I have my eye on a Ruger P-345
 

Does anyone have info on this pistol? I like the D/A S/A feature and it fits well in my hand. It's used but looks to be in great condition. I've been wanting a 45 ACP.

My biggest caliber pistol to date is a 9mm Beretta 92FS. I love that pistol. It's a mean mis-treater with those crimson trace lazer grips.:D

I just want something bigger. I was also thinking of a .40 Beretta too but the step up in caliber isn't so much. Or is it?

Tom:

Before you leap, try out some 1911 .45's. In a semi-auto, I much prefer single actions like the 1911 over double actions.

Defender, I've done some research on the Ruger and I thought the pistol was DA/SA. Well it D/A and S/A only when you pull the hammer back from what I get out of the info I've read. I hate a DAO pistol. Thr Ruger is OFF THE LIST. :D

I've been looking at the S&W 1911's and the Colts too. I can pick one up for around $850. We went to a gun shop today and checked out their prices and WOW. An S&W 1911 was $1,100. Big differance between gun shops.

I'm also considering a Beretta 96 or the smaller Beretta "in the .40 caliber.

The P345 is DA/SA. The first shot is DA and ieach after is SA. It can be cocked for SA first shot. My P345 has been trouble free and fits my hand better than other pistols. Mine will feed ball and hollow point eually well. I use Silvertips for defense loads. I have a couple of Springfield 1911's also, but the Ruger holds its own with them. I really like mine.

Thanks greengeans. I guess I misunderstood what I was reading.

Buy what suits you, Tom. Don't rush into a purchase. :)

Look around at every gun shop and show in your area. If you have a good range in your vicinity that rents various handguns, be sure to fire several different brands and calibers.

Thanks Defender. I finially decided on a pistol. I really like Beretta because I have had no problems with them so I just ordered a Beretta P4 Storm in the 45 caliber. It will come with the blued or matte black finish. I don't care which. I'll have it in a week or 2 so I'll let you know how it shoots.

Keep me posted, Tom! :)

ruger 345
 

If you are going to be doing a LOT of shooting,I cannot reccomend the 345. Instead,I reccomend the standard P90 as the 345 polymer frame on the 345 is just that-no steel inserts-meaning the steel slide rests/travels on plastic whereas the P90 has aluminum frame and will hold up for a lot more shooting than the plastic frame. Even better is a gun with steel slide/frame but they are considerably heavier when carrying them but you'll never wear a steel gun out.

Will do Defender.

Thanks for the info stalkingbear. Good info.