Advice for a new .45

ZBat910 · January 6, 2013, 08:17 PM

New here to the forum and this is my first post. This year I purchased my first two handguns, both glocks. I am interested in expanding my versatility in handguns with a .45 that is full size. I really want a 1911 of some sort but I am finding that you cannot escape spending 900 dollars for anything decent. I am open to other types of handguns in .45 but would like to have some suggestions on the best 1911 or other .45 at no more than the $600-$700 range. I love my glock's but I would like to experiment with some other companies. I do not want to buy something cheap and if $150 separated me from getting a cheaper gun from a really nice one I would spend the cash. I am the type of guy that would like to keep all the firearms I buy instead of trading often so I'd like to hear anyone's experiences with .45's in this price range to make my purchase count. I do not have a surplus of dealers around me, mainly pawn shops that are difficult to work with so any advice would be helpful. The annual gun show will be coming in a few weeks so hopefully I can gather some good information to know what I want to look for when I go. Thank you.

Micropterus · January 6, 2013, 08:22 PM

If I had $600-$700 to spend on a .45, I would buy a Sig Sauer P220 certified pre-owned.

lamarw · January 6, 2013, 08:41 PM

Agree with the P220, and I would give it the edge. I also think you can find a quality 1911 in your price range.

AndyWest · January 6, 2013, 08:44 PM

If $150 on top of your $600-$700 range is your limit, you're approaching high-quality 1911 prices. Are you in a rural area where you can't easily feel out several models? IMO you should wait till you can buy the 1911 you really like. You'll never regret it.

Rmart30 · January 6, 2013, 08:50 PM

the XDM 45 is hard to beat with 13 shots and can be found around the $550 price range.

ZBat910 · January 6, 2013, 08:51 PM

Sorry, a little bit of confusion. I was referring to if $150 separated me from a lower priced gun to getting in the realm of $600-$700 I would do it. I should have clarified better. I would prefer to buy new, but I do not know much about the certified pre owned stuff on sig's website. How does that work? I really want a Sig handgun, I have their AR-15 and love it so I know the handguns have to be great. I am in a rural area. The pawn shops around here do not really help you at all and carry a limited selection.

AndyWest · January 6, 2013, 09:02 PM

Smart of you to decide on a budget and stick to it. It's easy to slide a couple hundred bucks, I've done it

You can't go wrong with a CPO (certified pre-owned) SIG. My personal favorite. You can tell CPO SIGs by the red tape around the grip. Springfield XD or XDM or XDS are also great choices in your price range if you want to go new.

Cowboy_mo · January 6, 2013, 09:05 PM

Just did a quick search on gunbroker for "1911 .45 acp"

There are quite a few listed for your 600-700 range and some even less. Rock Island Armory, Taurus, and several other makes are listed in this range.

While these mfg will be mocked by some, the ones I have shot (brother owns a Taurus PT 1911 which rivals my Kimber) are very serviceable pistols.

Misssissippi Dave · January 6, 2013, 09:06 PM

Sig CPO pistols are used and have gone through Sig to make sure they are in working order and normally all springs are replaced. Purchasing one you get a 1 year warranty. It is not the life time of the original warranty. I have heard of very few complaints from people that have purchased them.

Another thing to do is check with your local FFL dealers to see how much they charge to receive a pistol for you from an out of state dealer. There are some on line dealers that normally beat local prices even after shipping and the local FFL charges. I would not want to get a pistol from an on line source delivered to a dealer that happens to have the same model on hand. It doesn't go over well.

ZBat910 · January 6, 2013, 09:07 PM

Does anyone know anything about the springfield loaded series? I really am liking the looks of it and some reviews on youtube said it was a great gun for the money. I cannot seem to locate a definite price on it or detailed specs.

Misssissippi Dave · January 6, 2013, 09:28 PM

I don't know about the loaded version. I recently purchased a Range Officer but have yet to shoot it. I like it so far and find the trigger from factory better than I expected. I did adjust the over travel to reduce or eliminate it. The range officer may not have all the bells and whistles others have. It does have a match barrel and some other nice things.

markallen · January 6, 2013, 09:41 PM

Different areas have different pricing. Here in Ohio $600-700will get you into a Ruger 1911, or a Springfield GI. I just bought a STI Spartan III today on clearance for under $ 600.00. Don't discount Amscor 1911's good guns for the price.

Misssissippi Dave · January 6, 2013, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Different areas have different pricing. Here in Ohio $600-700will get you into a Ruger 1911, or a Springfield GI. I just bought a STI Spartan III today on clearance for under $ 600.00. Don't discount Amscor 1911's good guns for the price.

You will probably find the Springfield Range Officer cost more if you can find a new one. Still they should cost less than $900

CWKahrFan · January 6, 2013, 10:19 PM

Produced by Metro Arms in the Phillipines... These get good reviews:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/78865

outlawzrider83 · January 6, 2013, 11:12 PM

sig 220, xdm 4.5 45 is great just got one about a month ago., taurus 1911 in steel frame only not alloy., the SA loaded is great also have it and 2 taurus pt1911s love em..an extractor broke on my pt1911AR, but thats common i went through that gun with a bunch of wilson combat bullet proof parts after that tho..taurus 1911s have alt of custom shop features from the factory, u can build an extremely nice weopon out of one to later if ya want..i keep spare parts for almost every gun i own , also mags and ammo are really important..you casn have a 3000.00 pistol and if you run out of ammo or it breaks and you have no means of fixing it ...its a paper weight or club at best

XtremeRevolution · January 6, 2013, 11:29 PM

Nobody I know mocks Rock Island Armory guns. I have one and I can't say anything bad about it. Seriously, it's a solid pistol. I just purchased an STI Spartan in 9mm that should arrive within the next week, for $635. It is very highly regarded and will shoot 2" groups at 25 yards.

bitttorrrent · January 6, 2013, 11:46 PM

Few weeks ago I looked at the xdm 5.25 and really liked it. Felt pretty good in hand, however, they also had a sig 220 that was more, but looked so much better in s.s. and with wood grips.

I did not get the xdm but may go back and look at that sig.

KyJim · January 7, 2013, 12:12 AM

In that price range look at the STI Spartan, Ruger 1911, or Springfield Range Officer. I own the STI and it is a good gun for the money. I have owned a cople of Springers and would not hesitate on buying the RO. I haven't owned the Ruger 1911 but have yet to read a bad report on one.

Water-Man · January 7, 2013, 12:15 AM

SA Loaded is a good pistol but you're not going to get a new one for your budget.

I'll put in another vote for a pre-owned SIG P220.

new_scopeshooter · January 7, 2013, 01:05 AM

$609.99 will get you a Remington 1911 R1. I have owned mine for 2 years now and only keeps shooting better

FYN409 · January 7, 2013, 11:31 AM

LGS near me has Springfield 1911 A-1 Mil-Spec stainless for $719. Not a bad choice either.

peacefulgary · January 7, 2013, 03:54 PM

Quote:

the XDM 45 is hard to beat with 13 shots and can be found around the $550 price range.

I agree.
Even the XD 45 is a great gun for a great price...

Iron Man · January 7, 2013, 04:55 PM

Stainless Para Ordnance P12.45 double stack compact. I have one and love it. I also have the following other 1911 platforms:

Colt 1911 WWI model
Colt 1911 1975 model
Springfield Champion
Para Ordnance P16.40
Taurus PT1911 in .38 Super (stainless, engraved and polished)

Dashunde · January 7, 2013, 06:24 PM

Either save twice as much and buy a Dan Wesson Heritage or Valor... or simply grab a XDm 45 5.25

thedudeabides · January 7, 2013, 06:28 PM

P220 CPO. Try to get stainless over alloy.

End of story.

January 6, 2013, 08:17 PM	#1
ZBat910 Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2013 Posts: 3	Advice for a new .45 New here to the forum and this is my first post. This year I purchased my first two handguns, both glocks. I am interested in expanding my versatility in handguns with a .45 that is full size. I really want a 1911 of some sort but I am finding that you cannot escape spending 900 dollars for anything decent. I am open to other types of handguns in .45 but would like to have some suggestions on the best 1911 or other .45 at no more than the $600-$700 range. I love my glock's but I would like to experiment with some other companies. I do not want to buy something cheap and if $150 separated me from getting a cheaper gun from a really nice one I would spend the cash. I am the type of guy that would like to keep all the firearms I buy instead of trading often so I'd like to hear anyone's experiences with .45's in this price range to make my purchase count. I do not have a surplus of dealers around me, mainly pawn shops that are difficult to work with so any advice would be helpful. The annual gun show will be coming in a few weeks so hopefully I can gather some good information to know what I want to look for when I go. Thank you.

January 6, 2013, 08:22 PM	#2
Micropterus Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2009 Location: Newport News, Virginia Posts: 306	If I had $600-$700 to spend on a .45, I would buy a Sig Sauer P220 certified pre-owned. __________________ Regards, Rowland

January 6, 2013, 08:44 PM	#4
AndyWest Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2011 Posts: 627	If $150 on top of your $600-$700 range is your limit, you're approaching high-quality 1911 prices. Are you in a rural area where you can't easily feel out several models? IMO you should wait till you can buy the 1911 you really like. You'll never regret it. __________________ Shoot smart. Shoot S-Mart.

January 6, 2013, 09:02 PM	#7
AndyWest Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2011 Posts: 627	Smart of you to decide on a budget and stick to it. It's easy to slide a couple hundred bucks, I've done it You can't go wrong with a CPO (certified pre-owned) SIG. My personal favorite. You can tell CPO SIGs by the red tape around the grip. Springfield XD or XDM or XDS are also great choices in your price range if you want to go new. __________________ Shoot smart. Shoot S-Mart.

January 6, 2013, 09:05 PM	#8
Cowboy_mo Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,039	Good News for You Just did a quick search on gunbroker for "1911 .45 acp" There are quite a few listed for your 600-700 range and some even less. Rock Island Armory, Taurus, and several other makes are listed in this range. While these mfg will be mocked by some, the ones I have shot (brother owns a Taurus PT 1911 which rivals my Kimber) are very serviceable pistols.

January 6, 2013, 08:41 PM	#3
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Agree with the P220, and I would give it the edge. I also think you can find a quality 1911 in your price range.

January 6, 2013, 08:50 PM	#5
Rmart30 Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2008 Posts: 602	the XDM 45 is hard to beat with 13 shots and can be found around the $550 price range.

January 6, 2013, 08:51 PM	#6
ZBat910 Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2013 Posts: 3	Sorry, a little bit of confusion. I was referring to if $150 separated me from a lower priced gun to getting in the realm of $600-$700 I would do it. I should have clarified better. I would prefer to buy new, but I do not know much about the certified pre owned stuff on sig's website. How does that work? I really want a Sig handgun, I have their AR-15 and love it so I know the handguns have to be great. I am in a rural area. The pawn shops around here do not really help you at all and carry a limited selection.

January 6, 2013, 09:06 PM	#9
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	Sig CPO pistols are used and have gone through Sig to make sure they are in working order and normally all springs are replaced. Purchasing one you get a 1 year warranty. It is not the life time of the original warranty. I have heard of very few complaints from people that have purchased them. Another thing to do is check with your local FFL dealers to see how much they charge to receive a pistol for you from an out of state dealer. There are some on line dealers that normally beat local prices even after shipping and the local FFL charges. I would not want to get a pistol from an on line source delivered to a dealer that happens to have the same model on hand. It doesn't go over well.

January 6, 2013, 09:07 PM	#10
ZBat910 Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2013 Posts: 3	Does anyone know anything about the springfield loaded series? I really am liking the looks of it and some reviews on youtube said it was a great gun for the money. I cannot seem to locate a definite price on it or detailed specs.

January 6, 2013, 09:28 PM	#11
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	I don't know about the loaded version. I recently purchased a Range Officer but have yet to shoot it. I like it so far and find the trigger from factory better than I expected. I did adjust the over travel to reduce or eliminate it. The range officer may not have all the bells and whistles others have. It does have a match barrel and some other nice things.

January 6, 2013, 09:41 PM	#12
markallen Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: N E Ohio Posts: 221	Different areas have different pricing. Here in Ohio $600-700will get you into a Ruger 1911, or a Springfield GI. I just bought a STI Spartan III today on clearance for under $ 600.00. Don't discount Amscor 1911's good guns for the price. __________________ Don't do anything Stupid. And don't let Stupid do anything to you.

January 6, 2013, 10:19 PM	#14
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Produced by Metro Arms in the Phillipines... These get good reviews: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/78865 __________________ What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

January 6, 2013, 11:12 PM	#15
outlawzrider83 Member Join Date: December 16, 2012 Posts: 33	sig 220, xdm 4.5 45 is great just got one about a month ago., taurus 1911 in steel frame only not alloy., the SA loaded is great also have it and 2 taurus pt1911s love em..an extractor broke on my pt1911AR, but thats common i went through that gun with a bunch of wilson combat bullet proof parts after that tho..taurus 1911s have alt of custom shop features from the factory, u can build an extremely nice weopon out of one to later if ya want..i keep spare parts for almost every gun i own , also mags and ammo are really important..you casn have a 3000.00 pistol and if you run out of ammo or it breaks and you have no means of fixing it ...its a paper weight or club at best

January 6, 2013, 11:29 PM	#16
XtremeRevolution Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2012 Posts: 147	Nobody I know mocks Rock Island Armory guns. I have one and I can't say anything bad about it. Seriously, it's a solid pistol. I just purchased an STI Spartan in 9mm that should arrive within the next week, for $635. It is very highly regarded and will shoot 2" groups at 25 yards.

January 6, 2013, 11:46 PM	#17
bitttorrrent Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 703	Few weeks ago I looked at the xdm 5.25 and really liked it. Felt pretty good in hand, however, they also had a sig 220 that was more, but looked so much better in s.s. and with wood grips. I did not get the xdm but may go back and look at that sig.

January 7, 2013, 12:12 AM	#18
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	In that price range look at the STI Spartan, Ruger 1911, or Springfield Range Officer. I own the STI and it is a good gun for the money. I have owned a cople of Springers and would not hesitate on buying the RO. I haven't owned the Ruger 1911 but have yet to read a bad report on one.

January 7, 2013, 12:15 AM	#19
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	SA Loaded is a good pistol but you're not going to get a new one for your budget. I'll put in another vote for a pre-owned SIG P220.

January 7, 2013, 01:05 AM	#20
new_scopeshooter Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2011 Location: central ohio Posts: 391	$609.99 will get you a Remington 1911 R1. I have owned mine for 2 years now and only keeps shooting better

January 7, 2013, 11:31 AM	#21
FYN409 Member Join Date: January 9, 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 23	LGS near me has Springfield 1911 A-1 Mil-Spec stainless for $719. Not a bad choice either.

January 7, 2013, 04:55 PM	#23
Iron Man Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 346	Stainless Para Ordnance P12.45 double stack compact. I have one and love it. I also have the following other 1911 platforms: Colt 1911 WWI model Colt 1911 1975 model Springfield Champion Para Ordnance P16.40 Taurus PT1911 in .38 Super (stainless, engraved and polished)

January 7, 2013, 06:24 PM	#24
Dashunde Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2004 Posts: 2,018	Either save twice as much and buy a Dan Wesson Heritage or Valor... or simply grab a XDm 45 5.25

January 7, 2013, 06:28 PM	#25
thedudeabides Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Posts: 1,031	P220 CPO. Try to get stainless over alloy. End of story.