Most dependable 45ACP

To take a different spin on it (and perhaps easier to quantify), I'd say the 1911 on the basis that parts are probably always going to be available, and a well-made frame can reach absurd round counts in practice even if basically the entire rest of the gun is new and it jams every once in a couple thousand rounds. If it became hard to purchase new firearms, then you'd want something with both durability and widespread parts availability. Plenty of guns are perfectly reliable up until the point where they're stopped cold by a small parts failure that gets accelerated by worn springs- CZ-75s and Berettas being pretty well-documented examples. If a gun ever goes out of production, how easy is it going to be to replace the parts that will break?

Anecdotally the 1911 and USP are the only .45 ACP handguns that I've heard of surpassing 250k rounds. In time the HK 45 could prove a worthy successor to the USP 45, but the 1911 as an "open source" design that has been mass produced for over 100 years is really the only gun I'd consider if we treat the question as a "one gun for the rest of your life" scenario. Even if it's not always reliable, I think you could depend on it to always be fixable.
 
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For me its a toss up between my fnx and my cz97b, both run flawlessly, the sig 220 match elite I had was terrible, took several range trips and a bunch of work to get it to run properly, I could actually squeeze it tight enough that it would pinch the trigger bar between the grips and the mag and not let the trigger reset until I loosened my grip, had to trim the inside of the grips and file and polish the trigger bar to get it to run consistently. I have since tried several other peoples 220's and 226's and most have the same problem.
 
I have always liked the Colt Commander, but have really enjoyed my STI Spartan at the range. My First .45 acp was a S&W Model 625 revolver, which was hard to beat for accuracy and reliability.
 
Regarding plastic 45's, any thoughts on the Taurus Pro 24/7 long slide? Striker fired with a decocker and double action. Seems to be accurate and function well, but I've no idea of longevity.
 
Twisted Canuck said:
Ha! So true....But limited to six rounds, and even with a speed loader not as quick as an auto to reload, unless your name is Jerry....
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But is that relevant for civilians? Harrell has tried to find case histories where civilians (non criminals, non LEO etc) fired more than 5 rounds in self defense. He has found none.

It starts at 16:18 of the video below.

 
My S&W M&P 2.0 in 45ACP has not had a malfunction in the 2000 rounds I put through it so far.
 
siciliano said:
Sig P220's are good, Sig P227's are better, and HK USP 45's are the best!

Really it depends on the size of your hands. The P220 is nice because it has a slim grip, the P227 has a fat grip and the USP is a big Ole gun which is hard to use for smaller hands but has huge ergonomic controls.

If I had to pick one, it would be the USP. I like the full size over my compact.
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P227R, I think they've fixed the grip on that model.
 
geologist said:
But is that relevant for civilians? Harrell has tried to find case histories where civilians (non criminals, non LEO etc) fired more than 5 rounds in self defense. He has found none.

It starts at 16:18 of the video below.

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True enough, and given the choice I'd probably rather have my model 657 in an emergency, than my P220. But I just like old school revolvers. And, i enjoyed the video. I agree, shotguns don't suck for home defense.
 
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Hi, I'm late to your discussion, but here goes: I had a beautiful Sig P220 Elite all stainless with rosewood grips's, sold it due to frequent stove piping. The most reliable .45's I've had were Glocks and Wilsons, the price advantage goes to the Glocks, they are accurate, shoot anything without hiccups and are easy to clean. I'm waiting for a G41mos now with a Venom Red Dot.
 
FNX 45 Tactical. Best .45 I've had experience with. It's a big gun, but the best performer I've shot. HK45 is my second choice :)
The USP is a nice gun too but you need some BIG hands to use it
 
Since i bought a brand new HK Mark 23 from a member on here and staked up high the special ammo ( 185 gr + P at 1225 fps with 616 pounds of energy ) recommended by the SOCOM.

This pistol have made it up to the top of my herd.
This pistol and ammo is on top of my SHTF scenario.

To feel comfy, i will buy soon a 500S&W revolver with some 440 gr LFP Buffalo Bore to have the power of a 308 in a handgun.

Shopping seriously tru our dealers to buy a new 500 S&W revolver.:ar15::ar15::ar15:
 
My old Norinco 1911. Bone stock with just a bit of smoothing except I did upgrade the sights slightly. Bought it years ago when they sold for $199. Pretty darn accurate, has proven to be as reliable as anything mechanical can be and heavy enough to be used as a club if 8 rounds isn't enough! Its old school, it needs to kept oiled and cleaned occasionally, and John Wick doesn't normally use one; but it works every time for me...
 
QueensHorseman said:
My old Norinco 1911. Bone stock with just a bit of smoothing except I did upgrade the sights slightly. Bought it years ago when they sold for $199. Pretty darn accurate, has proven to be as reliable as anything mechanical can be and heavy enough to be used as a club if 8 rounds isn't enough! Its old school, it needs to kept oiled and cleaned occasionally, and John Wick doesn't normally use one; but it works every time for me...
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Worked ok for John Wick in Wick3. Not so much for the guy who gave it to him the King of the Bowery. :>)

Take Care

Bob
 
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