Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

I went to the range over the weekend and got to shoot a sweet .45 Kimber TLE that had almost no kick because most of its weight was in the grip. But then when I went to look up prices on Kimbers, my jaw dropped faster than the dollar. I wish I had $1,000 to buy one of those, but for now... Can anyone suggest a .45 comparable to a Kimber that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Any full-size steel 1911 will approximate the Kimber. The question is do you want the extras that raise the MSRP to the Kimber's price, like the front strap checkering, the light rail, and the carry bevel?

If not, the best deal running is probably the STI Spartan with an MSRP around $700. It has great fire-control parts, good sights, and a beaver tail grip safety, but it does not cost a small fortune. If you want an even more basic 1911, the Springfield Armory "GI" is a good choice.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

All full sized (5 inch ) 1911 are pretty much the same when ammo is identical.
Recoil is a product of bullet weight, velocity and weight of the handgun.
There are some other actions like a Sig 220 that feel like they recoil less.
I have not fired one but I hear good things about the Springfield XD line.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

.45 ACP in a full size pistol is very gentle to shoot.
I first shot a 1911 at age 10, and I was the scrawniest little runt you ever saw.
My son has been shooting his OWN .45 since just before his ninth birthday. He hits what he aims at.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

I really like the new(ish) Ruger 345 .45 (Guns and Ammo "Gun of the year").
Not as drop dead sexy as a 1911, but is also 1/4 the price.
Still a sharp looking pistol, though..

Heres a review:


Ruger P345 Compact .45 Auto Pistol
by Jeff Quinn
photography by Jeff Quinn
July 30th, 2004


For the past nineteen years, Ruger has been building some very good centerfire auto pistols. They have earned a well-deserved reputation for reliability, durability, and value. With the Ruger auto, the shooter has always received a good weapon at a fair price. The only drawback to the Ruger P-series pistols has always been their bulk. Ruger designed these guns to be rugged and very stout, but I have always considered them to be duty-sized pistols; excellent for holster carry by an outdoorsman, hunter, or police officer, but not very good for concealment.

The latest centerfire auto pistol from Ruger differs in several ways from the earlier designs. While it is still a rugged double-action design, the P345 is much more compact, but is still chambered for the legendary .45 ACP cartridge.

With the new P345, Ruger has rectified the bulk problem of the earlier design, making the gun much more concealable for discreet carry of the weapon. The grip area of the P345 is also redesigned, providing for a much better feel, at least in my hand, than the earlier P-series guns. The magazine release on the P345 is in the familiar position preferred by American shooters, just behind the trigger guard on the left side, and is easily reached with the thumb of a right-handed shooter, or with the trigger finger of a southpaw. In fact, it is a bit easier to reach than on several 1911 autos that I had available for comparison.

The P345 has a very comfortable grip that is integral with the polyurethane frame. The grip area has a large amount of molded-in checkering, and is sculpted and shaped to actually fit the human hand. I like it. The double-action trigger reach on the P345 is just 2.835 inches, which is almost identical to the trigger reach on a 1911 style auto. In the single-action (cocked) mode, the trigger reach on the Ruger is about three-eighths of an inch less. The barrel length on the .345 measures just a hair over four inches, 4.056" to be exact, and the overall length of the weapon is seven and five-eighths inches. The overall height is five and one-half inches. Where Ruger really made significant reductions in the bulk of the pistol is in the overall width of the pistol. The widest point on the weapon is across the ambidextrous safeties, where the gun measures a trim 1.154 inches, which is pretty slim for a double-action pistol chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. The grip is thinner and the trigger reach shorter than on the Glock model 37 that is chambered for the shorter .45 GAP cartridge, but the Ruger carries a magazine containing eight of the full-sized .45 ACP cartridges. The slide thickness on the P345 measures barely over an inch, at 1.024 inches. The underside of the frame in front of the trigger has an integral Picatinny rail on which the shooter can hang accessories such as lights and lasers, if he so desires.

The sights on the P345 are adjustable for windage, and are of the three-dot configuration, but have no low-light illumination. The hammer is grooved and dished for easier cocking, and the slide release is easy to reach with either the thumb of a right-handed shooter or the trigger finger of a lefty. The trigger is smooth on the surface, and is about three-eighths of an inch wide. The decocking safety is ambidextrous, and is easily reached with the thumb of the shooting hand.

Ruger has incorporated an integral lock into the P345 that is unobtrusive and almost invisible. Some shooters detest these integral locks, but other shooters like them, depending upon the situation and local laws regarding the security of firearms. With the thumb safety in the "safe" position, a key is inserted into the lever on the right side of the pistol and turned clockwise to lock the safety in this position. The safety lever will not move into the "fire" position until the key in rotated counter-clockwise to unlock the safety. It is very effective, well hidden, and can be either utilized or ignored as the shooter desires.

Atop the slide just to the rear of the chamber, the P345 had a loaded chamber indicator, which can be easily seen or felt to check to see if the chamber contains a cartridge or not.

Another safety feature of the P345, and the most controversial, is the incorporation of a magazine disconnect safety. Unless a magazine is fully inserted into the pistol, the gun will not fire, regardless of whether or not the chamber is loaded. While the trigger will function and the gun can be dry-fired with the magazine out, the firing pin will not strike the primer without the magazine in place. The only legitimate complaint against magazine disconnect safeties is that the gun cannot be fired in the middle of a magazine change, but it is really not that big of a deal. A good shooter can drop a magazine and insert a new one in a couple of seconds, and the gun is usually not pointed at the target during the operation. Anyway, it is another safety feature to prevent the weapon from being fired by an untrained shooter, and some do desire this feature. I have seen the magazine disconnect feature applauded by some police trainers as a way to render the gun inoperable if the officer is about to lose control of his weapon. By dropping the magazine, the gun cannot be turned against the officer. As I am not a police trainer, I cannot side either way on this advantage, but it is a consideration.

When I received the new P345, I was surprised at the compact size and light weight of the weapon. It is about the same size and bulk of a Commander-sized 1911, and at 29.4 ounces with an empty magazine, the Ruger weighs a bit less than a new Smith & Wesson Scandium lightweight 1911 that I had handy for comparison.

Shooting the P345 with a variety of factory and handloaded ammunition, the new Ruger proved to be absolutely reliable with everything tried. The double-action pull measured a smooth eight pounds and five ounces, and the single-action pull measured five pounds and six ounces. I shot the weapon from every possible angle, holding the gun upside down, vertical, and on either side to encourage a malfunction. The gun never stuttered. The cartridge is held by the large extractor while being fed from the magazine, offering a type of controlled-round feeding system, and it works very well. Recoil was brisk but easily manageable from the lightweight pistol, and rapid-fire drills were very easy to perform. The P345 was plenty accurate for social work, grouping a magazine load of ammo into less than three inches at twenty-five yards, with some loads grouping right at two and one-half inches.

Stripping the P345 down for cleaning is very easy, and Ruger provides detailed instructions with the gun. The locking system employs a cam block which is integral with the stainless guide rod, and it locks the gun into battery very securely, with no lateral or vertical play in the lockup. It appears to be, like most Ruger designs, very durable and rugged. There is absolutely no discernible play between the slide and frame when the pistol is in battery.

The Ruger P345 comes with two eight-round magazines, a hard plastic case, a cable lock, magazine loader, and instruction manual. Like all Ruger firearms, the P345 is an excellent value, and is built to last.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

If you are looking for an affordable 1911, I would recommend looking into the Rock Island Armory 1911. I got a couple of the full size GI models from Sarco last year for $329 each. They have been flawless, with each having about 750 rounds through them now. I'm planning on sending the slides out to trijicon to have them install night sights (my eyes have trouble with the small GI sights). Even after adding the trijicon night sights - the gun will still come in at less than $500. Mine has a regular parkerized finish, but dressed up nicely after adding some rattlesnake skin grips.

My favorite 1911 is my Colt Combat Commander in Stainless. I carry that gun everyday. These Rock Islands are a great value, though, and I enjoy shooting them just as much. If you look on some 1911 forums you will find that RIA has a pretty good following and are well thought of, even by the 1911 snobs.

I haven't seen a Sarco ad recently with the RIAs advertised, but you may want to give them a call to see if they are getting any more in stock. In my opinion, it is one of the best values in 1911s out there.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

I have a XD-45 Tactical. It shoots nice, came with 2 13 round magazines, a speed loader, and a set of holsters for the pistol and magazines.

I bought it over a 1911 because for $600 I got a kick ass polymer frame pistol instead of an ok-ish 1911. I highly recommend it, especially if you have big hands.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Yea, for the money you can't beat the XD line.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Not familiar specifically with the Kimber TLE, but if its a 1911 style pistol, expect 1911 type recoil.

In 1911 pistols, I like the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec or the GI versions. Both are good values for the money. Forged (not cast) receivers and slides, fairly accurate dimensionally to a true 1911A1 pistol and have a lifetime warranty.

These are pretty much bare-bones pistols. As I get older, the less do-dads I like anyway. I don't need beavertails, rails, guide rods, forward serrations or any of that other stuff. Sorry if I've offended all the tactical folks.

I don't own an XD, but many of the folks at the range say it's wonderful. Maybe you'll like it too.
Take care,
Mod1

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Glock 30. Compact, good capacity and sooo sooo smooth.

If budget is in consideration, check out a Ruger P-90. Great gun for the money. Built like a tank.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Co-sign.


I have a Springfield 1911 gi issue and its very accurate and easy to shoot. Scored almost a perfect score with it (with exception of one round that didnt go where I wanted) during my CHL.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Picked up a Kimber TLE II used last year and it has fast become my favorite handgun! It's easy to shoot and very accurate. I was supprised at how light the recoil was even with 230 grain ammo. I highly reccomend this gun. Found mine for around 600.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Kimbers are expensive because they are just about perfect!
You get what you pay for, If you have ever shot one you know what I mean.
How they do it, who freaking knows but they are so smooth and accurate it's scary.:yes:

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Yeah, a Rock Island is on my short list. Sarco still has them, but their price is now $379 for the GI, $449 for the Tac, $394 for the compact and $459 for the double stack.

http://www.sarcoinc.com/1-10-10_P.pdf

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

I think I'm going to get one of the GI models. I've always wanted a 1911 and this is definitely in my price range. Of course, I'm going to have to listen to my dealer trying to convince me to buy something he has in stock, instead of doing the FFL transfer. Anyone else have this problem?

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

You might want to check Gun Broker's list of FFLs. I found that gun shops are usually the most expensive, and sometimes seem a bit resentful when you want to order something somewhere else for a lower price. There is a pawn shop near me that will do transfers for $15, and he is real happy to receive orders from anywhere.

If you get the RIA and want to dress it up a bit, I recommend Doggrips.com. He sells Rattlesnake and Cobra grips that are fantastic. They make the 1911 look real nice, and are no more expensive than any other grips. He sells on ebay once in a while too. I had emailed him and told him what type of pattern I was looking for, and he was able to match up exactly what I was looking for, for two sets of grips. Top picture is an RIA.

http://www.doggrips.com/images/album...RIAwDBG1sm.jpg

http://www.doggrips.com/images/album...ke_Grips-2.jpg

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Get or at least try the Glock 21 (3rd generation)

amazed at the lack of recoil.....

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Only difference bewteen the G21 and G30 is the barrel lenght correct??


T

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Smith & Wesson M&P shoots kinda soft for a plastic pistol and a CZ 97 would also be a good one to try.

Make sure you don't shoot a Les Baer... well, at least not until you have a pocket full of FRN's that you're ready to part with. In 1911's, you pretty much get what you pay for and unfortunately, for a good barrel fit and decent trigger, you're pretty much looking at $1k and up. CZ/Dan Wesson made some great 1911's for the money(much better than the prod shop Kimbers), but their prices went up alot this year and good luck finding a used one at a decent price.

oh yeah... this is a good place to research/discuss 1911's
http://forums.1911forum.com

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

yes but the handle is also smaller so the G30 has 10 rounds where the G21 has 13 rounds of 45acp.

The g30 is great for carry (I never shot one)
The G21 is a huge black block of goodness.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

The Glock 21 is one of the softest shooting 45 pistols around.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

When we go to the range my 15 year old daughter monopolizes my carry Commander, and shoots ball and golden sabres. She practically won't give it back.

Choke the living shit out of it; death grip; it's not a target .22, you know.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Para Ordnance P-12 or P-13. Around $700.

http://www.gunreports.com/media/news...-Para-p1-2.JPG http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/pix/P12_4.jpg

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Springfield 1911 hands down if price is an issue. I hear the customer service is top notice and overtime you can make excellent improvements to it.

REMEMBER ONE THING - The ONLY time you REALLY need your pistol is when you're going to protect you, your family, friends or your dog, and how MUCH are any of those things worth it your pistol malfunctions.

Just saying, but what do I know I don't own any firearms, they're dangerous and only bad people own them.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Got three coming :evil:


T

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Think I'll grab another just to spite the enemy.

It complements my Dickies T quite well...

"Does this Glock look good with these Jeans, or should I just carry my keltec sub2000 in my backpack?" lol

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

If you're worried about malfunctions then it's time to switch to a wheelgun.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

I'm not worried, I don't have any firearms or PM's. :wink:

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

How about a USED Kimber?

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Brilliant idea. The problem is that Kimber quality has been in question over the past several years. Knowing what I know now, I'd buy a used 1911 by Les Baur, Dan Wesson, Ed Brown etc. The fun part about firearms, from what I hear, is shooting them. And the better the firearm = the more fun it is to shoot.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

If you want highly managed recoil and legendary reliability in a .45 there is one great choice cheaper than a 1911 but with the same functionality:

The HK USP .45

This is what I am currently owning and do not plan on selling it or trading it, ever.

There is only one caveat: It's big. If it fits you, it's a darn fine gun, one of the best.

If you go with any of the other mentioned options, such as XD or Glock, you lose
the 1911 functionality of safety/cocked/locked. The HK is cool because it gives
you the 1911 system, plus double action.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

I can totally back up this fine post, my HK .45 is God.:adore:

Attachment 87115

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

never touched an HK but this video told me enough...
http://www.theprepared.com/index.php...ask=view&id=90

read midway about the HK....

I have friends that love them....which is fine by me.....

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

Sig P220 Carry, around $800.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

I went ahead and ordered a 1911 GI version from SARCO today. After a test drive, I'll decide if it needs some upgrades; grips, sights, etc.

Re: Can anyone suggest a .45 with little kick that's cheaper than a Kimber?
 

You just explained your entire post.
Glocks are great guns, to each thier own. I would not own an auto pistol that doesn't have an external hammer. Period.
I like a hammer I can pull back and let down with my thumb, even if it isn't necessary.