best affordable 45 ACP

The M&P45 is the best choice in a sub-$1000. .45ACP pistol for IPSC (Production Division) and IDPA.

In my opinion.

Though I'm a garden variety devotee of the 1911 and remain so, I had my hands on a M&P 40 a couple of weekends ago and was well impressed with it. It had the exchangeable backstraps too which might be a valuable feature for a new shooter looking for a "fit". The M&P seemed like a fun and problem free gun.

Tricked out used guns have their allure and are good value but, be aware some will require an esoteric knowledge of the black art of reloading in order to produce a diet of ammo these suckers will eat. If you're already a reloader, this could be an interesting option, otherwise go for a basic reliable shooter ,,,IMHO ;).

BTW, welcome to the world of pistol sports. You will have fun :).
 
I believe they were a special run for Arkansas State Police and the surplus was sold in limited supply to the public.

The perfect Glock, in my opinion. especially now that I have a 10mm barrel for it!

Apologies for the mini hijack but here is a pic:
IMG_3200.jpg


Now back to regular scheduled program...
 
I really like my STI spartan...available for well under $1K and mags can be had for not that much

He said he wanted a sub-$1000.00 .45 for IDPA and IPSC.

The STI Spartan - which comes from the factory with a single-action trigger pull and an eight-round capacity magazine - is a solid pistol, but he said he wanted to be able to use it for IDPA and IPSC; it doesn't fit in IPSC Production, and it isn't competitive in IPSC Standard.

The S&W M&P will fit into any division of IPSC and any division of IDPA. And, with appropriate ammunition, it could be competitive in IPSC Production and IDPA SSP. While .45ACP ammunition, bullets, and brass are all relatively expensive, and while he may be saddled with a much higher Power Factor than he requires, the fact is this guy knows .45ACP - and I bet he reloads .45ACP - and he stipulated .45ACP.

The best choice in a sub-$1000. .45ACP pistol for IPSC (Production Division) and IDPA is the M&P45.
 
He said he wanted a sub-$1000.00 .45 for IDPA and IPSC.

The STI Spartan - which comes from the factory with a single-action trigger pull and an eight-round capacity magazine - is a solid pistol, but he said he wanted to be able to use it for IDPA and IPSC; it doesn't fit in IPSC Production, and it isn't competitive in IPSC Standard.

The S&W M&P will fit into any division of IPSC and any division of IDPA. And, with appropriate ammunition, it could be competitive in IPSC Production and IDPA SSP. While .45ACP ammunition, bullets, and brass are all relatively expensive, and while he may be saddled with a much higher Power Factor than he requires, the fact is this guy knows .45ACP - and I bet he reloads .45ACP - and he stipulated .45ACP.

The best choice in a sub-$1000. .45ACP pistol for IPSC (Production Division) and IDPA is the M&P45.



Stupid question cuz it's early in the A.M., but why is that?
 
To the original poster. If you are interested in shooting IDPA and IPSC then you should take a look at the rules for equipment and the divisions for each before chosing a pistol. You would be well advised to attend a match or two and talk to the participants. I am sure if you do you will learn quickly what you should be looking at and what to avoid.

The CZ97B is to heavy for IDPA and as the rules presently stand cannot be shot in any IDPA division. I have never seen a 97B at an IPSC match and few pistols of any make chambered in .45acp.

My advice would be to look at a 9MM pistol to play both sports. A CZ 85 Combat would serve you well in both IDPA (2 Divisions) and IPSC Production. The S&W M&P series of pistols in 9MM is another excellent choice for both sports as would a Glock 17 or 34. Some do well with the SIG 226 then of course there is...

Wendall gave you good advice on the M&P. He may or may not agree with the following but the .45acp cartridge sees limited use in IPSC for a variety of reasons not the least of which is availability of brass if you reload, or the cost of factory ammo if you don't. The M&P .45acp can be shot in all three pistols divisions of IDPA as can the Glock chambered in .45acp. Both the Glock and M&P chambered in .45acp would be most competitive in ESP and CDP Divisions in IDPA.

Confused?

If you attend matches for both sports you will likley get a sense of what to look for. I have no doubt you will find a gun you like, gear up and come out to play. Both sports are a lot of fun and each represents their own set of challenges.

Take Care

Bob
 
To add to Canuck44, a .45 in IPSC production will be competing with 9mm which is the usual suspect in production. Sort of reduces chances of competing effectively, but you will make a nice BANG next to the nines.

Cheers
 
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