I'm thinking about getting a new carry gun.

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I'm thinking about getting a new carry gun.

Posted: 12/13/2018 11:18:58 PM EDT

Right now my carry guns are a Colt Government and Commander 1911. I don't really have any problems with them, other than they're blued and Texas summers and blued guns don't really go together good. So I've been thinking about getting something else.

My first thought was a stainless Commander, but variety is the spice of life, and for the most part I've carried a 1911 the 6 years since I've gotten my carry licence. But the problem is I don't know what I want. I want something Commander/Glock 19 sized, all metal, and hammer fired. And I want to stick with .45 because I have a couple thousand rounds and about 20 rounds of 9mm.

The 3 guns I'm thinking about are a Sig 220, a S&W 4516 and a USP compact. I used to have a 220 and a USP compact, I traded the USP for the 220 because of post Sandy Hook mag prices and I traded the 220 for some other gun I just had to have. And I just want a 4516, but I don't know about mags and parts for a gun that hasn't been made for like 20 years.

Is there something else I should be looking at?

And to help narrow down the choices down some, I've had a Glock 19, M&P and an Xd, they were all accurate and reliable, but the gun version of a hammer.

Posted: 12/14/2018 12:15:11 AM EDT

[#1]

once upon a time I had a Smith and Wesson 457, alloy frame traditional da/sa in 45, relatively compact, 7 shot with the slide mounted safety... other than the plastic sights it had everything needed for an excellent carry pistol... they might still be available on the used market

Posted: 12/14/2018 12:18:29 AM EDT

[#2]

What’s your budget OP?

Posted: 12/14/2018 12:20:56 AM EDT

[#3]

Stick with a 1911. All that other stuff is bulky and has sucky triggers.

Get your pistols refinished in something better.

Posted: 12/14/2018 12:30:44 AM EDT

[#4]

I went from Govt. to Combat Commander, to Defender.

Posted: 12/14/2018 12:58:16 AM EDT

[#5]

A lightweight stainless commander is what you seek.

Posted: 12/14/2018 1:26:51 AM EDT

[#6]

I love my Colt Defender in 45, but it really has taken a back seat to a Glock 30s, which is unbeatable for size vs capacity. Almost everything else is either as low as capacity as a 1911 or bulky as heck.

If it wasn't for your 45 clause, I'd say a CZ P07 in 9mm. I think there is a CZ in 45 but I don't know jack about it.

Kahr makes a single stack but the 45 is cranky and you don't seem to be looking for a compact so why bother

Your "like a hammer" feeling rule out everything but 1911's and maybe HK's

My final thought would be go buy a Glock 30s, cerakote the slide to give it some style, put some night sights on it, or get over the 45, embrace a 9mm, and go order one of those new 9mm EDC's from Wilson Combat...those things are gorgeous

Posted: 12/14/2018 2:07:18 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
What’s your budget OP?

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Quoted:
What’s your budget OP?

I don't really have one, but I most likely won't buy something like a Wilson Combat.

Quoted:If it wasn't for your 45 clause, I'd say a CZ P07 in 9mm. I think there is a CZ in 45 but I don't know jack about it.

I've thought of a CZ 75, I'd just rather stick with something I already have ammo for.

Posted: 12/14/2018 2:12:35 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
I don't really have one, but I most likely won't buy something like a Wilson Combat.

I've thought of a CZ 75, I'd just rather stick with something I already have ammo for.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
What’s your budget OP?

I don't really have one, but I most likely won't buy something like a Wilson Combat.

Quoted:If it wasn't for your 45 clause, I'd say a CZ P07 in 9mm. I think there is a CZ in 45 but I don't know jack about it.

I've thought of a CZ 75, I'd just rather stick with something I already have ammo for.

CZ 97 B is the .45 ACP model.

ETA: The Tanfoglio Witness clones are also offered in .45 ACP and are excellent pistols IMO. I sold my CZ 75 BD and kept my Tanfoglio. The 1911 is hard to beat when it comes to carrying a steel framed pistol.

Posted: 12/14/2018 5:19:45 AM EDT

[#9]

Dan Wesson Guardian

Posted: 12/14/2018 6:19:21 AM EDT

[#10]

I've never been a big fan of Smith & Wesson auto's, but wouldn't turn down an excellent condition 3rd Gen 4516. Magazines can be found with no issues. Brownells has them now for around $40ea. Gunbroker, ebay, and check the forums here for magazines and parts also. They made plenty of them. If you buy one and want it tuned, Novak's is the place. S&W went to Wayne and he helped them out with design modifications on the 2nd & 3rd Gen pistols. Good luck!

Posted: 12/14/2018 7:19:51 AM EDT

[#11]

What kind of action do you prefer? I have pistols of all flavors and the DA autos barely get out of the safe. Totally different animal if you are used to shooting a 1911.

Posted: 12/14/2018 9:24:34 AM EDT

[#12]

It sounds like you are looking for a Sig P227. For a carry gun, the 4516 I had was excellent, however, compared to more modern still in production guns, it is heavy as hell. I don't like out of production guns for regular carry. I only get to change carry guns at our annual qualification though so it's a once a year deal for me.

If I were going .45, I'd probably go with the Sig or a Shield .45.

Posted: 12/14/2018 9:56:43 AM EDT

[#13]

Tag for info

Posted: 12/14/2018 10:05:23 AM EDT

[#14]

There have been enormous advances in handgun technology since the 1911, and in ammunition that make the .45 obsolete.

If you want more power than a 9mm, go right to .40. More energy than a .45 without sacrificing so much capacity.

The H&K USPc with a light LEM trigger might be worth looking into.

Or if you can live without a hammer, the Sig P320, and you could match it up with a Sig P365 in an ankle holster and have a backup with the same controls and trigger.

All of the above have great triggers and sights right out of the box, with simpler controls, higher capacity, and better reliability than 1911s.

You can burn through your 2,000-round stash of .45 with two fun weekend courses, I wouldn't even factor that into your thinking.

Posted: 12/14/2018 10:16:42 AM EDT

[#15]

How about a LW Commander sized gun with melonited parts?

Posted: 12/14/2018 10:57:25 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
What kind of action do you prefer? I have pistols of all flavors and the DA autos barely get out of the safe. Totally different animal if you are used to shooting a 1911.

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Either DAO or single action. I shoot revolvers more than a 1911.

Posted: 12/14/2018 11:03:29 AM EDT

[#17]

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Either DAO or single action. I shoot revolvers more than a 1911.

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Take a look at this. Might be an interesting choice and priced right if you decide you don't like it.

https://www.cdnnsports.com/sig-sauer-sp2340-40s-w-3-9-dao-trade-in.html#.XBPGMttKjZ4

Here is another possible choice in your stated size range.
https://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1SIG229R40SEL&name=LEO+Trade-In+SIG+SAUER+P229+.40S%26W+Pistol+Select+Grade&groupid=8406

Posted: 12/14/2018 11:17:12 AM EDT

[#18]

I know you specified all metal, but have you seen the STI Stocatto? Metal frame and slide, plastic commander sized grip. Shaves about 4oz off the weight of an aluminum frame CCO 1911 (The STI comes in at 23oz unloaded iirc), with a nice wide magwell (at least when compared to a standard 1911).

I had the pleasure of shooting one at USPSA nats this year. I was pretty impressed.

Posted: 12/14/2018 12:22:12 PM EDT

[#19]

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Quoted:
I know you specified all metal, but have you seen the STI Stocatto? Metal frame and slide, plastic commander sized grip. Shaves about 4oz off the weight of an aluminum frame CCO 1911 (The STI comes in at 23oz unloaded iirc), with a nice wide magwell (at least when compared to a standard 1911).

I had the pleasure of shooting one at USPSA nats this year. I was pretty impressed.

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I’m going to be looking for one of those next year.

OP wants a new 1911, and I will not try and dissuade him. Nothing wrong with his caliber choice either. That same bullet tech that miraculously transformed the 9mm from poodle shooter to proven stopper is also available in 45. The 45 also needs no trick bullet to work well.

Just look for a commander or officer model, with a more durable finish.

Posted: 12/14/2018 12:24:21 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know you specified all metal, but have you seen the STI Stocatto? Metal frame and slide, plastic commander sized grip. Shaves about 4oz off the weight of an aluminum frame CCO 1911 (The STI comes in at 23oz unloaded iirc), with a nice wide magwell (at least when compared to a standard 1911).

I had the pleasure of shooting one at USPSA nats this year. I was pretty impressed.

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Damn, that looks nice. I'm going to take a guess that a single stack 2011 takes 1911 mags?

Posted: 12/14/2018 12:30:27 PM EDT

[#21]

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Quoted:

Damn, that looks nice. I'm going to take a guess that a single stack 2011 takes 1911 mags?

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Think 2011 frame, scaled down for 9mm single stack mags. Looks nice for a 9mm 1911.

Posted: 12/14/2018 1:13:32 PM EDT

[#22]

Unless you have to have an all metal gun. I you want a utility gun that is close to the Colt Commander get an XDs 4.0 in 45 with the Stainless Slide

It has the short magazine but also has 2 extended magazines that make the grip closer to the Commander. Thin and easy to carry

Posted: 12/15/2018 3:09:33 AM EDT

[#23]

HK 45C
https://hk-usa.com/hk-models/hk45-compact/

Posted: 12/15/2018 10:39:33 AM EDT

[#24]

Default for me is G26 and SW642 for baseline carry guns. Boring but good for the role.

I also like my Kimber UCP II for ccw. Great 1911 carry format and may work in your existing holsters. I know 1911 guys get emotional about Kimber, so a thousand pardons if you’re on the other side of that view.

I don’t own a FN509/T but it may be tolerable as a carry piece.

Posted: 12/15/2018 12:24:15 PM EDT

[#25]

They have 4.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/791058582

Attached File

Posted: 12/15/2018 12:50:04 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
They have 4.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/791058582

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/FC94D860-56CB-42CB-AC51-448299348CED_png-772881.JPG

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I just had to be a good dad and spend too much on Christmas presents.

Posted: 12/15/2018 1:06:53 PM EDT

[#27]

I like my hk45c a lot, carry it often. I have 1911’s but have never carried one.

Posted: 12/15/2018 7:08:48 PM EDT

[#28]

There's always a Glock 30S if you feel kinda weird.

Posted: 1/4/2019 7:43:49 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
HK 45C
https://hk-usa.com/hk-models/hk45-compact/

https://s3.amazonaws.com/hkusa/20140509153829/HK45-Compact.jpg

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???? of course it seems impossible to find one

Posted: 1/4/2019 8:00:11 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
It sounds like you are looking for a Sig P227. For a carry gun, the 4516 I had was excellent, however, compared to more modern still in production guns, it is heavy as hell. I don't like out of production guns for regular carry. I only get to change carry guns at our annual qualification though so it's a once a year deal for me.

If I were going .45, I'd probably go with the Sig or a Shield .45.

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Unfortunately the SIG P227 has, itself, been discontinued.

Posted: 1/4/2019 8:33:16 PM EDT

[#31]

My Smith n Wesson 4506 is my favorite hand gun

Posted: 1/5/2019 11:00:53 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
???? of course it seems impossible to find one

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
HK 45C
https://hk-usa.com/hk-models/hk45-compact/

https://s3.amazonaws.com/hkusa/20140509153829/HK45-Compact.jpg

???? of course it seems impossible to find one

Buds has them in stock

As does Grab A Gun

Posted: 1/5/2019 11:04:56 AM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
HK 45C

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I can't comprehend why anyone would buy a .45 these days.

The caliber wars are over, and 9mm won.

If 9mm just isn't big enough for you, the .40 S&W has more power AND more capacity than the .45.

Posted: 1/5/2019 11:29:54 AM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
I can't comprehend why anyone would buy a .45 these days.

The caliber wars are over, and 9mm won.

If 9mm just isn't big enough for you, the .40 S&W has more power AND more capacity than the .45.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
HK 45C

I can't comprehend why anyone would buy a .45 these days.

The caliber wars are over, and 9mm won.

If 9mm just isn't big enough for you, the .40 S&W has more power AND more capacity than the .45.

If you live in a ban state there is an argument to be made for .45 since capacity no longer matters. Bigger holes, softer recoil impulse than the .40, and potentially more reliable than using neutered 10 rd mags (Glock I’m looking at you).

Posted: 1/5/2019 11:36:47 AM EDT

[#35]

This is on my list
Great carry gun

Attached File

Posted: 1/5/2019 12:26:59 PM EDT

[#36]

Maybe go totally different and try a beretta px4 in .45. I’ve always wanted the .45 sd

http://www.beretta.com/en-us/px4-storm-sd-type-f-/

Posted: 1/5/2019 2:54:39 PM EDT

[#37]

I carry my Glock 30 often with a spare Glock 21 magazine. Less worries about over penetration than a 9mm. HST rounds expand to .90 inches. A 9mm can’t do that either.

Posted: 1/5/2019 3:59:04 PM EDT

[#38]

Honestly for you the best would probably be a lightweight Commander or CCO.

Get one with a melonite/nitride slide and barrel.

Posted: 1/5/2019 8:26:52 PM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:

I don't really have one, but I most likely won't buy something like a Wilson Combat.

I've thought of a CZ 75, I'd just rather stick with something I already have ammo for.

View Quote

If you don't have any problem other than a rust issue then get what you have hard chromed or a similar robust finish.

Posted: 1/6/2019 2:13:02 AM EDT

[#40]

I always loved these...

Posted: 1/6/2019 5:26:14 PM EDT

[#41]

Fwiw the 4516 I bought brand new was an unreliable POS. After no less than two visits back to Smith it still couldn’t get through 2 full mags without jamming. Traded it in on a Sig P228 and never looked back.

Posted: 1/7/2019 1:06:14 AM EDT

[#42]

If you're sure about all-metal and not in on the Springfield hate, the Champion Operator is a nice 1911.

That said, my latest .45 is a G41.

And that said, my EDC is a G19.

Posted: 1/7/2019 7:11:34 PM EDT

[#43]

Definitely look at the HK USPc .40, it is a very smooth shooting .40 with its "Recoil Reduction System". And with 12+1 rounds of .40, you will not be under gunned. I run Meprolight Green Front/Yellow Rear night sights on mine and there is just something about how it feels in the hand. Mine is a V1 (Variant 1), SA/DA, with manual safety and decocker.

Posted: 1/7/2019 10:53:12 PM EDT

[#44]

Since you shoot revolvers more you should consider one the Kahr 45's. Double action trigger, single stack and stainless slide. Much cheaper than a 1911, easy to carry & after a 200 round break in they're extremely reliable.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I'm thinking about getting a new carry gun.

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