View Full Version : SHTF .45
I'm looking for a SHTF .45 pistol, any ideas.
Also, what is the consenses on the best 1911, and still reasonably priced?
Jay Cunningham
06-26-08, 17:08
That's a heck of a question.
:cool:
That's a heck of a question.
:cool:
I'm trying to talk myself into a single stack .45:D
Jay Cunningham
06-26-08, 17:16
I am no expert on the 1911 platform, but I do have a Smith & Wesson M&P45 which seems to be a good pistol.
Several guys that I trust have said 1911's coming out of Colt and Springfield Armory these days are pretty good base platforms - Kimbers not so much.
It depends on what you are willing to spend, your timeframe and what the intended use of the pistol is.
Glock 21 SF (the non 1913 rail version).
MarshallDodge
06-26-08, 17:25
What is your budget? $500, $1000?
I think one of the best built 1911's for the money right now is from Dan Wesson/CZ, next down the list is Springfield.
A few guys I shoot with have the Rock Island and Taurus 1911's and seem to be happy with them but you get what you pay for.
In the used category I would look for a pre-series II Kimber, Colt 70 series, or a Norinco.
What is your budget? $500, $1000?
I think one of the best built 1911's for the money right now is from Dan Wesson/CZ, next down the list is Springfield.
A few guys I shoot with have the Rock Island and Taurus 1911's and seem to be happy with them but you get what you pay for.
In the used category I would look for a pre-series II Kimber, Colt 70 series, or a Norinco.
700.00 to 1500.00 is the range I was looking at.
Are Para's any good? I don't hear much about them?
theJanitor
06-26-08, 17:38
as for 1911's (that's the only 45's that i own), used Les Baers pop up from time to time under $1500
other than that, the Springer TRP is well built for around $1200, IIRC. the operator falls well under your limit as well.
i have no experience with the new DW's and i personally would stay away from Kimber, taurus.
i bought two series 70's this month, the latest was just this morning. ;)
RIA is the best for the money, Springfirld next, Colt the high-end.....any others upwards of 1500 to 2500 are a complete over-kill in price
theJanitor
06-26-08, 18:07
any others upwards of 1500 to 2500 are a complete over-kill in price
i'm sure many would nod their heads to that statement, but I for one, respectfully disagree. just my 2cents
I'm looking for a SHTF .45 pistol, any ideas.
Sig P220
Joe Mamma
How about a P220? OHHH! you beat me to it:D
Gutshot John
06-26-08, 18:19
My take on this would be single-stack .45. Either Sig P220 or preferably a 1911.
The following is entirely my opinion...
The P220 is probably the more reliable/durable in the short-run, but when it does break/fail, parts may not be available and you may or may not have the knowledge to fix it even if you do.
For this reason I'd go with 1911, why? because in a SHTF scenario I'd imagine that 1911 parts are the most available, and the numbers of people that know how to work on them will be that much greater.
I definitely prefer a single-stack, but for that price range if you're a knowledgeable armorer you can buy 3-4 Glock or S&W .45s, and that might last someone a decent lifetime of shooting by ratf*(&ing parts.
I have a G21SF, I just can't seem to get away from wanting a single stack. They feel and point soooo good. Everytime I handle one, my G21 ends up feeling like a brick:(
If you want a single stack for ergonomic reasons, I suggest you give both the M&P45 and the HK45 a serious look. Be sure to play with the different grip options to see whether either (or both) fit your hand to your liking. I don't have stats on the HK, but the M&P45 with the Small grip backstrap is very close to having the same trigger reach circumference as a standard 1911, believe it or not. I'd bet the HK45 comes in right around the same.
The P220 is a great gun if yours works, which most do. Some have had serious extraction issues since they moved to a stainless one-piece slide a few years ago, and sometimes that problem doesn't crop up for thousands of rounds. They just recently started making them with external extractors as a fix, but so far it's too new to say for sure whether it is reliable. So getting a P220 may involve a little testing, tweaking, and repair. But in the long run it should run fine.
The same is true for most quality 1911 brands in your price range: it will probably work, but be prepared to have some tuning done if it doesn't.
I'm surprised to see the positive opinions on RIA. I've only seen two, and both of them had broken parts within the first 500 rounds. One sheared the hammer in half during the first few mags of shooting.
New 1911 - Springfield Loaded to TRP line
Used 1911 - Used RRA or Les Baer
Non-1911 platforms - HK45/USP45, SigP220, S&W M&P45.
Sidewinder6
06-26-08, 18:55
H&K, without hesitation.
Im with you. Love mine.
i'm still waiting to see a good review from the taurus 1911 they are saying has 2500 of upgrades for 699 price iirc
MarshallDodge
06-26-08, 19:02
P220 is not a bad choice either.
I do not recommend Para Ordnance and was not recommending Taurus or RIA, just stating that the guys I shoot with have not had any issues.
A good used Les Baer would definitely be in your price range and they are worth it.
For a custom take a look at Fusion Firearms (www.fusionfirearms.com)
Bob can build it any way you want it and probably stay within your budget. Tell him you want a good combat style 1911.
AwaySooner
06-26-08, 19:14
SHTF I am taking my Hk45 anytime. Why? Because it looks bad-ass, like a combat pistol and zombies don't want to mess with me. :D I don't have to clean and lube it all the time, see Greg Bell's Hk45 torture test. It goes bang everytime.
Master_of_Sparks
06-26-08, 19:19
If S ever HTF, I would be damn sure my G21 was ready to go, with the P220 in the top of the ammo can and the G36 in my waistband. I 'love' the Ed Brown ( probably because its my most expensive handgun and certainly the nicest ) but its too new to trust to an onslaught of zombies or agents. I absolutely love 1911s. I 'trust' GLOCK and Sig.
The best rapper is white, the best golfer is black, and the best .45 is cheap plastic.
Springfield MIL Spec 1911 NOT the GI model for an enrty level dependably 1911 or a Colt 1991A1 $500.00 ish
Springfield 1911 loaded or Colt XSE if you want one in your budget ready to roll.
My Springer "Loaded" has been great. Had it for years/thousands of rounds. Very reliable.
If I were to buy another it would be a Springer TRP or Pro, I'd really like a full railed TRP. Or a blued Colt (for nostalgia) or a Smith and Wesson. I've heard good things about the Smiths.
-RD62
G34Shooter
06-27-08, 01:12
Here's my SHTF .45...
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/G34Shooter/000_0018.jpg
Though if S were really to HTF then I'm sticking with my 9mm Glocks for handguns and whatever long gun as a primary :D
Though if S were really to HTF then I'm sticking with my 9mm Glocks for handguns and whatever long gun as a primary :D
blasphemy!:D
Here's my SHTF .45...
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/G34Shooter/000_0018.jpg
Though if S were really to HTF then I'm sticking with my 9mm Glocks for handguns and whatever long gun as a primary :D
Not just anyone deserves to be shot with something that nice...Keep it in the "go bag" and keep the Glock on your belt:D
G34Shooter
06-27-08, 10:59
Not just anyone deserves to be shot with something that nice...Keep it in the "go bag" and keep the Glock on your belt:D
That's the plan :p
RogerinTPA
06-27-08, 16:43
I'd get the M&P45 for around 500 bucks or so, get a good holster/mags and use the rest of the funds for ammo. You will probably spend serious coin to get a 1911 up to snuff and running like it ought to. I am biased since I own an M&P45, but it is one accurate, quality handgun. Read all the threads on this forum. S&W did it right. ;)
Alpha Sierra
06-27-08, 19:50
S&W .45 Caliber Model of 1989
http://san1.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/103006000/103006727/pix451085093.jpg
Get a bunch of Rimz clips (no need for tools) and enjoy.
condition 1
06-27-08, 20:04
Sig P220
Joe Mamma
Well there you go.
toddackerman
06-28-08, 08:40
700.00 to 1500.00 is the range I was looking at.
Are Para's any good? I don't hear much about them?
Para's arent at the top of most peoples lists. Neither are Kimbers anymore due to a lot of QC issues over the last few years.
If that's your price range I suggest looking at the Springfield Armory TRP series. I'm not sure if you can get into a Wilson CQB for $1500, but I would check. Both of these would serve you well.
You could also go get a used Colt, or lower end Springfield Armory and have a "Competent" Gunsmith build it to your specs. I got a Springfield loaded with very few rounds on it for $600 and after all the parts were upgraded (I did) , and the checkering done (by my Gunsmith) and then I Gun Koted it, I now have $1200 in the gun and it's exactly the way I want it, and I didn't have to wait for some of the rediculous shop times that many of the Smiths are quoting.
Here's a pic....
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/toddackerman/Loaded1.jpg
I'm looking for a SHTF .45 pistol, any ideas.
Mine are Glock 21s with 13 round mags :)
Carbineoholic
06-28-08, 09:23
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee166/puffyfish50/DSC00048-1.jpg
The Taurus contains a 460 Roland kit for massive power and fires the .45 also. The other is just a plain Jane M&P.45 but is very accurate. I have many others to fit the needs of the 'gun of the day'.
For a 1911 style, every 45 guy who I know swears by the Colt and Springfield as a basic gun to build on. Some Springfield base 1911 guns are well worth it, ie, GI model. They fit in your price range.
As for high tech gun-meaning plastic, every class I've been to the top shooters LEO/Military use-guess what 9mm Glock-they work. Most of the cops I know use Glocks in 40/45. Since there is a light rail built into the gun, theres no need for extra parts.
Good question, it should be followed up with SHTF rifle/shotgun/gears. :)
700.00 to 1500.00 is the range I was looking at.
Call John, at Pro Load about a Baer.
http://www.proload.com/
my main shit hit the fan pistol is a glock 31 with two conversion barrels in 40short and weak and 9mm. lots of spare parts for the mid frame glocks out there. and since one pistol can handle three rounds of which two are common so it shouldn't be out of ammo any time soon.
in 45acp i have a XD 45 tac--which shoots very well. not that expensive--reliable and tough. only downside very few parts on the market if it breaks.
i have a couple 1911s that i built myself from double-star frames.
i wouldn't rule out a good wheel-gun. i have an old d&w 357 mag. the darned thing shoots sweet.
i think the ideal shtf pistol requirements --- durable, reliable, and has some abundance of spare parts and ammo. this handgun needs enough firepower to do the required job and be accurate enough for it's intended role.
meet these requirements and add in--what you like to shoot and can hit with.
picking a pistol is a lot like picking out underwear-- one size don't fit all.:cool:
AllAmerican
06-30-08, 08:08
I have a G21SF, I just can't seem to get away from wanting a single stack. They feel and point soooo good. Everytime I handle one, my G21 ends up feeling like a brick:(
I just bought a G30 SF but my favorite .45 is a Kimber Warrior, with many rounds downrange and not a bobble. Extremely accurate, and no full length recoil guide rod, easy to take down and clean. Well it works for me....
a while back i got to fire a few rounds out of a ruger .45 i can't recall the model number. amazingly it shot pretty darned good. in spite of its huge brick-bat shape. the da/sa trigger was pretty good too. quite the jump up form the old-p85 9mm days. i don't know what these things sell for but i wouldn't think it would be excessive.
but nothing feels as good in the hand as a m1911!!:cool:
The Dumb Gun Collector
06-30-08, 19:27
For SHTF, the HK45 is, IMHO, the best. As LAV says, the gun is probably more bombproof than any other .45 on the market. I have run a little over 10,000 rounds without malfunction. And when I say without malfunction, I am not exaggerating. Not even a dead primer (which of course, is just luck). I have run it through both a Ken Hackathorn Advanced pistol class and a Vickers Tactical Low light course. After one course I was notified by a guy who I didn't even speak to that he bought one partly based on the performance of it in that class.
The gun was developed and tested for a very long time. It was probably the most serious contender for the JCP trials, and is based on the HK USP, which, say what you will, is a tough bastard of a gun. It is a military gun meant for military purposes. I don't know how much more SHTF you can get. If I was equipping a squad of guys to step into "The Road Warrior" I would unhesitatingly arm them with HK45s. http://gallery.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/100038/P1010094/web.jpg
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