I currently have a Glock 27 and Glock 33 and I want to add a .45 to the line up but I am pretty sure that I want to try a 1911 style pistol. The Para-Ordnance LDA really interests me since it is still a double action. I may be leaning slightly towards the LDA P14 right now espically since it won G&A Handgun of the year. ANY ADVISE?????????
I am looking to buy a .45 what is the best.
- Thread starter Ford
- Start date
Since you have, and presumably enjoy, your Glocks, why not get a .45 Glock? Same action, training won't be an issue, etc.
If you really want something different, don't overlook the H&K USP45, or if you're willing to spend some serious cash for the very best, the USP Expert .45.
If you really want something different, don't overlook the H&K USP45, or if you're willing to spend some serious cash for the very best, the USP Expert .45.
Hey Ford - As you already know, there are a lot of decent .45s out there, any of which will be a pleasure to own. Some prefer to stay with the same manufacturer for consistency of feel and operation. Others like myself prefer a variety.
You will be pleased with a 1911. I have a Colt 1991 Govt model and it shoots like a champ. I've also shot Kimbers, a Springfield, a Charles Daly, a Norinco and one round out of a Les Baer.
If you really want a 1911, I would recommend a Kimber. According to the board discussions, they seem to have the best track record and the nicest fit and finish of the "factory" guns.
If you aren't really set on the 1911 and don't mind a larger pistol, try the HK USP or the Sig 220. I've shot both and they are both finely made and accurate (for me).
I've only shot the Glock 30 .45 on one occasion and I found it very accurate and comfortable to shoot. It often gets a bad rap for having a large grip, but even with my small mits I was able to control it comfortably.
Shop around a little, try some at a rental range if you can, and buy a top brand that fits your hand and budget.
Good luck
You will be pleased with a 1911. I have a Colt 1991 Govt model and it shoots like a champ. I've also shot Kimbers, a Springfield, a Charles Daly, a Norinco and one round out of a Les Baer.
If you really want a 1911, I would recommend a Kimber. According to the board discussions, they seem to have the best track record and the nicest fit and finish of the "factory" guns.
If you aren't really set on the 1911 and don't mind a larger pistol, try the HK USP or the Sig 220. I've shot both and they are both finely made and accurate (for me).
I've only shot the Glock 30 .45 on one occasion and I found it very accurate and comfortable to shoot. It often gets a bad rap for having a large grip, but even with my small mits I was able to control it comfortably.
Shop around a little, try some at a rental range if you can, and buy a top brand that fits your hand and budget.
Good luck
Leaning toward the 1911s? You cannot go wrong with either Springfields or Kimbers. I bought a Springfield loaded model last week. My next 1911 will be the Kimber Compact. Most 1911 fans I know steer away from the high capacity models, including myself. A plus is that you can customize 1911s to your heart's content, if you so choose. As for the LDA - there's no reason for it, the single action has proven itself for going on 90 years...
I like Glocks and own one. Aesthetically they are not 1911s. (You can go into any gun shop anywhere and find loads of 1911 fans) Stop the flames ahead of time! I said I liked and owned Glocks!
I recently sold an HK USP full size .45. Good gun. Too big. The 1911 does the same in a much smaller package.
Erik
I like Glocks and own one. Aesthetically they are not 1911s. (You can go into any gun shop anywhere and find loads of 1911 fans) Stop the flames ahead of time! I said I liked and owned Glocks!
I recently sold an HK USP full size .45. Good gun. Too big. The 1911 does the same in a much smaller package.
Erik
killer45auto
New member
you cant go wrong with Para i started my collection with them and then moved on to the colts and now the kimber,which is the best value in my exp.
killer45
killer45
p220fortyfive
New member
Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911's are relatively cheap, and reliable. Just make sure to buy high quality magazines.
Greetings Ford, Go ahead and take the plunge!
If you want the best there is besides the
1911 style; go for the gold, get yourself
a Sig-Sauer P220A in .45ACP. I don't think
you will be disappointed!!!
A few things
about Sig's you need to know: 1)Reliable,
2)Accurate, 3)Quality, and 4)User Friendly.
Nothing else needs to be said; except find
a range that rent's handguns and try one,
you will be hooked!!!
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
PS: My last name happens to be Ford.
Message edited by Dan H. Ford on 02-18-00
If you want the best there is besides the
1911 style; go for the gold, get yourself
a Sig-Sauer P220A in .45ACP. I don't think
you will be disappointed!!!
A few thingsabout Sig's you need to know: 1)Reliable,
2)Accurate, 3)Quality, and 4)User Friendly.
Nothing else needs to be said; except find
a range that rent's handguns and try one,
you will be hooked!!!
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
PS: My last name happens to be Ford.
Message edited by Dan H. Ford on 02-18-00
I have gone through quite a few 45s since I started buying handguns, including SIG 220s, Glock 21s, HK USP, EAA Witness, Smith 4506s and 4516s and a couple dozen different 1911 variants. And of all those, the most accurate I have ever shot has been my Kimber Gold Match. It has also been perfectly reliable, as have the other four Kimbers I have owned.
If money isn't a factor try a Wilson, Baer, or Rock River Arms. If you want it built to your specs, try Brian Bilby at Advanced Combat Arms.
Off the shelf at blue collar prices, try a Springfield. If you just have to have MIM parts and a plastic mainspring housing get a Kimber.
Off the shelf at blue collar prices, try a Springfield. If you just have to have MIM parts and a plastic mainspring housing get a Kimber.
Ankeny,
Are you sure the Springfields do not use MIM parts? Also in the aluminum models are the Springfield frames as strong as the Kimbers? I am still trying to decide between the two, though today a dealer said he could order a Colt Concealed Carry which would be my first choice as it was Gun Test magazines.
Are you sure the Springfields do not use MIM parts? Also in the aluminum models are the Springfield frames as strong as the Kimbers? I am still trying to decide between the two, though today a dealer said he could order a Colt Concealed Carry which would be my first choice as it was Gun Test magazines.
1911Heaven
New member
The original question being what is the best .45,to my way of thinking,that leaves Wilson and Les Baer currently.
If your tastes run towards a custom built 1911, I would suggest having a 1 man shop build your gun. I believe you get more personal attention to details than you do with the custom assembly lines such as Wilson and Baer. Rock River Arms and Bilby have gotten good reviews here.
With factory 1911s I'd recommend either Kimber or Springfield. They give you a lot of features for you $$.
The Para LDAs trigger feels like a freak of nature to me - I hate it.
If you want the very best 1911 - have Heinie, CT Brian, Kim Ahrends, Larry Vickers, Ed Brown or Terry Tussey build one for you. Be prepared to wait up to 6 years for it...
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BKs Pistol Pages
With factory 1911s I'd recommend either Kimber or Springfield. They give you a lot of features for you $$.
The Para LDAs trigger feels like a freak of nature to me - I hate it.
If you want the very best 1911 - have Heinie, CT Brian, Kim Ahrends, Larry Vickers, Ed Brown or Terry Tussey build one for you. Be prepared to wait up to 6 years for it...
------------------
BKs Pistol Pages
Skeeter, no, Springfield's aluminum frame wouldn't be as strong as Kimbers, though most people would never shoot an alloy frame 45 enough for that to be a factor. Ankeny may not be totally unbiased on this as he got a lemon Kimber.
Of course I am not totally unbiased as every Kimber I have owned has worked perfectly.
Of course I am not totally unbiased as every Kimber I have owned has worked perfectly.
Get a Glock 21 .45acp, you will be disappointed with anything else. I had a Sig P-220 and it jammed and the slide rusted. I have a bunch of 1911s and they are great, but none are as reliable as a Glock, straight from the box. You don't have to buy a beaver tail grip safety, extended slide release, mag well or have the ramp polished and the slide ported etc, ad nausem. Also when you get through, the expensive 1911 will still choke up more than your unmodified Glock. But I would still choose a 1911 over anything else other than a Glock 21. I carried a 1911 on the streets for 15 years as a LEO until the Glock 21 came out and now I carry the Glock most of the time...7th Fleet ...LEO Firearms Instructor
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