45ACP/9mm Semi-autos w/ firing pin blocks - Need suggestions.

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yankytrash

New member
I'd like to pick me up another carry gun. Size isn't an issue since I open carry, but I'd prefer a wide-body because of my gargatuan hand size. Just for hand-size reference, with a 1911, my index finger tries to lay the second pad or second knuckle on the trigger.

I'd like a semi-auto in 45ACP or 9mm with a firing pin block. Something safe for me to carry on the job - construction, where tripping is sometimes imminent.

I only pick the 45ACP and 9mm because I'm a shooter - surplus-quantity ammo availability is a must.

I currently carry a 1911 cocked and locked, but have to leave it in the truck for some jobs due to safety concerns.

Something a little lighter than a 1911 would be nice, but no plastic please (no offense to plactic gun owners, I just don't prefer plastic yet).

Although I'm a lefty, I can operate the 1911 right-hand safety with sufficient speed.

Suggestions? (read - "I don't have a clue as to which pistols have a firing pin block.")
 
Actually, virtually ALL pistols except older 1911s have firing pin blocks. Any Colts marked "Series 80" and new Kimber Series II pistols have firing pin blocks, along with everything by Glock, SigSauer, CZ, Beretta and HK.

Since you don't want polymer and do want wide-body I'd suggest Beretta 92 series & 8045, CZ-75B or 97B and SigSauer P226 as guns to look into.
 
Wow, thanks, Castlebravo. Hopefully, you've just saved me a buttload of money.

I'll strip mine down tonite and see. It's a mid-80's Norinco 1911A1.
 
Yes, I agree with VVG. The SIG P220 .45 ACP would make an excellent carry pistol. Very safe, very accurate, very durable.
 
yankytrash,

Don't get your hopes up, the Norinco is a copy of WW II GI as lend-leased to the Chinese Nationalists and captured by the present Communist regime. No firing pin block.

How about a nice CZ 97 .45? Those things are Big. I am pretty sure they have firing pin blocks like the 75B, and are selective DA/SA. You do have to ease the hammer down to get to a DA starting position, which takes extreme care, but I have done it for two years of IDPA competition, practice, and occasional carry.
 
If you get a SIG, you can use the decocking lever to safely lower the hammer. I'm going to get a P220 myself soon. I don't see a better out of the box .45 out there.
 
yankytrash:

In terms of 1911 pattern guns, Series 80 Colts and ParaOrdnances have firing pin blocks. ParaOrdnance uses the Series 80 lock work. So you might consider a P14-45 (double stack 45, single action). IIRC, no manufacturer other than ParaOrdnance has copied the series 80 lockwork. Most 1911 clones are built using the Series 70 lockwork, which does not have a firing pin block.

The new Kimber II uses a different mechanism to provide a firing pin block. Their mechanism doesn't affect the feel of the trigger pull, but some folks have reported here on TFL that they're having some teething problems.

The Sig P220 is certainly a fine, large gun, but not double stack. The P226, IIRC, is a double stack 9mm. IIRC, both the P226 and P220 have aluminum frames (excepting, of course, the new stainless steel P220). If you're a 1911 guy, you'll have to decide whether you really want a DA/SA gun. The first DA shot takes some getting used to.

The CZ97 certainly is a big honking .45, if that's what you're looking for. I believe it has a firing pin block, but I'm not sure.

Personally, I'm not worried about the lack of a firing pin block on my series 70 style 1911s. They're not likely to fall out of my holsters, and even if they do, they're not likely discharge. But, if you're not comfortable with a series 70, there's plenty of good alternatives out there.

M1911
 
You want CZ 97B. Will fit your hand like a glove. 10 rounds of 45,
cheap magazines, excellent DA trigger pull, very good SA, and beats just about any other non-custom .45 pistol in accuracy department.
 
oris is right yankytrash.97b is da/sa with a firing pin block.
it's a huge but reliable and accurate pistol.pretty inexpensive too.
i just got back from the range with it tonight.everytime i shoot
it i'm amazed how enjoyable it is.
 
I'm in the Para camp, too

I just love my Para Ordnance P13-45. I, too, have large hands and put Hogue grips on my Para which fits my hands perfectly. I also sent my pistol to Enterprise Arms and had a ghost-ring site installed on it. Target aquisition went up by an easy 50% for me. I wear reading glasses and was having trouble seeing the sites at arms lenght. The ghost ring site fixed all of that and doesn't get caught on anything, too.

The Para Ordnance pistols are extremely well made, reliable, and accurate.

Just my 2 Euros.

Rome

(PS: the attached photo was before the ghost ring addition)
 

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