Well, I amH&K-Guy, so I'm going to go with the HK offerings.
I'm going to go off the rails for a second and recommend you start with an HKUSP45F. You get two more rounds per mag, easier controls that are modular and can be configured to taste, better recoil mitigation (in my opinion) and better options for longer/extended/threaded barrels.
Also, the HKUSP45F is better for sound suppression hosting. Don't ask me why, but my HKUSP45F is one of the quietest .45s I own when paired with a Silencerco Octane 45.
Have several HK45, so yes I like them. I find it a very accurate and soft shooting 45. If you go this route, check on the trigger variants to choose wisely.
Had a USP45 and did not like the extra girth on the grip, something to consider.
------------------ The plural of anecdote is not data. -Frank Kotsonis
Posts: 2120 | Location: Berks Co PA | Registered: December 20, 2006
I dont have a 21 but I do have a 30s and really like it has the pinky extension on the mags so it's a perfect fit. if I had to choose between the ones you mentioned it would be a 21. Love Glocks.
I’d suggest adding a potential 4th...the Walter ppq in .45. I’ve only shot the 9mm version personally but know people wi5h the .45 version that really like it
——————————————————
If the meek will inherit the earth, what will happen to us tigers?
Posts: 7796 | Location: Warrenton, VA | Registered: July 09, 2005
I know it's not on your list, but I would recommend a Gen 4 Glock 21 for a couple of reasons.
First, the the Gen 4 G21 recoil is ridiculously soft and the grip is manageable. One day about 3 years ago, me, another LE instructor and an Arkansas State trooper were at the range. I had my W. German P220, LE instructor had his HK45, and the trooper had his issue G21. We all took turns shooting one another's .45s. After it was all said and done, we all 3 agreed that the G21 was far more pleasant to shoot, just as accurate, and 14 rounds in the gun was a real bonus. We still talk about our experience that day.
Over the years, we've seen many G21s come through the academy, and I've never seen a malfunction attributable to the gun and I can't recall a parts breakage. The Arkansas State Police has won gunfight after gunfight with the G21, including one in 2012 where the trooper shot the felon from 75 yards away after taking a .357 round to the abdomen and with body armor shards in his gut. It's a helluva reliable, accurate, soft-shooting handgun.
Posts: 1126 | Location: Arkansas | Registered: September 25, 2008
For me, the P320 is a solid choice for a polymer framed .45. I have a full size and a compact. Shoots very soft, plenty accurate and it fits my hand like a glove. I also have a Glock 21, but the grip angle and the trigger just don't do it for me. Owned an HK45 briefly--there is something in the trigger guard that makes that gun unpleasant to shoot. Make sure you handle an HK45 before you buy one.
I know these are not polymer frames, but I would recommend that you look at a P220 (it is the Sig forum, after all) and for a wildcard, the CZ 97 is a tremendous pistol. Love mine and it is definitely worth a look.
Not polymer frame but for me I would look for a SIG P220.... I shot my firs SIG in 90s after coming back from Bosnia...and being invited to agency range by someone I was overseas with during that rotation. I fell in love with his P220...the grip, the way it pointed in my hand, the weight of weapon and how it handled recoil, the accuracy... I bought my own from the first gun show that was in my area afterward...did the 3-4 week wait in Maryland or whatever it was...and put on a set of Hogue grips and never looked back. Still my favorite all around handgun to shoot and one I am most comfortable with day in and out. I am not sure you could do better than a nice P220 DA/SA...and if you can find a CPO or lightly used, all the better.
I have a G21 but I actually Prefer to carry my G41, its long slide sibling. The G41 has a longer sight radius, and is actually a few ounces lighter than the G21.
Posts: 6355 | Location: East Texas | Registered: February 20, 2008
A P220ST was my first non-1911 45ACP experience & it was fantastic.
On the polymer side, I'd say go with the HK. Friend rented one at the LGS that had a can on it & it was a hoot to shoot. Same guy that had the above P220ST also had a USP45C that wasn't bad to shoot, I just didn't shoot it as well as the Sig.
Originally posted by preten2b: Have several HK45, so yes I like them. I find it a very accurate and soft shooting 45. If you go this route, check on the trigger variants to choose wisely.
In the past I have owned several HK pistols. The USP is a very solid good shooting gun, but I preferred the HK45 even more. As to control lever variants, I always felt a variant 1 control lever was the most versatile. You can use the lever to decock (push down), and you have a DA/SA pistol. If you push it up, it acts as a manual safety just like a 1911, so if you shoot that way, you flip the safety down when ready to shoot (as a 1911), and every shot is SA.
When in doubt, mumble
Posts: 10887 | Location: South Congress AZ | Registered: May 27, 2006