Most dependable 45ACP

My STI M1911A1 Tactical Single-Stack .45 ACP is not only a ragged-hole tack-driver, it is also dead-nuts reliable. Tolerances are tighter than average, but it functions 100% for 100's of rounds between cleanings.


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As others have mentioned, both the HK45 and the FN FNX .45 Tactical are superb .45 ACP Single/Double-Action fighting pistols as well. Both of mine are quite accurate, although not quite as surgical as the STI. They are both 100% reliable for me despite routinely going 500(+) rounds between cleanings.


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Any of the above are outstanding choices where reliability is paramount. You have to be careful when it comes to trusting an M1911A1 however. If it is a known, quality brand and build, then any higher-end M1911A1 ought to be reliable. Stay far away from "custom" M1911A1s that have been assembled or otherwise "worked on" by Armourers of unknown skill using parts of questionable quality. In that case, you are far better off to stick with a quality, factory .45 ACP pistol such as the FN FNX .45, SIG P220, HK .45, or HK USP .45. The factory M1911A1s from Colt, SIG, Remington and other quality manufacturers also ought to be reliable once broken-in (approx 500 rounds). Reliability in all M1911A1s is subject to validation through rigorous testing.
 
I really like my CZ 97B. The only issues I’ve had with it were from what I blame solely on a bad batch of ammo. Small pistol primed BDX. 6 complete duds out of 200 rounds and plenty more that took multiple hits to light off. The trigger could be better (at least on mine) and it’s big and chunky so it doesn’t fit everyone, but I still enjoy shooting it more than any 1911.
 
If i was going to run 45... it would either be a Glock 21 for dead nutz reliability and simplicity.

Or a Sig 220 SAO for style.. almost equal reliability and less simplicity.
 
HK's are reliable, but in my experience Sig's are a wee bit more accurate.

You got that right, I’ve been shooting HK’s for a living and even though they are dead reliable, I mean in harsh conditions these 416’s are the only ones I would use unless forced to grab something else. Same goes with their pistols. But the P series Sig Sauer are and were always a tad more consistent accuracy wise from one pistol to another.
 
Back to 1911's. I've shot 4 or 5 IPSC matches, lots of speed steel and a bunch of rounds just plinking with my STI Trojan. I've never had a failure to feed or eject.
 
Most dependable? USP 45 without a doubt. Why dont I have one? Trigger is crap, ergonomic is outdated, accessory rail is proprietary and the grip sucks.
 
Most dependable 45acp is without question the HK Mark 23. Not only is it dependable, but also very accurate as well as being overbuilt.
 
I'm surprised in this thread of dependable .45's nobody has mentioned the HK Mark 23...

For shame.

Though the USP Expert or Elite would be slick as hell.

was going to mention the mk 23 as it is one of my favorite firearms and a great one too. I didn't know if price point was a factor, I was sticking to the 1000$ average of 1911 market, but good call on the mk23,
 
Dont discount striker fired guns till you try em! No external hammer to get caught in clothing, by someones hand, or if it gets dropped in dirt ect if you end up needing that '100% reliable' deal

Oh now how about this question. Wich .45 gun would take say +p+ type loads so we can bring it out of cap and ball velocities??

With the hammer down, dropping it in dirt should be fine...at least with a SA/DA you can get a second hit on a bad primer.

As for +P (there is no +P+ for .45) I know that all HKs can take +P and the Mark 23 can take .45Super in it's STOCK form just fine.
 
Most dependable? USP 45 without a doubt. Why dont I have one? Trigger is crap, ergonomic is outdated, accessory rail is proprietary and the grip sucks.

Then get the new HK45...same gun just improved and "rounded" off externally.

Trigger work can be done on them, but not really needed IMO, still way better then many factory triggers, Glock included (buddy had a USP match 9mm and the trigger was amazing)...and Surefire makes an adapter rail for the USP line.
 
If you have small hands or short fingers the CZ 97 will be more than a handful. I wear a medium large golf glove and manage the gun well enough but any smaller hand and I would be looking at other options.

Take Care

Bob
 
Laugh if you want, but my cheap old Nork eats everything including home loads (some casings reloaded 10+ times), and shoots tight groups where you point it. After 1,000s of rounds, it owes me nothing.
 
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