So which 45 whould I get?

VinnyQC

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So I want a new 45acp. I have a Norinco 1911, commander length (I think they call it NP27), which I'm not really fond of. It's my only 45.

I'm open to almost anything. I like when the quality/price ratio is good. I would say max price would be 1500$. If it existed, I would get a CZ shadow in 45acp. I prefer metal to plastic, but I never say never. If a 1911, I'd prefer 5''.

So, everyone, shoot. Suggest. Argue. What do you own, have tried, or would like within (or outside) these parameters? I need ideas to burn some cash.
 
I really like the Sig P220, I have a SS Elite and an Equinox, had a couple others over the years. I also had Sig 1911 ss carry, Nightmare and scorpion at one time. All the 1911s are gone, beautiful guns but I just flat out like the P220 better. Fits better for me. Can't argue with Sig quality.
 
So I want a new 45acp. I have a Norinco 1911, commander length (I think they call it NP27), which I'm not really fond of. It's my only 45.

I'm open to almost anything. I like when the quality/price ratio is good. I would say max price would be 1500$. If it existed, I would get a CZ shadow in 45acp. I prefer metal to plastic, but I never say never. If a 1911, I'd prefer 5''.

So, everyone, shoot. Suggest. Argue. What do you own, have tried, or would like within (or outside) these parameters? I need ideas to burn some cash.

Last week my answer would have been different but today I would say ( even if it is a bit more than $1500) Dan Wesson Specialist LASD.
OK
 
592D3758-9C8B-4DE9-9717-056B655B81D4.jpgI just traded my Glock towards this. I think I traded up.. lol
 

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If you plan on shooting it a lot, my advice is to buy the best you can. As time goes on you will be happy that you did. Also look at it this way, if you buy a gun and plan on shooting it a lot the cost of the gun over time (the better quality the more likely you will keep it, say 20 years) pales in comparison to the cost of ammo and you will appreciate the better quality of the gun the more you shoot. If you plan on buying a gun and shoot it very little then spend less as you will not really appreciate the better quality anyway.

My other advice is to take your whole gun budget and just buy one good gun with it. Avoid the temptation to buy a bunch of cheap guns you will not like as much. Personally I would much rather have one go to gun that I am comfortable with, is reliable and shoots great than a bunch of guns that I cycle through always looking for more.

I can remember in 2003 buying a Valtro 1911 from P+D. I was reluctant to buy the gun as it was right at the top end of my budget (roughly around $1100). The salesman gave me the same advice I just gave you and I am so glad that he did. Looking back now had I spent $2000 on that gun I still feel like I would have got my money’s worth.
 
If you really like the CZ products consider the CZ97B. If it were my money, a Colt 1911; S70 Government if you’re looking for old-school or the Colt Competition if you’d like a bit more modern features.
 
My other comment is that some guys like 1911’s, some guys like glocks, some guys like sigs etc etc. You could listen to guys argue about which is better forever but at the end of the day you need to find what fits you, what points well for you and what you shoot well. I was a Glock guy til i shot a 1911 which I found pointed better for me and fealt more comfortable in my hands. That being said there’s guys that hate them and do better with a plain jane Glock. Shoot as many different styles as you can before buying to figure out what your preference is.
 
Out of the metal and polymer guns I’ve owend the S&W M&P 45 has always been my favourite. Dead accurate out of the box, manageable recoil from a polymer 45, good price. I don’t mind the trigger, some people do so you can always upgrade to the APEX trigger. My favourite metal 45 was my S&W 4506.
 
The HK45 Full-Size would be my recommendation. Accurate, comfortable in the hand and soft-shooting thanks to its recoil-reduction operating spring system. I also own several 1911A1s and an FNH FNX Tactical .45. The HK is my "go to" .45 ACP handgun just about every single time. The price is right around $1000 CAD new, and $750 in exceĺlent used condition. There is no arguing with HK quality or longevity....


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What don't you like about the norinco?

Commander length
Trigger is quite poor
Sight picture isn't very good and can't be upgraded due to non-standard cuts in the slide
Accuracy is ok, but not great. The barrel is obviously not match quality, and although it's really solid, I believe it's what makes it less accurate than a more expensive gun.

Upgrading it would cost hundreds in parts, and would end up with a total price tag above that of a good 1911 I think. A new barrel, link, barrel bushing, sear, trigger, etc... it all adds up pretty quickly. And then it would still be commander length while I'd prefer govt length. Maybe I'll just try a new trigger, as it's really the weak spot for that gun, and it's cheap.

I bought the norinco from canam 2 years ago when they made mistakes with some sales. Ended up with 2 guns and 1000 rounds of 45 for 800$. I have since sold 1 gun, and still have the other. Overall it's a great gun for the price, but not a great gun period. I have enough cash that I can get something better.
 
I feel like if it's your first .45 it should be a 1911. Everyone needs at least one!

Check out the Kimber line of 1911's. Plenty of options in your price range.
 
Commander length
Trigger is quite poor
Sight picture isn't very good and can't be upgraded due to non-standard cuts in the slide
Accuracy is ok, but not great. The barrel is obviously not match quality, and although it's really solid, I believe it's what makes it less accurate than a more expensive gun.

Upgrading it would cost hundreds in parts, and would end up with a total price tag above that of a good 1911 I think. A new barrel, link, barrel bushing, sear, trigger, etc... it all adds up pretty quickly. And then it would still be commander length while I'd prefer govt length. Maybe I'll just try a new trigger, as it's really the weak spot for that gun, and it's cheap.

I bought the norinco from canam 2 years ago when they made mistakes with some sales. Ended up with 2 guns and 1000 rounds of 45 for 800$. I have since sold 1 gun, and still have the other. Overall it's a great gun for the price, but not a great gun period. I have enough cash that I can get something better.

Fair enough. I am heavily biased towards Dan Wesson when it comes to 1911. I am currently in the process of getting rid of my 1911s because I already have my Pointman9 and Valor. If you're willing to spend an extra $600 or so on top of your $1500 budget, the Dan Wesson Specialist is a good buy. I hear the coating that Dan Wesson uses on their 1911s are top notch. Almost glock-frying-pan type of durability. Just FYI, I have a brand new, never fired Springfield 1911 Range Officer Stainless I am going to be selling if you are interested. Just PM me if you want to talk about it.
 
If you plan on shooting it a lot, my advice is to buy the best you can. As time goes on you will be happy that you did. Also look at it this way, if you buy a gun and plan on shooting it a lot the cost of the gun over time (the better quality the more likely you will keep it, say 20 years) pales in comparison to the cost of ammo and you will appreciate the better quality of the gun the more you shoot. If you plan on buying a gun and shoot it very little then spend less as you will not really appreciate the better quality anyway.

My other advice is to take your whole gun budget and just buy one good gun with it. Avoid the temptation to buy a bunch of cheap guns you will not like as much. Personally I would much rather have one go to gun that I am comfortable with, is reliable and shoots great than a bunch of guns that I cycle through always looking for more.

I can remember in 2003 buying a Valtro 1911 from P+D. I was reluctant to buy the gun as it was right at the top end of my budget (roughly around $1100). The salesman gave me the same advice I just gave you and I am so glad that he did. Looking back now had I spent $2000 on that gun I still feel like I would have got my money’s worth.

Seconded.
 
^^ +1

I remember these Valtros 1998A1! They were indeed a steal at ~$1100. Eventhough they didn't went through John Jardine's shop in Cali for final tuning, they were very sweet 1911's.
 
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