Time for a .45

L

lochaber

New member
Ok is time for Loch to get himself a .45. I tend to research my guns in great depth before I buy them, as disposable income is slim and I try no to set myself up for disapointment. Further more, for my future .45 I have a couple of requierments:

1) Single stack. This might become my "house gun" and my wife is 4'11 with hands to match she must be able to reach the trigger.

2) Capable of single action. See above for reason, plus I like single actions.

3) Reliable. See 1.

4) Prefered manual safety over decocker because of 1 and the desire to keep the gun ready to go.

5) Price is important. I like the SIG P220 but it goes for about $800 in my neck of the woods.


So so far my list of possible options looks like this:

1) SA 1911 Mil-Spec. Nice price, good rep. However I can see spending lots of money tinkering with it. It's also heavy.

2) Taurus 945. All the right features, good price, nice size and weight. Some bad reputation regarding service and quality. Some love it some hate it.

3) Taurus P97. Attractive and reliable, but decocker only. I could live with that, but not thriled.

Others that have been excluded from the list are Glocks (dont like the grip angle or the safety), USP (to big. ok size in compact but to expensive), SIG P220 (a tad to big, and way to expensive), revolvers (not my cup of tea), Witness (I have a CZ75 and I love it but I would like something of a different design), CZ97 (too big).

So .. did I miss any potential condidates and what do you think of the choices.

Loch
 
If cost is an issue, keep an eye out for a good used 1911 in the local paper. You might also look at the new AutoOrdnance MIL-SPEC 1911A1. I have heard that the QC is much better now that Kahr owns them. Also, a Colt 1991A1 may be your ticket.
 
I would be suspect of an Auto Ordnance just yet. Undoubtedly they will get better now that Kahr owns them, but I dont know how much time they have had to improve yet.
 
I did feel a CZ97. While I like the design, and I trust my CZ75 more then any other gun I've shot, and I know all about its match quality, the 97 is was to big for my taste. I really wish the made it a single stack. It fits my hands just fine, but my wife would have some serious trouble. Remember that this might be my bedside gun, and it is paramount that she can use it.

Hmm. So anyone buy a new AutoOrdnance yet? Has Kahr come though? Their website now lists a new "deluxe" version which is made from 4140 steel. Any idea if those are forged or casted?

Loch
 
A *&* Model 457 would fit the bill...it's a single-stack .45 with a manual safety, traditional DA/SA, magazine disconnect safety and decent sights. It's also relatively affordable (around $430 in this neck of the woods).

The Taurus 945 (which is on your list) would also be an excellent choice. Lifetime warranty, and Taurus has come a long way in the last 5 years. I for one would have no problem buying one myself.
 
Pro Springfield Armory

Have you looked into the SA Champion. Slightly smaller=less weight. I have an old SA 1911 that would be called a Mil Spec by todays standard...love it! You can spend a lot of money on it, or none at all, just depends on you. If you feel like "Accessorizing" there is plenty of competition out there now and the prices have become very reasonable and many parts are "drop-in", including the favorite High Beavertail grip safeties. Colt also has their 1911A1 out in a Mil Spec and it is pretty reasonable. I have been looking into the EAA Witness series of pistols. They make a 45acp that can be DA/SA and "cocked and locked" 1911-style. They have full size and compact models. Prices are in the $300 range. I've been looking at the Witness in 10mm, but may get another Springfield Armory instead. Good luck in your search.
 
Sounds like any Mil-Spec 1911 is just what you need. Pick up a few of them and tell the wife that I said it was ok. :D
 
It is good to hear that the Tauri have improved. I kinda have a soft spot for the 945. Any idea if the factory porting is worth it? Making the gun more stable is all fine but is it worth the extra flash?

The SA Champion is a bit out the price range at about $750, it seem that they only offer it "loaded".

PreserveFreedom, I would be glad to point my wife in your direction though you might regret it :D

I kinda like the SA Mil-Spec Operator though that is also out of my price range. I really wonder why light rails are not more popular. One would think that it would be an easy thing to put on any frame, and if done right, the curves might actualy improve strength.


The *&* is also out of the running. I hear is a good gun, but for political reasons I'm not ready to buy one. Futher more, I'm not crazy about how they feel in my hand.


Hmm, I think my list has shrunk to a plain 1911 (SA or other) and the Taurus 945. Thanx for all the advice.

Loch
 
The Beretta Cougar 8045 is probably above your budget and I'm not sure the grip is small enough for your wife to hande. The grip seemed smaller than a 92FS but still pretty thick. Ooops! It is not a single stack. I think that was one of your qualifications.

Looks like you've narrowed yourself down to just a basic Springfield 1911A1.
 
1911

The only thing that fits all your needs IMO is a 1911. Give a few of the 1911 brands a try, I think you will like. ;)
 
The 97B is a great gun, but it is huge. I find mine very accurate, easy to shoot, easy to get mags. Very reliable, but it is one huge chuck of steel.

The finish is nice also.
 
A couple of basic "mil-spec" 1911s I've been considering are the Argentine "Sistema Colt .45" (I think these were made in Argentina in the 1930s, but on Colt machinery and to Colt secifications), or the new Rock Island Arsenal 45s that look nice in pictures and sound good on paper-but I don't know anyone who's tried one. The latter sell for $285 (dealer cost) from a couple of sources. I think the Sistemas are a few dollars more. Maybe others can shed some light on these or make other suggestions.

Doug
 
Don't make a costly mistake-

I know the Sig-Sauer P220A is rather pricey;
but it certainly exceeds the rest of
your criteria. As far as being too large; in
comparison with H&K's and Glock's, its no
contest.:D Another option is the Sig-Sauer
P245; a compact version of the P220. It
might fit smaller hand's well? Both, are
QUALITY pieces.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Yes, the Sig is definitely worth it and will never make you regret buying, owning, shooting, or putting your life on it's trigger. Very accurate, reliable and just incredible. I know it is a bit more pricey but the $800 you mentioned sounds more like the price for the new yet to be available all stainless one. A new P220 is in the range of $659-$689. But again, it depends where you live. And yes the size on the P220 is almost perfect. Like you, I too meticulously tested, shot, dissected and researched different .45's. My budget was below $600 but the SiG and Hk USP .45 was on top of my list. The Hk is more expensive, and after much debate and comparing, the better gun won me over. And yes I ended up going over my budget by getting the P220 and payed $659 for it. But I love it and enjoy it everytime I shoot it. But if you really have to stick with your lower budget. Have you considered the Ruger semi-autos? They cost around $400 or less. Of course they are nowhere near SiG but for the price, they are pretty good. Good luck!
 
If you want a quality single stack 45 and not have to pay more than $350 tops, the Ruger P97 is perfect. Go to the gunshops and see which fits your hands better.
 
How's about .45 Long Colt revolver???
proven stopping power also, grip is good for your wife, and it satisfy every your needs(except not being semi-auto)
I just bought my first revolver week ago(7" .357 mag cheapest saturday night special from germany), man, it's the most accurate gun I have, i love it,
 
I second the vote for the Ruger P97. The Ruger P-series are good firearms and there are a lot of options available, including either 9 mm or .45. Plus, it is still fairly easy to get pre-ban magazines for them.
 
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