I'm looking at getting a .45 and would like to know what people feel is the best .45 for the money?  I'm open to any suggestions.  I would like to use it for plinking as well as carrying in my vehicle but not on me (I have a Glock 27 for that).  Thanks.


Edited to say:  I would also like this pistol to have second strike capability.  So a SA only pistol is out of the question.

Edited to say:  A Sig is out of the question.  I'm looking at spending no more than $500.

well if you already have a glock you might want to stick with glock just because if you are like me you want all your personal defense guns to operate in the same way.  Maybe look at a 21 or 30 if you got a 30 then you could also carry it.  if you like a slimmer grip check out some of the 1911's I don't own a springfield but will probably buy one in the next month or two because they look very nice.

Kimber Classic 45acp, all the bells and whistles, without all the cost. Mine out-shot my Colt Gold-Cup (which was tricked out), right outta the box.

Mike

PS - Nothing at all wrong w/ Mod. 21 Glock, but the days of $25 full capacity Mod. 21 mags have long since past.

Sig P220 used

If you have really big mits like me, you might like the ParaOrdnance P14-45

I've got Hogue grips on my P14-45 and it is just the right feel for a big guy.

The price wasn't very high, but the double-stack magazines are nice to have.

Good luck...

The Kimber is another excellent option..

On this subject the Springfield Armory "loaded" must be in the running. Great pistol with a lot of extras at a reasonable price.
Jim

You might laugh, but I am going to say Charles Daly 1911a1 (if you are looking for a single action). I picked one up the other day for $280 brand new, after alittle trigger work the thing shoots almost a well as my Springfield "loaded" model.  Fit and finish are very nice also.  Haven't had a single failure to feed or eject yet.

If double action is more to your liking, try a Sig P220

Quoted: You might laugh, but I am going to say Charles Daly 1911a1 (if you are looking for a single action). I picked one up the other day for $280 brand new, after alittle trigger work the thing shoots almost a well as my Springfield "loaded" model.  Fit and finish are very nice also.  Haven't had a single failure to feed or eject yet.

thats good to hear you got a good daly I was thinking of getting one just as a cheap pistol to keep around.

on the Para thing I have a P12 and love it but from what I have been hearing people have alot of problems with them, all I can say is mine runs great.  On the glock thing the 21 is a big pistol and the double stack mag doesn't seem worth a couple extra rounds because of the size of the grip over a single stack 1911.

My money is on the out of print S&W 645.
And that's only about $400 or so.
I just like 'em...better than the 4506 with its wiggly one piece grip and higher price tag.
Currently have two with fixed sights and one with the adjustable. (2 cents ya can't buy nothin' with.) But you did ask.

I vote SIG P220.  Traditional DA, second strike capability, accurate, smooth trigger, decocker, good ergos, 7 or 8 round single stack mags.  Quality stuff.

Quoted: I vote SIG P220.  Traditional DA, second strike capability, accurate, smooth trigger, decocker, good ergos, 7 or 8 round single stack mags.  Quality stuff.

2nd that - and there are aftermarket hicaps available at decent prices.

Another vote for the Sig P220.

There aren't many good 1911s that go for less than $500 new.  Dunno about used.

The mil-spec Springfield can be had new for about $450, and you can always trick it out later.

CZ 97b... Way under your price range, and it is double action/single action.
SUPER ACCURATE according to those I know how have one, when I shot it, it was accurate but too big for my hands.

i would go with a cz.  They have been making guns since the early 1900's.  They make a great pistol but its all steel, so i wont be as light as your plastic glock.  You can pick one up from this guy for a good price. www.eastcountyguns.com/cfczpistols.htm

try here for some reviews on cz guns handgunreview.com/

The cavets that you added in your edits kinda disqualify most of the answers already posted.  Based on the rejection of the 1911 style guns because of single action only and the Sigs based upon a $500 max limit, I'd suggest the following, in no particular order.
1) used Sig P220, maybe a police trade in or a good gun show, might get under $500, but not a lot; 2) EAA Witness in .45, a copy of the CZ75 family of guns, available in full size and compact models, blue and a nickle type finish; 3) used S&W 645 or 4506

The best 45acp for the money is the S&W 625. But if you need to stick to brass throwers, get a used SiG 220.

Yet another vote for the Sig 220 .45 ACP.  I have had mine for 10+ years and it is simply awesome. It truly is one of the finest engineered things I have owned and so dame accurate too. The "extra" is well worth it.  

And I have owned Colt 1911's too.  They are ok, esp from a nostalgic perspective, but not as reliable or accurate (out of the box...not $2000 custom).  You can accessorize the hell out of them, but the Sig is top notch right out of the box (ok, night sights can be added)

Once this stupid state I live in (Ohio) votes in a decent CCW (one of few with no CCW)I plan on getting some smaller Sig's for the wife and me.  Not sure which of the new models I woudl go for, I understand there is a smaller .45ACP model out.

Look for a used one or try a payment plan, you won't regret it.

SIG P220 or CZ97

Quoted: Sig P220 used

$449.00 from shotgun news. + the tranfer fee. should have some $ left over for a new 8 round SS mag. or two.

It is the best gun in its class, bar none.

Had almost all of the above discussed 45s over the years.

My Sigs tended to rust and broke springs.  And the rust spots continued to develop on my 220 and 226 even with weekly applications of BreakFree and tender care in the safe.

My P220 was older (beveled slide design) but still had some problems.  The P220 is accurate but you do feel a good amount of snap in the recoil department with warmer loads.  And they really do shine with a nice trigger job to smooth out the DA trigger pull.

My SW 625 revolver is sheer blast to shoot and with that N-frame , no recoil - great.  But the SW 4506/4906 wasn't the best autoloader SW ever made.  I had lots of FTF with different bullet profiles in that SW series gun.  And the grip felt cheap and plasticy.  Pretty accurate though.

My Glock 30 was just too short and stubby and didn't work CCW for me well.

Shot the heck out of my bud's HK USP and while it was accurate, just didn't like it's ergonomics of the grip.  And if you're not a 1911 shooter, the controls will be an adjustment.

Just picked up a Kimber Classic Stainless for $550 used and boy is it a beautiful gun and great shooter  I'm hooked on 1911's now!

But I really like my Glock 21.  Look for a factory refurb with a pair of 13-rounders for about $450 and you get a warranty!  And you can beat up the Glock and it still keeps on ticking!

The best .45 for the money?

The one you receive as a gift.

That riddle was way too easy.

THISISME

Given your criteria, a CZ97B or a Ruger P90/P97.

These may not be too popular yet, but for a 1911 style, the Rock Island Armory models are pretty nice on a budget.  I think dealer cost for the government is something like $315.  I still ended up paying about 400 for it out the door... still dont know wtf was up with that.  They are pretty much milspec.  Mine grouped well and was reliable out of the box (I replaced the barrel for other reasons).  Being milspec, I got a bit of hammer bite from the grip safety so I replaced that and the hammer.  Now it's sweet and a sweet shooter.  I'll probably put more stainless pieces on it but that's only because I like to play.

-Nuke

My father, always looking for the cheap buy, has ordered a Hi-Point(!) .45ACP pistol (!!).
I think its selling for less than $200.  Once he gets it, I'll shoot it and report back--if I still have fingers to type with.

Quoted: These may not be too popular yet, but for a 1911 style, the Rock Island Armory models are pretty nice on a budget.  ...

I have to confess to owning one of these. For less than $400 it is a good mil-spec pistol. Its night and day from my Kimber Classic, but a good reliable pistol (after 200 rounds or so). Nuthin' fancy.

Recently bought a CZ97B and love it! Fits my big hands well, silky smooth trigger (better than my friends HK USP), and fine accuracy on cheap UMC ammo. Where my 6yr old 9mm Glock does palm size groups of 10, my CZ started business card size groups of 10 on just my second mag. And Mecgar makes the mags for CZ, so CDNN has new 10 rnd mags for $17.65. Just try the fit before you order, they are long front to rear in the stock but fit me perfectly.

My answer won't be popular but if you can find one buy a Norinco 1911A1. They are no longer imported so you may have to buy it used. What do you get for the money? A military 1911A1 that, out of the box, will feed anything and shoot with Gold Cups. With a match bushing etc. the Norincos only get better. I own two and I am not known for buying junk. Regards, Richard