I'm thinking of picking up a .45 auto to see if its something I would like. I have enough 9mm and .40. I strongly prefer hammer-fired autos over strikers, and probably metal frame over polymer. I do have my father's Colt National Match, but I already know I do not shoot the 1911 platform well in any caliber. This will be primarily a range toy, as opposed to carry. I am aware of the P220 of course, and the HK's. I'm reaching out to this fine group to see if there are any others I should consider? The CZ 97 is out of production.

You're kind of limiting yourself with your criteria. Personally, I like the SIG 1911...but I also have a P320/.45ACP, P220, and had a P245.

The 97 may be out of production but that does not mean they are unavailable. If you don't want a 1911 and you want it to be steel the 97 is the best choice. Find one and send it to Cajun Gun Works at 97 Parkway Circle, West Monroe, LA 71292.

I don't work for them but am a very happy customer.

I had a 1911 and P220 but got rid of them, b/c I didn't enjoy shooting them. A few months ago, I demo'ed a CZ 97BD, and it was pussycat and made me reconsider 45ACP. The 97 was discontinued at the beginning of the year, so they are not that hard to find.

Some other sleepers you might consider:
Sar K2 45
Grand Power P45
EAA Tanfoglio Witness 45

The Sar & Tanfo are CZ 75/97 clones w/ steel frames. Grand Power is hammer fired w/ polymer frame and rotating barrel lock-up.

I know you said you prefer hammer fired, metal frame guns, but after the 1911, the Glock 21/41/30 series is probably the next most popular platform for 45ACP.

Hard to beat a SIG P220 variant for an all metal framed, Hammer fired option if you don’t want a 1911.

Very reliable, good to great triggers, durable, feel great, good recoil control, cheap………er than buying a helicopter. . It’s perfect.

S&W 4506 or 4506-1. They are out of production but are damn fine guns.

If you want to go a little smaller on the slide/barrel then you want to look at the S&W 4566.

Other than that the Ruger P90 (also out of production) is a great shooter. Horribe ergonomics but good and reliable. I recently pickup up a mint on in box for under $300

Plenty of new CZ 97 for sale on Gunbroker. I am considering getting one myself.

A P220ST would probably be my top choice for a non 1911 non-polymer 45ACP

I got a few rounds in a suppressed HK45 rental at the range & it was a really nice shooter. Did not remove the suppressor, so can't comment on it without.

Had a range day with my wife's former boss years ago.
He brought out his P220ST, USP45C, XD45 & some flavor of FN 45.

The Sig & HK were the easiest to shoot well, for me.

Get a 1911 and work at shooting it mo' betta!

Have you looked at the P227? I was going through the same process a few months ago and was down to the P220 and HK45 and then ran across a P227 SAS. Basically, it’s a 10 rd P220 in a P229 form factor. I know it’s discontinued, but the parts are either P220 or P226 if something breaks. I’ve been really happy with it.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I have a 229, so the 227 sounds interesting, if I can locate one. And there my be a CZ 97 rental somewhere in the area.

When I was looking for a .45 I shot a few and landed on a P220 Carry duo tone. This gun makes me look at the range. I would sell all my guns and still keep this one ...... it's that good.

This variant of a P220ST is my favorite .45ACP (non-1911, non-polymer) for a range gun or house gun. It's a Sig P220 Stainless Match Elite, 5 inch bbl, DA/SA, all stainless, target rear sight.
No longer in production but if you look, they still can be found. It is large & heavy, not good for CCW.
Absolutely soft shooting with ANY .45ACP ammo.

DSC01156 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

I second the 4566 mentioned above as well as the cz97. Just bought a 97 myself, so they are still out there.

One of the popular online auction sites has two of the P220 SME's in .45ACP for sale.

Beretta PX4 in 45. It will surprise ya

My favorite modern 45 semi-auto is the HK USP...based on your criteria of a range piece outside of HK and SIG...I would look at a S&W 25/625 revolver.

quote:

Originally posted by CQB60:
Beretta PX4 in 45. It will surprise ya

SURPRISE!!!! It’s plastic. . He wanted metal.

Now that said I really like my 9mm PX4 and I have to say the .45 PX4 has intrigued me for quite a while. It is, however, one the few guns I’ve never shot. I don’t think I’ve ever even handled one.

Probably metal over polymer. They are really flat shooters especially in the big caliber. Only detractor is the slick grip and that’s remedied with talon grips..

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:

quote:

Originally posted by CQB60:
Beretta PX4 in 45. It will surprise ya

SURPRISE!!!! It’s plastic. . He wanted metal.

Now that said I really like my 9mm PX4 and I have to say the .45 PX4 has intrigued me for quite a while. It is, however, one the few guns I’ve never shot. I don’t think I’ve ever even handled one.

Look for a P220 Carry Elite. I have this, another P220 circa 2000 and a Dan Wesson Heritage. The P220CE is my favorite of the three.