What .45 to get

AndABeer

Just poking some fun at the 1911 fans. I own one myself a Para P14 limited. I do find that a reliable one is a joy to shoot its just finding a reliable one that is the trouble. I am not too keen on defensive pistols that need to have a safety clicked off before I can shoot the bad guy its just something else to slow me down.
PAT
 
I think that the Sig P220ST in all stainless is the best 45 you can buy to date without all the gimmick custom stuff like the Sig Sport versions and Hk Expert/Tactical versions. I just debated well about getting the Hk USP45 or the new Sig P220ST, and as my last P220 did to Hk, the Sig won me over again. My P220ST should arrive by next week. But my choice would be between a Sig P220 or Hk USP45. Glock is a good gun also and more simple, but the least favorite of mine.

I'm selling my P220 in blued for $500 if you are interested. I may have a buyer for it already, but if you are interested, I will keep you on my list. Bought it new 5 months ago and only fired 400 rounds from it. Sits in its case mostly. Gun is almost mint condition. Only seeling due to my new P220ST.
 
Remember to ask yourself what you want out of the gun. Just because you dont have your cwp now it does not mean you will not get it down the road. Also if you are going to use it as a bedside or glove box gun you should have night sights put on it. Finally don't over look revolvers.

Now to answer your question. I would get the H&K. I have all three (Glock 30, Sig p245, and H&K USP Compact) and I like the H&K the best. If money is an issue you will not be dissapoined with the Glock at all. Anyway you cut it you will love all three guns. Also I bet that someday you will have one or more of each.

Have you tried a 1911? I also have 2 Kimbers and they are great.

John
 
Don't listen to them (get what fits you best)

When you were growing up you had to always buy new shoes because you grew out of them. Just get the HK you will like it so much your brain will make your hands change so it does fit you best. Realistically if evolution doesnt' do its job then you just aren't shooting it enough.
As you log more range time you will like it more and more









Or ..... you could do the smart thing as they all have said.
 
Yeah I do like to 1911 models too. I thought about getting one of the Kimbers. The pro carry or the classic. I have read some really good things about them and they felt really good when i held them. I also looked at a couple of springfields
 
Trimation, I just went through this myself, and decided on the Kimber Custom Eclipse II for my 45. I know you said "money is no object", but there's always a limit. Do you have a budget range you're considering? For instance, Les Baer has 1911's that START as a base model, at $1600 each.

That said, in the price range you're looknig for, I'd go with H&K, SIG and/or a 1911 variant. Don't want to get flamed here, but the Glocks seem too 'sterile' to me. They're nice... don't get me wrong... I came close to buying one myself (decided on a P99 instead), but they have no 'personality' or 'charm'.

Bottom line, I'll echo the great advice you've alredy been given - you need to buy what feels good, and you shoot the best.
 
I like pretty much all guns. They all have a place and a purpose.
I own many different calibers and makes.

However I am a little bit of a gun biggot:
1911 in .45acp is where it is at for me.
Colt and Kimber lead this group.
Springfieds have never feel good in my hand.
I have read a lot of negatives about Auto Ordinance,
but I will likely eventually own one to form my own opinion.

My current favorite is my Sistema..... Rugged reliable no frills what so ever, time tested and battle proven.
 
I went to the range this morning and fired some guns. I think that I am going to get the HK. I also decided that the next one I am going to get will probably be the Kimber or the springfield. That HK just felt way too good in my hands. I really liked the balance and the weight. I shot one and I did really well with it. I will let you guys know how it goes after I get it. By that I mean, how happy I am with my decision.

I want to thank all of you for your advice. You have been a big help in making my decision. You were all right. The best way to decide is to shoot them and see which one feels best to you.


Jedediah:)
 
Tri, before you lay your money on the table, be sure to shoot a 1911 side-by-side to the H&K. If you're in the NJ area, I know a range that rents HK, SIG and Kimber .45's.

Good luck!
 
I actually already shot a 1911 model the other day. i thought it was really great. i am probably going to get one in the next couple of months. I am just deciding which one I want to get first. You never forget your first handgun purchase I am sure. I mean I already have a Ruger Blackhawk. But that was given to me. The first one you buy is special isn't it?
 
Well, I prefer my Les Baer, but it costs a bit more than the others mentioned.

I shoot IDPA, and have seen Glock .45's malfunction on several occasions - they don't seem to have the reliability of the 9's and 40's. On the other hand, I don't recall seeing an HK USP malfunction. I've seen OTHER H&K's malfunction, but the USP's seem to work well. I don't have one, though, because it simply feels awkward and very "un-ergonomic" in my hand.

A gunsmith friend of mine seems to think highly of the Kimber Eclipse and CDP pistols - says they're a "bargain" at the usual selling price of just under $1000, and the factory seems to take more care in fitting them than they do with the "run of the mill" pistols.
 
I shoot IDPA, and have seen Glock .45's malfunction on several occasions - they don't seem to have the reliability of the 9's and 40's

I was issued a glock 21 at my last department and it worked great. Its a very reliable 45. I would take it over the USP and Sig 220 I used to own.
PAT
 
I prefer the HK USP .45 in Variant 1 above all else. If I couldn't carry it cocked and locked, it probably wouldn't see anything other than range time. GLOCKs, SIGs, and many others are just as good as the HK, but it is all personal preference.

I chose the HK due to the ability to carry C&L, the extreme durability and reliability of the pistol, and the great accuracy it gives.

The DA trigger on my USP doesn't really suck, but it is long and heavy. If you get a variant with a manual safety, you can keep it in SA mode like the 1911. SA pull is very nice and light.

Durability and reliability are two things HK is famous for. This gun is built like a tank and will handle any .45 load you feed it. The only other pistol I found that is as strong as the HK is the Ruger .45. You can also beat the crap out of it just like a GLOCK and it will still work fine. The HK is as reliable as anything else out there. I can get mine to cycle empty .45 brass, which is not a practical test, but it shows how the gun is not very ammo sensitive.

The HK USP is just as accurate as any other pistol including SIG-Sauers, which are noted for their great accuracy. The HKs with the O-ring barrels are said to be even more accurate, although I don't know for sure. I don't know anyone who can outshoot their pistols, so this trait is probably not too important when choosing a combat pistol. The GLOCK, SIG, HK, Beretta, etc. are all more accurate than most people will ever be.
 
When I bought a .45 recently I had several criteria that I considered. The mos important of these was inherent reliability out of the box. I like 1911's I really do! However just read the posts here and other forums. Out of the box reliability for 1911's is hit and miss. Yes indeed some brands increase your chances of getting a good one, namely Kimber.

I choose A Glock 21. I'm very happy I did. Not only do I have a rock solidly reliable gun but I can carry 14-16 rounds. That's twice what a 1911 will carry (para ordnance being the exception). Is the glock perfect in every way? ........Well, maybe. For me I really can't think of anything to complain about. It's a big gun I'll say that. Some people about the 21's size but if you have average size or larger hands it won't be a problem.

Obviously there are other non 1911 good choices. H&K and SIG to name two. Compare the three and you will notice that the Glocks slide rides lower on the frame than does the H&K and the SIG. This translates into a straight back recoil whereas the others tend to have a more pronounced barrel flip durring recoil. It is easier to get quick 2nd 3rd shots off in the glock and still be on target.


Jay
 
Trimation,

You are doing the right thing and that is shooting the pistols to get a good feel for balance, ergonomics, and recoil. Get what you are most comfortable with, because if you're comfortable with it then you'll shoot it more and you'll be proficient with it. I did the same thing you did several months ago. I decided on the USP .45F. 4800 rounds later and I couldn't be happier, I know nothing is perfect, but so far this gun is. Hit the target first shot out of the box, not one failure of any kind, fits my hand, mild recoil, features I was looking for (thumb safety/decocker), easy to clean and great to shoot. Good luck in your quest.
 
EXPERIENCE (NO WHINING PLEASE)

IMNSLE the full-size Kimbers perform at a greater satisfaction level (accuracy, reliability) than SA's.

Both make superb base guns, and Springfield's Custom Shop is flat-out awesome.

To all those who disagree I say gain more experience with more examples of both brands and you will agree, out-of-the-box full-size Kimbers are more accurate and reliable than full-size SA's.

(SA still really really good. Caspian best.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top