Need Input on New .45

Brother Bob · 01-19-2008, 02:15 PM

Hey folks. I'm wanting a .45 for my carry permit. I've been carrying my S&W .357 revolver since last January. My buddies at work are trying to talk me into a new Springfield .45 and I need your help. I don't know squat about pistols. I shot a .45 in the Navy, but that thing was so worn out you could drop the bullet through the barrel! You couldn't hit a flock of barns 50 ft. in front of you with that thing! Give me some ideas on Springfields. I went on their site and I got lost wading through all the .45's they offer! I want a nice one, but I don't want to apply for a loan to get one. What's a good price and what do I get for that price? Thanks. Bob

ArkansasHunter · 01-19-2008, 02:21 PM

Don't want to take out a loan then check out the Rock Iland or Taursus 1911's
Bobby Ole Boy...LOL

jerry · 01-19-2008, 02:27 PM

an ultra compact if starting from scratch

lefty o · 01-19-2008, 02:30 PM

might be more helpfull if we had an idea of your budget?

BPierce · 01-19-2008, 02:41 PM

Are you stuck on a 1911 or just want a 45? If it's the latter and you don't know squat about pistols then look into some of the more modern 45s. I love my 1911 and even carried it on duty for a while but, like the Glock, it's not forgiving of handling mistakes and should be Cocked, locked & holstered and left that way till you need it. Police officers are encouraged to leave their 1911 in the holster when they put it away.

The Springfield XD is an excellent carry weapon and not all that expensive. If cash is not a problem, check out the SIG 45s. I have never liked shooting a .357 and found +P 38s more to my liking in a 4" revolver. You will like the change to a 45 ACP, it's a pleasant round to shoot.

Brother Bob · 01-19-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefty o

might be more helpfull if we had an idea of your budget?

Guess that would help, huh. How's about $750-$800. Thanks.

Mooseman684 · 01-19-2008, 02:55 PM

For that kind of Money, I would look for a Kimber. They are fine tuned, Accurate and Reliable...Lots to choose from !
Rich

Pumpkinheaver · 01-19-2008, 03:01 PM

I'll second the Kimber. I have 15,000 rounds through mine and it still shoots great.

two-70 · 01-19-2008, 03:40 PM

if ya like glock the model 36 is a nice concealement package, even the smaller xd's are nice as well

big boomer · 01-19-2008, 04:04 PM

A more modern version of my smith 645 would be a good one, it holds one more,first shot double action, you can carry ready to go and it gobbles up anything you feed it. I don't know what the new numbers are for the newer version but check it out.

nathangdad · 01-19-2008, 08:41 PM

Well, Springfired is a quality firm. I would not rush into a purchase but would take some time to shoot variations of the .45 (barrel length especially) noting they do come in a wide range of sighting configurations. Also, I would advise shooting some steel frame guns and some aluminum frame guns as the weight will have an effect after a few shots.

I have found I shoot much better with a four inch .45 auto than the 5 inch barrel. For the me balance of a four inch barrel really does make a difference. I find the five inch to heavy toward the front of the gun and have a tendency to shoot low after a few shots.

Anyway, congratulations on your gun choice as a .45 is a top notch defense gun and can be configured to provide target shooting enjoyment. You will find a simply
uncountable number of special parts on the market if you wish to customize.

BPierce · 01-19-2008, 10:49 PM

With pockets that deep, go for the SIG. If like me you think real guns are made from metal and wood you will love it. It will last forever, accuracy and shootability are unbelieveable and you have a true dbl/sngl action with a decocker rather than a safety.

evilblackrifle · 01-20-2008, 01:12 AM

I think I'd get a S&W 1911 - lifetime warranty and we all know how S&W stands behind their products.
I love my 1911PD lightweight Commander. Never had one problem. Eats any 45 ammo I give it. And if you CCW, you'll appreciate the lighter weight 28 oz on your waist for 12 hours a day. And the lighter weight really doesn't make much difference in recoil.

GlockMeister · 01-20-2008, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooseman684

For that kind of Money, I would look for a Kimber. They are fine tuned, Accurate and Reliable...Lots to choose from !
Rich

+ 1

I went with the S&W 1911PD, slightly a little more then what you've stated as your budget. This one here -->
Product: Model SW1911PD Pistol

It is however my first 1911/.45ACP. It did come with a S&W logo'd Crimson Trace laser grip.

I was initially looking at the Kimber Pro TLE II (LG) model myself. See link. Kimber - Continuing The Legacy

Lastly, You also could take a look at some of Paras new 1911s/.45s like the warthog? As you have already noticed with Springfield, there's a lot to choose from and not just within their brands/models either. Many have gone into the 1911 market. All a matter of ones own preference and budget. Good luck and please let us know, maybe even see a picture of what you decided on.

G-Meister

Jimbo Indy · 01-22-2008, 03:46 PM

I'm a fan of the CZ 97B. All steel double action with a really comfortable grip shape. Points really well. Should go in the $500 range. Very strong and has a good trigger for a production gun. Use EAA Witness 45 Mecgar magizines. They feed hollow points reliably while the CZ stock mags are ball only. Use mine for bowling pins and steel plate shooting. Reliable and accurate at a bargin price. Try one on first, you need a big hand to grip that doble stack 45 mag and reach the double action trigger.

mym1a · 01-22-2008, 04:00 PM

I have been very pleased with my 45's and the previous ones I've owned I have a springfield arms 45acp 1911 I like the pistol easy to field strip.built in safety features many other pistols don't have. I know it's all about personal choice many police carry glocks and swear by them for dependability and durability.

man it's hard for me to say which is best ruger, beretta ,glock s&w SA browning lot of nice hand guns to choose from

Iron_Colonel · 01-23-2008, 01:14 AM

All good suggestions here on the forum. If you are interested in any of the Hi-cap pistols, the Para Ordnance company makes some good ones. I have a Para P12 in .45 ACP. It will shoot factory 230 gr ball ammo no problem, and hot hollow point loads with no malfunctions. I really like the 3 dot white sights. I picked up mine lightly used just under $500 with 3 mags, but you can find them between $600 and $700. The mags are pricey, but usually NIB comes with 2 12 rd. mags. The trigger isn't too bad, probably a 4 or 5 pound pull. A pair of Hogue grips sure feel nice on it. I have shot it a couple times, probably at 10 or so yards and kept all of my shots within a paper-plate sized target rapid firing. Its a little tougher to control recoil with the small gun compared to my Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911 I have, but its nice to carry.

Doctor Larry K · 02-03-2008, 10:58 AM

I have a Para .45 single stack with the LDA trigger. The pistol is very accurate and the double action first shot affords you more safety against an AD.

Doc

The_Patriot · 02-03-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpkinheaver

I'll second the Kimber. I have 15,000 rounds through mine and it still shoots great.

What model do you have? My next handgun is likely to be a Kimber 1911 of some sort.

Don357 · 02-04-2008, 01:21 AM

If, I say again IF, you are thinking a .45 for CCW only, look into a Taurus MilPro .45. It's a very compact, fairly accurate, easily concealable DAO- striker fired piece, with the trigger pull highly improved over it's smaller caliber counterparts. Or check out what I have, a Witness Compact Polymer .45. It's a nice carry. It's a single/double, that can be "cocked and locked" or hammer down. Accuracy is good with mine doing 6" groups at 30 ft.(and me shooting). Just my 2 pennys. BTW, Witness (Tanfoglio) pistols are in the same design family as the CZ75 and Baby Eagle series guns and are giving 1911's a HARD run for their money in European Competitions, and are quite a bit cheaper.

01-19-2008, 02:15 PM	#1
Brother Bob The Mayor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Olive Branch, MS. Posts: 2,576 Trader Rating: (0)	Need Input on New .45 Hey folks. I'm wanting a .45 for my carry permit. I've been carrying my S&W .357 revolver since last January. My buddies at work are trying to talk me into a new Springfield .45 and I need your help. I don't know squat about pistols. I shot a .45 in the Navy, but that thing was so worn out you could drop the bullet through the barrel! You couldn't hit a flock of barns 50 ft. in front of you with that thing! Give me some ideas on Springfields. I went on their site and I got lost wading through all the .45's they offer! I want a nice one, but I don't want to apply for a loan to get one. What's a good price and what do I get for that price? Thanks. Bob

01-19-2008, 02:27 PM	#3
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,760 Trader Rating: (0)	an ultra compact if starting from scratch __________________

01-19-2008, 02:55 PM	#7
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,264 Trader Rating: (0)	For that kind of Money, I would look for a Kimber. They are fine tuned, Accurate and Reliable...Lots to choose from ! Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

01-19-2008, 03:01 PM	#8
Pumpkinheaver Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,311 Trader Rating: (0)	I'll second the Kimber. I have 15,000 rounds through mine and it still shoots great. __________________ Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!

01-19-2008, 03:40 PM	#9
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,778 Trader Rating: (0)	if ya like glock the model 36 is a nice concealement package, even the smaller xd's are nice as well __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

01-19-2008, 02:21 PM	#2
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,504 Trader Rating: (0)	Don't want to take out a loan then check out the Rock Iland or Taursus 1911's Bobby Ole Boy...LOL

01-19-2008, 02:30 PM	#4
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,691 Trader Rating: (0)	might be more helpfull if we had an idea of your budget?

01-19-2008, 02:41 PM	#5
BPierce Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Minnesota (Becker County) Posts: 140 Trader Rating: (0)	Are you stuck on a 1911 or just want a 45? If it's the latter and you don't know squat about pistols then look into some of the more modern 45s. I love my 1911 and even carried it on duty for a while but, like the Glock, it's not forgiving of handling mistakes and should be Cocked, locked & holstered and left that way till you need it. Police officers are encouraged to leave their 1911 in the holster when they put it away. The Springfield XD is an excellent carry weapon and not all that expensive. If cash is not a problem, check out the SIG 45s. I have never liked shooting a .357 and found +P 38s more to my liking in a 4" revolver. You will like the change to a 45 ACP, it's a pleasant round to shoot.

01-19-2008, 04:04 PM	#10
big boomer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minn. Posts: 752 Trader Rating: (0)	A more modern version of my smith 645 would be a good one, it holds one more,first shot double action, you can carry ready to go and it gobbles up anything you feed it. I don't know what the new numbers are for the newer version but check it out.

01-19-2008, 08:41 PM	#11
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,253 Trader Rating: (0)	Springfied is a quality firm Well, Springfired is a quality firm. I would not rush into a purchase but would take some time to shoot variations of the .45 (barrel length especially) noting they do come in a wide range of sighting configurations. Also, I would advise shooting some steel frame guns and some aluminum frame guns as the weight will have an effect after a few shots. I have found I shoot much better with a four inch .45 auto than the 5 inch barrel. For the me balance of a four inch barrel really does make a difference. I find the five inch to heavy toward the front of the gun and have a tendency to shoot low after a few shots. Anyway, congratulations on your gun choice as a .45 is a top notch defense gun and can be configured to provide target shooting enjoyment. You will find a simply uncountable number of special parts on the market if you wish to customize. Last edited by nathangdad; 01-19-2008 at 08:50 PM. Reason: additional information

01-19-2008, 10:49 PM	#12
BPierce Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Minnesota (Becker County) Posts: 140 Trader Rating: (0)	With pockets that deep, go for the SIG. If like me you think real guns are made from metal and wood you will love it. It will last forever, accuracy and shootability are unbelieveable and you have a true dbl/sngl action with a decocker rather than a safety.

01-20-2008, 01:12 AM	#13
evilblackrifle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 194 Trader Rating: (0)	I think I'd get a S&W 1911 - lifetime warranty and we all know how S&W stands behind their products. I love my 1911PD lightweight Commander. Never had one problem. Eats any 45 ammo I give it. And if you CCW, you'll appreciate the lighter weight 28 oz on your waist for 12 hours a day. And the lighter weight really doesn't make much difference in recoil.

01-22-2008, 03:46 PM	#15
Jimbo Indy Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 68 Trader Rating: (0)	I'm a fan of the CZ 97B. All steel double action with a really comfortable grip shape. Points really well. Should go in the $500 range. Very strong and has a good trigger for a production gun. Use EAA Witness 45 Mecgar magizines. They feed hollow points reliably while the CZ stock mags are ball only. Use mine for bowling pins and steel plate shooting. Reliable and accurate at a bargin price. Try one on first, you need a big hand to grip that doble stack 45 mag and reach the double action trigger.

01-22-2008, 04:00 PM	#16
mym1a Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,312 Trader Rating: (0)	I have been very pleased with my 45's and the previous ones I've owned I have a springfield arms 45acp 1911 I like the pistol easy to field strip.built in safety features many other pistols don't have. I know it's all about personal choice many police carry glocks and swear by them for dependability and durability. man it's hard for me to say which is best ruger, beretta ,glock s&w SA browning lot of nice hand guns to choose from Last edited by mym1a; 01-22-2008 at 04:02 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

01-23-2008, 01:14 AM	#17
Iron_Colonel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington St. Posts: 300 Trader Rating: (0)	All good suggestions here on the forum. If you are interested in any of the Hi-cap pistols, the Para Ordnance company makes some good ones. I have a Para P12 in .45 ACP. It will shoot factory 230 gr ball ammo no problem, and hot hollow point loads with no malfunctions. I really like the 3 dot white sights. I picked up mine lightly used just under $500 with 3 mags, but you can find them between $600 and $700. The mags are pricey, but usually NIB comes with 2 12 rd. mags. The trigger isn't too bad, probably a 4 or 5 pound pull. A pair of Hogue grips sure feel nice on it. I have shot it a couple times, probably at 10 or so yards and kept all of my shots within a paper-plate sized target rapid firing. Its a little tougher to control recoil with the small gun compared to my Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911 I have, but its nice to carry.

02-03-2008, 10:58 AM	#18
Doctor Larry K Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palm Springs, Calif. Posts: 402 Trader Rating: (0)	I have a Para .45 single stack with the LDA trigger. The pistol is very accurate and the double action first shot affords you more safety against an AD. Doc

02-04-2008, 01:21 AM	#20
Don357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Semmes Alabama Posts: 246 Trader Rating: (0)	If, I say again IF, you are thinking a .45 for CCW only, look into a Taurus MilPro .45. It's a very compact, fairly accurate, easily concealable DAO- striker fired piece, with the trigger pull highly improved over it's smaller caliber counterparts. Or check out what I have, a Witness Compact Polymer .45. It's a nice carry. It's a single/double, that can be "cocked and locked" or hammer down. Accuracy is good with mine doing 6" groups at 30 ft.(and me shooting). Just my 2 pennys. BTW, Witness (Tanfoglio) pistols are in the same design family as the CZ75 and Baby Eagle series guns and are giving 1911's a HARD run for their money in European Competitions, and are quite a bit cheaper.