.45 ACP recommendations

[cagkt3]

I like my Sig 1911 Fastback Nightmare Carry in 45 ACP (believe they also make it in 357 Sig).

 

[Opposite Pole]

I don’t mean to derail the thread but it’s worth understanding that striker fired pistol triggers are not all the same. I’m not a very competent handgun shooter and I find that a good trigger helps me a lot, at least when shooting stationery targets at the range. Until two weeks ago I owned a G19 that I disliked almost everything about other than for it’s decent size it was easy to conceal. The trigger pull was long with a lot of creep. I had very hard time shooting it accurately and ended up selling it. I also own a Walther Q5. It too is a striker fired design but it has a decent trigger and I can shoot it just fine. Same calibre, same design principal but very different shooting experience. A better shooter might be less picky but for me the trigger matters, a lot.

For my EDC I like DA/SA and usually carry 9mm P229 Legion in such a design. I only own one .45 gun, it’s a custom shop Kimber Classic Carry Elite. A lovely gun, great to shoot but somewhat on the expensive side.

 

[tedthorn]

I cary a Springfield Armory SD stainless with Tritium sights and the extended magazine.

Its one of the smallest lightest 45ACP out there

 

[perttime]

What is your budget?

What is the main reason you want a handgun?

 

[flatwater bill]

Perttime.............I hesitate to say this, because I am ridiculed fiercely each time, but I want the 45 ACP for bear defense. BTW, today I was able to look at 8 different 45's in a local shop. I really liked the Kimber, (maybe CDP II, cant remember exactly) I was trying to limit to $1000. Maybe not possible. would the Kimber handle Buffalo Bore +P ammo?..........Lots of cumulative wisdom here guys....and it's a lot of $ to me, so want to get it right.......thanks for help..................FWB

 

[Mike Van Horn]

I looked at a lot of pistols. The Kimbers fit me the best. I got a Pro Carry ll. Shoots good and carries very good when hunting and backpacking.

 

[AB2506]

Don't be afraid to look at SIG/Sauer 1911s. They are available in a wide variety of configurations and come with a lot of formerly custom features (such as checkered front strap and backstrap) at very reasonable prices.
If you are going to carry more than shoot (although they are very comfortable to shoot for their weight), try to find a SIG RCS. Very nice lightweight 1911.

 

[Ridgewalker]

OK FWB I understand a bit better your purpose and wants. I’ve owned a 45 ACP 1911s in Kimbers, Springfield Armory, Taurus, Ed Brown, Remingtons, and maybe a couple of others I just can’t think of. The Kimber was one of the best accuracy and functioning. For the price, the Springfield was the best.
Never owned a Commander version. I don’t like hauling the heavy things around. They pretty much all shot OK.
The Taurus was an all stainless that made it through half a magazine before the extractor broke making it non functional. It took 3 months for Taurus to get me a new extractor. I installed it, took it to the local gun shop, and traded it in on a Glock 23 to carry.
I’ve heard good and bad about Kimbers. Both of mine were accurate and functioned well. Just don’t limp wrist it (nor any other semi auto pistol) and it should make you happy.
Best of luck in your decision, but I’d still suggest you shoot one before you buy it.JMO

 

[tarbe]

I always tell people to forget about trying to get this completely right, out of the chute.

Buy a gun. Shoot it a bunch. Carry it. Buy another gun. Shoot it a bunch. Carry it.

After about 3-4 guns and 5-8 holsters you might start to get an idea of what works for you!

The good news is guns don't depreciate like cars!

You may hit the home run right off the bat...but don't sweat it if you don't. Most of us don't.

I bought my first 1911 (Colt Gold Cup) in early 1976. Have had a few more over the years...currently have a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special (my second). I love the 1911, but it isn't for everyone...and if you aren't willing to carry it condition 1, go for a striker gun.

My $0.02 FWIW

 

[Newboomer]

If you're looking for a gun for bear defense to shoot +p or other heavy stuff in 45acp get a full size with a 5 inch barrel and steel frame. Light weight alloys or polymers won't take the pounding and you need the weight for controlability. Kimber and most of the American brands should work fine.

 

[spike.t]

Sig 1911 c3

 

[perttime]

Perttime.............I hesitate to say this, because I am ridiculed fiercely each time, but I want the 45 ACP for bear defense. BTW, today I was able to look at 8 different 45's in a local shop. I really liked the Kimber, (maybe CDP II, cant remember exactly) I was trying to limit to $1000. Maybe not possible. would the Kimber handle Buffalo Bore +P ammo?..........Lots of cumulative wisdom here guys....and it's a lot of $ to me, so want to get it right.......thanks for help..................FWB

Have you shot 1911s before? Or revolvers?

Revolvers in 41 or 44 Magnum, or hot 45 Colt are a traditional solution for bear country. Many are now gravitating towards 10 mm autos. I suppose a powerful 45ACP could work. Just don't go so lightweight that you cannot shoot the gun well.

 

[Nicholas Barcomb]

Perttime.............I hesitate to say this, because I am ridiculed fiercely each time, but I want the 45 ACP for bear defense. BTW, today I was able to look at 8 different 45's in a local shop. I really liked the Kimber, (maybe CDP II, cant remember exactly) I was trying to limit to $1000. Maybe not possible. would the Kimber handle Buffalo Bore +P ammo?..........Lots of cumulative wisdom here guys....and it's a lot of $ to me, so want to get it right.......thanks for help..................FWB

Been reading this for a minute. You say you are a shotgun and rifle guy. How accurately do you shoot those weapons? Do you shoot them better because they fit you? If they do, then pistols are the same. What is comfortable in your hand and proper grip, should shoot best for you.
You also said that you want to use it for bear defense. What kind of bear? If its's grizzly, coastal browns, or kodiaks, good luck with a .45 ACP. You would be better off with the 10 mm in that case. However, if it is black bear country, the .45 ACP and FMJs will work just fine. DO NOT use HPs on a bear, they will expand in the fat and never reach the vitals. Also, frontal head shots are near impossible due to the slope of the brow.
Everyone has an opinion. Some will think there's is better than other's. If you are wondering what ammunition will work in a particular weapon, contact the weapon and/or ammunition manufacturer. That way, you won't void any warranties by using something you weren't supposed to.
I currently own a Springfield XDS in .45 ACP as my EDC. I did have a Springfield XD as my original carry, but it was too large and bulky after I came off active duty, so I traded it for a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in .30-06 SPG. When I go hunting, I have a 4" S&W 57 in .41 Remington Magnum that I carry as a back up or finishing gun (haven't needed it for that yet, thank God).
The choice is yours alone to make, do better research on things for YOUR particular needs. Good luck and stay safe!

 

[Spooksar]

I've been a 45 fan since the 70's, a good quality 1911 or a Sig 220 are my preferred handguns for this caliber. I do have 2 blocks in 45 but they are double stack and a bit big for some people.

 

[Art Lambart II]

FWB, Ill start by saying the 1911 is my favorite handgun of all time with it I have won a national championship, been a member of the US National Civilian Pistol Team and it was my side arm in the service. I have fired 10s of thousands of rounds thru a 1911 and I did all of this before I started caring one as my CCW pistol. IMO the 1911 is not a good CCW pistol for and inexperienced pistol shooter, the grip and thumb safeties take time to master under stressful situations and changing magazines and dropping the slide in an effective and efficient manner takes a lot of practice. As for carrying a cocked and locked 1911, is it safe, absolutely but do I do it, no. The only 1911 I recommend for a CCW firearm is a Para Ordinance LDA (Long Double Action) its a 1911 with a smooth as glass double action only trigger. If your willing to put in the range time before you put your 1911 in a holster you'll never carry anything else but if you don't have the time or the resources to make that kind of commitment I would recommend you look at a different pistol for your carry gun.

 

[flatwater bill]

Tried Sig 220 today at expo..............fit is good....weight is a bit high. It just feels like quality to me.........very impressive...........Nicholas....I shoot a shotgun a lot, carry it a lot in the field, load thousands of rounds for it, and compete with it. It just feels right. But sometimes I am in bear country and I need my hands free. Also, and this is a lot of it, I just want one.....a powerful pistol. I keep trying those that have been suggested. thanks again. still lookin...............FWB

 

[PARA45]

I remember reading something that Clint Smith wrote "“Carrying a gun is not supposed to be comfortable; it’s supposed to be comforting. The gun that’s with you is better than the one that’s home in the safe.”

Good luck on your quest. A lot great suggestions here, it's a matter of finding the right one. Also remember that you will need a good gun belt and holster to carry your handgun. Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

[Standard Velocity]

Bear?

Steel frame 1911, 460 Rowland conversion, Buffalo Bore hard cast, chest rig holster and one friend who is markedly slower than you at the hundred yard dash.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Tried Sig 220 today at expo..............fit is good....weight is a bit high. It just feels like quality to me.........very impressive...........Nicholas....I shoot a shotgun a lot, carry it a lot in the field, load thousands of rounds for it, and compete with it. It just feels right. But sometimes I am in bear country and I need my hands free. Also, and this is a lot of it, I just want one.....a powerful pistol. I keep trying those that have been suggested. thanks again. still lookin...............FWB

On my 21st birthday I set out to buy a P220. My LGS didn’t have one but the had a P226 9mm, I bought that and am tickled pink with it. I think you will like the 220 a lot.

 

[flatwater bill]

Para..........well said...never heard that quote before, but like it. Standard...now I know why my buddy likes to hunt bear country with me. I watched a penetration test with BB hard cast and it put the 45 ACP in the class of some of the magnums (PH....YT)....Thanks Wyatt........................am down to final selection of 3-4 pistols, looking at availability and price................FWB