.45

[bigredbirdfan]

Any opinions on manufacturers of 45 caliber handguns. I shot a glock this weekend and really liked it, but I want to hear from anyone who owns one and is happy with it.

[Zack Hoyt]

Any specific price range? I really like the Kimbers but would have to mortgage the house for one. There is also the Colt 1911.

Are you target shooting or self defense?

[jdmidwest]

Which model of the Glock did you shoot?

I have a model 21 Glock full size and it shoots pretty good. It is a little large for my hands and the split trigger made my trigger finger numb after a few 14 round clips in cold weather. I then purchased a S&W M&P 4.5 inch model and loved it. This summer when they came out with the 45 compact, I bought one of them too. I also own a 1911 and a S&W 4516 and they shoot well too. I have owned several 1911's in the past by Colt, AMT, Springfield, and others. The 1911's are a little finicky when it comes to ammo and cleaning.

But I like the S&W M&P 45c the best, shoots good, lightweight enough for everyday carry, interchangeable grip inserts to fit my hands, easily controlled to get back on target for followup shots, field strips easy, and has fine Novak sights.

www.mp-pistol.com is a great site for the M&P products. I am jdmidwest there also.

[jjtroutbum]

If you like the angle of grip on one glock you will most probably like it on all of em.

I use a Glock 30 45acp for every day carry. And really like it. Its been a ammo hog(eats any and all loads I have tried since day one. And many reports that I have read claim that its one of the best in the amount of perceived recoil.

While wider than a single stack 1911 it makes up for it in capacity 10+1.

[brittsnbirds]

Haven't seen a response about what your plans are with it. But here is my professional opinion.

I have been carrying a Sig Sauer P220 .45 every work day for approximately 17years. We previously carried the Smith and Wesson Mdl. 66 .357. I have put thousands of rounds through the 220 at the range with only one failure (I will describe that later). If you are wanting something that is reliable and easy to use I would recommend any Sig. I presently carry the P245 which is the compact .45 version of the the P 220. A few years ago we switched to the P220ST which is the stainless version. It is a little heavier than the 220. I wasn't happy with the change but I will have to admit that my range scores increased a little due to the extra weight.

In regards to failure, we qualify with rounds that are purchased out of Florida. The ammo is suppose to be as close to the real deal using non-toxic lead (due to the EPA). I had the misfortune of one of the rounds detonating in the barrel at the base of the extractor ring down towards the magazine. It blew the magazine apart and out through the base including the unspent rounds. The grips blew open and the slide split at the weakest point on the slide rails (both sides). My hand was a little numb but still in-tact. Long story short, the ammo manufacturer bought the PD a new gun and concluded that it was either a weak case or a little too much powder. My range officer's comments were "thank god you weren't shooting a Glock". I have shot Glocks and like them but after that experience I am especially respectful of Sig Sauer.

Whatever type of gun you do purchase make sure you use QUALITY ammo.

Pat

[bigredbirdfan]

Thanks for the responses. Sorrry I wasn't able to log on last night. To answer a few questions.

1) Firearm will be used for target shooting and protection not in the house.

2) I am a tightwade so my price range is probably in the $300-$400 price range

3) I really don't like cleaning guns, so I would probably opt for easy cleaning or just lubing occasionally.

Brittssbirds: Wow you have dang near sold me on the Sig after that story.

Thanks

BRBF

[brittsnbirds]

Sig is a good gun. Most of the semi-auto's are easy these days to disassemble so cleaning is relatively easy. As far as price, Sig's are not cheap. Sometimes you can find one for around 450 used. At that price they don't last long. In fact my neighbor bought one that I found for that price and would like 2 more.

I would not be opposed to a M & P unit, Smith and Wesson's early auto's had some issues but the new ones are pretty good.

Like I said earlier, just be sure to use quality ammo!

Btw I haven't heard of any Glock's blowing up. I think overall they are well worth their price!

Good luck.

Pat

[Ham]

I have a Glock 9 MM ( Model 17 I think). I really like it. The only Glocks that I have heard failing are the .40. Those failures are related to handloaded "HOT" rounds.

I'm holding out for a 1911 style .45 ACP. At some point, I'll have a pretty Kimber too.

There are so many guns I'd like to own, but I seem to always choose more fishing gear first.

[jdmidwest]

The SIG's are top of the line, one of these days I will own a P220 also. You can't beat a SIG for quality and accuracy. I missed out on one at the last gun show, slightly used with 4 mags and box for $625.

I have never experienced a KABOOM, just duds and squib loads. Lucky you still have all of your fingers BnB. The steel in the lower part of the gun probably helped with that problem. If you had been shooting any polymer frame pistol like the Glock, M&P, Kahr, or even the new SIG P250 series it may have been different.

[catman]

I've had a Sig P220, nothing wrong with them, but I'll take my old early 70's Colt series 70 anyday, they are shooters and build like a rock. I like heavy steel auto handguns and Colt's fit the bill..