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FAB45
08-30-13, 18:51
So talk me into your choice of a high capacity .45 (want 10 + rounds). Budget under $1000, looking to be a truck gun, range toy, bedside and trail gun. I carry a Glock 19 daily so I was thinking of the Glock 21 Gen 4 or maybe an FNX 45 or maybe an M&P 45. I'm lost, they all feel great in my hand whenever tried them.

FAB45
08-30-13, 18:52
Also, no "search" responses, I've been reading hear and elsewhere a lot, just want some honest feedback on y'all's .45 preference.

Wake27
08-30-13, 18:52
I would say Glock 21 would make the most sense. Unless there is another .45 that you really want for some reason, it'd be most logical to get the Glock.

NoBody
08-30-13, 18:59
M&P 45 full size or mid. 10+1 and available for $500 on the internet and there is a $50 rebate from S&W for military and police service members. :D

Reliable and accurate...M&P 45.

FAB45
08-30-13, 19:03
The allure of the FNX 45 is the 15 + 1 compared to the Glock 13 + 1 and the M&Ps 10 + 1...

rathos
08-30-13, 19:53
I have to agree that the glock is the best bet for you since you already carry a 19. The M&P would be my first choice though.

Scrubber3
08-30-13, 21:03
Out of those three, the S&W would be my last choice. It's a good tool, but magazines are nonexistent. The FNX is a decent choice and mags are somewhat available, but the safety/decocker is a very weak point. I'd recommend the sig 227, but it has a mag shortage now as well. Though its likely mags for it will be out long before S&W will ever get any out.

In comes the Glock 21. Mags plentiful, it's reliable, easy to shoot and has good accuracy. Parts and accessories are everywhere for them too. Plus you already have one glock.

The sig 227 would be my first choice, but the glock is a close second and would probably win out as its much easier to own.

Vandal
08-30-13, 21:08
I'd have to say my top 2 choices would be the Glock 21 or Sig P227. I had an XD45 for a few years and after shooting a G21 Gen4 I'd never go back. Haven't seen a P227 yet in my area but it's a Sig and fits in all P220 and P226 holsters.

DanjojoUSMC
08-30-13, 21:31
A used USP 45 for $500-650 is my preference and suggestion. Have HK re-spring it and look it over if uncomfortable doing it your self.

If utmost durability and reliability isn't at the top of the list - I have had a lot of fun with XD45's and good feedback from their owners. Add them to the cheaper, striker-fired mix. In my opinion chances are just as good with them as Glock or M&P .45's.

It's hard to find several happy reports about FNP, FNX, FNS back to back outside of people who have shot them little and/or shoot little in general. They seem to be features over the goods. My thought is why get a poor man's USP instead of just getting a used version of the real thing?

Ark1443
08-30-13, 21:33
I would say Glock 21 would make the most sense. Unless there is another .45 that you really want for some reason, it'd be most logical to get the Glock.

I had a G21 Sf once. Solid gun, same as any other glock really, just held a lot of .45.

It was a big gun though, but I have big hands so it fit well with me.

Sensei
08-30-13, 21:33
Of those you mentioned, my order would be: Gen4 G21>M&P>FNX. I could no help but notice that you did not mention the HK45 or USP45. Both can be found right at $1000 and are excellent choices if you are looking for something without a striker.

ericl
08-30-13, 21:55
My vote is for the Glock 21 (4th Gen). The only negative about the G21 is the size. Glock has mitigated that with the SF and now the Gen 4 frame. If it fits your hand (it doesn't sound like you have small paws like mine), that is the way to go. No other polymer .45s (other than the HK, which is overpriced and one has to take out a loan to buy magazines) outperform it (to any significant degree). Price point and availability of mags/sights/parts/holsters can't be beat. G21 + all the .45 ACP you can scrounge = good times at the range!

40Arpent
08-30-13, 21:56
FNX....the safety/decocker is a very weak point.

Care to elaborate?

Unkle Kurt
08-30-13, 22:11
The allure of the FNX 45 is the 15 + 1 compared to the Glock 13 + 1 and the M&Ps 10 + 1...

With the KRISS VECTOR utilizing the G21 standard mag, they also manufacture an extension for the G21 mags to bring it up to 30 round capacity!

I'd go G21 or maybe a G30S if you could find one. The G30S, from what I've seen, will likely fit in your G19 holsters. Also you have 10+1 for carry, 13+1 for backup, and 30+1 when SHTF.

Alternatively, the HK45 and HK45c seem to have high regards.

jpeezy
08-30-13, 23:10
G21/c all the way. I carry one on duty and its my favorite gun to shoot. With your budget you could get the gun plus nights sights, x300 ultra, extra mags, holster, grip force and call it day.

S. Kelly
08-30-13, 23:13
G30 gen4.

straterman
08-30-13, 23:14
M&p 45. Glocks feel bulky and ugly after handling m&ps for awhile the m&p has a better feel with beter options. The fnx is kind of a mix netween glock and m&p but its too top heavy it feels like it has a higher bore axis and I can feel the slide moving, more recoil and harder to double tap/rapid rire but it holds hella ammo and is da/sa wich is kinda bad ass. I felt glock and m&p were more accurate and easier to shoot. I think the glock 21 and m&p 45 are the best 45s on the market.but m&p does everything glock does but in a better package except the ammo count but you can get 14 round mags for the m&p. I say go m&p then you will love it so much you will trade your g19 for a m&p 9c, im going too.

Desert Dog
08-31-13, 00:05
Out of those three, the S&W would be my last choice. It's a good tool, but magazines are nonexistent . Though its likely mags for it will be out long before S&W will ever get any out.

Gotta call BS on your claim that M&P 45 mags are hard to source. Just ain't so. Maybe for a couple of days during the craziest moments of the Great Panic, but otherwise the M&P 45 mags have been FAR and away the easiest of the M&P mags to source. Standard or extended are readily available. Check out gunbot to confirm multiple sources:

http://www.gunbot.net/mags/mp/

I own examples of all three of the 45s mentioned by the OP and my first choice would be (is) the M&P. For me, this is the best M&P in the entire line. Great ergonomics and and consistently good accuracy make this a real fighting tool. Standard mags with 10 or extended mags with 14 give you a choice. I have a 21 chopped to work with 30 mags and the idea is mostly the same, but the M&P drives like a sports car where the Glock is like an SUV in comparison. I like the FNX a lot but the M&P 45 simply hits the sweet spot for me.

1slow
08-31-13, 00:06
GL21 or HK45 LEM.

JonInWA
08-31-13, 07:26
A Glock G21 is an inherently excellent gun on its own merits, and the Gen4 G21 seems to be the "gold standard" of the Gen4 releases. It makes a great deal of sense to have platform commonality in different calibers.

My Gen 3 G21 has been an absolutely flawless performer over the yars and thousands of rounds (and tens of thousands of dryfire exercise), but if I didn't have it and I was in the original poster's position, I'd be getting a new Gen4 G21. Plus Glock's aftermarket support and magazine/parts availability is superb.

Best, Jon

The Dumb Gun Collector
08-31-13, 07:37
Inside your budget the M&P 45 is the best in my opinion. It has the best ergonomics and is the most flexible. It isn't terribly much larger than you G19 for occasional carry yet it can be equipped with a 14 round mag for emergency duty. The only gun that I think would be superior (only because of absolute durability) would be an HK45-- but it is too costly. In my experience the g21 is by far the least reliable and durable of the Glock series--with marginal ergonomics , and the FN is a close call but my experience with the 45 is that it is ammo sensitive.

Plumber237
08-31-13, 07:50
Glock 21 gen4 or a used HK45/45c (new if you can find them under $1000, which is probably possible on gunbroker etc.) I miss my 45c, I sold it because it was getting too expensive for .45 ammo with the amount I was shooting at the time, when I already had a 9 mil glock.

prez1967
08-31-13, 08:18
Police Trade In Glock 21

Mine has been flawless, 3k+ rounds and multiple training classes.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn89/prez1967/Guns/402FE0C9-D4A2-49D7-ACC0-D73879B31EAB-2362-00001C67A59FD315_zpsa89ff908.jpg (http://s302.photobucket.com/user/prez1967/media/Guns/402FE0C9-D4A2-49D7-ACC0-D73879B31EAB-2362-00001C67A59FD315_zpsa89ff908.jpg.html)

25 yard shot after some serious PT to get the heart rate up.

For the price of a HK45, I bought my pistol, 8 magazines, three different holster systems and spare parts.

Talon167
08-31-13, 08:54
HK USP45

anachronism
08-31-13, 10:01
I've had two different G21s, and a G30, and was really unhappy with the grip profile on all of them. The G30 seemed more managable somehow, but the G21 grips made me feel loke I was a little kid again, trying to hold onto a oversized of soap, and my hands are pretty good-sized. Everything was smooth, but I couldn't get a consistent enough grip on the darn things to give me the control I needed. I tried an XD Compact, and that was better, but I ended up trading it off towards a competition .22 pistol. If I were looking for one today, I'd probably look at one of the new generation 1911/2011 guns now made. Myself, I decided to simply try a 1911 when the Glock thing didn't work for me, and I've been there ever since. I could probably try a G21 with a grip reduction, but everythings working well for me right now, and I don't feel the need for a change.

Steve S.
08-31-13, 15:53
If carry isn't a concern, the G21 or M&P45 are both great weapons. I wouldn't get too hung up on the 21 not being reliable - I've never found that to be the case in my experience and plenty of departments issue the 21. Plus if its going to be a truck gun, there's really no sense in getting something pretty like an HK.

If carry is a concern, I'd personally go for the M&P45c. I think it's the best design in the line. The new G30S also is a great choice.

Me personally.... I'd get a G30S or M&P45c and just run the Fullsize mags if its staying in the truck. At least it can be squeezed into the concealed carry role if needed. If the shorter sight axis is a concern (it's really nothing to worry about), take the money saved over something like an HK / 1911 and have an RMR put on.

KentuckyWindage
09-01-13, 13:11
GL21 or HK45 LEM.

This!

kihnspiracy
09-02-13, 00:02
HK USP45.;)

jdk32581
09-02-13, 00:58
LOVE my FNX 45

theblackknight
09-02-13, 01:08
I've shot all 3, and the FNX was the best shooter,but Id buy a G21g4 if it was my money.

sent from mah gun,using my sights

Scrubber3
09-02-13, 06:52
Care to elaborate?

One of many complaints

http://fnforum.net/forums/f77/my-new-broken-fnx40-14965.html

Since I work part time at a local well respected gun store, I see a few from time to time....

Straight Shooter
09-02-13, 07:27
Ive been shooting my G21 since early 2005. I love the thing. Its a full size grip, and almost none of my friends who aren't regular shooters like it. "Too big", they say, especially with the grip tape I use on it. Ive got Ameriglo sights on it and a couple other things, and were I to go to war or SHTF, itll be on my side along with my G17. My G21 has many thousand rounds on it, and shoots like a dream still.

uffdaphil
09-02-13, 07:57
Grant has had M&P mags at low prices for quite a while. 10 and 14 up now.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=45MB10&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dmag%20not%20case%20not%20magpul%20not%20magnifier%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=45MB14&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dmag%20not%20case%20not%20magpul%20not%20magnifier%26searchstart%3D18%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html

I'm anxious for my 45c to arrive so I can try swapping tops with my full size. Nice option to have.

Glock30
09-02-13, 08:22
In my opinion....the M&P 45 (10+1) mid size is the most accurate 45acp in the game:cool:

awpk03s
09-02-13, 09:24
I vote Glock 21 Gen4 or Glock 30 Gen4.

I own both and they are great. I use an XS big dot front sight and a Heinie ledge 3D rear. Aside from this mod, they are perfect to me.

KentuckyWindage
09-02-13, 09:27
In my opinion....the M&P 45 (10+1) mid size is the most accurate 45acp in the game:cool:

Ever shot a hk45? I own both m&p 45 full size and compact, and hk45 and the m&ps are accurate but the hk45 is in a league of its own.

ralph
09-02-13, 10:26
Ever shot a hk45? I own both m&p 45 full size and compact, and hk45 and the m&ps are accurate but the hk45 is in a league of its own.

I'll have to agree with this...I own a mid size M&P45 and recently bought a HK45ct..shot it yesterday for the first time, never shot one before... I was stunned how easy it is to shoot well with it.. The M&P is no slouch, but the HK is much,much better.. The only complaint I have is the DA pull is pretty stiff, if you could drop 3-4lbs off the DA pull, It'd be close to perfect.. In all honesty, I'm beginning to wonder why should I even keep the M&P.....

1slow
09-02-13, 10:40
Try the LEM trigger.

ralph
09-02-13, 10:45
Try the LEM trigger.

I have a P2k and a P-30 both with light LEM, I was trying the DA with the .45 and managed to shoot it decently, I'm somewhat torn between maybe seeing if I can get a lighter DA or go LEM..

1slow
09-02-13, 10:58
I have several HK45 and P30. If I was coming directly off of the 1911s I was using circa 1990, I would go Cocked and locked variation 9( I believe).
After using Glock 9mm and .45 these past 23 years I am converting to LEM on all my HKs. My P30s are LEM. Hk45 are DA/SA and LEM all will be converted to LEM soon. I do not want forgetting a safety to bite me.

Once you decide I would make all of them the same for ease of training and commanality.

YMMV.

ralph
09-02-13, 16:06
I have several HK45 and P30. If I was coming directly off of the 1911s I was using circa 1990, I would go Cocked and locked variation 9( I believe).
After using Glock 9mm and .45 these past 23 years I am converting to LEM on all my HKs. My P30s are LEM. Hk45 are DA/SA and LEM all will be converted to LEM soon. I do not want forgetting a safety to bite me.

Once you decide I would make all of them the same for ease of training and commanality.

YMMV.

Well, I took the 45ct and my P2k out today for a little side by side shooting/comparsion. The P2k is a light LEM gun. I did all of my shooting at 15yds..Both did very well.. Odd as it is, I shoot the P2k much better than my P-30. (also light LEM) I'm thinking the 45ct in light LEM would be a natural for me as it has a lot in common with the P2k. I'm not sure why I shoot the P2k better that the P-30, But I have noticed when shooting the P-30, that I have a anticipation problem, but I don't with the P2k, I guess I'll have to work with the P-30 a bit more...

Cylinder Head
09-02-13, 20:20
HK45. Ergos, post apocalyptic reliability and accuracy.

FAB45
09-05-13, 17:40
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I picked up an M&P .45 today. They did not have any used H&K's so that was out of the question and while I love Glocks (I carry one), I thought I would give M&P a chance. I have heard nothing but great reports about the reliability and accuracy of the M&P .45's but most importantly it felt great in my hand.

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh579/GEARS45/fee69707-546a-4f42-a304-282bd948fe7e_zps335adce5.jpg

DanTSX
09-05-13, 19:00
I really like my Gen 3 Glock 21SF. From the Gen 4's I've handled, I think those are even better. Dimensionally, the old G21 and the G21SF are not that far off from each other. However, there is a substantial difference in how they feel and handle. Those 2mm or whatever that are shaved off of the frame make all the difference in the world to me.

I have also owned the FNP-45. It was an ok gun. Nice sights, very accurate, and the capacity was nice. But it had a long list of traits or issues that I had identified that I felt were making it a liability and future disaster. My main bitch was the safety/de-cocker switch. If you ride it like a 1911, at best it may de-cock the hammer. At worst, you lock up the fire control group completely if you ride the safety with force. I also have complaints regarding the magazine retention, FMJ would catch magazine walls and create stoppages, trigger pins walking, backstraps falling off, and not being able to detail strip it without breaking FCG components. I did not have any issues with my FNP-45 blowing up, but I have observed that this has been on the upward trend on the various boards out there. FNP-45 mags, parts, and accessories were not a huge issue for me as it was a HD gun, but it might be for someone who carries it, or shoots it in classes or competitions. Reports are that FNH USA's service has been challenging these days, but were quite good when I had a nice conversation with their former Cust Service Manager (Bob A.) discussing some concerns that I had with my gun.

Overall, the FNP-45/FNX-45 isn't a horrible gun, but FN's more modern pistols since the P-35 have been taken out of the oven far too early, and quickly discarded for the next half-raw batch of cookies. It's a distinct and disturbing trend that FNH will likely repeat again. Anyways, I don't want to turn this into an anti-FNP/FNX thread, so if you have specific concerns or challenges to anything in my above experience, PM me and I will detail my experience. I do not regret having owned it, but I am very glad that I have moved onto the Glock 21.


Edit: FAB, I think the M&P 45 is very nice. Perhaps the most well rounded set of attributes amongst it's competitors. VERY rare to see anyone complain about their M&P 45. I think the M&P soaks up recoil better than any other of the polymer guns on the market. Congrats on the M&P. How is the trigger? Are you familiar with the Apex products?

williejc
09-05-13, 20:07
I've owned all of the 45 autos in this thread and am now shooting the M&P midsize version. If you're a Glock guy, consider buying the G21 so you can stay within the platform and also benefit from parts availability and support. Both are big pistols that do the same thing.
The Glock is easier to disassemble beyond field stripping. The M&P 14 shot mag extends past the grip so far that it becomes an awkward protrusion. Loading the 14th round requires Herculean effort and makes the mag difficult to insert. Remember that the G21 mag holds 13 rounds with no protrusion.

rauchman
09-06-13, 07:37
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I picked up an M&P .45 today. They did not have any used H&K's so that was out of the question and while I love Glocks (I carry one), I thought I would give M&P a chance. I have heard nothing but great reports about the reliability and accuracy of the M&P .45's but most importantly it felt great in my hand.

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh579/GEARS45/fee69707-546a-4f42-a304-282bd948fe7e_zps335adce5.jpg

Excellent choice. Congrats!!! I have an M&P45, Gen4 G21 and HK USP45F. Each pistol has it's strong points, but the M&P45 is really growing on me.

Slater
09-06-13, 18:56
I'm looking at a Glock 21 Gen 4 myself. I like it fine but a buddy says "they shoot fine, they're just too damn bulky".

walkin' trails
09-06-13, 22:49
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I picked up an M&P .45 today. They did not have any used H&K's so that was out of the question and while I love Glocks (I carry one), I thought I would give M&P a chance. I have heard nothing but great reports about the reliability and accuracy of the M&P .45's but most importantly it felt great in my hand.

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh579/GEARS45/fee69707-546a-4f42-a304-282bd948fe7e_zps335adce5.jpg

You done good. I've had one since 2009 and it has been good. Magazines can be found, but like everything else in these times of hysterical frenzy, you might have to look hard at times than others. Go to Speed Shooter Specialities and order an extra striker assembly, as mine broke at 7500 rounds just st the moment S&W was backordered at least a month. Other times their warranty service has been great. Have them inspect the pistol every 5K rounds on their dime and you'll keep it running fresh.