In the market for a .45

N2914J · 04-10-2006, 02:51 PM

Hello Fella's,
So, here's the deal. I'm in the market for a .45, but I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. The reason I want to move right to a .45 is because I think if I start little, like a .380 or 9mm, I'll just need a .45 eventually, and I figure why not just get it now. My Dad has a Smith and Wesson 669 at the moment, which is a semi-automatic 9mm, in the medium size category. I;ve been wanting a handgun of my own for some time, and my day is brightened at the sight of an old authentic Colt 1911. Now I'm not even old enough to buy a pack of smokes, but my old man said he'd buy me any gun I want, as long as I supply the funds. I've got a summer job cleaning printing presses, and I can pull down about a grand per month is I work me assz off.
In our weapon inventory we currently have a Marlin 336 .30-.30 Lever Action, a Savage 7mm Rem. Magnum, a Ruger .22, and the Smith and Wesson mentioned above, all of which I am comfortable and proficient at shooting. With all that said, what do you guys reccommend? I can deal with recoil, but I want something that feels comfortable in the hand, and doesn't have an enormous amount of recoil. The kick of my Dad's 9mm is totally bearable, and I don't mind it, but it is a medium frame revolver. With the upgrade to a full size .45, I would expect the recoil to be manageble with the size and weight increase, but I am an amateur handgun shooter so I don't know much. If size and weight of the shooter must be taken into account, I'm about 6'0'' 175lbs, and have decent sized hands.
If I could keep the price somewhat low ($500 or less), that would be great because I'm also looking into getting a shotgun. I have my mind set on a .45, so please don't try to persuade me in any other direction. I know that there is always the possibility that I'll become uncomfortable with the recoil, or a bunch of other reasons, but I'll learn to deal with it. If I could afford a Colt 1911 from World War II era, I would buy it in a heartbeat, but since thats not exactly feasible, I was thinking somewhere along the lines of a Kimber, the ones that have the Power Extractor. Then again, I'm here to hear your guys opinions, so have at it,
Thanks in Advance,
Jeff

ash · 04-10-2006, 03:43 PM

Get a high point in .45 and a mossberg 500 and you'll be able to get ammo for both and not break $500.

Queue everyone making cracks about high points.

troylaplante · 04-10-2006, 09:17 PM

No wise cracks from me about Hi-Point. I have bought three of them and have no complaints.

Mooseman684 · 04-10-2006, 09:17 PM

As a gunsmith For Many years I still say Stay away from Polymer framed Guns and stick with Steel ! Period . Stay with the Colt 1911 's Or Good Clones such as Springfield 1911A1( around $400) The Rock Island armory .45 (around $375) or Kimber .45( High end ) ! You can get way more available Parts, Accessories, Improvements such as Ambidextrous safeties, Beavertails,adjustable Triggers, and Magazines are CHEAP !
There won't be any Plastic Guns grazing on my Ranch !

Rich

Snakebite · 04-11-2006, 05:32 PM

I have to go with the Rock Island too. I love mine and as Mooseman said you can get so many parts to upgrade and modify.
I like mine better than the Colt Officers model I had. More accurate and it just feels darn good in my hand!

N2914J · 04-11-2006, 07:16 PM

Thanks for all the helpfull replies. I will definitley look into High Point, Kimber, and Rick Island. I've never heard of Rock Island, should be interesting. What are the pro's and con's of polymer handguns? Pro's and con's of metal/steel frame handguns? How are they both as far as recoil and accuracy goes? I would love SO much to have a REAL Colt 1911, I don't think I would ever want anything else as long as I live. Thanks for the shotgun reccomendation Ash, I'll take that into consideration. I've been looking at those Knoxx ten-round drums; seems like a worthy investment for a home defense shotgun. How much would a real Colt 1911 cost me? I don't want to get my hopes up but that would be so cool.

Thanks for all the replies,
Jeff

Mooseman684 · 04-11-2006, 08:23 PM

I bet if you look around you will find a Colt Mark 4 Series 70 or series 80 .45 for around 400-500 dollars, like Gunshows and pawn shops ! ( same as a 1911) !

Bookman · 04-11-2006, 08:27 PM

Go with an all-steel 1911A1.

Beer Forever · 04-11-2006, 10:59 PM

Springfield 1911

ash · 04-12-2006, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2914J

I've been looking at those Knoxx ten-round drums; seems like a worthy investment for a home defense shotgun.

Just remember a mossberg with a full length tube will hold 8 shells.
If you want more capacity Look into a winchester 1300. They can hold about 13 mini shells (aguila makes the mini shells). Mini shells would probably do ya better for home defense.

N2914J · 04-12-2006, 04:48 PM

Yeah, I was thinking about that, but I want to get a shorter barrel, which might look silly with a full length tube, no? I was thinking that even is I work only on the weekends during the school year, I could make $800 a month, $100 each day. I could get the Hi-Point .45, then graduate to a more expensive handgun later on, suck as a Springfield 1911 or similar. I hear Hi-Point's .45 is heavy (32 oz), which combined with the polymer frame would cut down on recoil. I'm going to give it a try, then get the Sprinfield/Rock Island/Kimber later on.

Thanks again for the posts guys,
Jeff

ash · 04-12-2006, 04:58 PM

Good plan jeff. That Hi-point is a big old gun but it'll get you used to handling a .45 without selling your first born for a kimber or RIA.

N2914J · 04-12-2006, 05:07 PM

Yeah, since I don't have much handgun experience, I figure that I'll start with a polymer since they're reviewed well, and are supposed to be tough. Are you out of the Air Force yet, and if so, how're you likeing civy life?

ash · 04-12-2006, 05:27 PM

I've been out for a few months now. Civy life's about how I remember it.
Just looking for a job right now. And contemplating going to school.

N2914J · 04-12-2006, 05:30 PM

Well I truly hope all goes well with you, and thanks for serving

BattleRifleG3 · 04-20-2006, 10:07 AM

1911s are splendid, but consider a Taurus 24/7 if it fits your bill.

Triplesixkoe · 05-01-2006, 05:55 PM

Glock .45 or Colt 1911 if you can afford quality

04-10-2006, 02:51 PM	#1
N2914J Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 391	In the market for a .45 Hello Fella's, So, here's the deal. I'm in the market for a .45, but I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. The reason I want to move right to a .45 is because I think if I start little, like a .380 or 9mm, I'll just need a .45 eventually, and I figure why not just get it now. My Dad has a Smith and Wesson 669 at the moment, which is a semi-automatic 9mm, in the medium size category. I;ve been wanting a handgun of my own for some time, and my day is brightened at the sight of an old authentic Colt 1911. Now I'm not even old enough to buy a pack of smokes, but my old man said he'd buy me any gun I want, as long as I supply the funds. I've got a summer job cleaning printing presses, and I can pull down about a grand per month is I work me assz off. In our weapon inventory we currently have a Marlin 336 .30-.30 Lever Action, a Savage 7mm Rem. Magnum, a Ruger .22, and the Smith and Wesson mentioned above, all of which I am comfortable and proficient at shooting. With all that said, what do you guys reccommend? I can deal with recoil, but I want something that feels comfortable in the hand, and doesn't have an enormous amount of recoil. The kick of my Dad's 9mm is totally bearable, and I don't mind it, but it is a medium frame revolver. With the upgrade to a full size .45, I would expect the recoil to be manageble with the size and weight increase, but I am an amateur handgun shooter so I don't know much. If size and weight of the shooter must be taken into account, I'm about 6'0'' 175lbs, and have decent sized hands. If I could keep the price somewhat low ($500 or less), that would be great because I'm also looking into getting a shotgun. I have my mind set on a .45, so please don't try to persuade me in any other direction. I know that there is always the possibility that I'll become uncomfortable with the recoil, or a bunch of other reasons, but I'll learn to deal with it. If I could afford a Colt 1911 from World War II era, I would buy it in a heartbeat, but since thats not exactly feasible, I was thinking somewhere along the lines of a Kimber, the ones that have the Power Extractor. Then again, I'm here to hear your guys opinions, so have at it, Thanks in Advance, Jeff __________________ God Bless America Last edited by N2914J; 04-10-2006 at 02:56 PM.

04-10-2006, 09:17 PM	#4
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,638 Images: 2	As a gunsmith For Many years I still say Stay away from Polymer framed Guns and stick with Steel ! Period . Stay with the Colt 1911 's Or Good Clones such as Springfield 1911A1( around $400) The Rock Island armory .45 (around $375) or Kimber .45( High end ) ! You can get way more available Parts, Accessories, Improvements such as Ambidextrous safeties, Beavertails,adjustable Triggers, and Magazines are CHEAP ! There won't be any Plastic Guns grazing on my Ranch ! Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

04-11-2006, 07:16 PM	#6
N2914J Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 391	Thanks for all the helpfull replies. I will definitley look into High Point, Kimber, and Rick Island. I've never heard of Rock Island, should be interesting. What are the pro's and con's of polymer handguns? Pro's and con's of metal/steel frame handguns? How are they both as far as recoil and accuracy goes? I would love SO much to have a REAL Colt 1911, I don't think I would ever want anything else as long as I live. Thanks for the shotgun reccomendation Ash, I'll take that into consideration. I've been looking at those Knoxx ten-round drums; seems like a worthy investment for a home defense shotgun. How much would a real Colt 1911 cost me? I don't want to get my hopes up but that would be so cool. Thanks for all the replies, Jeff __________________ God Bless America

04-11-2006, 08:23 PM	#7
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,638 Images: 2	I bet if you look around you will find a Colt Mark 4 Series 70 or series 80 .45 for around 400-500 dollars, like Gunshows and pawn shops ! ( same as a 1911) ! __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

04-11-2006, 10:59 PM	#9
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	Springfield 1911 __________________ Paramedic sks forever

04-10-2006, 03:43 PM	#2
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 934 Images: 3	Get a high point in .45 and a mossberg 500 and you'll be able to get ammo for both and not break $500. Queue everyone making cracks about high points.

04-10-2006, 09:17 PM	#3
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	No wise cracks from me about Hi-Point. I have bought three of them and have no complaints.

04-11-2006, 05:32 PM	#5
Snakebite Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tucson, Mexico Posts: 1,839	I have to go with the Rock Island too. I love mine and as Mooseman said you can get so many parts to upgrade and modify. I like mine better than the Colt Officers model I had. More accurate and it just feels darn good in my hand!

04-11-2006, 08:27 PM	#8
Bookman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 10 paces south of Canada Posts: 738	Go with an all-steel 1911A1.

04-12-2006, 04:48 PM	#11
N2914J Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 391	Yeah, I was thinking about that, but I want to get a shorter barrel, which might look silly with a full length tube, no? I was thinking that even is I work only on the weekends during the school year, I could make $800 a month, $100 each day. I could get the Hi-Point .45, then graduate to a more expensive handgun later on, suck as a Springfield 1911 or similar. I hear Hi-Point's .45 is heavy (32 oz), which combined with the polymer frame would cut down on recoil. I'm going to give it a try, then get the Sprinfield/Rock Island/Kimber later on. Thanks again for the posts guys, Jeff __________________ God Bless America

04-12-2006, 04:58 PM	#12
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 934 Images: 3	Good plan jeff. That Hi-point is a big old gun but it'll get you used to handling a .45 without selling your first born for a kimber or RIA.

04-12-2006, 05:07 PM	#13
N2914J Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 391	Yeah, since I don't have much handgun experience, I figure that I'll start with a polymer since they're reviewed well, and are supposed to be tough. Are you out of the Air Force yet, and if so, how're you likeing civy life? __________________ God Bless America

04-12-2006, 05:27 PM	#14
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 934 Images: 3	I've been out for a few months now. Civy life's about how I remember it. Just looking for a job right now. And contemplating going to school.

04-12-2006, 05:30 PM	#15
N2914J Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 391	Well I truly hope all goes well with you, and thanks for serving __________________ God Bless America

04-20-2006, 10:07 AM	#16
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	1911s are splendid, but consider a Taurus 24/7 if it fits your bill. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

05-01-2006, 05:55 PM	#17
Triplesixkoe Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Daytona Beach, Florida Posts: 127	Glock .45 or Colt 1911 if you can afford quality