Semi-auto in .45 Super

D

DeusComedis

Inactive
I'm looking for a good capacity SA/DA combat-type sidearm that can reliably handle .45 Super.
It seems that the USP45 and P227 are they only viable options (FNX45 has some unfit attributes)

Anyone have experience with these two in this caliber? Advantages to either? (I have been told that the USP is better but this seems odd to me, since it has a polymer frame and only partial slide rails to the P227's alloy and full length)
- I'd always be shooting them either suppressed or with a comp.
- Would change out/upgrade any necessary parts
- Have rented both and like shooting them equally, so this is purely about mechanics and reliability
- If they are optimized to shoot Super, will they be unable to reliably cycle ACP (either regular or +P)?

Thanks

Edit: People elsewhere have mentioned the P220 as very reliable. I preferred the others' higher capacity, but if it offers any real advantage in 45 Super over the P227, I would consider it.
 
Last edited:
Until recently, my 10mm Kimber Eclipse was the only primary-carry semi-auto that I had. I recently added a SW1911-Pro .45 to shoot .45 Super in. I chose that brand and model because it is the only one besides the Kimber that has a grip-lever-controlled firing-pin safety, and that's a requirement for me. I also thought that the SW1911-Pro MIGHT(?) be more reliable than my Eclipse has been. The jury is still out on that question, but if their reliability turns out to be about equal, I'll go with the Eclipse, because I think the 10mm is a better round than the .45 Super (and I also prefer the handling and feel of the Eclipse, although the SW1911-Pro is good, too).
 
You make a good point. 10mm is a stronger cartridge,. It also much rarer/expensive. I need something powerful, that could can still use commonly available ammo (45ACP in this case) if necessary. (Plus the 10, 12, 14 shot capacity)
 
Not sure how you arrive at 10mm being "stronger" than Super; both are 200@1200.
10mm has better external ballistics, and you might get better penetration depending on bullet design.
I've never loaded bullets heavier than 200grs in 10mm, but I think someone is loading 10mm with a 220 or 230 grain bullet?

Converting a .45 to Super is pretty attractive if you want better ballistics without having to buy a new gun.

After I modded my .45 to shoot Super it would no longer reliably eject the .45 "major" loads I had used previously, but I'm sure it would cycle full-power "defense" ammo that drive a 230gr bullet at 900fps, or a 200@950.
 
Semi-auto in .45 Super
I'm looking for a good capacity SA/DA combat-type sidearm that can reliably handle .45 Super.
It seems that the USP45 and P227 are they only viable options (FNX45 has some unfit attributes)
Click to expand...

My first thought was "Ruger P-90". But, I'm not finding anything definite. Mostly the usual internet yammering, from folks that thing the gun was "originally designed for 10mm!".
 
First of all you should buy and carry whatever you want...

But I don't get the attraction...or the need ...to go to .45 Super or 10mm for that matter....especially in terms of "Defense" / although you said you wanted a combat style..you didn't say Defense...so I'm not sure what your intended use is.

I'm more curios than anything...what's the rationale behind your desire for the .45 Super / what do you think it does better than a .45 acp or 10mm ??
 
Unless you have larger than average hands, i would discount anything polymer framed and double stack in such a cartridge. Producing torque in the hand may give you difficulty getting a good grip under recoil (it did for me, with a glock 21).

However i recommend a strong 1911 properly setup for the round. A forged slide and frame is preferable for high pressure and hars battering rounds like the super. A cast metal grain structure is not quite as strong (the chrystaline structure of the the grains of the material) as a forged counterpart. Also for the 1911 a heavier than standard mainspring and and slide return spring are to be used. The heavy mainspring and slide return spring help the action to be locked up longer, allowing chamber pressures to decrease before the gun starts to do what it does. A flat bottomed firing pin stop is also recommended.

With such power, why need high capacity? That is what spare magazines are for. If you become profficient at reloading (and alot of other things!) Under pressure, the capacity will not be as big a handicap many make it out to be. No doublestack .45 offers the ergonomics or availability of parts/customizations that the 1911 does. And its trigger is hars to beat. There are double stack 1911s if you must have the capacity.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top