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Posted: 11/1/2002 2:59:18 AM EDT
| Ok let your opinions fly. Gun show this weekend. Given $500 to spend and a tolerant wife (I bought 2 pistols and a rifle at the gun show 2 weeks ago). What 45 auto do I look for? I usally buy used pistols so any things to beware of would also help. |
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Let me say first that I refuse to own any of the so-called "safety" model 1911 type guns such as the Series 80 Colts, etc. Newer designs such as the Sigs, are designed with these things as an integral part of their operation...with 1911's they are all "add-on's". Kimber Series I...should be able to find a standard model in very good cond. for around $500 Colt 70-series or pre 70...can still be found in your price range SA...never cared too much for the way they square off the front of the frame, but they build a pretty good gun Sig 220...be sure it has the dovetailed front sight, the older ones did not S&W revolver...1917 if possible...some good deals out there on the ones sold to Brazilian police then re-imported (I found one in excellent mechanical shape / pretty good finish for $200). Be careful with the newer ones like the M25-2's and 625's, some are fine and some suck...best of all is the 1950 Target (4 screw) Systema 1927...a Colt built under the supervision of Colt engineers in Argentina...just as good as a 1911-A1 for casual shooting and can be found for $200-350 in good shape...the Ballister-Molina is also a decent gun, but not as desirable as the 1927. The Ballister will accept standard Colt mags. Star PD...very good, small gun...hammer will chop your hand up, but can be cut down to stop this...can sometimes be found at rediculously low $$$ Have no personal experience with them, but the CZ in .45 is getting a pretty good rep and should be within your range or close...all cz's are good guns, but I could never learn to like them Don't discount finding a decent 1911-A1 or even an H&K USP (excellent gun) (Not necessarily listed in order of preference) |
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If you believe pistol design stopped in 1911, fine. If you have an open mind, look at the CZ97B. CZ's Web page for it is HERE. You can learn a good deal about it HERE. Scroll down to the "Enter Here" and give it a poke. There's a forum just on the CZ97B. Right now there's a thread comparing the 97B to other .45s. Have fun. You shouldn't have to spend $1000 for a reliable, accurate .45. |
| Glock 30 definitely. I paid $525 for mine, NIB, with factory night sights installed. I've got about 1500 rounds through it and it has never failed. It eats up any ammo I put in it. It's also fairly small, so easy to conceal (legally of course). If you have bigger hands, I'd recommend adding the mag extensions on. They run about $10.00/ea from Pearce. |
What are you going to use it for? Carry gun? Target gun? Both? That will definitely impact my answer. |
| Ok guys thanks, the intended use is offically as self defense. Unoffically cause I don't have a 45. CCW in Lower Alabama is somewhat complicated. In the winter it's not a big deal I carry around a Ruger P89 with 15 rounders. The coat (spelled flannel shirt) covers it. I would probably carry the 45 in colder weather. When summer comes it has to be small as shorts and a t-shirt make carry a full sized frame difficult. So, I currently carry a CZ50 (32 ACP) or a taurus 85 revolver. As I read through there seemed to be some concencus on what makes are good and the abscence of several makes also seems to speak volumes (Llama, Charles Daly, Rock Island). Of course the hunt is half the fun so I'll be there early. First order is to stock up on some 7.62 x 39. By 12 o'clock in Birmingham there were only a couple full cases left otherwise just broke out boxes. I settled for 500 at $47. If your gonna havem you got to feed em. |
NOTE: SA has changed their frames, they are more like the Colt and Kimber frames. Also, I agree on the 1911 and USP too as I have both and they are great guns. |
| Ok here is what i bought. Springfield Armory 1911 clone. It's a Champion model. I gave A Ruger P89 and $150 bucks. Gun would rate VG to Excellent. The Ruger would rate Good. Prices seemed high on a lot of things today. I saw Llamas for 380 and a Charles Daly over 400. The used Kimbers were around 700. I definently like the fell of this better than the Ruger. Weather permitting I'll hit the range tomorrow. I've got 3 guns I haven't fired yet. Now, any recommendations for a CCW inside the pants holster. I picked up a leather paddle holster for $25 but need the inside holster as well. Finally, spare mag recommendations. I saw a lot of GI mags at 2 for 26 with pouch but they look worn and had light rust. |
I like the Milt Sparks IWB holsters - the Summer Special and varients - Been using them for twenty years.
AR308and223 hit it right on the head - Wilson mags are expensive, but not as expensive as buying and throwing away the cheap ones first. |
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Despite light rain, I went to the range. The gun worked great except one strange FTF. The next to last round fired and ejected then the last roundstood straight up and the slide came forward and stopped. The mag in the gun was what appeared to be a cheap knock off. I got 1 SA factory mag and these other 2. Well I can always use them for target practice if i can keep them on the target stand. Or better yet I could use them to practice malfunction clearing. A friend at the range, he has several 1911's, offered to let me try a Wilson mag but alas all he had with him were Les Baer. I ran some Federal HP's through with the factory mag and had no problems. I plan on using Federal Hydro shocks as CCW Ammo. Lucky for me I got a late start today. The muzzle flashes at sunset were great. Alos put a group of rounds through the CZ50 no problems. The Enfield No 4 Mk 1. Was great I was in the 9 ring after 3 shots at 100yds. Iron sights no adjusting. |
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go for a colt 1991, the colts will always be worth more. lots of people piss and moan about series 70 VS series 80, and touch a series 80 with a 10 foot pole. IMO, there is really no need for that, if the S-80 gives you trouble, take out the firing pin safety doo-dad and keep shooting. you could prolly take ALL the S-80 parts and put in S-70 parts without any trouble. now the kimber 2, i wouldnt touch, they have a totally different system than a series 80, and im not sure how this is going to affect aftermarket parts should you break something or want to swap out a part. no one i know is making kimber 2 replacement parts that will work with the schwartz system safety that they are using. |
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Nice gun bamaboy, sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Wilson mags for serious use...accept no substitutes...I greatly prefer 7 rounders even though the 8rd. models work better than the early ones did. Hard to fault Sparks leather, but I also like "Wild Bill's" stuff alot...IMO, just as good as Sparks and less expensive. Enjoy |
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