what are my .45 options?

jdrush369 · February 6, 2009, 11:41 AM

I have always used shotguns and rifles for fun and sport. I now have the handgun itch after spending time shooting my friends' 1911 and XD. I am looking for a .45 that is double/single action. I am not opposed to polymer frames but have found that most composite frames are double act only. I like the feel of the Baby Eagle (Jericho) .45 in my hand a lot and have heard great things about the gun. I also like the feel and history of the 1911. My budget is under $600. Any suggestions about these guns or any options I might be missing for my upcoming purchase? Thanks.

Sevens · February 6, 2009, 11:46 AM

Look for a good, used S&W 4506. Too large to carry concealed, but a GREAT gun for a life time of range and target shooting or as a duty pistol not concealed. Very big, heavy, durable as they come.

These are terrific pistols, but they don't make 'em any more because S&W jumped on the 1911 bandwagon (hottest selling pistol in the world) and the 3rd Gen S&W's got the axe. If you feel comfortable buying used, I should think you could find a beauty for $400-$500 and be happy with it for the rest of your days.

You likely won't match the 1911 trigger in any other .45 handgun outside of a 1911, but you'll need to spend more dough for a quality 1911. If you aren't going 1911, I would really take a long long at S&W pistols.

jdrush369 · February 6, 2009, 12:04 PM

Sevens,
Thanks for the heads up on the S&W 4506. I'll research it and look for one at the gun show to hold.

On another note, my primary uses would be at the range, home protection, and tooling around my ranch. I don't believe I will use this first handgun purchase as conceal and carry. That will come after I feel acurate and comfortable with a this one.

Laserlips · February 6, 2009, 12:05 PM

S&W CS45....

Jesse

Playboypenguin · February 6, 2009, 12:11 PM

If you like the heft/mechanics of the Baby Eagle and the styling of the 1911 there is one gun that would be perfect for you.

-They can also be found in "like new" condition for under $500.

-They are incredibly accurate and solidly made.

-They are very similar in styling to a 1911 but have the added benefit of a DA/SA trigger.

The gun is the S&W m645. Probably the most under-rated gun S&W has ever produced.

gwnorth · February 6, 2009, 12:13 PM

FNP-45 - I really like mine, and it is my primary HD gun as well as a great range piece. You have the option of DA/SA with decocking lever, or the newer USG models with a combined decocking-lever/SA-safety (ie. they can be carried decocked or condition 1).

http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/fi...020&gid=FNG001

The matte stainless I have was near $650, but the melonite-coated stainless go for right around $600.

SDDL-UP · February 6, 2009, 12:39 PM

If you like the Baby Eagle you should also check into the Witness pistols and if you have BIG hands the CZ-97B.

ronc0011 · February 6, 2009, 01:39 PM

You might have a look at these. These are 45 ACP, SA only, the top end is your basic 1911 design, they have a 13 rnd magazine which may become unavailable soon and this one anyway shoots great.

Kimber Pro Carry Ten II

Dustin0 · February 6, 2009, 01:41 PM

You could get a Para P10-45 you can get it around 600 used.

Playboypenguin · February 6, 2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Kimber Pro Carry Ten II

Ugh...I just threw up in my mouth a little.

rantingredneck · February 6, 2009, 01:44 PM

Don't overlook options from Ruger.

P90 (aluminum frame)

P97 (polymer frame, out of production but can be found used)

P345 (newer slimmer design, polymer frame; has some lawyer features that some don't like)

400-425 or less new. Leaves more $ for ammo and range time.

ronc0011 · February 6, 2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Ugh...I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Cool

What can I say? I like 14 rnds of 45 ACP, And it shoots great, very accurate and very fast.

Playboypenguin · February 6, 2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

What can I say? I like 14 rnds of 45 ACP, And it shoots great, very accurate and very fast.

But a polymer 1911!?!? C'mon man...have you no shame? I do not believe in hell myself, but if there is one, I am quite certain that is the kind of thing that will get you sent there.

ronc0011 · February 6, 2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

But a polymer 1911!?!? C'mon man...have you no shame? I do not believe in hell myself, but if there is one I am quite certain that is the kind of thing that will get you sent there.

LOL

Well as far as style and aesthetics go I plan on my next pistol being a full size Springfield 1911. But there is no question that 14 rnds of 45 ACP just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside

ronc0011 · February 6, 2009, 02:10 PM

Plus, I gotta tell ya. It is a ball to shoot. It just keeps going bang. I mean like on and on and on.

I don’t get to the range that much any more but I can unload 14 rnds in maybe 10 seconds and keep em inside of 3” Also the range has a 1 shot per second rule which sometimes gets me some funny looks from the range officers.

Jdubb750 · February 6, 2009, 02:20 PM

14 rounds of 45ACP doesnt have to be ugly, id take a para, or a FNP-45 anyday over that kimber monstrosity

cjw3cma · February 6, 2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Look for a good, used S&W 4506. Too large to carry concealed,....

It is? What about my full sized 1911 that I carry almost every day? I don't think a 4506 is too large to carry (IMHO).

ronc0011 · February 6, 2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

14 rounds of 45ACP doesnt have to be ugly, id take a para, or a FNP-45 anyday over that kimber monstrosity

Sounds like a personal problem to me.

February 6, 2009, 11:41 AM	#1
jdrush369 Member Join Date: February 6, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 58	what are my .45 options? I have always used shotguns and rifles for fun and sport. I now have the handgun itch after spending time shooting my friends' 1911 and XD. I am looking for a .45 that is double/single action. I am not opposed to polymer frames but have found that most composite frames are double act only. I like the feel of the Baby Eagle (Jericho) .45 in my hand a lot and have heard great things about the gun. I also like the feel and history of the 1911. My budget is under $600. Any suggestions about these guns or any options I might be missing for my upcoming purchase? Thanks.

February 6, 2009, 11:46 AM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Look for a good, used S&W 4506. Too large to carry concealed, but a GREAT gun for a life time of range and target shooting or as a duty pistol not concealed. Very big, heavy, durable as they come. These are terrific pistols, but they don't make 'em any more because S&W jumped on the 1911 bandwagon (hottest selling pistol in the world) and the 3rd Gen S&W's got the axe. If you feel comfortable buying used, I should think you could find a beauty for $400-$500 and be happy with it for the rest of your days. You likely won't match the 1911 trigger in any other .45 handgun outside of a 1911, but you'll need to spend more dough for a quality 1911. If you aren't going 1911, I would really take a long long at S&W pistols. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 6, 2009, 12:05 PM	#4
Laserlips Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 627	S&W CS45.... Jesse __________________ "Laus Deo"

February 6, 2009, 12:39 PM	#7
SDDL-UP Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 205	If you like the Baby Eagle you should also check into the Witness pistols and if you have BIG hands the CZ-97B. __________________ Arm yourself, arm a friend!

February 6, 2009, 01:44 PM	#11
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	Don't overlook options from Ruger. P90 (aluminum frame) P97 (polymer frame, out of production but can be found used) P345 (newer slimmer design, polymer frame; has some lawyer features that some don't like) 400-425 or less new. Leaves more $ for ammo and range time. __________________ NRA Member NC Hunter's Education Instructor PCCA Member (What's PCCA you ask? <- Check the link)

February 6, 2009, 12:04 PM	#3
jdrush369 Member Join Date: February 6, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 58	Sevens, Thanks for the heads up on the S&W 4506. I'll research it and look for one at the gun show to hold. On another note, my primary uses would be at the range, home protection, and tooling around my ranch. I don't believe I will use this first handgun purchase as conceal and carry. That will come after I feel acurate and comfortable with a this one.

February 6, 2009, 12:11 PM	#5
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	If you like the heft/mechanics of the Baby Eagle and the styling of the 1911 there is one gun that would be perfect for you. -They can also be found in "like new" condition for under $500. -They are incredibly accurate and solidly made. -They are very similar in styling to a 1911 but have the added benefit of a DA/SA trigger. The gun is the S&W m645. Probably the most under-rated gun S&W has ever produced.

February 6, 2009, 12:13 PM	#6
gwnorth Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	FNP-45 - I really like mine, and it is my primary HD gun as well as a great range piece. You have the option of DA/SA with decocking lever, or the newer USG models with a combined decocking-lever/SA-safety (ie. they can be carried decocked or condition 1). http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/fi...020&gid=FNG001 The matte stainless I have was near $650, but the melonite-coated stainless go for right around $600.

February 6, 2009, 01:39 PM	#8
ronc0011 Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2006 Posts: 543	You might have a look at these. These are 45 ACP, SA only, the top end is your basic 1911 design, they have a 13 rnd magazine which may become unavailable soon and this one anyway shoots great. Kimber Pro Carry Ten II

February 6, 2009, 01:41 PM	#9
Dustin0 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2008 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 701	You could get a Para P10-45 you can get it around 600 used.

February 6, 2009, 02:10 PM	#15
ronc0011 Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2006 Posts: 543	Plus, I gotta tell ya. It is a ball to shoot. It just keeps going bang. I mean like on and on and on. I don’t get to the range that much any more but I can unload 14 rnds in maybe 10 seconds and keep em inside of 3” Also the range has a 1 shot per second rule which sometimes gets me some funny looks from the range officers.

February 6, 2009, 02:20 PM	#16
Jdubb750 Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Posts: 17	14 rounds of 45ACP doesnt have to be ugly, id take a para, or a FNP-45 anyday over that kimber monstrosity __________________ "Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence ... The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that is good" (George Washington)