[chanaski]

Hi all -

My older "step" son is looking for a full sized .45 auto, but not (necessarily) a 1911.

Here's his "wish list":
- Full size. He has large bear-paw type hands.
- Range / Home Defense use only. We live in NJ, so there will be none of that CCW "nonsense"
- SA/DA if possible, but SAO is OK.
- Heavy. HEAVY. HEAVY. He wants something that shoots as softly as possible. Due to a disability, he basically shoots 1 handed. The more steel, the better. (Did I mention "heavy"?)

I've done some preliminary research, and found the CZ 97B and the Sig 220 so far.

Just so you know, his other gun is a Beretta PX4 Storm in 9mm, he has access to an Armalite AR 24, and an SR1911 for points of reference. We also rented a Beretta Cougar and a Kimber 1911 (not sure of the model) last time we were at the range.

 

[okami515]

for the wieght look at eaa's witness with a steel frame should cover everything. they are a cz copy and are being used in a lot of idpa and steel plate comp's. They are not to shabby on price either.

 

[jcohen24]

You can't go wrong with either the SIG 250 full size (30 oz) or the SIG 220 Elite Stainless (40 oz). Quite a bit of price difference, but they're outstanding handguns.

 

[wild willyLC9]

I love my P220!!

 

[Rivers2k]

You basically described a 1911 what is it about the 1911 he doesn't like that might help with some suggestions?

My first recommendation would like the Beretta PX4 Storm in .45acp. He could also get the CX4 carbine to go along with it.

I also have larger hands and the Ruger SR series doesn't fit my hand very well. But the they do have the Ruger p345.

I hate to recommend them because I think they are as ugly as sin but the Glock G21 might fit him well, its full size and in .45acp the other reason I hate glock is they don't have a real safety you hit the trigger and it goes off.

 

[Rivers2k]

You can't go wrong with either the SIG 250 full size (30 oz) or the SIG 220 Elite Stainless (40 oz). Quite a bit of price difference, but they're outstanding handguns.

How did I forget SIG! +1 on the sig suggestions!

 

[DEKerr]

Have you looked into FNH? If not, you should:

FNH FNX-45

It's a SA/DA .45 ACP double-stack. Nice & beefy in the hand, & 33.2 oz. empty. Loading up the magazine w/ 15 rounds of .45 ACP will add even more weight. Built like a tank, & has an attached rail. Somewhat difficult to find, but it seems almost perfect for your stepson.

 

[cptpoly]

Get the Sig!

 

[jhphurt]

get a STI trojan 45acp smooth gun

 

[funkymonkey1111]

glock 21. you can vary the springs to account for recoil

 

[TNWNGR]

A Glock 21 sound's like it will suit his need's. Of course one of the older all metal Ruge 45 ACP pistol's would work too.

 

[HappilyAddicted]

Have you looked into FNH? If not, you should:

FNH FNX-45

It's a SA/DA .45 ACP double-stack. Nice & beefy in the hand, & 33.2 oz. empty. Loading up the magazine w/ 15 rounds of .45 ACP will add even more weight. Built like a tank, & has an attached rail. Somewhat difficult to find, but it seems almost perfect for your stepson.

Another vote for the FN.

 

[JohnR]

M&P 45
EAA Witness

The M&P's recoil amazed me when I rented one. Lowest recoil of anything I've ever shot.

 

[Sr40ken]

EAA Witness, Rock Island 1911, CZ97...............

 

[brimic]

- Full size. He has large bear-paw type hands.
- Range / Home Defense use only. We live in NJ, so there will be none of that CCW "nonsense"
- SA/DA if possible, but SAO is OK.
- Heavy. HEAVY. HEAVY. He wants something that shoots as softly as possible. Due to a disability, he basically shoots 1 handed. The more steel, the better. (Did I mention "heavy"?)

If price isn't a consideration:
H&K USP 45 or H&K USP Expert

 

[JimB120]

Get the Sig 220.

You can always pick up a lesser gun later on.

 

[3482jl]

full size carry

to meet your criteria, I agree with the recomendations for the Sig 220

 

[rammerjammer]

Come ON!

A Ruger forum and noone has suggested a P90?

I love mine and will never get rid of it.

 

[justsoIcanupvotethis]

I have some big ass hands myself and have to agree with rammerjammer on the P90. P90 was my favorite untill I got the SR1911.

 

[TimN]

The Model 21 is a great choice. Light weight, low recoil and EXTREMELY accurate. I carried one as a duty weapon for 10 years before retirement. My only complaints are that I never really trusted the trigger safety in some situations (Just a personal preference) and the fact that they are ugly and made of plastic. But they ARE tough. I let mine slip away back when I needed the money. The current owner still carries it daily as a primary duty weapon.

I don't like the Sigs at all. The have a weird twisting recoil. Personally I can't shoot them accurately. I own 3 Colt 1911s, a firestorm, a Rock Island Arms and a Springfield. Several Colt and Smith and Wesson Revolvers.

Looking forward to trying a new Ruger .45 soon.