Reccomendations for a full sized .45.

[KeithH]

Had a couple of 1911's. Time to move on. What are some solid .45's out there? Guns with an outstanding reputation for reliability? Size and weight are not an issue. I want a manual safety, (ambidextrous or convertible) as I am left handed.

Again, reliability is the single biggest issue. I want a plug and play weapon; no tweaking required. Seems like the more I read on the internet the less I know. I now think I have read TOO much and am all mixed up.

Help in Georgia.

[ffhounddog]

HK45 or HK45c or the slightly cheaper used market USPc 45.

m&P45 is a great striker fired and has a safety option.

[gtmtnbiker98]

HK45 or HK45c or the slightly cheaper used market USPc 45.

m&P45 is a great striker fired and has a safety option.This.

[smithjd]

We were an early adopter of M&P 45s and they have proven very reliable and accurate. I am a 1911 guy and like the M&P 45. I used to own and carry a couple Glock 45's (10+ years, 20k rds). They were also reliable and accurate, but I don't find them as "shootable" as the M&P.

[JTQ]

There is much dislike for the PX4 on this forum, but here is review from the late Stephen A. Camp http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/shooting_the_45-caliber%20beretta%20PX4.htm

In addition to the HK45 and USPc, the full size HK USP would also be a good choice. http://hk-usa.com/hk-models/usp/

[LittleLebowski]

Had a couple of 1911's. Time to move on. What are some solid .45's out there? Guns with an outstanding reputation for reliability? Size and weight are not an issue. I want a manual safety, (ambidextrous or convertible) as I am left handed.

Again, reliability is the single biggest issue. I want a plug and play weapon; no tweaking required. Seems like the more I read on the internet the less I know. I now think I have read TOO much and am all mixed up.

Help in Georgia.

S&W M&P .45

[Kyle Reese]

As other have stated, the HK 45 / HK 45 Compact & the USP series in .45 would be my first picks. I also had an M&P 45 with thumb safety a few years back that was an excellent shooter.

[Chuck Haggard]

What ff said.


Oddly enough I kinds liked the FN .45, not striker fired, the DA/SA hammer fired version guns, but they can be carried condition 1 if you want, which you might since you have 1911 experience.

[Peally]

What ff said.


Oddly enough I kinds liked the FN .45, not striker fired, the DA/SA hammer fired version guns, but they can be carried condition 1 if you want, which you might since you have 1911 experience.

Only problem I noticed with the FNs in my short time with them was the magazines have a little metal lip on the front. If you happen to use non-kydex mag pouches that's a potential snag point.

Between the FNX45 and the HK45 I went with the HK. Less round count and I had to have the basepads filed down but it's been a flawless shooter ever since. The FNX on the other hand has the out of box ability to take an optic and has a higher round count/grip if you don't plan on concealed carry. Honestly you'll probably be happy with whichever one just fits your hand better.

[threedogdad]

I have no experience with the HK, but will add my vote in favor of the M&P. It's a very reliable and shootable handgun.

[1986s4]

I've had two non-1911 .45's, a SIG P220 and HK USPc. The USP had a safety but I don't remember if it was ambi or not. IMO .45 in the P-220 package is not a good combination. My USP was an unreliable anomaly in HK world. Sent back twice and finally sold off. I have since had two HK 9mm's that were 100% reliable.

[KeeFus]

Had a couple of 1911's. Time to move on. What are some solid .45's out there? Guns with an outstanding reputation for reliability? Size and weight are not an issue. I want a manual safety, (ambidextrous or convertible) as I am left handed.

Again, reliability is the single biggest issue. I want a plug and play weapon; no tweaking required. Seems like the more I read on the internet the less I know. I now think I have read TOO much and am all mixed up.

Help in Georgia.

Ive carried various 45s over the past 15 or so years. The first one was a Hk 45 USP full size. Huge gun but never had an issue with it. Then I carried a Gen 2 Glock 21. Still have it. Then back to the Hk 45 USP, this time a compact...as a duty weapon (bad idea...sometimes Chiefs dont listen to reason). After being in service 8 years they began having small issues, but nothing a good Hk armorer couldnt fix, and we didnt have one. Now we carry the M&P 45 mid sise (full size frame, compact slide). After having mag spring issues S&W finally figured it out and havent had an issue since.

After carrying all those Id pick the M&P over all those any day.

[Failure2Stop]

I have owned and shot many .45s in my life.
I am very much enjoying the G41.
Need to finish zeroing, when done I'll post some 25 groups.

[DocGKR]

I retired my 1911's after 25 years of service in favor of the M&P45 w/ambi safety; the M&P45's I have seen and used have proven very reliable and accurate.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b580/DocGKR2/MampP45%20RMR_zpsuapnoukv.jpg

[45dotACP]

I'll throw in my vote for a G21. It's a very nice gun to shoot, although the grip is really big and it may be hard for some to conceal.

If it's not a good fit for your hand, the HK45 and the M&P45 would be great options.

[HopetonBrown]

Glock 41, don't like the slide on the 21.

[JonInWA]

While it doesn't have the manual safety the OP stipulated as a criteria, my experience and recommendation is for the Glock G21. Mine is a Gen 3; I've been exceptionally pleased with it operationally, althought it is more difficult for me to shoot than my smaller-framed 9mm Glocks (G17. G19, G34).

Anecdotally, I'll echo the recommendations for the HK 45/USP 45. And while I've heard nothing but good things from people that I respect regarding the M&P 45s, I have difficulty recommending them due to the 9mm M&P collective (and seemingly never-ending) sagas....

Best, Jon

[Trooper224]

I carried an issued G21 for about a decade. I was a member of my agencies tactical unit at the time so I can't tell you how many thousands of rounds were fired through that pistol, without issue. Before that we were issued the P220, it was a fine piece overall but is the least durable of the full size .45's. A fellow troop has an M&P.45 with an APEX trigger kit installed that is one very sweet shooting piece. If I was looking for a .45 service pistol that one would be high on the list. I've only put a few hundred rounds through H&K pistols in that caliber so I really don't feel qualified to comment on them.

[ScotchMan]

My HK45 would be the last gun I'd sell if forced to downsize. If I was starting over, I might have gotten the HK45c as I think its a bit more versatile due to the size.

I wasn't interested in the P220 at the time, but now that the P227 is a thing, that would be a consideration for me as well.

http://everydayloadout.com/images/img_0789.jpg

[KeithH]

Getting together a rental list. I appreciate all the suggestions. Hopefully I can find them all at the same place. Some of my sources will let me rent as many different guns as I want all for the same fee.

I based my last purchase on the lack of complaints on the internet (Shield). So far that has worked with zero failures. Guns that have thread after thread about how to tweak them to keep them running 100& spook me. But trying to interpret random data on the internet has not been very meaningful. It's almost like bad data attracts more bad data. Does that make sense?

In here I run into people that have exposure to the weapons of an entire department. That or they shoot thousands of rounds a year. This site has proven itself to be very credible.

Thank you.

[Trooper224]

My HK45 would be the last gun I'd sell if forced to downsize. If I was starting over, I might have gotten the HK45c as I think its a bit more versatile due to the size.

I wasn't interested in the P220 at the time, but now that the P227 is a thing, that would be a consideration for me as well.

http://everydayloadout.com/images/img_0789.jpg

I thought I would love the P227, then I shot one. The new E2 grip shape is not to my liking and I found it to feeling exceedingly strange in my hand. That's a personal thing though and not a blanket condemnation. I don't know if Sig did anything to strengthen the design, so the P220's issues with durability may still apply with the 227.

[1slow]

HK45 in either LEM or DA/SA carried cocked and locked. Match accurate and very reliable. HK Specialist has Police trade ins @ $699. I have no affiliation with them.
If you can get along without a manual safety and have big hands GL21, I shot several for 10,000 rounds a year with no issues.

Currently using HK45, HK P30 LEM 9mm both are very accurate and reliable.

[Jesting Devil]

Although I've only handled one, I really like the glock 41. I've shot a 21 which was excellent but I like the long, slim slide and the large frame gen 4 grip which fits my hand like a glove. I've heard it recoils a bit harder than a 21 due to the lighter slide but I assume this is like a lightened slide (like those by Zev) on a 9mm making it feel a tiny bit snappier but return flatter and faster. If I could think of a good reason to buy a .45, the 41 would probably be it.

Good luck!

[Dagga Boy]

Realistically, I probably shoot a HK45 better than anything else out there. It is my nightstand gun with an X300U. The only M&P I have liked or seen any kind of solid consistent performance from is the .45 version. The Glock 41 is something I likely could have liked if I was still shooting Glocks.

If you are remotely thinking about running a suppressor....HK owns this world.

[Guinnessman]

My first choice would be a HK45 or USP followed by the M&P .45. You can't go wrong with either gun.

[breakingtime91]

HK 45c

[HCM]

All great selections. I previously carried a P220 as a duty gun and have owned the HK expert and tactical45s but love my HK 45. Since the OP specified a manual safety both the HK 45, the 45c, and the USP/USPC can be carried either DA/SA cocked and locked or, V1 light L EM with thumb safety, my preferred set up.

I've had two M&P P 45 full-size with some safeties, both were okay but nothing spectacular. I have a 45 compact which for some reason shoots better than both the full sizes I've had.

If the manual safety is a requirement, the Glock 41 is a sweet spot. I greatly prefer it to the 21s I've tried.

[Failure2Stop]

Sorry. Missed the manual safety requirement.

From Tapatalk:
Jack Leuba

[HCM]

HK45 in either LEM or DA/SA carried cocked and locked. Match accurate and very reliable. HK Specialist has Police trade ins @ $699. I have no affiliation with them.
If you can get along without a manual safety and have big hands GL21, I shot several for 10,000 rounds a year with no issues.

Currently using HK45, HK P30 LEM 9mm both are very accurate and reliable.

Actually $629- you are an enabler....

[camsdaddy]

I owned a Ruger P345 that was an accurate billy goat. Ate everything I fed it and ran 100% reliable.

[1slow]

Actually $629- you are an enabler....

Thanks for fixing the $.

My timing is off.
I switched to HK45 and P30 9mm more than a year ago. By the time the 2014 $200 rebate came along and the $629 HK45 trade ins came along I don't need any more.

[HCM]

Thanks for fixing the $.

My timing is off.
I switched to HK45 and P30 9mm more than a year ago. By the time the 2014 $200 rebate came along and the $629 HK45 trade ins came along I don't need any more.

I don't need another 45 either but it's awfully tempting at that price.

[Kyle Reese]

I don't need another 45 either but it's awfully tempting at that price.

Sure you do. :)

[LockedBreech]

I really like the M&P 45 4-inch. Have they fixed the weird mag spring thing that was going on?

[HCM]

I really like the M&P 45 4-inch. Have they fixed the weird mag spring thing that was going on?

My understanding is yes.

[KeeFus]

I really like the M&P 45 4-inch. Have they fixed the weird mag spring thing that was going on?

I posted the issue here (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2177-M-amp-P-45-magazines&highlight=Springs).

My understanding from the LE reps I spoke with was a heat tempering issue. It has been fixed with the newer blue magazine springs and follower.

[TAZ]

The manual safety requirement eliminates the Glock sadly. HK45/45c if your hands can accommodate the controls. I've run 1911 and G21, G21SF and I could NEVER run the HK45 or 45C as a single action only. Just couldn't manipulate the lever efficiently.

If safety was a hard requirement id say MP45.

[LockedBreech]

Cool, good to know, it seems like a great .45.

[Palmguy]

Actually $629- you are an enabler....

I wish I wouldn't have seen this thread...

[396]

If you don't mind an older pistol, then S&W 4506 or 4566.

[SGT_Calle]

I had a FN 45 tactical shortly after they came out (maybe four years ago?) and really liked it. Ended up trading it for something more carry-able but I regret not just keeping it.
I'd like to own the H45, to go along with my 45c but I rarely shoot any 45 stuff anymore.

[Eurastus]

Let me put in another vote for the FN FNX 45 or 45T. The T is one large pistol, but the 15-round capacity can't be beat in any .45 ACP shooter that I know of and with a red-dot sight and mounted light, it's excellent for nightstand duty. I wouldn't want to try to CCW that monster, but maybe that's just me.

Now if you're a Czech fan, don't forget the CZ-97B. I can speak very highly of this pistol. It's all steel and is no lightweight, though.

The 97B sports a 10-round capacity and manual thumb safety so you can carry condition-one, if that's your preference. Otherwise, I suppose most folks shoot it DA/SA. The CZ-97BD is the same pistol with a decocker instead of the manual safety.

Get the "BE" package from Cajun (http://www.cajungunworks.com/cz-97b_-_bd.html) and you'll end up with a great set-up for less than $1300 with shipping and FFL fees. The 97BE from Cajun has a most excellent trigger and is a very accurate pistol.

Biggest drawback that I've seen for the 97B is that holster availability is not huge; the folks on the CZ forums can point you in the right direction, though.

Oh, yeah.....Cajun can install an ambi safety on the 97BE upon special request.

[Matt O]

Unfortunately the 97B suffers from the same safety placement issues as the 75 series. It's a bit awkward to put one's thumb there and using safety levers sufficiently large to actuate with one's thumb forces the support hand down on the grip, thus reducing control.

[Eurastus]

Unfortunately the 97B suffers from the same safety placement issues as the 75 series. It's a bit awkward to put one's thumb there and using safety levers sufficiently large to actuate with one's thumb forces the support hand down on the grip, thus reducing control.

or...use the Shadow safety, as on the Cajun BE, and ride it with one's thumb just like a 1911.

[Lost River]

I am surprised at the number of guys who really like the Glock 21. Most don't, but then again this is a site that appears to have more "switched on" pistol handlers.

The Glock 21 has been a long tome favorite of mine. I carried one as a duty gun for years, and shot a lot of USPSA with one for roughly a decade. I was very successful in my class and division with the big gun, not because I was the best shooter, but more due to the guns accuracy and the fact that it always went bang. When many higher capped race guns choked, the big bore Glock just kept chugging along.

My personal examples were pretty high round count guns, which really saw pretty limited preventive maintenance.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/035.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/035.jpg.html)

When the 3rd gen came I replaced my 2nd gen so I could run a white light at work. When the SF version came out, I picked one up to try, and really preferred the slimmer grip profile.

I've since switched to using 9mm Glocks as my primary guns, but have been seriously considering trying the new longer slide 41 model. In my quest to consolidate, I've been contemplating ditching my G35 game gun, divesting myself of anything .40/10mm, and just running 45s and 9mms for both games and social purposes.

Though I noted the OP wanted a thumb safety, the Glocks work fine for lefties, so if the lack of ambidextrous safety is not a deal breaker, I could whole heartedly recommend the Glock 45s.

Btw,unlike the higher pressure .40 cals, I've never seen a problem running lead through the .45 Glocks. In fact on one gun, I have somewhere north of 75k rounds of 200 grain lead semi wadcutter, pushed by clays powder.

[Trooper224]

The G21 fit my hand a lot better than my current issue G22, which is a bit small for me. The G21 was our first issued plastic fantastic. You should have heard the hew and cry that went forth when we gave up our P220's. Within a couple of years that largely disappeared, except among some really old timers who couldn't abide anything without a cylinder.

[KeithH]

Got to sample all of the suggestions. (Handled only, no live fire). I will have to wait till next month before the HK's are part of the rental program here. I want to compare them all against each other. The HK's and FN's are awesome. I am 6 months into ownership of my first striker fired pistol and I find myself still missing a hammer. So I might jump ship. It's going to be hard to make a decision since all of the suggestions are outstanding.

One question though. I did live fire a Beretta Storm in 9mm. I liked it. I liked it a lot. But looking back through some of the threads here....I don't know. Would I be better advised leaving the Beretta's alone?

[DocGKR]

Yes...

[BWT]

I am surprised at the number of guys who really like the Glock 21. Most don't, but then again this is a site that appears to have more "switched on" pistol handlers.

The Glock 21 has been a long tome favorite of mine. I carried one as a duty gun for years, and shot a lot of USPSA with one for roughly a decade. I was very successful in my class and division with the big gun, not because I was the best shooter, but more due to the guns accuracy and the fact that it always went bang. When many higher capped race guns choked, the big bore Glock just kept chugging along.

My personal examples were pretty high round count guns, which really saw pretty limited preventive maintenance.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/035.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/035.jpg.html)

When the 3rd gen came I replaced my 2nd gen so I could run a white light at work. When the SF version came out, I picked one up to try, and really preferred the slimmer grip profile.

I've since switched to using 9mm Glocks as my primary guns, but have been seriously considering trying the new longer slide 41 model. In my quest to consolidate, I've been contemplating ditching my G35 game gun, divesting myself of anything .40/10mm, and just running 45s and 9mms for both games and social purposes.

Though I noted the OP wanted a thumb safety, the Glocks work fine for lefties, so if the lack of ambidextrous safety is not a deal breaker, I could whole heartedly recommend the Glock 45s.

Btw,unlike the higher pressure .40 cals, I've never seen a problem running lead through the .45 Glocks. In fact on one gun, I have somewhere north of 75k rounds of 200 grain lead semi wadcutter, pushed by clays powder.

I have a family member that owns a Glock 21 Gen 3 with probably... 2,500-3,000 rounds through it over 10 years? (He's not as much of a shooter and I think part of that is the cost of .45 ACP)

The only thing we ever ran into was the gun was over-lubricated into the firing pin channel and excess carbon began to cause soft primer strikes.

Cleaned the channel and she hasn't had an any issues since.

The G21 is a solid performer just massive.

ETA: I'd also say the M&P45 is great, my Dad owns one and is very pleased. Another performer is the HK45 (obviously it has a track record documented here). There really are a ton of great options in .45 ACP.

[Frank R]

Another strong vote for the M&P 45. Mine is the 4" Midsize.

[KeithH]

Yes...

I shall leave the Beretta alone then.

Thank you.

[Father of 3]

HK Specialist has Police trade ins @ $699

Hmmm


Actually $629- you are an enabler....

Even better


I wish I wouldn't have seen this thread...

Me either. This thread just cost me $629. Should be here by the weekend :D

There are only 8 more left at that price....

[Kyle Reese]

Hmmm



Even better



Me either. This thread just cost me $629. Should be here by the weekend :D

There are only 8 more left at that price....

You won't regret that purchase.

[Failure2Stop]

You won't regret that purchase.

On my list of "things I don't need", another .45 is in the top 25, not too far below the STD list.
Why, oh why, do I keep checking my savings account and scheming out how to spend $630 without feeling bad?

[Kyle Reese]

On my list of "things I don't need", another .45 is in the top 25, not too far below the STD list.
Why, oh why, do I keep checking my savings account and scheming out how to spend $630 without feeling bad?

You'll earn another $630, but can you really go another St.Patrick's Day knowing you may have missed out on such a kick ass deal? [emoji3]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Harm]

Love my HK45, the HK45c was just a bit smaller than I wanted. Ymmv.

I also love the classic Sig P220. I tried the 227 & liked it well enough. But I didn't love the E2 grips. So I moved on. Again ymmv.

[EVP]

I really wanted to get a hk 45 awhile back but the thing that sucks is magazine availability and price. Around 60 bucks for a magazine is a little ridiculous.

Actually I just checked up on some prices and magazines are hard to find and are sold out at 70 bucks a piece!