45acp

[jules]

I'm in the market for a reliable semiauto in 45acp. Something that is not picky about shooting jacket or cast. I don't have a lot of experience with the 45acp other then a few hundred rounds through my S&W 4566. It's a great gun but It's kinda heavy and don't fit my hand real well so I'm looking for something lighter but don't have to be smaller. There are so many. Just looking for options and comments on what others are using.

[Gray Fox]

My vote is for the Ruger LW Commander with stainless slide. Mine has a good enough trigger and with the titanium firing pin it does not need any of the firing pin safeties some other manufacturers use. Mine likes factory RN and HPs as well as hand loaded plated or hand cast projectiles. It handled cast SWC boolits (HG 68) just fine out of the box. Nice and light in a belt slide holster, too. GF

[LUCKYDAWG13]

one more vote for Ruger SR1911 have one in 9mm one in 45acp no issues with either one

[slim1836]

I have a Springfield XD with a 3.3 inch barrel, it's my daily carry. Has been reliable with cast powder coated 230 grain lee boolits along with factory ammo. I'm happy with it.

Slim

[buckwheatpaul]

I'm a Kimber guy......but have shot a few of the Springfield's like 'em all as long as they are a 1911 platform!

[backhoe]

I have the Springfield L.W. Commander Range Officer and it eat's my wheel weight 230gr. cast plus anything else I can stuff in it. Can honestly say no failure to feed. Mine does have the bull barrel,don't know if it makes much difference though.

[jcren]

Been very pleased with my rock island full sized. More accurate than I am, but loose enough to not be picky. Have ran everything from 200 rf and hg68 to Keith style 255 swc.

[Rodfac]

Both of my Rugers, the 5" SR1911 & the shorter 4.25" CMD model, are first rate in all respects. My background is primarily with Colts, over a dozen in the last 50+ years, most of them tweaked with extra gunsmithing work on triggers or lock up and these two Rugers are at least equal. Accuracy runs less than 2.5" at 25 yds for all loads, factory and handloads average! from a rest.

As carry guns, they're too heavy for me now...as I'm 72 now...but for that use, I'd have no hesitation recommending Ruger's alloy frame version, especially the "Commander" length one in .45 ACP.

Ruger's good about warranty work too, so if there is a problem, you've got back up.

Another good choice for carry would be either of Sig's 1911s...the C3 model or its predecessor, the RCS. Both sport the shortened grip length (by 1/4") of Colt's Officer's Model, and also with 4" barrels (about as short as I'd recommend for good reliability and ease of slide manipulation). I have the RCS model and carry it daily in an OWB holster of the Bianchi Askins Avenger type. It's the ideal carry piece in my opinion, and that heavy .45 caliber bullet needs no expansion to do its work.

HTH's Rod

[jdfoxinc]

I second the rock island any size.

[readr1]

If you are looking for a 1911, check out Dan Wesson's. Alternatively, FN's FNX is a nice .45. I am also partial to S&W 25 or 625 line of revolvers. I would jus go to a decent shop and handle the various offerings in.45 just to see what fits your hand best. YMMV

[9.3X62AL]

SIG-Sauer P-220 offers LW Commander size & weight, great ergonomics, and extreme reliability. It is my default setting in 45 ACP.

[Outpost75]

Being the Devil's Advocate here, do not sell short REVOLVERS chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. For field use the Ruger NM Blackhawk convertible with 4-5/8" barrel is as good as it gets. If you preference leans towards personal defense or IDPA, an S&W 625 has merit. The M1911 is not the only viable .45 ACP platform. Heck, I have't owned one for years.

[bangerjim]

You can’t go wrong with a revolver!!!!!! They will eat just about anything you stuff in the Cyl. I am lookiing for a good (!) deal on a 45ACP revolver right now.

Not so with 45ACP semi’s. The 3 I have experience with are very picky about OAL, nose shape, load, just about everything has to be perfect or failure to chamber/load/fire/cycle.

I rarely shot my 1911’s any more. Not reliable and just too darned picky with cast. They load & shoot that cursed expensive FMJ stuff just fine.

Do your researcy B4 plunking down a ton of money! And do not ignore 45LC revolvers!!!!!!! My favorite. And LOTS of powder room in that big case!!

Banger

[JimB..]

I wouldn’t suggest a revolver for 45acp, there are far better cartridges once you’ve decided wheel gun.

Then you need to decide 1911 or not.

If 1911, Dan Wesson is a great choice. Very well made and good value.

If not, can’t fault a Sig P-220.

[tazman]

My only 45acp experience so far has been with full size 1911 pistols. I own four of them.
Two of them will eat anything I can put in the magazine and shoot it well besides.
The first is a Springfield Armory Mil Spec. The second is a Sig nickel rail tactical.
Both of these have been flawless for me. The Springfield needed a little trigger work out of the box but otherwise no changes. The Sig had a great trigger out of the box and hasn't fumbled at all.

[Bzcraig]

I have the Springfield L.W. Commander Range Officer and it eat's my wheel weight 230gr. cast plus anything else I can stuff in it. Can honestly say no failure to feed. Mine does have the bull barrel,don't know if it makes much difference though.

This is exactly my experience with the same gun.

[Texas by God]

Handle all the .45 ACP handguns you can, then choose. The cartridge will not disappoint.

[kmw1954]

We have a Tanfoglio Witness 45 metal frame with 4.5" barrel, XD Mod2 45acp with 4" barrel and have fired a friends Tanfoglio Witness 45acp metal Compact and another Taurus 1911. I prefer the Witness. Would like to try a M&P Shield 45acp.

[9.3X62AL]

I have been rolling around the idea of a 45 ACP/AR wheelgun for a while. The manner in which the Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt/45 ACP convertibles handle the casing question--by saving the owner the trouble of choosing between clips and Auto Rim for cartridge management and extraction--is an easy one. Just use 45 ACP ammo as found. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

[jules]

I plan to stick with a light weight semi auto. I do love them but it's not going to be a revolver for this one. Plenty of 1911 fans for sure. I have been looking at a few polymer framed guns. I really like the feel of
some of them but never shot one in 45.

[Bmi48219]

As the responses indicate, lots of 45 acp pistol options out there. If the OP has friends that own 45 pistols, then going shooting with them would be a good starting point. Also a lot of gun ranges now rent pistols. You'll probably have to buy their ammo to use them. Range I go to rents them for $5.00. Box of S&B 45 acp is $15 m/l. So for $35 you can shoot 4 different pistols 12 rounds each.
Way cheaper than dropping $400 to $600 on a pistol and then finding out it isn't right for you. Only way to tell if a pistol fits & shoots well for you is to shoot it.

[ioon44]

I have been happy with the Walther PPQ 45, very accurate and handles jacketed and Hi-Tek coated cast bullets with no problems.

[William Yanda]

My only 45acp experience so far has been with full size 1911 pistols. I own four of them.
Two of them will eat anything I can put in the magazine and shoot it well besides.
The first is a Springfield Armory Mil Spec. The second is a Sig nickel rail tactical.
Both of these have been flawless for me. The Springfield needed a little trigger work out of the box but otherwise no changes. The Sig had a great trigger out of the box and hasn't fumbled at all.

It would help readers know what to avoid if you identified the other two.
Curious minds want to know. etc. etc.

[kmw1954]

I am certain that with a little investment of time you will find one you like. There are lots of makes and models out there to choose from but as you can see you've already started eliminating many like revolvers and all metal framed guns. Now go start shooting as many as possible it's the only way.

[Thumbcocker]

I am a die hard revolver person, however I have recently bought and traded into a pair of Rock Island compact 1911's. I am VERY impressed with the quality and accuracy with boolits. The sights are small but there are many options available. Price, even new, is very good and triggers are also quire good out of the box.

[white eagle]

I like my SIG 1911 tough as they come
accidentally rolled over it with my tractor

[reddog81]

Most of the full size 1911's are a quality product. What's your budget? I saw some Rock Islands for $399 last weekend while the custom makers go for $2,000 to $3,000 or more. There are tons of good options in the $600 to $800 range, or something like a Colt Gold Cup National Match can be had around $1,100.

I've never had any problems finding an OAL for my 1911's and I've even used a couple 45 Colt SWC bullets with success.

[tazman]

It would help readers know what to avoid if you identified the other two.
Curious minds want to know. etc. etc.

The other two have match grade barrels with tight chambers designed for specific bullets. Not the fault of the gun. They could easily be throated so they would work with anything. I just don’t need to do that.

[Texas by God]

I like my SIG 1911 tough as they come
accidentally rolled over it with my tractorI'm glad it wasn't on your belt when the tractor rolled over it!

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[OldBearHair]

One option for bigger hands is Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact PRO. Good reliability. Good accuracy Fast follow up shots ( my standards ) Won't break the bank either. I guess I am a cheapskate. I own a stainless Bersa Thunder 22. (since 1982), a Sccy 9mm that is a hoot to shoot and a new Hi-Point 4595 carbine 45acp. I am thinking pigs at the feeder at 25 yards.

[Texas by God]

My personal favorite polymer 45 Auto is a Ruger P97. Very accurate, very dependable, and tough as a brick. My daughter has a Glock 21 that fits the same description. These are the only two I have experience with.

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[smorin2]

I plan to stick with a light weight semi auto. I do love them but it's not going to be a revolver for this one. Plenty of 1911 fans for sure. I have been looking at a few polymer framed guns. I really like the feel of
some of them but never shot one in 45.

Hi OP,why not try a Glock 21? I have one,i shoot only powder coated cast bullets through it without leading issues. It feeds rn,swc and tc bullets fine. I read alot of online griping about the grip size,i find it fits just right. My 110lb. sister in law loves shooting it and has no issues with the grip size. It’s my favorite semi auto,try one,you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

[charlie b]

When I wanted one I went out and tried a bunch. I've had three Colts and fired numerous other 1911's. My wife's current gun is a Colt LW Commander.

I wish my hands liked Glocks, I really do. But, the double stacks feel like a 1x2 in my hand.

I ended up with a Springfield XD that I liked the feel of, but, the full size was too big. A few years later and all of the mfg have improved their triggers a LOT, even Glock. So, when I wanted a 9mm the same size as the wife's Commander I went out looking again. This time it was really a tough choice. HK, FN, Sig, Walther, Springfield were all really nice. It was a really tough choice. In the end the HK VP9 was it for me (but, they don't make it in .45).

The message is you have a ton of choices and none of them are really wrong. But, you need to at least hold one and try the trigger before buying. The grips are all just a little bit different and all have a slightly different feel to the trigger.

FYI, if you want light weight look at the single stack models. The extra rounds in double stack mags make a lot of difference in weight.

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[Groo]

Groo here
Most modern 1911's will eat many things unlike the original ones.
Find one you like at the GS and go from there.
Ps, If you find one with a ramped barrel [ the feed ramp attached to the barrel not on the frame]
so much the better,,

[nicholst55]

I plan to stick with a light weight semi auto. I do love them but it's not going to be a revolver for this one. Plenty of 1911 fans for sure. I have been looking at a few polymer framed guns. I really like the feel of
some of them but never shot one in 45.

Take a look at the S&W M&P in .45 ACP. I have a Gen I Compact version and have shot a fair amount of cast out of it with zero problems. I did install an Apex sear in the gun, because the trigger was atrocious. Other than that, it's box-stock.

[Char-Gar]

I am an egalitarian sort, with several 1911s, several Smith & Wesson 45 ACP DA revolvers and several SA revolvers with 45 ACP Cylinders. I see no reason why I should have to choose between them. They all work just fine.

[Texas by God]

I think Rock River offers a polymer frame 1911 to further muddy the waters.

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[marek313]

My FNX45 shoots FMJs and PCed boolits with no issues and you cant beat 15 rounds of 45acp but it is a large pistol so its not for everyone. I would also consider Sig p220/227 or Walther PPQ in 45. Both very good 45s.
If you are considering 1911 I would get something nice like a sig or kimber . My friend has sig 1911 which is awesome. One of these days I'll get one too.

[RU shooter]

I have to go with the non 1911 minority and cast my vote for a Ruger P90 or the P345 both can be found on the used market . The P90 isn't a small gun but it's lighter than an all steel pistol . Mine was the most accurate and reliable pistol I've ever owned and would feed anything you stuck in the magazine anything even empty cases believe me or not ! I carried my quite a few yrs doing LE work . Ain't the prettiest girl at the dance but she works

[Bazoo]

I have bout 6k rounds on my springfield armory milspec stainless. Of those... I had a few malfunctions when I first got it. I gave the extractor a little manicure, and have since had not had a problems. I've fired a lot of factory in winchester, federal, blazer, some steel cased stuff, and a decent amount of reloads in both the TC point LEE and the lyman 452374 RN.

I got a buddy, that has an XD in 45, and if I was going to get a non 1911 in some kind of plastic, it'd be one of those. The grip fits me, were as the glock 21 does not.

[FLINTNFIRE]

I have several rock islands takes anything I have loaded , shoots good , no complaints and watch for specials as they are best buy for the dollar I have seen in awhile . If it is polymer I have a pair of the 45gap model 37 , kind of like them , odd caliber out , only 10 rounds ,same grip size as the model 17 & 22 . More of a reloaders gun then most as it is not widely available in stores .

[jules]

I have been looking at a few. G21, PPQ45, M&P45, H&K45c, Ruger SR45 and Ruger American. I really like the trigger on the PPQ but none of them are what I would call bad. All the 1911s are very nice but they are not for me.

[rfd]

having owned a gaggle of 1911s, including ruger and remington, the springfield armory mil spec stopped my search ... and it's a 70's series, too. everyone should have at least one full size real 1911 in its real deal .45acp chambering. but for ccw i wanna check out the sa xds mod2.

[rintinglen]

SIG-Sauer P-220 offers LW Commander size & weight, great ergonomics, and extreme reliability. It is my default setting in 45 ACP.

I second that emotion, my experience is that they are superlative. I've had mine for 25 years now with over 5,000 rounds down range.

[Texas by God]

Don't leave out the Hi-point[emoji16]

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[jim 44-40]

I shoot a Remington R1 and love the good old GI looks.also have a Hipoint 45cal and to my surprise it shoots darn good.

[jmort]

Have a couple XDs for carry
Full size XDM
Next, full size Ruger American

[richiecotite]

Take a look at the S&W M&P in .45 ACP. I have a Gen I Compact version and have shot a fair amount of cast out of it with zero problems. I did install an Apex sear in the gun, because the trigger was atrocious. Other than that, it's box-stock.

Absolutely agree with this. The M&P 45 compact is the same size as the Glock 19, comes with 8 round mags, and optional extended 10 and 14 round mags, hella aftermarket support. A full apex kit will be cheaper than a trigger job on 1911 too.


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[jules]

I looked at plenty. In the end I picked the PPQ. Feels great in my hand. Hopefully it will like PC cast.
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[ioon44]

My PPQ 45 does great with Hi-Tek coated cast, as always bullet fit to the bore is king.

[EMC45]

having owned a gaggle of 1911s, including ruger and remington, the springfield armory mil spec stopped my search ... and it's a 70's series, too. everyone should have at least one full size real 1911 in its real deal .45acp chambering. but for ccw i wanna check out the sa xds mod2.

I agree about the Mil Spec Springfield. I have had many years now and it still makes me smile when I shoot it. Other folks who have shot it have offered to buy it from me - no lie. They are great guns. I just broke mine down yesterday and scrubbed it all out. Cleaned up and greased/oiled and ready to go.

[charlie b]

I looked at plenty. In the end I picked the PPQ. Feels great in my hand. Hopefully it will like PC cast.

Nice choice. My final three (HK, Springfield, Walther) was a really tough decision. The Walther trigger was really nice.

[robertbank]

Al's comment on the Ruger Convertible 45Colt/45acp is a very good suggestion. I love mine and shoot more 45acp through it then 45Colt. If you go this route one word of caution. Use, initially , once fired or new 45acp cases and keep them separate from any other 45acp cases you might have, A burr on the case rim will leave you dead in your tracks using 45acp cases in the Ruger.

One other gun I know is widely commented on is the PPQ in 45acp. I don't have one yet but will. Thr Krauts know how to put a pistol together and the Walther PPQ series are about as good a striker fired pistol as you can buy. I have two in 9MM and they redefine tack driving off a bench. The 45acp version is reported to be as accurate as the 9MM guns.

Take Care

Bob

[jules]

Just doing a little reloading for the new PPQ. I have to seat the Lee 230gr TC powder coated boolits to 1.175 COL for them to fully chamber. Maybe the PC is too thick? I didn't try any before coating them. I guess this is common for cast.

[9.3X62AL]

I seat all of the Lee TC bullet forms with about .020" of the front drive band exposed, then set a light taper crimp. This regimen has worked with all calibers I load using the Lee TC bullet designs in autopistols.

[Art in Colorado]

Second on 220 Sig. Have a West German one and a Scorpion Model. Never a jam and scary accurate.

Regards
Art

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Shot a Glock 21 years ago at a time when I was shooting lots of .45 through a 1911. I was impressed with the Glock. It seemed very pleasant to shoot, like the polymer frame was soaking up the recoil impulse. I have a Glock 36 and like it very much for carry. Take a look at the S&W M&P 2.0 as well. https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/mp-45c-thumb-safety-no-mag-safety-tritium-night-sight-le

[Silvercreek Farmer]

Don't leave out the Hi-point[emoji16]

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A part of me wants to see how long one would stand up to 45 Super loads (remotely fired)...

[rfd]

if ccw isn't a concern, any reputable full size 1911 would be the way to go. however, being able to digest hard ball, cast round and swc, hollow points, and whatever else - that might be an issue. had that problem with both remington and ruger 1911's and no amount of gunsmithing would help. sometimes it's just the uniqueness of a specific gun and not the manufacturer. sometimes it just pays to be lucky as there will always be some amount of gamble when gun buying. i also no longer bother casting for handgun bullets and prefer to buy hi-tecs - should have done that years ago, makes everything so much easier.

[jakharath]

Howdy!

I own a few 1911s, all in the holy 45ACP. My first 1911 is a mutt that eventually ended up with an 80 series Gold Cup upper on a Federal Ordinance lower. The next one I purchased was a used Springfield Compact, then a full Colt that before me it was sent to Wilson Combat for "accurizing", have built four "truck guns" with old Colt 70 series uppers on various maker lowers, have a newer Colt Gold Cup and last year bought a new to me (used) Les Baer Premier II.

These guns will eat anything I feed them. I primarily shoot 185/200 SWCs for fun and Federal HST HP's for carry. Run Tripp Cobra 8-round magazines in everything but the Compact.

All but the Les Baer have had work done. For example, the 70 series Colt slide ejection ports are opened up and flared, the barrels/frames are ramped, barrels are throated, the barrel bushing and the barrel is fitted, trigger work till the pull is 4 1/2 - 5 pounds, etc. I am blessed to have a local 1911 gunsmith. He works on other guns but he gets all shinny eyed and happy when we start talking 1911s. :)

Pretty much any 1911 can be made to run. The shorter the barrel the more problems you can run into.

Two of these guns have less than $400 in. That includes gunsmithing. At some point I'll have them hard chromed by Ron Mahovsky which will cost $155 plus shipping.


Polishing the steel feed ramp with Flitz and a Dremel tool will do a world of good.

Make sure you get good magazines. They can make or break a 1911.

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