What 45 do you prefer?

Aww thank you so much everyone! You are all amazing!

Chris LOVES to look at guns, so I am pretty sure I could get him to find one he loves... it is just going back to purchase this gun without will be the key. I need to make sure I pay very close attention!

Although I LOVE the idea of giving just a box of ammo and the note that says "this comes with a new gun".. hmm I may do that! Thank you so much!!

Zulu Zulu Zulu.... lol I would love to give him a knife but the Air Force has given him about 4 of those for free on his 4 deployments His squadron was actually a highly deployable squadron that did lots of work with the army, including convoys. So unfortunately... your joke usually would have worked with others in the "Chair Force".. but not my hotty husband!

 

All of this don't address the OP's questions. A Kimber .45 is as nice as you can do...

 

Thank you!

 

Yea, but didnt post a pic yet. I'll do it in the am

 

This is the gun I carry on me almost every day. The days I can't or don't carry the 1911 I carry my Glock 19 because it's lighter.

It's a Springfield MilSpec. I have added a flat mainspring housing and a long trigger. Has about 1200 rounds through it and has had zero malfunctions


But I'm like you, I love the .45ACP and love the 1911 so of course my suggestion is a 1911. Just remember the 1911 is a different manual of arms than other guns. It's single action with a manual safety, it takes a lot of getting used to and training to become profecient with it. A nice 1911 in .45ACP is just about as American as you can get.

 

I vote for Kimber 1911 .45

 

Thanks so much! Kimber seems like a favorite.

 

Adding my 2 cents. Kimber for nice looking carry, Springfield XD for lots of rounds in a plastic throw-down, I don't give a rat's arse if it gets messed up gun.

Others to consider are STI, Dawson Precision, Para-Ordnance. I'm not a fan of SIG and other double-action/single-action models because most people can't shoot them well. I'm an instructor and see *lots* of students each year. Stick to something that has the same single-action trigger pull every time and you'll be fine.

More importantly, practice, practice, practice.

 

The kimber is a sweet 1911. I have shot one, they have an awesome trigger. I used to carry my scandium framed smith and wesson 1911. The trigger on it isn't as crisp as the kimber, but IMO that makes it a better carry and defense gun, to a point. I'd get a kimber to play with at the range, but I found the trigger a little touchy for carry and defense. The S&W is about 4lbs i think, with a little slack at the front of the pull. The beretta px4 that I was issued has a 14lb trigger with about an inch of travel The only thing that is good for is exercising your trigger finger.

 

I have a Taurus very accurate gun and my Wife likes it.
I also have a Colt 1911A1 I bought this one because the first big gun I ever shot was a Colt 45. I also have a S&W M&P that I like a lot.
I agree with the other guys it is a good I idea to shoot a few first. I got a good deal on a Sig one time but after shooting it was not for me. The grip was too big and my wife couldn't shoot it all.

 

i just bought a glock 21-SF. i will shoot it for the first time next week.

OP,, i bet money, you go near a gun store..your man will demand to walk in and check it out. resist/complain mildly..and follow him in. pay attention and listen to him. he will tell you.

i do this at the makeup/jewelry/perfume counter all the time.

 

go with Springfield XD forget the rest

 

Kimber every way, have two my self people thinly I'm nuts but its a Cadillac

 

I am loving all these opinions! Thanks so much!!

Aficianado- Thanks! That is how it usually goes! I can't bicker to much or he will say "nevermind.. we don't have to" lol I am glad men play the game too!

I know we both definitely want a gun that can be an easy carry gun too. So I know that will play a role on the size of the gun.

 

If it's going to be a primary carry firearm, a fullsize .45 MAY not be the way to go, as they are big and heavy. Also to all above that have posted about the fit and grip angles of different makers, a 1911 is a 1911, with everything being the same, most parts will interchange between different companies. It has been posted before, but here is quick pic of my newest Kimber.

 

KImbers are sweet guns with match grade barrels, have rather light triggers and are priced accordingly. You will not go wrong with one of those.

For about 2/3 of the cost of a Kimber I'd look hard at the Para GI Expert. It is a full sized 1911 model in steel. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that come with a Kimber but it has just about everything that one needs in a working gun. It shoots real good and is one of the best values out there right now. The stainless version of the GI Expert is what sits in the glove compartment of my Taco.

If you do look at Kimbers be aware of their nomenclature:

Custom = 5" barrel and full sized frame
Pro = 4" barrel and full size frame
Ultra = 3" barrel and a smaller Officer sized frame.

If you do go with a Kimber take a look at their Crimson Carry models. They have alloy frames to make them 1/2 lb lighter than the full steel guns and they come with the Crimson Trace laser sight installed in the grips. The Crimson Carry Ultra is on my wish list.

 

my brother sold a used Kimber from his stash for something like $1200. CRAZY!

you could buy a new glock and a new Sig, shoot them both.

 

Have you considered getting a Gov't-size frame/slide from Caspian? They can fit it for you or you can take it to a gunsmith. It wont be up and shooting for a while, but it would allow your husband to select the exact make/style of parts to suit his own shooting style and needs. A custom 1911 beats a one-size-fits-all any day.

http://www.caspianarmsltd.com/

 

HEre ya go:

 

damn..i could use that for my 226!