Thinking about a big bore service pistol- would like feedback

[chaim]

OK, I'm thinking about getting another big bore service pistol. I love my Charles Daly 1911, but with over 10K rounds now it is getting a little loose and could use a tune-up. I'm using this (the fact that it may be at the smith for a few weeks) as an excuse to shop for another big bore service pistol as it shows up the fact that I don't have a spare- my only other full-size is a 9mm.

I don't want any bashing of any of the brands I'm listing. I'm not a newbie and I know what is good and what I like. I trust Taurus (I've had 4 with no problems) and don't want Taurus bashing. I don't want any 1911 suggestions- I love 1911s, but I'm going to hold out for the Taurus 1911 to come out to see how it looks before I buy another 1911 since I'm thinking that Taurus may be my next 1911.

What I do want:

-A full-sized, or larger intermediate sized, big bore handgun.
-I prefer single stacks in .45ACPs
-I prefer double stacks in full-sized, or near full-sized, .40S&Ws
-Mostly I'd prefer to be at 30oz or less, though there are a couple guns I'll make exceptions for
-I prefer fixed sights, but again, I'm willing to consider exceptions
-I would prefer .45ACP in most cases, but in some guns I'd prefer a .40S&W
-I want a gun that is pretty durable
-I would prefer DAO without a safety, a decocker only, or a frame mounted safety that works up for safe down for fire (only a few exceptions on this one).
-I would prefer a service size gun that is carriable (for winter carry anyway) to one just too big to ever consider carrying, but this is a secondary consideration living in MD (I only can carry when out of state).
-I want to be under $500 (MD prices- here, a SA Mil-Spec is usually around $550) and I'd prefer to be no higher than the $400-450 range.

Here are my main options right now:

-Taurus 24/7 in .45ACP. 12+1 rounds of .45ACP and not too terribly thick. See below for other criteria.

-Taurus 24/7 in .40S&W. Basically a larger version of my Taurus PT140 Milennium Pro that I love so much. 15+1 rounds of .40S&W. While, I'd generally prefer .45ACP right now, in this gun I'd prefer .40S&W. More rounds, similarly effective rounds, same sized gun. The biggest thing in the .40S&W's favor is that I could use the 24/7 mags as extended mags to reload my PT140 M. Pro. The DAO 24/7 is being discontinued for a DA/SA version- should mean clearance prices on the DAO 24/7 soon, but could also mean parts availability could become a problem a few years out.

-Taurus PT100. I want a big bore sevice pistol. I want a PT92. I'm only going to be buying a few guns this year, so this compromise will give me a little of both (more or less- it will be the PT100, the .40S&W version of the 9mm PT92). I may be totally happy getting basically the .40 version of the PT92 and a big bore, or I may be disappointed because of too many compromises (it isn't the 9mm PT92, it isn't a .45ACP). It is also the largest and heaviest of the options I'm currently considering.

-S&W SIGMA in .40S&W. New these run a bit under $400 around here. The new SIGMAs have fixed the issues of the original ones. Decent gun, S&W, good price.

-S&W 457. A little smaller than most of what I'm considering, but a nice .45ACP for under $500.

-Taurus PT945. One of my top two choices right now. Good gun, accurate, reliable, inexpensive. Fits my hand very well.

-Ruger KP345. The other of my top two choices. Probably the best Ruger auto ever made. Fits my hand well, well made, single stack (so thin), reputation for decent accuracy and it is a Ruger (thus reliability and durability).

Guns out of my price range that I'd consider (if I can find them used at the right price- though this makes them harder to find):

-Any S&W .45
-SIG 245. A little smaller than the others, but a nice gun.
-A SA "Loaded" or Kimber Custom II
-Ruger P90. Not really out of my range (at the top of it locally), but it is quite a bit bigger than I'd prefer. However, it is a great gun- accurate, nearly indestructable.

[TBT]

For Ruger 45's I prefer the P90 as it doesn't have the magazine disconect.

For under five bills, I think you've listed most of your options. If I was in the market for a high cap 45 full size I would be holding out for the XD45ACP.

What about a certified pre-owned SIG P245 or P220? They can be had around that price range, are gone over by a sig smith and certified. Single stack, legendary accuracy, fool-proof function, SIG quality at a low price.

http://www.sigarms.com/products/certified-pre-owned.asp

[chaim]

TBT, if I see a used SIG 220 at a decent price I will consider it. I'd have to see how I like it compared to some of my other options. What does it weigh- it is a decent sized .45 so it might be too heavy, but I think it is alloy so that would help. Is it carriable?

[TBT]

I believe they are 27oz without the magazine and about an inch and a half thick. For me thats too big to carry, but so are most all service models. My Kimber Ultra Carry is about as big as I'm willing to go.

Your a Taurus fan though and if you trust them their prices are real nice. I might go that way if I were you.

You mentioned the PT1911 ... the features that gun has makes me drool all over myself lol. I'm waiting for that one to come out to give it a whirl. Its basically all custom shop.

[TBT]

I do want to add here that of the models that you listed I like the Ruger best. I would if I were you also consider the P90. Its even cheaper and has a storied past and bright future. Thats one hell of a gun. I've shot one a few times and they are very accurate. Very fun guns. Like all Rugers, they are built like tanks too.

[TBT]

Buds Gun Shop has your 345 for $366.06 ... very good price.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/12753

Prolly have it shipped in and everything for around $400 or so.

[Majic]

I'm not a newbie and I know what is good and what I like.

That right there should answer your question better than anyone else's opinion.

[TBT]

Well, even if one isn't a newbie its nice to come here and get different perspectives and even for nothing else to talk about the finer points and drawbacks of the weapons you are interested in.

I always bring up guns here or another board before purchase. I am no newbie and over the last few years I've learned a great deal about guns, but its still always nice to get the opinion of others.

[chaim]

Originally Posted by TBT

Buds Gun Shop has your 345 for $366.06 ... very good price.

That is a good price but a local store had them (last I looked) for $364. Another was near $450, but isn't going to be much worse than Buds once everything is added up- the cheapest FFL fees locally at convenient FFLs that I've seen is $40 on used guns (new was $50) and that was a few years ago, figure around $20 for shipping and that puts it at over $430 sight unseen.

Originally Posted by majic

That right there should answer your question better than anyone else's opinion.

Constructive feedback is always welcome, newbie or relatively experienced. That "I'm not a newbie..." statement wasn't to say I don't need to hear what people have to say, it was directed at the bashers- "don't buy a Taurus, they're crap" or "don't buy a S&W because xyz" people.

[timothy75]

The 457 might be a good idea since you already have a full size 45 and is a very handsom gun. The Sigma in 40 holds 15rds and carries like a dream. And the P-90 shoots as accurate as a 1911 and conceals fine with a black sweatshirt. Good luck

[Harley Quinn]

I was looking at them, not in the $350 range but they are nice handling.

Harley

[denfoote]

Hey Chaim,
With the possible exception of the trigger, the Sigma REALLY IS a decent gun!!

By now, you probably have read a couple of accounts of my "grand Sigma experiment"!! Wherein I traded my Glock 29 for an original, unfired NIB, preban SW40F!!

I found out that ALL of the internet rumor and innuendo surrounding the Sigma were essentially false!!

The Sigma is a good gun!!
Don't be afraid to get one!!

[Harley Quinn]

I, myself, have read so much badmouthing of the Sigma. Never even considered it. Glad to hear a good word for it.

Harley

[TBT]

That is a good price but a local store had them (last I looked) for $364. Another was near $450, but isn't going to be much worse than Buds once everything is added up- the cheapest FFL fees locally at convenient FFLs that I've seen is $40 on used guns (new was $50) and that was a few years ago, figure around $20 for shipping and that puts it at over $430 sight unseen.

Ah, see I buy online a lot because my local shops are really high priced. The 345 around here is about $450 so even after my fees I could get that in here for around $400. My FFL guy does everything for $20.

Another one ...

What about the CZ97B? I've not fired one but looked long and hard at them for a big bore range gun. The folks at the CZ forum claim they might be the most accurate 45 out of the box period. I'm not claiming they are correct, but they all love them over there.

[WESHOOT2]

That Ruger 345...............just do it.

Wonder if it will end up being the US military's 45 ACP choice?