I am new to this site. I would like to get some opinions on the most accurate as well as dependable overall out of the box 45 semi auto would be. I am looking to spend under 2000. I would appreciate any information that some of your time and effort has produced as it will help me in this decision. thanks
Mark
Last edited by markc1963; 03-20-2016 at 02:32 PM.
Have you read about the late Todd Green's endurance test of the HK45?
It would help if you let us know what the purpose you will be using the firearm for too.
Last edited by TheNewbie; 03-20-2016 at 03:42 PM.
I like the HK45. I don't have one now, but I've shot them plenty and they are pretty fantastic.
If you're new to shooting, I would recommend taking a look at this article on the terminal ballistics of service caliber handguns. The .45 is not the man slayer it's oft portrayed to be.
That aside, this forum has an affinity for HK. Take a look at either the HK45 or the USP in .45.
"Sapiens dicit: 'Ignoscere divinum est, sed noli pretium plenum pro pizza sero allata solvere.'" - Michelangelo
For what it is worth.
This assumes you want a .45 auto.
I have HK45s, HK45 Tactical, HK45 Compact Tactical, HK USP 45, HK USP Tactical 45.
I have Glock 21s, 30s. Shot these for years.
I have had 1911s, Wilson, Ed Brown, several Les Baers. Shot 1911s for years. Went through Col. Cooper's in 1982 with a 1911.
If I wanted a match accurate .45 auto that I would stake my life on I would go with HK45 series or HK USP 45 series. Personally I most like the HK45 full size and the full size HK USP Tactical 45.
USP 45 is a 12 round magazine gun that fits my XL bony hands well. HK45 is a 10 round magazine pistol with a picatinny rail that has a smaller grip circumference.
I really like the USP Tactical 45 with its match grade trigger.
My experience is that match accurate 1911s are finicky and nothing I want in a fight. YMMV.
I had great experiences with GL21s, GL30s, 10,000 rounds yearly for 15 + years. They are accurate enough but not like the HKs.
Maybe nyeti will contribute as he has had lots of time with the HKs.
GJM also has experience with the USP45.
Last edited by 1slow; 03-20-2016 at 04:57 PM.
Good recommendation here. Here are some links to get you started...Originally Posted by TheNewbie
Pistol-Training.com: HK45 Endurance Test: Week One
Pistol-Training.com: HK45 Interview with Ken Hackathorn and Larry Vickers
As is already evident, I think the HK45 is going to be the consensus choice around these parts.
"When the phone rang, Parker was in the garage, killing a man."
Not knowing what you want to use it for makes it tough, but... I think everyone has pretty well covered the big double stack .45s, which have their place. I had a HK USP 45 that was a great gun but too big for me to grip and reach the trigger properly. Very accurate gun if I was shooting from a rest but in my hands, not so much. When it comes to .45's I need to go single stack and my preference is the 1911.
I've had more problems with polymer guns than I ever have with a 1911, which to be fair I've owned more polymer than 1911s. I've never found 1911s to be ammo picky as I always buy quality ammo, quality guns, and take great care of them. Highly accurate, fantastic triggers, and just a pleasure to shoot. In the $1,500 - $2,000 range there are some great options from Dan Wesson, Springfield Armory, and Les Baer.
If you decide they're for you, great. If not, they're worth at least looking at and fondling.
My experience with high end 1911's has been different than a couple of previous posts addressing your question. Using your budget as a guideline, I would pick the Dan Wesson Valor as the pistol of choice. Another option might be a CZ97 that has been modified by the CZ Custom Shop (still within your described budget guideline).
Agreed.
I've had plenty of 1911's including WC, as well as both S&W MP45 and MP45c, but if I was in the market for another ashtray launcher, I'd go with the HK45c based on how it feels in my hand versus the full-size HK45.
Hell, I don't even particularly like the guns but that's my recommendation too.
Unless OP is looking for a 1911, in which case for under 2k I'd look at a Dan Wesson Valor or Specialist.
ETA: Also I am a fan of the SIG P220 though I believe there's some folks here who'd have different opinions on that.
Last edited by ReverendMeat; 03-20-2016 at 10:50 PM.
"Customer is very particular" -- SIG Sauer
Reply With Quote