Looking to buy a pistol for home defense, no carry necessary. With the flood of new .45’s I wanted to see what you guys would recommend. I have a few preferences I’ll list, if you think you have something that might fit the bill post it up and I’ll take a look.
Preferences:
1.) SA or SA/DA, no DAO or internal hammers please.
2.) Barrel no more than 4.5" length, I just don’t like “long” barrels.
3.) Rail to mount a light would be a plus.
4.) 10 round capacity.
5.) Reliability thats been somewhat proven
So now that everyone knows I'm looking for a gun that doesn't exist...J/K. My brain is shot from research, and though I have a few in mind I just can't seem to make a decision. Figured I would get some opinions from you guys and use some of feedback to help steer me in the right direction. Some of the ones that seem to fit are Springfield 1911 Champion Operator and Beretta PX4. Any and all responses are appreciated. I'm new to handguns, feel free to "school" me I won't take offense:-)
you can go wrong with 1911 for home use ,my uncle kept his after korea that is his go to gun and shoots it like it is a part of him:D and welcome to M4carbine glad to have you here
The m&p is much much less expensive and in the midsize seems like a much smaller platform without too much felt recoil because of it.
my HK45 is part of my home defense/shtf package so I don’t really mind the size of it, but the pistol with an x300 weapon light can probably be seen from space. It’s big and nasty.
I don’t think I’ve ever gone more than about 5,000 rounds without cleaning my M&P … stop exaggerating, it makes me sound like I don’t take PM seriously.
Without getting into a debate about SFA vs. DA/SA vs. SAO, etc., in response to the OP’s question:
The HK45 meets all of your requirements, gives you the option of both DA and SA carry, and comes from a line of proven semiautos. Some of the most well respected folks in the industry helped design it (Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn foremost). They’re not inexpensive, but they have all the features you asked for.
If you do a search of the Handguns section here, you’ll find a number of reviews from members who’ve bought the HK45. To the best of my recollection, every single one has been positive.
Thanks for all the replies, a lot of good info for me to go on. I noticed that HK makes a 45 Compact (HK45C) that I think is a little closer to the size I’m looking for and they make optional 10rd mags, seems like a winner.
Also, since the M&P was brought up I did a little more digging and realized that they are available with thumb safeties, a feature I like. At first I thought they were like Glocks w/o a safety, that’s why I chose to stay away. Nothing against Glocks or Glock owners, I just like having a safety other than my finger.
Any thoughts on the FNP45. I seems a bit big for me, but just wondering if anyone has any experience with it.
I’ve eliminated the PX4 due to lack of reports that prove reliability in adverse conditions, plus it seems no police or military units are jumping to carry these.
So it now looks like my choices are Springfield Champion Operator, HK45, HK45C or M&P45.
Thanks again, this has been a very warm welcome. If anyone has anything to add feel free, I’ll check in often and of course I’ll let you know what I eventually wind up with.
I bought a M&P45 SOCOM config with manual safety and had Dan Burwell do his magic (http://www.burwellgunsmithing.com/):
-4.5lb trigger, shorter take-up, no creep
-radius slide (melt job)
-nickel teflon (Robar NP3) slide and internal
-“sharskin” stipple all grip surfaces (front & back strap, dust cover, trigger guard & mag catch)
-polish feed ramp
-install 10-8 rear, triji front sight
-test for absolute reliability & sight in
-fits in most Glock 21 holsters (incl. Serpa and Safariland)
-10 rounders are factory standard (& cheap - $25 each now), 14 round mags are available now as well (but they are $50 and extend the grip profile by ~1")
RESULT:
As a rabid HK enthusiast & owner, I believe this config. far surpasses the HK45 for the same $ (all in ~$1,000):
…and you will have a unique custom piece with a better trigger, cheaper mags, US made, option of a middy (although HK45s will start to be made in USA by Wilcox this year).
Also NOTE: Several buddy’s have attended Vickers classes and although he was integral in developing the HK45, he has endorsed (classes & in print) the M&P45 as a great choice as well.
MPARDUN: Kinda confused so I need a little clarification. How can it be DA/SA if there is no external hammer to cock to go between SA and DA, or do you have to change that internally rather than in an instant? I could be way off so please school me.
I’d also recommend a trigger job on an M&P if you get one. I have matching full size 9mm M&P’s, One has a trigger job and one doesn’t and I was shockingly suprised at how much more accurate I am with the trigger job one than the standard.
There have been lots of issues with the SIG 220 Carry lately. Even non-220 Carry issues with the ss milled slide SIGs are not immune. Bad batches of MIM takedown levers making the entire gun worthless until you change it out.
I would recommend a Made in Germany or Made in W.Germany SIG P220, stamped carbon steel slide and none of the extractor or MIM problems of the ss milled slide models.
For what it’s worth I own a 220 Carry. I have exactly 1000 rounds through it so far with 0 malfunctions. 900 rounds of 230gr ball, and 100 rounds of 230gr Ranger.
I guess I’m just one of the lucky ones. I was worried and had read all those threads on Sig Forum. I got a good deal on a 220 Carry SAO w/ Beavertail. I am so glad I jumped on that deal. I have an older 220 (1995 date coded) it too has been a very reliable gun.
We have an older 220 in rental at work, it’s a popular rental and the only time it’s been out os service was when it broke a recoil spring. Quick call to Sig and it was back in service.
The HK45 is a very nice pistol. We had a HK day at the range, and I had a chance to run 2 boxes through both the full size and the compact. Accurate and comfortable guns.
The XD 4" model is another one that I have spent some time shooting. We have one in rental at the range and I guess I’ve shot 200 rounds through it, and it’s had thousands (maybe 10’s of thousands) of rounds through it. We have had it in rental since the gun first came out.
The Beretta Storms that we have in rental require more cleaning then any of our guns. Hell, even the 1911’s don’t fail as much as the Beretta’s. I;m not impressed with them at all. We only have the 9 and 40 in rental, but I don’t think the 45’s will be any different.
How many of you guys would put there 1911’s in the safe and carry a M&P45? I’ve been thinking of dumping some cash into my Springfield Champion but have thought about buying a M&P45 instead.
buckshot1220 not trying to hijack. Just thought some of these answers might help you decide between the 1911 and the M&P45
bradb55, no worries I’m interested to see the answer to that question is also. No decisions for me as of yet, my interview isn’t for a little while so I have some time before I need to make a deposit.
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