Best Plastic .45 ACP??

S

Spydiefan04

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Jan 8, 2005
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Well I've never owned a polymer pistol before and I'm thinking about finally breaking down and getting a .45. I thought I wanted a Glock 21 until handling one, it's just too BIG, as is the FN-Pro 45 (bigger), and I just don't like the feel of the HK USP. And no I'm not interested in the Glock 37 or any other GAP pistol. The 4 that I liked the feel of were (in no special order) Springfield XD 45, S&W M&P 45, Ruger P345, Beretta PX4 Storm. I was wondering what you guys opinions about these 4 are? The S&W feels best in my hand, but the Beretta and Ruger operate more similar to what I am used to. I'd rate the Beretta and XD about even on feel and the Ruger was a bit skinny in the grip to me. I haven't fired any of these yet though, and am not an expert on polymer guns, especially the opinion of anyone that has used/owned all 4.
 
I recently went .45 shopping, myself. I held a variety of plastic pistols, (Glocks) and my hand didn't like them. They didn't fit/feel good. Too squarish.

When I held a 1911, it felt good and was a good fit. So, that's what I bought.

My theory on pistols is: buy the reliable, reasonable quality one that feels good in your hand.

CHEERS
 
Of those you listed I would suggest either the XD or the M&P. Both are fine guns and I've heard no bad reports from the users I know.

Another option if you are interested in Glocks is the slim frame .45. I don't recall the model number but it has a smaller grip (slimmed down front to back).

I like the feel of a 1911 and it's a much classier gun but my go to gun is my Glock model 21.

Good luck.
SDS
 
Is that slim grip Glock a full size pistol or a subcompact? I wish they would have made an 8-10 shot .45 ACP instead of that GAP, then I know what I would get, but I don't want or need any more calibers to buy. And maybe I should mentioned I was leaning toward the Beretta in G configuration, but I haven't heard much about them, and you NEVER hear anything negative about XD or M&P.
 
Spydiefan04 said:
Is that slim grip Glock a full size pistol or a subcompact? I wish they would have made an 8-10 shot .45 ACP instead of that GAP
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The G36 is a 6+1 subcompact slimline (single-stack), and the G30 is the subcompact, with double-stack mag, in .45. Both are much smaller than the full-size G21 (the G30 is around the same size as a G19, if you've ever held one of those). And the G30 is a 10+1 capacity. So I'd advise including both of those pistols in your search. It's hard to go wrong with any of the choices you mentioned. You just need to figure out which one you shoot the best.
 
The 21 slim frame is a full size gun. I forgot about the Glock 36 that Raindog mentioned. It's a nice gun and it's a single stack. It's actually the thinnest pistol in Glocks stables. The only drawback to it is that it is only a 6+1 capacity. I carry mine a LOT. It's easy to slip in my waistband (with a clip attached and a trigger block safety device) and go. If I'm running short errands thats what I have with me.

I have a lot of experience with the Glocks but very limited experience with the other brands mentioned. I sure wouldn't be hesitant to carry any of them though.

If this is going to be a carry gun be sure to get something your comfortable carrying. A .22 in your pocket is going to do you a lot more good than a dozen full size guns at home in the safe that you didn't carry that day because (insert various reasons here).

SDS
 
I like my Glocks, but I love my XDs: Three sizes to choose from in .45 ACP. High capacity magazines. Grip safety. Loaded chamber indicator. Cocked trigger indicator. And, now, an external safety, if you so desire.

M.
 
HK USP, Sig 220 in that order. I give the edge to the HK because it can be carried cocked a locked, like a 1911 or decocked DA/SA, like the Sig.
They are both high quality.
 
Just look at my name and avatar ;).
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The M&P and the PX4 IIRC have interchangeable backstraps so you can pick the ones that fit you.That's a great idea !!Some of the H&K s have that also. Though the 45acp is a fine round , I'm a big fan of the 40s&w .I haven't found any difference in performance on game between the two and with that you'd have even a bigger choice of guns.
 
I personally like my USP 45 fullsize, but if you dont like the grip, you would probably like the newer HK45. It is supposed to be a pretty sweet gun.
 
SDS said:
The 21 slim frame is a full size gun. I forgot about the Glock 36 that Raindog mentioned. It's a nice gun and it's a single stack. It's actually the thinnest pistol in Glocks stables. The only drawback to it is that it is only a 6+1 capacity. I carry mine a LOT. It's easy to slip in my waistband (with a clip attached and a trigger block safety device) and go. If I'm running short errands thats what I have with me.

I have a lot of experience with the Glocks but very limited experience with the other brands mentioned. I sure wouldn't be hesitant to carry any of them though.

If this is going to be a carry gun be sure to get something your comfortable carrying. A .22 in your pocket is going to do you a lot more good than a dozen full size guns at home in the safe that you didn't carry that day because (insert various reasons here).

SDS
Click to expand...
Just to further clarify what SDS has stated above. There is a model 21, and a model 30. However just recently, they have released a model 21 SF, and a model 30 SF. SF stands for slime frame. The magazines are the same but the grip is reduced.
 
The M&P has the better trigger from the factory in my opinion but both can be improved on. I recently reported I had shot a XD and the trigger was horrible, a few days ago I handled the same XD that had the trigger reworked and it was very nice. I have also shot a M&P 45 with trigger work done by Saltzman Gun Works and it was very good as well. I think it comes down to which feels best to you.
 
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When trying out the new double stack polymer framed pistols, doesn't feel right may or may not be related to how you grip the pistol. I larger backstrap spreads the pressure from recoil out which I find helpful personally.

Wearing a medium sized man's glove, I find I can properly grip the Glocks, FN-45s, and most other Polymer 45's. Place the pad of your trigger finger on the trigger and roll you hand around the grip. Does the backstrap end up on your thumb or in the web of your hand? You don't really need to be able to "touch" your thumb and finger tip to "capture" the pistol. With good technique, most men can properly grasp most double stack Polymer 45's.

The Desert Eagle 44 Magnum is the one that comes closest to being too big but, I can properly grasp it too.

Personally, I'm waiting for FN to realease their "USG" model with the front cocking serrations and "cocked and locked" mode of operation.
 
I have shot both the beretta and the S&W in their 9mm variation, and for that I preferred the smith.
They're both very nice guns but for me I would have had to do a lot of practicing with the beretta because the slide release always ended up under my thumb. I shot several mags full and consistently stopped the slide from locking back on the last round.
I have fairly big hands (XL glove) and have had this occur with other guns as well, but not that consistently.

The M&P on the other hand shot naturally without any problems on any of the controls,and seemed to be pretty accurate. I put 100 rounds through it with no complaints at all.
 
If I hadn't been carrying my Glock for so many years I'd give serious consideration to the XD. From everything I have seen and heard it is a fine gun.

SDS
 
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