Which .45 auto to choose? Help please!

[TacWick]

Hello all, im a brand new member. First website, first post. Ive been shooting firearms all my life, but mainly rifles. I just got into handguns and sold an AR to fund it. Problem is I cant decide. I hope this doesnt start a big debate but to be honest im not 100 percent on the .45 caliber. Im sure I should start small like 9mm to learn better mechanics and it being cheaper, but .45 has always been what I told myself I would get since this would be home, carry and range.

So what gun, please share your vast knowledge and experience with a beginner in handguns. Ive been mainly looking at smiths m&p line, hk 45, and hk USP but other suggestions are welcomed and encouraged so help before I get to frustrated.


Ps. I know the 1911 should be on the list but I am currently saving up for a custum from baer or wilson for in future

Also I know hk45 is improvment of usp but more expensive so info on that appreciated

[Beat Trash]

I'd strongly recommend you look into a 9mm. First and foremost because the ammunition is cheaper. This allows you more practice ammo.

The difference in effectiveness using modern ammunition between the calibers isn't that much of an issue.

I've used an issued M&P 9mm for over 6 years now. It's a good system. The H&K P30 is an excellent gun also. If I went that route, I'd go with the LEM trigger. The LEM trigger is an acquired taste. Some like it, some don't. The biggest issue with the H&K line is the cost of the gun and magazines.

The best advice is to do as much research as possible. Then try to rent and/or borrow samples of what you're interested and shoot them.

How a gun feels in the hand at the gun shop and how it feels in your hand while actually shooting it isn't always the same.

P.S. I don't know that a 1911 should be on your list. Take some of the money you are saving up for a custom 1911 and use it to pay for a training class or two.

[Kokopelli]

[TacWick]

Thanks for the quick response. I agree with you about classes. I would have already but I dont live in free america (resident of new york state). And it xosts me alot to do carbine classes when going out of state. The reason .45 was what I was considering was do to magazine capacity. I can obly have 10 rounds anyway so I figured might as well go with bigger caliber. But now that I been seeing how much cheaper 9mm is I believer you are right. As far as the cusom 1911 this is my 3 rd time saving up. I always find better uses. First was a BCM EAG rifle and second was a carbine class ha ha im sure il find something else again

[duece71]

I only have 1911s and one old Sig Sauer P220 that I bought back in 1995. The Glock offering looks like a winner and if its anything like the 9mm pistols, you should be GTG. I have 2 Glock 9mm (NOT Gen 4s) that have been flawless, even with crap ammo. Good luck.

[Sensei]

I would not recommend a 1911 as a first handgun. If you are committed to a 45 ACP, look closely at these weapons (in my order of preference based on cost, accuracy, and reliability, etc.): M&P45 Midsize, HK45C, Glock 21 Gen 4. Of note, the HK45 series is more expensive and takes more time to master the trigger than the competition. However, its combination of durability and accuracy is outstanding.

I'd stay away from Sig and Beretta PX4 products in 45 ACP. The 1911 is a great platform - if you are willing to invest at least $2K in money or time to keep in running.

[F-Trooper05]

HK45C. Recommending a 1911 to a first time pistol owner is ****ing retarded.

[dave29]

Glock or Springfield XD. Point and shoot, no drama and goes bang every time. Great 1st .45. Go to a 1911 later when you want a thoroughbread.

[Kokopelli]

Glock or Springfield XD. Point and shoot, no drama and goes bang every time. Great 1st .45. Go to a 1911 later when you want a thoroughbread.

Indeed.. Good advice.. Ron

[Kokopelli]

HK45C. Recommending a 1911 to a first time pistol owner is ****ing retarded.

I understand some of the reluctance to recommend a 1911 to a novice, but the OP is not new to firearms. Possibly there is somewhat of a learning curve to 1911's, but that's mostly in buying wisely. With a wise purchase, possibly a trigger job and a few hundred rounds downrange anyone can become proficient with a 1911. The government has been proving that with F-in morons since WW1.. Not for everyone I suppose and there's lots of choices, however bashing a honest opinion in a post makes you look the F-in moron.. Just saying.. Ron