Need Some Experienced Advice.

[plustroy]

Hi, I am new to this site. I am in the stage where I am trying to decide what my first everyday carry handgun will be. I have been looking around and still am not sure what is a good deal. I figured I would ask the advise of some people with experience. I am looking for a semi auto in 45 acp probably with a 4 inch barrel and around $550. I am a big guy who lives in a state where we have to wear jackets (in fact it rained yesterday) so with the right set up I imagine that concealment will not be a major issue. So what is out there that is not a total rip off? I have picked things up and know what feels right (which is important) but I want to know what is going to last and go boom the most often. I am also not the biggest Glock fan. I like the 24/7 but hear bad things about Taurus's semi autos. Any help?

I may also consider the Ruger sr9 evev though it is a 9mm. When I have held one or read a review from a confident author I have been impressed. I like the features and the fit. I like 45 a lot and just am not sure about 9mm as a defensive weapon. Any thoughts?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[rmeron]

I've never had good luck with Taurus(OMO).I personally carry a Glock 30,11 rds of 45acp.That said I think Glocks,S&W M&P,Sig, H&K or any quality 1911 design.
You have very many choices,if you can try different ones at a range to find out which one you might like that would be great.

Good luck.

[grady]

As a biased XD owner, I suggest at least looking at the XD line of .45s.

The XD compact (4" barrel), XD service (4" barrel), XD tactical compact (5" barrel), XD tactical (5" barrel), and XDm 4.5" all use the same mags (the compacts can also use a smaller mag in addition to the full-size).

I can find all the XDs around here for less than $550, although they won't be that cheap at Cabella's. The XDm .45 will be over $550, but the others can be found around here in your price range if you shop around.

You have options from several makers, but I recommend at least giving the XD line a look.

signed,
a happy XD owner X3

[unpredictable]

As a biased XD owner, I suggest at least looking at the XD line of .45s.

The XD compact (4" barrel), XD service (4" barrel), XD tactical (5" barrel), and XDm 4.5" all use the same mags (the compact also uses a smaller mag in addition to the full-size).

I can find all the XDs around here for less than $550, although they won't be that cheap at Cabella's. The XDm .45 won't be $550 or less, but the others can be found around here if you shop around.

You have options from several makers, but I recommend at least giving the XD line a look.

signed,
a happy XD owner X3

I agree. I have the XD 45 acp and i love it.

[Arko]

Any ranges you can go rent/try a few?
.45 is fine. I carry a 1911. Don't discount other calibers automatically though. You might find yourself frustrated with .45 till you have some experience. Or not!

[reyno2ac]

I'd suggest you look at the Smith and Wesson M&P line too.

You're best bet is to fire what you are considering. Guns feel different while you are firing them, just holding them doesn't always get it right.

[trekkiejt]

Add a tick for a 1911. I carry a stainless M1911A1 from Springfield Armory and paid $550. The 5 inch barrel can be a bear if your not used to it. The Springfield XD45 has the same natural grip angle as the 1911 and the internal safeties like a Glock with the 4 inch barrel and a capacity of 14 rounds. It, however, lacks the glimmer of that stainless steel and the historical backing of the 1911 (being a weapon of war for nearly one-hundred years).

My advice, buy both.

[tkruf]

Springfield XD45
Rock Island Armory
Citadel

[plustroy]

I really love the 1911 amazing long lasting design and great feel. I have just had some trouble finding one in my price range and not sure if it something I want to conceal. It would be a great open carry gun IMO. I have yet to fire anything from the XD line but have heard great things. I was at the gun store today and had a lengthy discussion with the guy behind the counter about the M&P series and he was a huge fan and new quite a bit as he owns two of them.

[INccwchris]

1911, or a XDM.45, I have the .40 XDM and I absolutley love this pistol, best value for the money, unless you get a 1911, then I would go with a Springfield GI edition

[dukalmighty]

I carry a 1911 combat commander xse,before that I carried and still have a RIA 1911 compact,when I bought mine they were around 369.00,it is a good shooter and conceals easy

[DIABLO9489]

Glock 30 is my recommendation. 11 rounds of .45 ACP and still very concealable.......You cannot hide forever....Give into the Dark Side

[XDM40cal]

Well in 45scp.. The XDm45acp 13+1 , XD45 subcompact, 1911 milspec...

Now there is ruger k345, and the FNp 45 holds 15 rds...

As for price, have to look around..

Good luck..

[tkruf]

I say it again. If you want 1911 and in that price range. Start here.

http://www.rockislandarmory.com/

The Rock Island Armory Guns

[Bubbiesdad]

Here is another reasonable .45, at least around here.
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