Traditional .45 platform best for $ ?

P

Prodigalshooter

New member
Ok, up front, I realize that this question has probably been asked/answered a bijillion times. BUT...

As I shoot my 9mm and .357 more and become familiar (again) with the pleasures of pistol shooting, I can feel the desire for a .45 semi-auto sneaking up on me. My big problem is basic: small budget. I have looked around on the internet, listened to lots of opinions here and visited my local shops. The majority of the 1911 platforms seem to be pretty expensive, in my eyes, but I notice a few pistols that seem to be a bit less pricey.
AS to my uses for a .45, range use, home defense, NO CCW (CALIF!), in other words, a .45 for fun.
The other day at my local range, I handled (didn't shoot) a Glock, Springfield and a Ruger, all in .45. Glock didn't feel good, too light;
Ruger, umm, maybe, but the Springfield felt like it was made for me. Now my problem is, $500 max for the pistol.
Got any suggestions that don't call for rebuilding old beaters?
Want new only.
TIA
Brian
 
If you liked the Springfield, get that. You're better off spending a little more now and getting the one you want rather than getting something you're not totally sold on and getting the Springfield later! ;) Besides, if you want a 45 acp, you gotta have a 1911!
 
Consider a Springfield Mil-Spec. Inexpensive, classic looks, and capable of being molded into anything you want at a later date. I'd also say a Colt, but unfortunately they just went up in price.
 
My 1911 of choice is Kimber - I own 2 & am very satisfied - but if you absolutely cannot afford the ticket for one of those, or a Springfield or Colt, you may want to consider a Charles Daly.

Searching this web site & The 1911 Forum, you'll find people happy they found one & swear by them along with people who are sorry they ever touched one & swear at them.

To be honest, you'll find the same to one degree or another with Kimber, Springfield, & Colt too.

All in all, the Daly is considered an economical alternative to the higher priced models. For a range & "fun" .45ACP, it might fit the bill for you.

Whether or not they are available for sale in CA I don't know.
 
My choice would be the USP 45. Accurate as a Sig, more durable than a Glock, can shoot p loads all day...

If plastic isn't your thing, then I'd say Sig P220. Just as accurate as some custom 1911's. If shooting p loads with the alluminum frame bothers you, you can go for the new stainless version.

Yeah these choices are a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for.
 
Maynard 462 took the words right out...

of my mouth. Both are fine weapons that are reliable beyond any out of the box 1911. This is not a flame to you 1911 fans, but I have had several bad experiences with 1911's. Most 1911's will be as reliable as a Sig 220 or H&K USP after a reliablility job.
 
Thanks for the replies. I had not thought of Sig, but arn't they pretty spendy? Seems I saw some in a display case and they were in the 7-800 range.
The Charles Daley stuff looks interesting, where are they made?
I keep looking at the Sprinfield site, also discovered Auto Ordanance, again, don't know where made. But I did notice that they are part of Kahr and a lot of TFL people seem to speak highly of them.
Saturday I'll be going to a local shop to pick up a PA-63, I'll ask them which ones they have access to in my price range.
 
Slightly used loaded Springfields for just under $500 were commonplace at the last gunshow I attended. They weren't beaters, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better starter 1911.
 
There is only one choice friend...

....your search is over....Colt 1991A1, make your family and yourself proud...investing in a legend is an investment in America.:D
 
The new Shotguns news has an article on basic 1911's and covers Springfield, Rock Island, Colt etc. IMHO the Rock Island sounds like a great deal, it only costs 315.00 and is apparently very true to a GI issue .45. They are made buy Armscor in the Phillipines. Good Luck.
 
Charles Daly... LOL. I'd have to really hate the hell out of somebody to suggest they buy one of those things.
Click to expand...
I don't hate anyone, and would suggest the CD without any hesitation.
Click to expand...

As I said, there are opinions on both sides of the fence when it comes to the Daly!! :rolleyes:

As for where they are manufactured, I'm not sure but believe it may be the Philippines. KBI, Inc. is the US importer & distributor.
 
AND AGAIN.....

Suggest highest satisfaction with (save more money) full-sized Kimber.

Magazines? Get Metalform or Ed Brown.
 
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