I'm planning on buying a .45acp. It's use will be 99% range fun, 1% SHTF. I was thinking about a Kimber, but a friend has been praising the Glock 21. Price-wise...a Kimber is at the very upper limit of my budget, and less is always nice. So what are your overall opinions of 1911-style vs. Glock-esque sidearms? And beyond that, what recommendations (any and all) for my intended use? Thanks.
The best advice I can give you is try both and see which one you like the best. Look for a range with rental guns, then you can shoot both side by side and get a feel for them. Personally I am a 1911 guy, but I do have a couple of Springfield XD's in .45 that I really like. I have been carrying and shooting the XD's for the last three or four months, and I am very pleased with them. Hi capacity 13 rd. mags, light weight, ultra reliable, can be bought for around $500, and so far cleaning seems to be optional. No kidding, these things run on and on. I have between 700-800 rounds through one and it has never had a failure. I haven't cleaned it because I wanted to see at what point it would start failing to feed, or failing to eject, but so far it has run through everything.
Well they don't call the glock tactical tupperwear for just any reason. The mags are fairly reasonable. The Kimber is a very nice gun, for me tho it's just doesn't trip my trigger. I've shot one and didn't notice any difference between it and a stock 1911 other than finish. E.L. has the right answer go and rent a few and shoot em. Pick the one that fits your hand and gives you the most natural point of aim. The most expensive gun is usless if you can't hit what you are aiming at. Don't be convinced by someone that you "need" this gun. If you find that you shoot a glock, xd, whatever well then go with that one. It's your life you will be putting on the line with this gun make sure it will be the one that helps you come out alive. Take care Be safe Poacher.
I'm a die hard 1911 fan myself but I am WAY impressed with the XD's. Mine loaded with 13 rds. wieghs less than my 1911 with 7. Either way you won't go wrong. Just stay with the .45 cal.
I like the H & K UMP .45......it does fold down to an almost handgun size sub. Why not go full auto and spend some real money? Why a 7 round magazine when you can shoot a 30 round magazine? You children and neighbors would love hearing that....ump ump ump sound.
I suggest the RIA, [400.00] or the Springfield Loaded Champ [700.00] My Champ has been perfect and accurate. Definitly learn to reload.
On a serious note...i recommend shooting an XD 45 which is my carry gun, a Springfield 1911, glock, and a H & K. I decide the following way: The one I shoot the best and feels the best is the one I buy. Its that simple.
I rented and tested and now own a Kimber. Its nice. I do plan on getting a 45 XD. I am a fan of 1911 but the XD seems like it would be a little smaller and lighter for daily carry in texas where you cant layer too much. I also tested a glock and a kimber double stack and a few others. I did not care for the glock, the angle of the grip did not fit my hand. I would strongly suggest try before you buy.
For what it's worth: For bedside, go with a wheelgun, takes less consciousness to operate safely if woke from sound sleep, you can concentrate on the threat rather than the manual of arms. For carry, go with what fits your hand and get well practiced with both the bed and carry weapons. Try both out at the range, then decide which you can do the best with.
Shotgun works GREAT for bedside too. Less complication to use, more put down power than anything else and not as much over penetration.
The sound of a pump shotgun is enough to make most badguy types not want to be around anymore. I have a 12 gauge with birdshot next to the bed and a 45 a little farther off. That should take care of any problems.
In truth, cocked and locked is OK for those that are more familiar with 1911s than I am. And racking the slide has GOT to draw attention, if you don't go the cocked and locked route. My own thoughts lead to stealth rather then noise, but concede that there are two points of view on that subject. Nothing is quieter than a dbl action pull on a wheel gun, even quieter than wiping off the safety on a 1911. 'Tis, as we've often said, it's a matter of choice, and yours is not bad, just ain't mine. And, if magazine springs take a set (always subject to argument) that is one more thing a revolver doesn't have for a concern. You, I know, exercise your 1911s often enough to detect a problem, so it's not on your worry list. Others here do NOT shoot as much as they should to keep proficiency with autoloaders up to snuff. That is one of the reasons I mentioned the wheelgun, so there is a point of view for others to sniff and decide to bite or not.
Ghirt Im in total agreement, when I dont shoot enough, I rotate mags and unload the one under tension every couple of weeks.
I've found that this image tends to put the .45 vs 9mm debate into a bit more perspective.... BTW, I have a rarely used Glock 21 I'll sell you for $500...
Cool comparison chart Its not so much the diameter as it is the kinetic energy behind the weight of the bullet, which I’m sure you know.
