New pistol suggestions

[doc45]

Greetings, I haven't been on the forum in awhile as I reaquainted myself with my long time love of motorcycles a few years ago & that's taken up my spare time & money. I plan on getting a new pistol for my birthday in few months & would like some suggestions-it'll be used for range/fun & home. I want it to be a 45acp.

I'm a 1911 guy (been my personal & professional sidearm in the past)-it's what I learned to shoot when I was 12, now 55-my preferred brand is Les Baer. However my funds for the upcoming purchase will be greatly reduced.

Last week I got to handle & shoot a S&W M&P 45 & I was quite impressed (if the 4.5" is the full size that's what it was). Forgot to add my friend that bought this one had put on the small backstrap & that's what felt best to me as well.

I don't really want to get another 1911 since I can't afford the Baer (I'm stubborn that way), hate the way Glocks feel in my hand, don't care for the traditional da/sa semi (though I am quite familiar with Sigs & S&Ws).

The M&P seems like a great pistol but want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything else.

Thanks.

[Packman73]

Most here will probably say Glock or M&P but I like my XD45 and would consider a XDm45 if I were in the market for a new .45.

[globeguy]

Walther PPQ and Caracal have been getting some good reviews

scratch that, you want 45. I don't think these two pistols come in 45

[denn1911]

The full-size S&W M&P45 has a 4.5" barrel, and it is a great pistol. I've had mine for about 7 months and have worked it hard ever since. I have 7,300 flawless rounds through it so far, and it has been very accurate. I carry it everyday, both on and off duty. I use the small back strap, which feels best to me. In regards to the Glock .45acp pistols, I have a G21SF, and it has been very reliable and accurate. If the M&P45 feels the best, go with it. You won't be disappointed.

[Grizzly16]

Based on a little trigger time (under 200 rounds each) between a .45 glock 21, xd full size and HK45 (haven't used an M&P45) I'd go with the HK45 all day long. But for the price if a M&P45 is similiar to the M&P9 the M&P45 would be a hard one to beat.

[doc45]

For me the grip angle on the Glocks are wrong, I used a 19 for a while-dead nuts reliable, great combat accuracy but I always felt like I was fighting it.

Grizzly, do you have a variant 1 HK? The Compact version fit my hands best the last time I tried one which was about 4 years ago. Frankly I can't remember the last time I even saw one so I honestly forgot about it.

Thanks for the speedy replies gents.

[F-Trooper05]

that's taken up my spare time & money.

my funds for the upcoming purchase will be greatly reduced.

I can't afford the Baer

With those things considered, why do you want a .45?

[Sensei]

With those things considered, why do you want a .45?

I agree with this question. However, if you must go .45, then the M&P seems the best option given your criteria and history with the 1911. A M&P45 with thumb safety that has the APEX FSST feels VERY similar to a 1911. This upgrade with quality NS will run you about $700. The next option would be a HK45/45c, but my suspicion is that $1K is out of your price range.

[Failure2Stop]

I have seen and heard good things with the M&P .45 and the HK45.

[djmorris]

The HK45 is not only the best .45 on the market but the best combat handgun as well. The only problem is that it'll set you back right around $1,000.

If you don't want to spend that much then the HK USP .45 is essentially the same thing except it has more capacity and the ergonomics aren't quite as refined but still very good. Most 1911 guys I know really dig any HK's and especially the USP models. You can get a police trade in with several lifetimes of service still left in it for right around $500.