Thoughts on 45's

[RJL1]

I would like to get a good full size 45. I think I narrowed my search to the Beretta Storm 45 and the Heckler and Koch HK45. I know the HK is pricey but I was issued an HK P7M8 back in '87 (turned it in 2000) and that weapon has made a huge impact on me. Great, great gun. I already own two Beretta 9's, so I know the quality of that particular manufacturer is top notch as well. Thoughts on these two and maybe some further suggestions. I'm not planning on buying anything soon, in the future.

 

[colt_saa]

If those are the only two choices, I would go with the HK 45 in a heart beat.

As you have already learned, the HKs are way overbuilt (this is a good thing)

If the choices were opened up and presuming you are seeking a firearm with DAO or DA/SA trigger, I would look at the SIG P227 or the HK USP family.

 

[RJL1]

I just turned in a brand spanking new Sig P229 in a 9mm. Nice weapon, but temperamental depending on the ammo. I shot the same ammo through my Beretta and Browning Hi Power with no issues. With the SIG, lots of issues. Good gun, bad temperament. No Sig for me.

 

[Lee Barner]

nothing wrong with the old tried and true 1911 family of .45s. lee

 

[Kanewpadle]

I will own a Glock 41 soon. If you're not a Glock fan, there is speculation that H&K will make a VP 45.

 

[jonny13sb]

You might also want to consider a CZ97B, Sig P220 or just a good old 1911.

 

[Arik]

If you only ever want or need ONE do it all 45 go with HK45. They are rated for 90k rounds before any major rebuilds have to be made. Accurate, reliable, no parts fitting required, capable of shooting 45 super and capable of shooting after a squib.

The reason is say only ONE 45 is because aftermarket is almost none existent, HK parts are expensive and the mags cost a pretty penny too

 

[loc n load]

HK 45

Gotta ride with Arik & Colt SAA....I have a lot of trigger time with the HK USP tactical and the Mk 23, I also have a lot of history with the Sig 220 and Glock 21's ( and 45 yrs of 1911 experience for you 1911 fans)....all great pistols IMO....but if I had to "saddle up" right now with a modern 45, it would be the HK....I own a USP tactical and run it with a AAC Ti Rant..I have seen HK's perform under harsh and demanding conditions...doesn't get any better in my book....serious hardware for serious work.

 

[JH1951]

If you are looking for suggestions, I carry a SIG Ultra Compact 1911 and am quite, quite pleased with performance and workmanship. No extra do-dads, just a very functional, reliable, well built 1911 concept.

 

[IraIII]

If you want a new H&K, now may be the time. $200 rebate on H&K until December 31. Here is a link
H&K $200 Manufacturer Rebate On All Models of USP, P30, HK45, Mark23, MR Rifle - $200 (excludes VP9) | Slickguns

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

HK 45 all the way. Take advantage of the rebate. I'd look at the USP 45 as well.

Nothing against Beretta as I don't mind the 92F but not newer models.

 

[Richard Simmons]

You might also want to consider a CZ97B, Sig P220 or just a good old 1911.

The CZ 97B is an excellent choice. I've had mine for long time and have found it to be soft shooting, very accurate and very well made. If you are in the market for a full size, 10+1 45 ACP that won't break the bank this one is one you should seriously consider.

I was fortunate in that I purchased a quite a few of the EAA Witness 45 auto mags back when they were only around $15ea. They work perfectly in my 97B though they lock up with a little gap on the bottom of the grip.

 

[harvester1]

Nothing wrong with my PX4 storm in 45. Very accurate and dependable. I have several other 45acp guns but this one is on duty.

 

[fyimo]

I have two 1911 pistols one a Colt Government and the other a Custom Norinco 1911 Government model. They are both great shooters and I really like them. I also have a Sig P220 old school 45 pistol that is a great shooter and it's a favorite of mine. My most accurate 45 ACP is a Sig P220 R Carry SAO (single action only) with a shorter slide and barrel when compare to the P220.

Custom Norinco 1911


Sig P220


P220 R Carry SAO

 

[amazingflapjack]

I like my 4506 no dash, but I would consider a CZ.

 

[weblance]

The FNX-45 is excellent also. Mine has never missed a beat, has shot many different brands, and types of ammo, and is very accurate. Highest capacity, 15+1 and ships with 3 magazines

 

[Sprefix]

Choose wisely and spend ONE time.....(until next time)

H&K if you have to have one of the two you listed. I have a brace of Beretta Elites in 9 and SWEAR by the quality of the gun. Not a fan of the Storm. JMB's 1911 is very hard to beat as Lee Barner said. If you ever step into a Brown 1911, you will only cry one time! That is when you lay that kind of cash out. From then on, you will love it. I've owned Les Baer, and Wilson Combat 1911's......nice, but not an Ed Brown!! If you are not thinking of spending that much money, look very hard at an early (1980's) West German Sig P220. You can get them early and still have an American mag release. My tastes vary, but the P220 and the Elite are almost an extension of my arm. Well, so is a 1911. My P220 and one of my Beretta Elites take turns at EDC. Get the best you can without settling. If you have to save for the right gun, do it. Best luck in your choice........

 

[BAM-BAM]

Sprefix........are you channeling me....LOL

I also have a brace of Beretta's Elite's II........ great guns!!!! I've had Beretta's since my first F Compact in 1988..... no failures to fire, feed or eject that wasn't ammo related ( 2 commercial reloads with "crimped" cases).

Mine are safe/range Queens since I stopped IDPA and USPSA....... for carry I prefer a Compact or Centurion......... but my favorite is the single stack M......8+1 with the Compact slide!!!

As to 45s...... my go to for 25 years is a 1980s W. German 220; it will shoot cloverleafs at 50 feet......... if you need a compact carry .45....... I also have a brace of 1990 era.....Sig 245s......6+1 and a 4.1 inch barrel.... spare mags are 8round full size with Sig's X-grips.

Another one I really like is my 4566...... but it is heavy for EDC vs. the 220

 

[JaPes]

Of the two you mentioned, I'd go with the HK. I think the HK $200 rebate is still going on. If you're going to do it, now's the time.

If you decide to broaden your selection, check out the Sig P220. Equipped with a short reset trigger, they're spectacular.