want a wheel gun, but I would rather have a hi-point than a taurus in a semi auto...

Adaminak

11-04-2009, 02:03 PM

taurus might make the list if I start thinking I want a wheel gun, but I would rather have a hi-point than a taurus in a semi auto...

My first revolver was an old first-run Taurus 66. It wouldn't fire if one of the chambers was empty. Hammer wouldn't move; period. Put an empty case and five live rounds in it and it would fire fine. One live round and five empties? No problems. Any combo that made six would work, but it wouldn't fire any other way. After I gave up trying to diagnose it I took it to three different 'smiths, none of whom could determine the actual problem. That gun got disposed of via Pawn Shop. I must be a slow learner though, as there were two Taurus autos (PT-99 and a PT-945) as well as a newer 66 that later passed through my collection before I avowed to never again own a Taurus.

Fronty Owner

11-05-2009, 01:52 AM

Buds has a SA 1911 GI that is in my price range.

Now I just need to brown bag is for a few months so my S.O. cant complain as much....

patdaly

11-05-2009, 11:13 PM

Adaminak

11-06-2009, 02:23 AM

Wow, guess I need to start building 1911's again.

Used to sell them for 225 bucks to friends with Essex or Caspian frames and NM slides..... Hadn't really kept up on the prices that even Springfields were bringing. I think I paid 289 bucks for my first Springfield, brand new.

I'll be your best customer...how about you build me one on a Caspian frame and I'll give you $450 for it? That'd be double what you made previously, but I'm willing to do it because you're such a swell guy. Matter of fact, Why don't you make three of 'em just like that and I'll take 'em all. :D :D :D

Fronty Owner

11-06-2009, 03:20 AM

Now thats a buy two, get one free deal right? sequencial serial numbers? Ill take that deal at $450 each on a buy two, get one free...

patdaly

11-06-2009, 10:27 PM

I'll be your best customer...how about you build me one on a Caspian frame and I'll give you $450 for it? That'd be double what you made previously, but I'm willing to do it because you're such a swell guy. Matter of fact, Why don't you make three of 'em just like that and I'll take 'em all. :D :D :D

Hmm, might just do that.

I would need to get my FFL again....... If you are serious, I will start checking out frames and slides again. I am sure the NM slides are all but gone, but I used them because they fit well with less work. Still have all my tools, plus a full machine shop at my disposal.

Never did it to really make any money, lord knows I worked for a quarter an hour, just always loved working one out and having it shoot well.

Adaminak

11-07-2009, 06:42 PM

I'd feel like a thief if I gave you $450 for a complete 1911-style gun, especially if it was made with quality parts. A quick look at Brownells show a Caspian frame and slide will run about $550. Essex frame/slide drops the price to $350. Of course you can probably do better with dealer prices and a different supplier, but I don't know how much better.

I'm glad you've got the equipment space and tools, and not me. I wouldn't be able to help myself, and my wife would yell everytime the FedEx guy showed up at the door:D I'd be interested in seeing what you could offer, but a single potential customer does not a business model make...

I would however, pay an honest price for honest work.

patdaly

11-07-2009, 09:21 PM

Wow, think I still have 1 spare Caspian frame and 1 NM slide left.......

Those prices are insane! I definitely am going to be doing some more research...... A buddy of mine has played with the 80 percent AR receiver...... Heck a triple throwdown 1911 is easy compared to that.

Pull Ya

11-09-2009, 01:40 AM

Let me know the results of your research also. I currently have a Colt Commander that I either need to have worked over or have it replaced by something that is of greater quality. Have been looking at Kimbers and the wait time is months and months and I have read some poor reviews lately.
Thanks,
Jay

Boatnik

11-14-2009, 12:59 AM

Colt 1911A1 and any variation there pulls the strings to my heart. The Glock 21 is number two on my list. My Colt Defender is number one. Third is a Norinco Model of the 1911 that I have been customizing over the last few years. It is a full frame and not as concealable as I like but it is extremely strong and shoots very well.

tightgroup

11-14-2009, 03:29 AM

Used 1911 (Colt, S&W, Para, Kimber, Dan Wesson) from a gunshop comes to mind first, followed closely by a S&W M&P 45 or a Springfield XD 45.
I would stay away from Kimber and Para, their quality seems to be hit and miss these days. Dan Wesson is turning out a great product but they are typically higher than your budget. You may be able to find a used Springfield Loaded 1911 in your price range.

I second the M&P 45. I had my doubts about these guns till I picked up a M&P40 and the accuracy and quality have really impressed me.
Hilton Yam did a great job comparing the different models:
Comparison link (http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=72516&an=0&page=0#72516)

Shooter Girl

11-22-2009, 12:18 PM

I had considered a low end 1911, but there is so much bad press on the low end items.

A lot of the "low end" 1911s are really pretty good. I bought a RIA a year or so ago, put about a hundred bucks into it, and turned it into a great pistol. It fed great to start with, the only thing I really needed to do to it was change out the sights and the grip safety.

MikeyB

11-28-2009, 01:31 PM

I have a Rock Island Armory 1911A1 in .38 Super. Great shooting and very accurate. Also have a Metro Arms American Classic II in .45acp. Another good looking and great shooting pistol. Both have performed flawlessly. I bought the RIA for $345 and the Metro Arms for $400.

MikeyB

Nightowl

03-14-2010, 11:10 PM

I bought the Ruger P97DAO right after I saw the review on it, 5000 round without a failure! Here is a cut out from the article: The outcome of all this shooting is summarized in the chart below. The key result is simple: In more than 5000 total rounds fired with 10 different loads, the Ruger P97 experienced no failures to feed, fire, extract, eject, cycle, or function. None. And if you trace through the firing profile as illustrated, you'll see something interesting. To wit: The gun essentially shot just as well after 5000 record rounds as it did when new.

I have shot somewhere between 600 and 750 rounds and I love it. I have also had friends give me heck over buying a polymer frame gun, then shoot it, and change their minds. We reload using Berry's Preferred and load a little hot. I have no problems what so ever from the gun and taking out the bullseye at 25 yards.

Here's the link to the story that helped me make the decision: Ruger P97.45 ACP (http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/l/aastrugerp97a.htm)

Also, since I have had such good luck with the P97 DAO, I have since bought a new polymer, the Ruger LCR .38 and I shoot +P COR®BON ammo through it.

tightgroup

03-14-2010, 11:28 PM

I bought the Ruger P97DAO right after I saw the review on it, 5000 round without a failure! Here is a cut out from the article: The outcome of all this shooting is summarized in the chart below. The key result is simple: In more than 5000 total rounds fired with 10 different loads, the Ruger P97 experienced no failures to feed, fire, extract, eject, cycle, or function. None. And if you trace through the firing profile as illustrated, you'll see something interesting. To wit: The gun essentially shot just as well after 5000 record rounds as it did when new.

I have shot somewhere between 600 and 750 rounds and I love it. I have also had friends give me heck over buying a polymer frame gun, then shoot it, and change their minds. We reload using Berry's Preferred and load a little hot. I have no problems what so ever from the gun and taking out the bullseye at 25 yards.

I don't think I have heard anyone say that Ruger makes a bad semi-auto, just that they are huge. If it is a range gun then no problem but trying to conceal it can be a bit cumbersome.

I heard a rumor that the Iragi forces were being outfitted with them. Any truth to that?

Nightowl

03-15-2010, 11:08 AM

Yeah, it is a bit hard to conceal it. I use it during the colder weather and just use a standard side holster. During the warmer weather I needed something a bit more concealable. That's why I bought the LCR. As far as the solders go, I have family and friends in the service that have been deployed. I'll ask and see if they know anything.

Adaminak

03-16-2010, 06:42 AM

I heard a rumor that the Iragi forces were being outfitted with them. Any truth to that?

The Iraqi police are issued Glock 19s, and I've seen Iraqi Army with Beretta 92s. Never seen a Ruger in theater though...

Fronty Owner

04-10-2010, 10:55 PM

ok, Ive decided on a 1911.

Looked at a couple at the local gun shop. They had a bitone Taurus for about $600, but I think I would rather spend $600 on a Springfield armory 1911 (buds gun shop). The guy at the gun shop was saying the Taurus is just as good of a gun as the SA (that he didn't have in stock).
Ive heard of reliability issues with the Taurus, but its a nice looking gun. Is the Taurus worth it?
Hopefully these links work for everyone.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/85/products_id/47919 that the Taurus the local gun shop has in stock.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/197/products_id/32589 that is the SA Im considering.

Adaminak

04-12-2010, 05:33 AM

Fronty,

Every Taurus I've ever personally owned, as well as every Taurus any of my friends have ever owned has had a fatal flaw in some aspect that would make me not trust it for personal defense.

Range Queen? As I'm not too worried about getting attacked by that target frame and backer I'd consider it for a target-only pistol. As for anything else, well...I'd rather have a $150 Benchmade than anything made by Taurus. At least I know the knife will always work.

Fronty Owner

04-13-2010, 12:46 AM

Thats kinda the impression I was under on taurus. m1911.org has better things to say about the taurus tho. still gathering the net feel on taurus.

yingxuy

11-23-2011, 07:36 AM

I do not know, you can disable the gun constantly pressing on the plunger slightly. Can easily be slid off. I personally like the Glock capacity and weight.

Shovelhead

11-23-2011, 08:54 PM

You have an open invitation to attempt to disable my Colt Commander by pressing on the plunger as I press on the trigger ............. :rolleyes:

Your SPAM sig line has got to go..... or you will.

Fronty Owner

11-24-2011, 01:38 AM

I do not know, you can disable the gun constantly pressing on the plunger slightly. Can easily be slid off. I personally like the Glock capacity and weight.

If the BG is that close, you done screwed up on so many levels, the firearm you have doesn't matter anymore.