which .45 to choose

kentucky · 10-17-2007, 01:16 PM

looking to get my first .45. But with so many what do i choose? This is what i want from the gun. #1 I am left handed so a thumb safety is great. #2 Is home protection #3 I go to alaska every year to take trips into the bush. in high bear population areas. The gun is going to be used so i dont need a show piece. i prefer black finish. was looking at 1911 but what manufacture. or a s&w mp model

rondog · 10-17-2007, 01:28 PM

A really good first 1911 for you would be a Rock Island Armory Tactical model. It has the ambidextrous safety for lefties, has better sights than a GI model, has a Combat hammer, beavertail and target trigger, and they're inexpensive. Centerfire Systems sells them online for $379, and Sarco has them for $389. I have a RIA FS GI model and a Compact CS (same size as the Colt Officers ACP), and I love them both, but I wish I'd known about the Tacticals first. Here's the Armscor site, they have a lot of good photos, but the US imports are usually RIA's. Same guns from the same factory in the Phillipines. Pistols

Don't let the low prices fool you, RIA's and Armscor's are great guns and well-made, and their customer service can't be beat. Go join up at this forum, there's a whole section devoted to Armscors and RIA's there, and dozens of loyal owners. Several of the factory/distributor reps hang out there too. The M1911 Pistols Organization Forums Site

And I'd forget about carrying a .45 in Alaska bear country, it's not enough gun for that. You want something much more powerful to save your ass from angry grizzlies and browns. A .45 won't penetrate deep enough and doesn't have the power. Recommendations I hear the most are .44 magnum at the minimum, with hot loads, .454 Casull or larger preferred. Rifles are much better.

This is the RIA tactical... http://www.sarcoinc.com/images/rockisland-tacticle.jpg

Sarco listing.... Rock Island 45

Here it is at Centerfire... 1911 45 ACP Tactical Handgun Rock Island<BR>Part #AC-RI1911TAC - AC-RI1911TAC

samuel · 10-17-2007, 01:28 PM

Kentuckey:Why would you want to make the bear any madder than he already is by popping him with a bullet that is virtually impossible to even do permanant damage,much less kill him with. The biggest they have in power in 1911,s, a .40 is not a bear round.You need to get into revolvers for enough power for bears.For H.D. they are great. sam.

gunney_m · 10-17-2007, 01:29 PM

If you get a 1911 go with a Kimber or a Springfield they both are accurate and reliable, I think the springfield holds 7 and the Kimber holds 12, see if you can get a feel for both and whatever fits you best you should get, Welcome to G&G.

rondog · 10-17-2007, 01:45 PM

Springfields are good guns with great customer service, but I've heard of lots of troubles with Kimbers and their CS. Much higher priced too.

Really good sources for 1911 info are...

http://forum.m1911.org/

http://forums.1911forum.com/

There's many others, but these are a couple of the best.

JBS · 10-17-2007, 01:46 PM

For stompin around the woods, better to spend your money on a powerful revolver or something along the lines of a T/C Contender. There's lots of powerful carbines out there, too. But, I would re-think the .45 ACP thing. Good way to get eat up. .45 ACP 1911 would be good town gun, if you go into town, cause last time I was up there, there wuz lots of strange acting peoples up there, in town.

kentucky · 10-17-2007, 02:37 PM

i am not out looking to kill bear. its just a heavy area populated by bear. so far been lucky not to run into one face to face. the ruff terrain is just too much for carrying a rifle outside of camp. its like trying to climb the biggest pile of pea gravel you can find.

gunney_m · 10-17-2007, 03:15 PM

Ruger Redhawk 44magnum 7 1/2 inch revolver double action.

SilentSoul · 10-17-2007, 04:41 PM

Product: Model 500ES - Emergency Survival Kit

You need this!

JBS · 10-17-2007, 05:10 PM

"i am not out looking to kill bear. its just a heavy area populated by bear"

I'm gonna back outa' this one...We ain't on the same sheet of music. Good luck, my friend. JB

gunney_m · 10-17-2007, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBS

"i am not out looking to kill bear. its just a heavy area populated by bear"

I'm gonna back outa' this one...We ain't on the same sheet of music. Good luck, my friend. JB

Ruger Redhawk 44magnum 7 1/2 inch barrel.

oldjarhead · 11-16-2007, 12:28 PM

45 LC...you want to make an easy come back with a second shot if necessary...not so easy with a 44 mag; Bear could be on you by the time you recover.
Like everyone has said...45 ACP is simply not enough for a Grizz or Polar; they won't take kindly to being harrassed by a shooter with little power. There are several good 45 LC's out there but that should be the smallest choice of caliber; or you could end up a small bear turd on the ice cap.

rckymtnboy · 11-16-2007, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentucky

i am not out looking to kill bear. its just a heavy area populated by bear. so far been lucky not to run into one face to face. the ruff terrain is just too much for carrying a rifle outside of camp. its like trying to climb the biggest pile of pea gravel you can find.

You're not looking to kill bear, but you'll be in bear country...BIGTIME. You need something to protect you from the bear, right? If you choose to carry a .45ACP, you might as well pack nothing at all. It's like taking a swiss army knife to a gunfight. That .45 is gonna feel like a mild bee sting to a bear of that size. If my life depended on it, I would be packing a revolver. Lot less to go wrong compared to a semi-auto. You'll have less ammo capacity, but you can rest assured that it's going to fire. If you're brand new to pistols, you might want to think about a 45-70 guide gun, or short shotgun with slugs instead so that you can carry in a sling over your shoulder. .45 isn't enough, and if you've only shot smaller caliber pistols, it's gonna take some time to get used to a 44 magnum, or 454, that's for sure.

If the .45 isn't for the bear, than what purpose do you have in mind for it? If you're just looking for a good .45, then take a look at the XD's, unless you're completely set on a 1911 (which isn't a bad choice either). The Springfield XD .45ACP comes in a Polymer frame so it can take quite a beating. They're a lot more weather resistant than the steel frames. Also, it has a tactical rail so you can mount a light, laser, whatever. I love mine, and it has yet to let me down.

knightRider · 11-16-2007, 03:50 PM

kimber 1911

remchuck · 11-21-2007, 11:24 PM

the 1911 has left an awsome pile of dead people.i'm sure it will kill a bear;just will it do it fast enough.i can't say, i've never shot a bear.but any excuse for buying a new 45 is great.by the way i always feel better when carying one of my 45's in the woods.it would certainly do as a fine woods companion.and my suggestion would be a colt,mine have never failed me.

Mooseman684 · 11-22-2007, 12:06 AM

I stopped a Black Bear coming after me with .45 and a 230 gr. Hardball, didn't kill him , but bought me time to get to a rifle and finish him. I could have kept after him with a few more well placed shots, I just felt more comfortable with a rifle going after him wounded...
I might have killed him faster with the 117 gr. ICQ Aguila loads, but they werent out yet, so I don't know since I never have had that situation arise again.
Rich

rckymtnboy · 11-22-2007, 01:28 AM

Thank God it was only a black bear, Mooseman!!! That's pretty hardcore right there.

chrisgun · 12-02-2007, 02:59 PM

Anybody ever heard of Desert Eagles?They have them in .357Mag., .44Mag., and even .5AE!

Mooseman684 · 12-02-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisgun

Anybody ever heard of Desert Eagles?They have them in .357Mag., .44Mag., and even .5AE!

yup, and they are too big and heavy to carry for long periods of time, plus the grip is huge...

SilverRun · 12-02-2007, 06:40 PM

Kimber, Springfield and Para-Ordnance all make nice 1911's at fairly reasonable prices - for 1911's that is. I have a Para and a Kimber - I like them both. The kimber is more accurate.

I am not sure that I would want to shoot a Grizzly with the 45 acp, but I disagree with the above post - I think it would be better than nothing. The noise alone may discourage him. As Moose said, it would work much better on a black bear. Still not perfect.

Have you thought about a lightweight .44 mag. You could use .44 special while in the "civilized" world and load up some hot .44 mags when in bear territory.

10-17-2007, 02:37 PM	#7
kentucky Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2	i am not out looking to kill bear. its just a heavy area populated by bear. so far been lucky not to run into one face to face. the ruff terrain is just too much for carrying a rifle outside of camp. its like trying to climb the biggest pile of pea gravel you can find. Last edited by kentucky; 10-17-2007 at 02:47 PM.

11-16-2007, 03:50 PM	#14
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,705 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 11	kimber 1911 __________________ I'm part kalishnakov, part heckler and Koch.

11-22-2007, 12:06 AM	#16
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,742 Images: 2	I stopped a Black Bear coming after me with .45 and a 230 gr. Hardball, didn't kill him , but bought me time to get to a rifle and finish him. I could have kept after him with a few more well placed shots, I just felt more comfortable with a rifle going after him wounded... I might have killed him faster with the 117 gr. ICQ Aguila loads, but they werent out yet, so I don't know since I never have had that situation arise again. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

11-22-2007, 01:28 AM	#17
rckymtnboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: I am a dual resident. Posts: 340 Images: 20	Thank God it was only a black bear, Mooseman!!! That's pretty hardcore right there. __________________ When they come for my guns, I'll give 'em the bullets first!

10-17-2007, 01:16 PM	#1
kentucky Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2	which .45 to choose looking to get my first .45. But with so many what do i choose? This is what i want from the gun. #1 I am left handed so a thumb safety is great. #2 Is home protection #3 I go to alaska every year to take trips into the bush. in high bear population areas. The gun is going to be used so i dont need a show piece. i prefer black finish. was looking at 1911 but what manufacture. or a s&w mp model

10-17-2007, 01:28 PM	#2
rondog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 1,362	A really good first 1911 for you would be a Rock Island Armory Tactical model. It has the ambidextrous safety for lefties, has better sights than a GI model, has a Combat hammer, beavertail and target trigger, and they're inexpensive. Centerfire Systems sells them online for $379, and Sarco has them for $389. I have a RIA FS GI model and a Compact CS (same size as the Colt Officers ACP), and I love them both, but I wish I'd known about the Tacticals first. Here's the Armscor site, they have a lot of good photos, but the US imports are usually RIA's. Same guns from the same factory in the Phillipines. Pistols Don't let the low prices fool you, RIA's and Armscor's are great guns and well-made, and their customer service can't be beat. Go join up at this forum, there's a whole section devoted to Armscors and RIA's there, and dozens of loyal owners. Several of the factory/distributor reps hang out there too. The M1911 Pistols Organization Forums Site And I'd forget about carrying a .45 in Alaska bear country, it's not enough gun for that. You want something much more powerful to save your ass from angry grizzlies and browns. A .45 won't penetrate deep enough and doesn't have the power. Recommendations I hear the most are .44 magnum at the minimum, with hot loads, .454 Casull or larger preferred. Rifles are much better. This is the RIA tactical... http://www.sarcoinc.com/images/rockisland-tacticle.jpg Sarco listing.... Rock Island 45 Here it is at Centerfire... 1911 45 ACP Tactical Handgun Rock Island<BR>Part #AC-RI1911TAC - AC-RI1911TAC Last edited by rondog; 10-17-2007 at 02:01 PM.

10-17-2007, 01:28 PM	#3
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	Kentuckey:Why would you want to make the bear any madder than he already is by popping him with a bullet that is virtually impossible to even do permanant damage,much less kill him with. The biggest they have in power in 1911,s, a .40 is not a bear round.You need to get into revolvers for enough power for bears.For H.D. they are great. sam.

10-17-2007, 01:29 PM	#4
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931	If you get a 1911 go with a Kimber or a Springfield they both are accurate and reliable, I think the springfield holds 7 and the Kimber holds 12, see if you can get a feel for both and whatever fits you best you should get, Welcome to G&G.

10-17-2007, 01:45 PM	#5
rondog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 1,362	Springfields are good guns with great customer service, but I've heard of lots of troubles with Kimbers and their CS. Much higher priced too. Really good sources for 1911 info are... http://forum.m1911.org/ http://forums.1911forum.com/ There's many others, but these are a couple of the best.

10-17-2007, 01:46 PM	#6
JBS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 761	For stompin around the woods, better to spend your money on a powerful revolver or something along the lines of a T/C Contender. There's lots of powerful carbines out there, too. But, I would re-think the .45 ACP thing. Good way to get eat up. .45 ACP 1911 would be good town gun, if you go into town, cause last time I was up there, there wuz lots of strange acting peoples up there, in town.

10-17-2007, 03:15 PM	#8
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931	Ruger Redhawk 44magnum 7 1/2 inch revolver double action.

10-17-2007, 04:41 PM	#9
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Images: 1	Product: Model 500ES - Emergency Survival Kit You need this!

10-17-2007, 05:10 PM	#10
JBS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 761	"i am not out looking to kill bear. its just a heavy area populated by bear" I'm gonna back outa' this one...We ain't on the same sheet of music. Good luck, my friend. JB

11-16-2007, 12:28 PM	#12
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mansfield, MO Posts: 827	45 LC...you want to make an easy come back with a second shot if necessary...not so easy with a 44 mag; Bear could be on you by the time you recover. Like everyone has said...45 ACP is simply not enough for a Grizz or Polar; they won't take kindly to being harrassed by a shooter with little power. There are several good 45 LC's out there but that should be the smallest choice of caliber; or you could end up a small bear turd on the ice cap.

11-21-2007, 11:24 PM	#15
remchuck Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: nashville Posts: 179	the 1911 has left an awsome pile of dead people.i'm sure it will kill a bear;just will it do it fast enough.i can't say, i've never shot a bear.but any excuse for buying a new 45 is great.by the way i always feel better when carying one of my 45's in the woods.it would certainly do as a fine woods companion.and my suggestion would be a colt,mine have never failed me.

12-02-2007, 02:59 PM	#18
chrisgun Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mental Gun Heaven Posts: 23	Anybody ever heard of Desert Eagles?They have them in .357Mag., .44Mag., and even .5AE!

12-02-2007, 06:40 PM	#20
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,661	Kimber, Springfield and Para-Ordnance all make nice 1911's at fairly reasonable prices - for 1911's that is. I have a Para and a Kimber - I like them both. The kimber is more accurate. I am not sure that I would want to shoot a Grizzly with the 45 acp, but I disagree with the above post - I think it would be better than nothing. The noise alone may discourage him. As Moose said, it would work much better on a black bear. Still not perfect. Have you thought about a lightweight .44 mag. You could use .44 special while in the "civilized" world and load up some hot .44 mags when in bear territory.