Which Forty-Five

[RAM4171]

There was a short discussion Saturday about that fact that if you ever use your gun in an SD situation you will probably never see the gun again.

It has got me thinking, the gun that I carry almost all of the time i got from my Father. It's not totally irreplacable, but the model is no longer in production so it has

both sentimental and real value and should only increase in value. So I think I need a new gun . I prefer a .45, It must be under $600, and 100% reliable

I have to say that I don't really care for the grip on the Glock, some options are XD.45 compact, Bersa Thunder .45, a used FNH.

I have a birthday coming up in a couple of months, the Big 4-0, so I don't think that I would be unjustified in the purchase of a new, less expensive weapon to carry that I am not concerned if it takes a few knocks.

[mikeintexas]

In the same style as your 1911 (great gun BTW!), you may want to look at something like a Rock Island Arsenal 1911. I saw some at the Winchester Gallery off 820 and Rosedale (? I think) for around $500 plus tax. That was you could use the same holsters you currently use.

[extremist]

You don't say what kind of gun you carry now. You have to decide on platform: 1911 or striker fired.

Choices I would look at are:

- XD .45 Compact
- XDm .45
- S&W M&P .45 Compact or Service
- STI Spartan (Will have to work to find it under $600)
- Rock Island standard or commander (under $600 from Centerfire systems). http://www.centerfiresystems.com/1911.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,
James

[McKnife]

Easy answer.

XD-45 Compact or Service.

http://www.hs-arms.com/e-test.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[A-R]

I am no .45 expert (don't own one - yet). But I have fired three "types" of .45 auto pistols in my life. Multiple 1911s, an H&K USP compact .45, and a Smith & Wesson M&P full-size .45

I love 1911s and hope to own one some day. But the M&P is a very close second. I own a full-size 9mm M&P and the .45 is almost identical - fits in same holster even. I can conceal my M&P9 reasonably well in a Comp Tac Minotaur (in fact, wearing that right right now). The H&K is no slouch, but for less money I'll take the M&P.

[hirundo82]

I'm a Glock guy myself, but I really like the S&W M&P line. The M&P45c looks like it would be a really good carry gun and it is well within your price limit.

[cougartex]

Stoeger Cougar. Stoeger Industries is a subsidiary of Beretta. The Stoeger Cougars are made in Turkey using the same machinery that Beretta used to make the original Cougars. It is every bit the quality of the Beretta. The Cougar is a great gun for the money.

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firear ... cougar.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Weg]

Glock 30.

[C-dub]

Unless you have already held one of the new Fourth Generation Glocks and still did not like the grip I would give one a try. I have not yet myself, but have read a little about them. It seems the grip has been redesigned and is slightly customizable.

[gigag04]

I'm a Glock guy myself, but I really like the S&W M&P line. The M&P45c looks like it would be a really good carry gun and it is well within your price limit.

This

[ghostrider]

There was a short discussion Saturday about that fact that if you ever use your gun in an SD situation you will probably never see the gun again.

Anyone know of this actually happening in Texas?

[olafpfj]

I'm a Glock guy myself, but I really like the S&W M&P line. The M&P45c looks like it would be a really good carry gun and it is well within your price limit.

This

I recently got the compact and love it. Fits my hand great and feels wonderful to hold and shoot. Recoil is very mild.

[speedsix]

...Ruger P90 or P97...both reliable and inexpensive...

[RAM4171]

Thanks' to everyone for all of the input.
I have been looking at the XD .45 compact quite a bit. the weight is about the same as my stainless steel 1911, but with 3 more rounds and the spare mags are about double the standard 1911 mag. I know the thickness is not much more either. We may have a winner after reading about the 20,000 rd torture tests, my 1911 is absolutely flawless until it gets dry and dirty I haven't had time to give it a thourough cleaning since Saturday so I'm carrying the 642 and LCP. Which brings me to another point, who are some good 1911 smiths in the east Dallas County area?. The price is right @ $500 for the Black and $530 for the stainless.
Any of you XD guys out there have comments on the Melonite finish? What about the bladed trigger?
I will definitely let you know how the search goes, but it will be a few months before I make the purchase.

[function12]

Glock 30.

Plus 1. Great gun. 10 plus 1 shots of 45 ACP.