My first pistol will be a .45 but which one?

[macdiesel]

I'm looking to get a .45 as a car/home gun. This will be my 1st pistol to own but not my first to shoot. I've shot a few .45's and didn't find the recoil to be impressive at all. I've also spent the last 12 years getting to know the Beretta 92 9mm and I really love that gun. If they made it in .45 I wouldn't be writing this! The only thing I don't love about it is the lack of lefty friendliness.

I'd like my new gun to be lefty friendly, full sized, hold 10 or more rounds, polymer framed and cost less than $600. I have pretty big hands so grip size ins't an issue.

I've had my eye on a few already, and held a couple at a local shop. I've shot the USP45 and a Ruger 45, P90 I think. Both were good shooters, but no lefty controls. The USP had right handed molded grip and I was still pulling off sub 4" groups at 15 yards. The XD45, 24/7, P250, HK45 and M&P45 are the ones that I've actually handled. I liked the M&P, but an excop friend of mine said his partner had 2 different models that kept jamming on him. I've also heard several cases on gundirectory about them jamming in various ways. That kind of makes me want to steer away from it. I've also heard a lot of positive feedback too, so I'm on the fence. The 24/7 felt nice, but the slide release was so stiff I nearly dislocated my thumb working it. (and its on the right handed side) Other than that, I liked it a lot. It's really light. The XD was nice in the same way. I was very impressed with the new modular P250. It felt great and had a great trigger, but is it like a leatherman multi-tool. Really handy, but no where near as good as actual pliers and screwdrivers....? The HK45 felt like a dream! But its $1200 so it's out.

I'm really interested in the FNP45 and the PX4 .45. No one around here has one so I haven't been able to hold one.

Please tell me what you think and why. If I'm misled somewhere let me know. I'm big boy, so I can take it.

[NGIB]

Other than the Sig 250, I've owned every gun you have mentioned (my FNP is 9mm though). My only .45, other than 1911s, is an XD Compact if that says anything. Round capacity has never been a huge deal for me so I find a 1911 the "perfect" .45 as 8 rounds is sufficient in my book. Just a note, I do not recommend using 10 round mags in a 1911 as I've seen mucho troubles with them.

As far as lefty friendly, I can't help you there as it's not a factor for me. You're Army, so where are you going to be stationed stateside? We have members near lots of posts and I work on Ft Stewart...

[Gojubrian]

I'd like my new gun to be lefty friendly, full sized, hold 10 or more rounds, polymer framed and cost less than $600. I have pretty big hands so grip size ins't an issue.

XD45 is a good option.

[spittinfire]

As far as 45s go, I've got and XD and a Kimber and I would highly recommend both. I carry my Kimber because it's thinner and easier for me to hide but I can shoot well with both. If the XD is in your price range I would give it a serious look. In my book it's the best polymer pistol available today in ergonomics, safety and function.

[lonyaeger]

Originally Posted by macdiesel

I've shot a few .45's and didn't find the recoil to be impressive at all. I've also spent the last 12 years getting to know the Beretta 92 9mm and I really love that gun.

Not sure what you mean about not finding the .45 recoil to be impressive. Is that a good thing, a bad thing, or none of the above?

I have to agree with most of the other responders. The XD45 fits most of your criteria, including the capacity you want. Regarding the left-sidedness, you might go to the Springfield Armory website to see if they offer a kit for this for the XD? I know you can buy trigger kits, maybe they have something that can help you.

[Benning Boy]

XD 45, I shoot lefty, very left hand friendly, ambi mag release, no anti lefty safety.

[willfully armed]

Originally Posted by macdiesel

The HK45 felt like a dream! But its $1200 so it's out.

.

If thats for the standard HK USP 45, *DELETED* They can be had for much less.

Even Buds has the Tacital Compact(threaded BBL) for $978 delivered to your FFL

Guns for Sale <--- BUDSGUNSHOP.COM


Kimber can be found for as low as 500 for a god used one.



BUT, Why a 45 when 9 is SOOOOOO much cheaper.

[NGIB]

Originally Posted by willfully armed

BUT, Why a 45 when 9 is SOOOOOO much cheaper.

Because some of us like a caliber that makes a large hole...

[stalkingbear]

Why settle for a pipsqueak "trainer" caliber when you can have the real deal?

[stalkingbear]

Having shot most of the models being discussed, I'd go for a XD45 if I was in your place.