Budget 45 auto options

[RU shooter]

Well I have been thinking about getting another 45 auto . My carry gun is a kahr cw45 so that handles the compact light weight duties . I'm not too in touch with what handguns are available these days so I thought I'd ask for some opinions and advice . What I'm wanting issomething $400 or less in a full size frame 4-5" barrel . So far what I've seen available new or used are the Ruger p90 and p345 and the 1911 types from RIA and ATI , besides a hi point what others may I be missing that would fit my list ? I've heard good and not so good about the RIA and ATI brands of 1911 anyone have any first hand experience ? The Glock is an option too but is just a touch chubby for my hand

Thanks , Tim

[shdwlkr]

RIA 45 auto is a good basic pistol I got my cc in NM with one and some else borrowed it and qualified with it. They are not fancy and are about like what a real GI model would be. You can spend more money and get something that works better. I one I used needed to be cleaned after 400 rounds were fired through it at that cc qualification day. Hope that answers your questions. Mine went down the road when I found something else I just had to have.

[spfd1903]

Tim
I have owned an ATI.45 Auto for about six years. Bought it new for $450. Has been totally reliable. Fired mostly Lee 230 Round nose with Unique, but it has been reliable with other weights and profiles. Can't complain at all about its accuracy. Love it.

[birch]

The Springfield XD45 is a really sweet 45. They can be found all day in the 400 range. There was one at the LGS for 275 with some holster wear.

[jmort]

^^^ Makes sense

[Der Gebirgsjager]

You seem to have located some pretty good options, and there isn't anything really wrong with any of them. I bought a RIA last year, added a beaver tail, bobbed the hammer a bit, and installed a light weight medium length trigger. It's plenty accurate, and never jams. I think I saw some police trad-in Glock 21s on the market awhile back.

[tazman]

The Springfield XD45 is a really sweet 45. They can be found all day in the 400 range. There was one at the LGS for 275 with some holster wear.

This^^^^^^^
I have recently found a couple of different XD(one XD, one XDm) series 45ACP full size pistols for well under that $400 figure.
I can attest to how well they work.
1911 pistols are also a great choice but finding one in that price range can be problematic.

[415m3]

I think I saw some police trad-in Glock 21s on the market awhile back.

Unless you have the option to return the pistol after testing it, stay away from these. They were very inconsistent when it came to reliability. Light strikes were a particular problem. I would get the XD45 over a cheap 1911, they just plain work.

[Huntsman52]

Don't rule out Kahr manufactured Auto Ordnance 1911's. I have the parker GI version that runs great. American made as well. There is also the Ruger SR45, Ruger American or M&P 45 that can be had for less than $400 new.

Keep an eye on Slickguns.com (Search for handguns in 45 ACP) or Palmetto State Armory's daily deals.

[Texas by God]

I bought a used Ruger P97 .45auto several years ago and it hasn't jammed or been cleaned since thru several hundred rounds. $275 well spent.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[jcren]

I have the RIA tac model (commander hammer, beavertail and dovetailed sights) and love it. Cheap enough to play with but more accurate than I am.

[scattershot]

I have had three of the RIAs, and they were all good pistols. When I got my first one, I sold my Kimber. These were Tactical models, with improved sights, and they shot as well as any 1911 I have owned.

[Earlwb]

Well since you stated a budget pistol, then there is always the Hi-Point .45 auto pistol. Some people think it looks ugly though. But the guns are quite reliable and hang in there taking all sorts of abuse and still work.
You can sometimes find them for under $200 usually for $169 or so too.

[fatelk]

My ATI Govt model 1911 cost me about $380 a couple years ago. The bore throat was messed up from the factory, went back on their dime. Turnaround was quick though, and it's been perfect ever since. Accuracy is very acceptable and reliability has been perfect. I've been really happy with it, for a cheap gun. I've only got maybe 500 rounds through it so far.

[Drm50]

From what I've seen the best value for under $400 in a 45acp would be a Ruger P series, used. They
are kind of ugly but well made and dependable. I see quite a few of them used in like new condition for under $400. I don't care for them because I have small hands and they are a bit bulky to me. I
have owned them in 9mm & 45acp and they were accurate shooters. I have a good bit of experience
with Colt 1911s & GI models and had little trouble with them. Mostly mag problems or a particular
bullet they didn't function well with. The clones I have owned but never considered keeping them.
Plastic I have no experience at all except to shoot for function.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

you could find a used Glock 21 in that price range + or - $50

[CJR]

I like and favor the RIA 1911s and have a few. They're made by Armscor, an international ISO 9001 quality certified company, and are warrantied for life. Not many gun manufacturers are ISO 9001 quality control certified. The RIA 1911s run right out of the box, eat everything, and are accurate. Go to the RIA website and view all the options available; tactical, standard, etc. and then shop for the best price. One thing, that caught my eye on the RIAs, were the Rockwell hardness marks on many of the parts; that's a sign of quality control inspection. Also, whoever set up my RIA 1911s knew what they were doing.

Best regards,

CJR

[osteodoc08]

XD Family XD, XDM, XDS
Lower end 1911
Ruger P series
Ruger Blackhawk with 45 acp cylinder (not sure if you meant 45 auto as in caliber or 45 in a semiauto pistol)
Beretta PX4
Kahr full size
Glock SF frame gen 3
CZ/EAA

I’m sure there are others. Mostly a used market proposition. Take your time. The right deal will pop up.

[bluelund79]

I picked up a new M&P 45 for under $325, it’s not the 2.0, but it shoots very well and I prefer the grip angle over Glock. They are a great poly option. If you want a 1911, and on a budget, then Rock Island Armory gets the nod. However, save a little more for a Ruger 1911, or save a little more and the options get even better.

[Kevinakaq]

Buds has the MP45 for 389.00 with a 4” barrel. 10+1 rounds. I have the 4.5” version and it has been a rock solid performer. Have a few 1911’s etc. and if I was picking up a 45 for defense would be the mp45 each time...ymmv. Like you I consider a glock in 45 a contender right up to the moment I actually grasped the behemeth grip...

Kev

[FLINTNFIRE]

Having had higher end 1911 I bought a few of the RIA tactical and the plain janes , so far I have had reliability and accuracy with the tactical and if one shops around about a 400-450 price on the tactical . It gets my nod for the choice , feeds all my cast different styles . The Norinco 1911a1 were the best off the shelf I found years ago , but the price is up as others found they were good . Friend has the springfield xdm in 45 acp he loves his , lots of choices .

[megasupermagnum]

When I was looking for the same thing, I was disappointed to find HiPoint can no longer be sold in Minnesota. Not from an FFL anyway. It wasn't my favorite, but of the sub $400 45's, it's my top pick. My second choice was a Ruger American. I came really close to buying one before I found a used SIG P220 for a good price. I just don't think you will be happy with a sub $400 dollar 1911 style of any make unless you find a smoking deal on a used one. I never got to sit down with the HiPoint, but the few I've shot, there's nothing wrong with them. They shoot as well or better than a Taurus 1911. I never got to shoot a Ruger American, they are very Glock like. Similar sights and feel.

[Boolseye]

My RIA .45 GI 1911 is great. I did a bunch of work on it (tightened slide, trigger job etc.) and I can attest to the quality of the steel. Also right in spec. I may get the 9mm version too.

I did the same jobs on an SA mil-spec, and if anything the RIA had tougher steel in the frame.
Lowering the rails was noticably more work on the RIA. I had expected the opposite. It's a very nice 1911, with the addition of an Ed Brown barrel I have no doubt it will hold 3" at 50 yds. in a machine rest.

[Bazoo]

Personally, I dont like those cheap 1911s. I got a buddy that has had several remingtons and a few RIA.... they "functioned" But the fit and finish left a lot to be desired over others. I seen one that looked good, but got iffy reviews, thats american classic. Not sure as I never had any experience with them.

If it were me, i'd go with the XD or Ruger P90 or P97 before i'd spend 400 on a cheap 1911.

[osteodoc08]

The M&P I have is also a stand out performer. Multiple 500-600 round range days.

[sghart3578]

Rock Island Armory all the way. I like my 45 ACP so much that I bought a RIA 1911 in 38 Super and another in 9mm.

But I am partial to the inexpensive and the "underdogs".

When the premium 1911 craze blew up and all of my buddies were buying Kimbers, etc. I stuck with my Auto Ordnance that I bought when I was stationed in Colorado in the early 80's.

You've heard of the old Auto Ordnance guns from Hurley NY right? The ones that all of the gurus say won't feed, won't group, etc.?

Well, other than two or three new extractors over the years mine just keeps chugging along. My grandson put 100 rounds through it just this morning.

For a new gun go with the Rock Island. If you don't want a 1911 style then I have heard nothing but good stuff about the Springfield XD's.


Steve in N CA

[Petrol & Powder]

Speaking from personal experience the ATI is a far better pistol than its low price suggests.

If you can find an old Ruger P-90 they are solid pistols.

I've yet to see a Glock that wouldn't work unless someone attempted to "improve" it, and that includes the G21.

Probably not a budget pistol because most owners have realized what hidden gems they are ....but if you can find a reasonably priced S&W 645 - Buy It ! Immediately. They are capable of excellent accuracy and one of the very few S&W semi-auto pistols that I would seek out.

The 1911 platform has been around so long that there are few secrets left. Most half-way decent 1911's can be made to shoot very well and there's actually some fun in making one perform well. If you like the challenge of making a good pistol there's a lot of satisfaction to be had by fitting your own pistol. For a while Norinco frames were popular because they were an inexpensive source of a frame and very good pistols could be assembled from that starting point. If you want an "out of the box" 1911 that you can just shoot - RIA or ATI would be my choice.

[Greg S]

I think if you hold out and look, you could find a SA MILSPEC in that price range.

[BigAlofPa.]

I have 2 RIA 45 1911's an ATI and a Ruger P 345 and a Hi-point. They all have served me well. And I shoot them often.

[Sailormilan2]

I have, and had, a Springfield Mil Spec, a Rock Island GI(had, it was stolen), and a Rock Tactical. I found that the Rocks are a bit tighter, especially in the chamber area than my SAI Mil Spec. Ammo that would chamber in my Springfield Mil Spec would not chamber in my Rock's barrels. When my Rock GI was stolen, I replaced it with the Rock Tactical and love it. First 1911 45 acp that I have had that didn't give me hammer bite. Because of how good it feels in my hand, I upgraded my Mil Spec to match the RIA Tactical.
Both guns have an extra slide, with fitted barrels, so I can change calibers to 9mm and 38 Super. With the Mil Spec, I can go 9mm, 38 Super, and 10mm.
Citadels are made by Armscor, as are the Rock Islands, and one can often find them on sale.

[FergusonTO35]

I suspect the Ruger SR45 will be going on closeout soon, you can probably get one for $300.00 or less.

[charlie b]

Just go on the used market and see what you can find. I also dislike the GLock grip, probably cause I have fired 1911's for 40 years.

I had a full size XD several years ago. It was a very reliable pistol and fit well in my hand but accuracy was not great. Good but not great. If you can find an XDM in the price you want I have heard they are better.

I would take any budget 1911. A good break in or some polishing of the rails, ramp and throat will make a huge difference on cheap pistols. I'd also get several McCormick magazines for it. GI frequently work, but, the slight extra cost (and 8 rounds) is well worth it. Problems I have had with 1911's (especially in the military) were from bad magazines or worn out springs.

Every 1911 I have fired did fine with round nose FMJ. Most did well with round nose lead. Hollow points and SWC was where they got picky. I had one that hated the 185SWC but never failed with a 200SWC. My father-in-law's (Colt NM) just would not feed truncated cone bullets at all. For some reason it was ok with HP's and all SWC.

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[RU shooter]

Thanks all for the opinions and suggestions . Are the Springfield xd and the smith MP double stack mags? Like I spoke about the Glock 21 it's sorta big for my smallish grip guessing most high capacity 45's are gonna be similar . had a P90 for many years and although large and blocky was the best and most accurate 45 I've ever owned , thing would even feed empty cases from the mag! Those who have the P345 how does it do in the accuracy department ? I've fondled a few and like how the grip feels but never shot one .

[Mr Peabody]

I'm impressed with the Kahr made Auto-Ordnance 1911A1!

[str8wal]

Ruger American. Great ergo's and great price. Saw them advertised for $300 on one of the online joints

[Texas by God]

The P345 was kind of a P97 improved with a better checkered grip. I shot one once and liked it a lot. The long trigger pull of my P97 catches me sometimes but it is very accurate and has earned nightstand status long ago.

[Huntsman52]

The XD & M&P are double stack, unless you do a M&P Shield which is single stack. To me the M&P has great grip ergonomics and is nothing like a glock grip. You can swap out the backstrap on a M&P to lessen or increase the grip size as well. Best bet would be to handle a few at some shops.

[FergusonTO35]

Ruger American. Great ergo's and great price. Saw them advertised for $300 on one of the online joints

I'm wondering if Ruger is going to get out of the fullsize striker fired pistol market altogether in the next few years. The SR series has been axed for 2019 and the American is definitely not selling well. That market segment is beyond saturated, and neither gun has gotten any military or police use. On the other hand, Ruger's revolvers and small autos are still selling really well and are market leaders.

[tazman]

Thanks all for the opinions and suggestions . Are the Springfield xd and the smith MP double stack mags? Like I spoke about the Glock 21 it's sorta big for my smallish grip guessing most high capacity 45's are gonna be similar . had a P90 for many years and although large and blocky was the best and most accurate 45 I've ever owned , thing would even feed empty cases from the mag! Those who have the P345 how does it do in the accuracy department ? I've fondled a few and like how the grip feels but never shot one .

The XD pistols are double stack but come with different grip inserts that allow you to fit the grip to your hand size.

[osteodoc08]

Thanks all for the opinions and suggestions . Are the Springfield xd and the smith MP double stack mags? Like I spoke about the Glock 21 it's sorta big for my smallish grip guessing most high capacity 45's are gonna be similar . had a P90 for many years and although large and blocky was the best and most accurate 45 I've ever owned , thing would even feed empty cases from the mag! Those who have the P345 how does it do in the accuracy department ? I've fondled a few and like how the grip feels but never shot one .

Gotta try them out. The Glock full size frames felt too blocky, but the SF Gen 3 feels just right. The XDM even better. Try them before you dismiss them. Of all the polymer strikernfired 45’s, the XDM is my favorite (it’s in 10mm) but I also like my FNX tactical as well.

[Bigslug]

The Rock Islands are good, functional 1911's, and you're getting a steel pistol out of the exchange. I really respect them as a 1911 that's not drunk a bunch of the Madison Avenue hooch that makes it unable to decide if it wants to be a fighting gun, a match pistol, or a custom race car.

[crankycalico]

well from my standpoint in thise horse race, what one of the basic low cost 1911s still use the standard feed ramp located in the barrel? and cant still take the "universal" replacement barrel?

[JBinMN]

I bought a Taurus PT1911 Govt. .45 & it was what I call inexpensive(around $500.00), all steel, but for the grip plates/scales(plastic), and shoots as good as I can shoot. Works fine for me.

I do not worry about what other folks might think of Taurus. This one has worked fine for me. Sure, I would like to have a Colt, or a Kimber, Baer, etc., but I could not afford them at the time I wanted one, & so I got a "budget" .45. and it suits me fine...

G'Luck! in whatever ya decide to get!
:)

[Boolseye]

The Rock Islands are good, functional 1911's, and you're getting a steel pistol out of the exchange. I really respect them as a 1911 that's not drunk a bunch of the Madison Avenue hooch that makes it unable to decide if it wants to be a fighting gun, a match pistol, or a custom race car.
So funny and true.

[lee n. field]

Well I have been thinking about getting another 45 auto . My carry gun is a kahr cw45 so that handles the compact light weight duties . I'm not too in touch with what handguns are available these days so I thought I'd ask for some opinions and advice . What I'm wanting is something $400 or less in a full size frame 4-5" barrel . So far what I've seen available new or used are the Ruger p90 and p345 and the 1911 types from RIA and ATI , besides a hi point what others may I be missing that would fit my list ? I've heard good and not so good about the RIA and ATI brands of 1911 anyone have any first hand experience ? The Glock is an option too but is just a touch chubby for my hand

Thanks , Tim

I bought a Rock Island GI 3 years ago. The slide stop didn't always hold open after the last round. Replacing that part fixed the problem. Other than that, it's been extremely reliable. Total round count, ummm, "many hundreds", probably towards a thousand. It cost, then, a bit over $400.

[Boolseye]

I bought a Rock Island GI 3 years ago. The slide stop didn't always hold open after the last round.

Had the exact same problem. Uses the $5 S&W stop to fix it