Please help me pick my next gun.

[ChadW]

I've decided to get a new handgun: a semi-auto.

After some consideration, I've decided most likely I'll go with a .40, with .45 being my second choice.

I was hoping for some recommendations. I'm not looking to carry it, so size isn't an issue. It also doesn't need to be S&W necessarily.

I'm also not looking to spend too much.

Thanks!

 

[jcall]

Hi, If not a S&W, check out a Springfield Armory XD .40 or .45cal. I have the XD .40 and love it.

I am also looking at a "1911 style" .45 made by ParaOrdance. Its the GI Expert. Have found them from $495 - $519. No frills, but very nice basic .45

 

[Wheelgunner840]

In my opinion, the absolute best bang for the buck is the Springfield XD-45 (or 40 if you must). They can be had for $500 or less, the .45 ACP has a 14 rd. capacity, it can be carried concealed (I carry the service model with the 4" barrel every day).

Mine has been 100% reliable, and fits my hand like a glove. By far the best shooting most comfortable .45 Semi-Auto that I have ever owned. I love my Kimber Custom Royal, but I carry the Springfield XD. Dead balls accurate, and makes the .45 cartridge feel like you're shooting a 9mm.
WG840

 

[FirebirdV8]

If you are thinking of a 40, I would go with the S&W 40xx series. It is hard to find a better pistol then the 3rd gen series. Now is also a good time to get them, they are around even though they aren't made anymore, but aren't rare collectables yet. The 3rd gens also have a natural grip angle, for my hands anyway.

 

[Bob R]

That is a pretty large sized request.

Do you favor metal or plastic? Are you looking for a 1911 platform or something chunkier and more in line with the latest wundergunz?

If I were buying a new gun soon, I would most likely look at a Rock Island Armory 1911 in .45 or a Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec. Just possibly a Springfield GI.45.

So I guess you can tell I like metal 1911's in .45.

bob

 

[jkc]

OK, I'll bite... For the same reasons I advise novices to get a .357 revolver as their first gun, I'll recommend a Glock for a first semi-auto. They're simple to operate, strip, clean, maintain, famously reliable, tolerant of neglect and abuse, etc. You've already decided on caliber (each to their own...) so it's a matter of deciding among models. Let the kibitzing begin!

 

[crofoot629]

Glock 9mm's are the AK-47 of pistols.

FYI, I wouldn't trust a Glock 22/23 to run with a light attached. 9's and 45's do though.

If you like frame mounted safties how about a S&W M&P? Otherwise I'd go Glock.

Emory

 

[FennRx]

you NEED a full size 1911 .45 ACP.

this is not up for discussion.

 

[crofoot629]

you NEED a full size 1911 .45 ACP.

Yea, but he won't spend the $1500 + for a Wilson or Baer so he doesn't.

Emory

 

[Farmer17]

I would highly recommend a CZ-75 .40 S&W, since mine has worked wonderfully for over 15 years. It is an excellent platform for the .40 round since it has very minimal muzzle flip and fast recovery time. Several of the .40 caliber autos have excessive muzzle flip (Walther P99) so I would advise shooting some rental guns before making your final decision.

 

[InolaOK]

Why?

 

[tyusclan]

Check out the High Point in .45.

They're all metal construction, 100% made in the USA, and a lifetime guarantee. You can get them brand new for around $200.

My son-in-law just bought one. He brought it out a few weeks ago to shoot, and it never missed a lick. I shot it several times and loved it.

They don't have the glitz of the higher-end guns, but for pure functionality at a bargain price, you can't beat it.

 

[badam0112]

Glock 22 full size
Glock 23 compact
Glock 27 sub compact
Glock 35 Competition

 

[7.62foryou]

Any 1911. Proven design, reliable, easy to field strip, a proven caliber, usually easy to find and very forgiving to reload. The gun and ammo makes for a deadly accurate comb. On Glocks, any firearm with the saftey on the trigger is not a good 1st firearm. IMHO

 

[tomf52]

Any 1911.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I'll put a vote in for the S&W 4506, a fullsize 45. Very good condition police trade ins are available all over the country for about $400 and it is one solid performer and gun, as a matter of fact, it is one of the few handguns with enough heft that you can use it as a club if you run out of ammo.

 

[bmhiii]

Originally posted by Bob R:

If I were buying a new gun soon, I would most likely look at a Rock Island Armory 1911 in .45 or a Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec. Just possibly a Springfield GI.45.

bob

I have the SA 1911 GI 45 and it is a pretty cool gun. Absolutely no frills even has the old style sights. I wanted a pistol that looked like a WWII carry gun and this one fit the bill. If you want more modern sights, a better ejection port, go with the SA 1911 Mil-Spec.

 

[NCTexan]

I'm extremely pleased with my Springfield XDm in 9mm. It's also available in 40.. with 45 supposedly coming in a few months.

It has a good striker fired trigger that has really smoothed out nicely, and I like the sights and grip as well.

Surprisingly, I now shoot it just about as accurately as my 952-2. Go figure.

 

[riptrack44]

I would suggest the Colt replica of the Army .45. They can be had on GunBroker for $900 to a grand. Personally, I wouldn't own a .40 but again, that's only a personal opinion.

 

[Pasifikawv]

IMHO, I like the .40. It's the perfect caliber for my needs.

I like the Glock 22/23 but a Sigma Series SW40VE (or earlier model) is a comparable firearm for hundreds less.

Find a reliable sidearm that fits your hands well and that you are comfortable using - both in functionality and caliber. What works for me (or what I may prefer) may not be what works for you. Don't buy something just because of "populatirty" or "rave reviews" by the "experts" unless it also fits your needs and shooting preferences. You want something you are comfortable using without hesitation or fumbling.

As you can see from these responses, there are numerous fans of the .45 who would think I am nuts for prefering the .40. I would NEVER try to pursuade them otherwise if the .45 is what they are most comfortable with in their own sidearm.