In the market for a .45

[ViperJock]

So I'm an M&P fanboy. I run the smallest backstrap and most Sig grips feel too large in my hands.
And I'm looking for a .45.
Why? Because I don't have one. I probably will not carry this much. It'll be mostly a range/HD gun.

So in current consideration are the M&P and a 1911.

BUT I'd like to hear why I should or shouldn't consider an CZ, FNH, or HK. In all fairness I haven't picked them up yet. I've been trying to avoid actually touching anything until I can afford it. (I need a new CORE which is higher on the list).

 

[bjenkins]

I wouldn't see anything wrong with every brand you mentioned all come well reviewed!

 

[kawtech87]

IMHO the M&P 45 suffers from the same thing as the Glock 45 models. It's just to damn fat for my hands. 1911s are much more ergonomic. The CZ-97 is also an awesome feeling pistol but it's heavy. Since you don't plan on carrying it that's not to much of an issue though. I owned an FNX although in 9mm flavor and to be honest I didn't like the grip on it. It also felt fat so I can imagine the 45 is even more so. I'm not an H&K fan so I'm not even going to comment on it.

Between your two listed choices I'd go 1911. But since I typically like to hang a light on my HD guns I'd say something with a rail like a Springfield Operator or if you're not to budget minded a Dan Wesson Specialist would be a great choice.

Ultimately the decision is yours though. Good luck with your search.

 

[throttletony]

The FNH .45 auto guns are great, higher capacity mags, but they are bulky and long in the grip.
If you don't have a 1911, it seems like a natural fit! (or even a 2011)

 

[BehindBlueI's]

So I'm an M&P fanboy. I run the smallest backstrap and most Sig grips feel too large in my hands.
And I'm looking for a .45.

Have you handed single stack Sigs? E2 grips? Both feel different than the traditional double stack grip.

I'd start with single stacks, the ever popular 1911, the Sig P220/P245, S&W 4506, etc. and see how they fit your hand. The CZ 97B is a double stack and with the wooden grips can feel fairly bulky. The FN is blocky and felt more bulky to me than I expected.

 

[smythe012]

Is there a price point you're trying to stay around?

 

[lamboz1]

there's also a beretta px4 in .45, and when compared to the m&p 45, i thought the beretta was easier to get my hand around the grip

 

[Birds Away]

If you use the smallest backstrap on an M&P and think Sig grips are too big then I don't recommend a CZ 97.

 

[88E30M50]

Take a look at the railed Sigs if you are looking for a railed 1911. I have one and have been very happy with it. I had a Cz97 but it was too big for me to be comfortable. It sure was a sweet gun though

 

[VERT]

I have smurf hands and carry a 1911. Have a Wilson short trigger installed and invest in a set of VZ gatorbacks. Problem solved.

 

[RND]

Of listed options- H&K
non-listed:G41

 

[bradmedic04]

Glock 36 is another option. Quite a small grip.

 

[Hoosier45]

Love my M&P45c and my 1911's. Can't go wrong with either choice. If you are already a fan boy, stick with what you know you like.

 

[wtburnette]

Take a look at the railed Sigs if you are looking for a railed 1911. I have one and have been very happy with it. I had a Cz97 but it was too big for me to be comfortable. It sure was a sweet gun though

Agreed. I think the railed sigs look like a cross between a standard 1911 and an M&P. I love my Sig TacOps 1911

 

[NyleRN]

Range toy in 45 with a rail?


<-------------------------

 

[Whip_McCord]

I have shot my buddy's M&P 45 and the grip is larger than my XD45. I does not feel comfortable, but the XD does. While I like the M&P and have one in 9mm, I like the feel of the XD45 much better than the M&P 45. So you may want to try the XD.

That said, I would like to quote another shooting buddy of mine: "If you're an American and pee standing up, you should have at least one 1911. And that should be in 45." Nuff said!

 

[ViperJock]

Thanks for all the advice. Sometimes I really love INGO!

After looking and feeling I'm still leaning toward the M&P or the S&W E series 1911. A rail would be ok but it's not a needed feature since this wouldn't be in the top 3 guns Id be likely to pick up in an emergency. I really loved the way the ESeries felt in my hands and who can argue with a 1911 trigger? If I can get over the $500 price difference I'm buying that one. Today I will convince myself it's worth it.

 

[Whip_McCord]

The E-series is very nice. I have the commander size with the round-butt Scandium frame. Very nice. If you want a little cheaper 1911, the Ruger is a nice gun. I picked up one from the INGO ads last year, because it was a nice 1911 for $550. Couldn't pass it up. Mine is all stainless, full size. The only thing I don't like is the lack of front-strap checkering. I really like that feature. The Ruger is a nice, solid 1911 and well worth the money. You might want to give that some thought.

I understand if you want the E-series. I have two S&W 1911s and they are really nice, accurate guns. My other is the full size Performance Center 1911 with the lightening cuts on the slide. Sharp gun and very accurate. You can't go wrong with either the E-series or the Ruger. Just depends what features you want and how much you want to spend. Good luck.

 

[VERT]

E-Series, Springfield loaded or RO, Ruger SR1911 top my list right now for entry level guns. Kids tat works for me is picking up one of tbe new aluminum framed SR1911s today. I will report back

 

[craigkim]

So I'm an M&P fanboy. I run the smallest backstrap and most Sig grips feel too large in my hands.
And I'm looking for a .45.
Why? Because I don't have one. I probably will not carry this much. It'll be mostly a range/HD gun.

So in current consideration are the M&P and a 1911.

BUT I'd like to hear why I should or shouldn't consider an CZ, FNH, or HK. In all fairness I haven't picked them up yet. I've been trying to avoid actually touching anything until I can afford it. (I need a new CORE which is higher on the list).

I bet the HK would be perfect with the small grip panels in place and maybe even a mix of med/small. My hands aren't large and I like the medium/large panels on mine. My wife does fine with my p30 with small panels installed and she is only 5'3". The HK grip setup is pretty awesome. My only complaint on my 45 and it is a big one, is that I have a hell of a time with rapid follow up shots.