Big 45/ & why

[ryoung]

Deleted

[DKD]

I personally opt out for a Kimber S.S. in a 4" and go with the night sights. They can be found for around that much if you look around. I own two by the way, but they are dressed up a bit....I have an Ultra Raptor carry gun with a 3" tube and a 4" all steel Pro Raptor a real sweet shooter, they both are in Kimpro balck finish. They both have match grade bushingless barrels. They are both very accurate shooters and also have match triggers from the factory. When you add the extras put into these guns the price really isn't that prohibative as compared to a Colt.
Also the Springfields are a good line of high grade 1911's for the money.

[DKD]

Ryoung I almost forgot.... if you opt for a 4" or 5" gun they have 22 long Rifle upper conversions that are a nice option for $ 250-$300 extra. That way you can shoot alot more and still have the same feel and trigger. I did that with my 4" Pro Raptor and I wasn't sorry...shoots great.
You can also do the same with a Springfield as well.

[xRUSTYx]

had a P220 German Made .45 .... BEAUTIFUL gun ... with wood Nill Grips. Buds got an overstock of them ... Dual and Triple Serial #'s - Fully German Made - for $899/shipped. I snatched one up, but later sold it. Kind of kicking myself in the butt for doing it. they ofcourse, are out of stock on them now.

Looked just like this:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/Sig%2082460.jpg

[Bawanna]

Sigs are a pain in the backside to make grips for (you'll have to trust me on that). But since your already a Sig guy and familiar with that setup that might be a wise choice. I kind of liked the SAS with the DAK Trigger, not sure they are even still around but I suspect so. All melted down, looks great.

The issue that sticks in my head is transitioning from DAO or DA/SA to single action cocked and locked. I suspect your brain and muscle memory is good enough that this would not be an issue. I have to concentrate at it since my carpenter days when I picked up nail guns and my trigger finger went right for the trigger. Not good on a single action. But what clinched it for me is it's really no different than a Glock. No hammer hanging back there looking all scarey but it works on the same simple principle. Don't pull the trigger and it won't go bang. Simple.

This is one reason I was fond of and still am fond of the Para LDA's. You got the feel and function of a 1911 with a little more forgiving trigger but still sweet. Many don't like them so that might not be the one but worth checking out.

For a nightstand home gun as long as it's got decent sights you really don't need all the other bells and whistles. Plain ole mil spec 1911 with upgraded sights would do and for alot less than 1000.

Just tons of options out there in the full size 45 arena. We could go on for months figuring this out. Commander size or full size. I went full, to officers size to commander, they all work, I'm fond of the full size myself.

I sense I didn't help a bit here.

[PaiN]

I recently picked up a new Sig P220, they are one hell of a hand gun.
I bought in .22lr(Sig includes 2 10r mags now) and with the included coupon got a night sighted .45 X-Change kit(.45 slide and one 8r mag) for $299. At CDNN I snagged an additional two 10r Sig, two 8r Novak, a Hogue grip and a holster for ~$100. I got two awesome shooters for $900 :)
(sorry crap pic)
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x298/Mikepain_pics/DSC03007.jpg

[kyletx1911]

1911s 2 rock island and one colt in ss got the colt used for 600.00
and the fs rock for 400.oo both are great shooters. but my edc is the
rock 4500+in the pipe and only changed the spring to a wolf 16.5
And no problems. for a night stand i say look at the RIA

[dusty10]

1911s 2 rock island and one colt in ss got the colt used for 600.00
and the fs rock for 400.oo both are great shooters. but my edc is the
rock 4500+in the pipe and only changed the spring to a wolf 16.5
And no problems. for a night stand i say look at the RIA

You have to spend a whole lot of money to get much better than a 450.00 RIA. You might be able to find a used Dan Wesson for that 1k you want to spend though. That would move you into the semi-custom 1911 world. My Dan Wesson was 900 NIB in 2009. Yes, I know I stole it...:)

[getsome]

Hi ryoung, If a 1911 is your thing then I can recommend the Smith & Wesson all stainless S/A 1911 and it can be found for around $800.00 or so...I have one and it shoots great and has never had any type of problem and will digest any and all ammo without nary a miss...As for me, I grew up on revolvers and it's one reason I like my Kahr because of the trigger pull and I just cant get used to the c*cked and locked thing, (Flame suit on) and the S/A platform isn't for me...I gave my son the 1911 and found an almost new looking Smith & Wesson mod 4506 full size S/A-D/A police trade in pistol which I will never trade...Shoots like a dream, very accurate and all stainless steel and the best part is I got it for $425.00 out the door..It is a bit heavy but that doesn't bother me one bit and I cary it in my truck everyday....I have a Galco small of the back ISWB holster and I can carry CCW with a long loose shirt with no problem but I rather tote the Kahr due to the light weight...Good luck on your choice because you can't go wrong either way...The only reason I carry a .45 is because they don't make a .46!!!..:59:

[mr surveyor]

I absolutely love my old Kimber Stainless Compact (officers style with 4" bbl and night sights). It's a 97-98 model I bought used in 2004 for $700, but that included 7 magazines, two holsters, 100 rounds of ammunition, a Kimber cap, and some other gun shop trinkets. Occassionally you can luck upon extremely clean used 1911's at major deals. Honestly, my Kimber, Sig or others don't see the light much as I tend to carry either my CW9 or Ruger SP101 about 95% of the time. At night, the CW9 (with night sights) is behind my head in the headboard cubby hole, and the .357 is on the t.v. table at the foot of the bed (also the wife's KT P32 is on her side of the headboard). When I carried the Kimber almost exclusively, it too was the one in the headboard cubby hole at night.

I love stainless firearms.


surv

[ltxi]

Nightstand handgun...slicked up S&W 3" Model 13 since forever and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my custom 1911s, but don't trust myself half awake/asleep with a "ready to go" sa. Wife's bedside arm is the stainless version...3" Model 66.

[jim]

I'd take a look @ the Taurus 1911. I have one & I'm. Vary impressed. Prise I believe is $750.00

[johnh]

For me, in 45, that would be a 1911 with a rail for a light. I prefer lights on home defense guns given how likely you are to need them at night (if ever).

You said polymer, so here is my choice in tactical plastic, in a 45:

http://www.the-m-factor.com/html/images/external/external_73a.jpg

I am actually using an XDM in 40 for that role right now. I know, I am a 1911 guy, but this gives me more rounds per magazine in case I do not grab a spare. Also for the Mrs. who is more likely to run with what is in it, and I do not want her to worry about anything but point at bad guy, pull trigger. XDs are simple, ergos are great, and they run well. Not too pricey either. You can get the gun and spare mags for well under budget.

John

[gb6491]

I like how 1911's handle and shoot. I just added a Kimber TLEII to the arsenal that will probably be my go to piece for things that go bump in the night.
That said, I see no pressing need to hurry the current home defense 45 out to pasture. It's reliable and accurate. Some find them a little bulky, but I've carried mine concealed without issue. I would recommend them without hesitation. Sadly, I hear they are going out of production. My Ruger P90:
http://i34.tinypic.com/i3dx8k.jpg
Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

"Would prefer SS. I don't really want a Polymer frame gun."

He said he really didn't want polymer boss but once again you are right. My son has two XD's and they are solid choices, very nice to shoot, accurate and affordable.
I'm also quite enamored with the S&W M&P 45's, really like the compact.

A light rail is a good thing on any nightstand gun. I have a 21 with a Surefire X300 hanging on it. I want to put a light rail on one of my 1911's.
Dawson Precision makes some real nice low profiles that I've been pondering for some time. Actually building up my nerve to drill holes in my dust cover to hand one on. Scarey stuff.

[jlottmc]

The P345 from Ruger is another good choice, once you did into the tupperware. The Taurus 1911 does have a stainless with a rail, great work those are. RIA's are a great platform, and an even better jumping off point. With the 1911, there is almost nothing, no flavor that cannot be had or built. They are stupid simple to work on, and run. Shoot one and see. Also the Magnum Research 1911 is a fine weapon, awesome trigger out of the box, adjustable target sights as well (great thing for different loads). Sig's run well but are a bit pricey, Stoegar has a cougar model in 45 with a rail now, and then there is the EAA Witness match. Take a good look at that one, a CZ-75 style, in 45, with a rail, and sights are easy to change to (XS has some big dots for it last time I checked), plus a 10 round payload. Hard to beat that, ergos on the CZ's are top shelf. Hope that muddied the waters for you.

[O'Dell]

I'd vote for the P220 since you don't want polymer, although I don't know why. Otherwise, I might suggest an HK45. I have nine 45's including my PM45 warm weather carry, and only the two P220's and SIG 1911 C3 are all metal. The HK is a great shooter as is the M&P compact. I haven't put enough rounds through the C3 yet to make a determination.

[O'Dell]

Another thought came to me after I posted. How about one of the third gen full sized S&W 45's. I had one before the theft, and that thing was a stainless steel tank. They are ultra reliable, mine fed a whole mag of empty 45 cases, and you can probably find one fairly cheap. I know I will buy another if I come across one.

[earle8888]

For what ever its worth; I use p-45 w/CTL and have Surfire 120 Lumin next to it.

[jim]

On my taurus parts are interchangeable so don't let that stop you. It's a great weapon.

[gb6491]

In the 1911's ...Springfield , Kimber, & Taurus are all being considered.

I am really pleased with the my new Kimber:
http://i53.tinypic.com/27wxs5.jpg
I also have an older Springfield that has given me excellent service:)
A buddy and I were looking at their new "Range Officer" and found it to be very well made and at an attractive price point. My buddy is a Les Baer guy, but wants one of these (I wouldn't mind having one myself);
Springfield Armory (http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=27)
Regards,
Greg