Originally Posted by Liko81

One of the major reasons I don't like Glocks or SDs is that the slide release is an impossible-to-manipulate flat stamped POS. Buying a gun only to immediately start swapping out vital parts doesn't seem like a good game plan.

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you must have used a fake Glock in the past. Did it happen to say "Crock" instead of "Glock" on the side? The slide release on a real Glock is so easy to manipulate that even a child can do it. And since they work perfectly well, they certainly aren't a POS. Also, a real Glock works perfectly right out of the box, with no swapping of parts necessary in order for them to work. Of course, some people like to swap parts because they want to customize a particular aspect of a Glock, but this isn't done because something didn't work in the first place.

I hope that one day you get to shoot a real Glock, especially since you won't find a more reliable semi-auto.

As for other choices, well, there aren't a lot of others below $600, but I think there are a few Taurus' to look at, and the ones from Bersa and I believe FN.

PhilR.

I have to agree with the poster above. The glock 21 I rented at my local range was completely stock and the slide release was very easy to funtion.

I also was a pre-conceived "anything but glock" guy,......Before I test fired the 21. There's something about that low bore axis, this 45 cal feels nothing like my Sig P220 did recoil wise. It gets right back on target very quickly even for my novice handgunning skills. It was also the gun I was most accurate from the get-go. Do not do yourself a disservice and go try one out, and if you already have I just have to say I'm amazed you've found "functional" fault with this gun.

Originally Posted by Lucretius

I have to agree with the poster above. The glock 21 I rented at my local range was completely stock and the slide release was very easy to funtion.

I also was a pre-conceived "anything but glock" guy,......Before I test fired the 21. There's something about that low bore axis, this 45 cal feels nothing like my Sig P220 did recoil wise. It gets right back on target very quickly even for my novice handgunning skills. It was also the gun I was most accurate from the get-go. Do not do yourself a disservice and go try one out, and if you already have I just have to say I'm amazed you've found "functional" fault with this gun.

I have fired Glocks (the 19 and 30, though not the 21) and they really did say Glock; it wasn't the XD or Sigma (though those have similar slide release issues). I do like the firing behavior of the gun, but other elements of its function just don't work for me. Maybe a comparison is in order: take a look at a Ruger P-series slide lock (they're all similar); compared to a Glock's SL the Ruger's is very substantial and ridiculously easy to manipulate. I could probably get used to that or it could wear in and require less force, but it's only one thing I don't like about Glocks. I'd just mentioned the slide lock because it seems like a little thing but makes a huge difference in the feel and speedy operation of the gun. I also do not care for the feel of the grip or the stock sights. It's just not a design I care for, pure personal preference.

How about a S&W 457? Here's one with a "Buy Now" price of $575. New.
http://www.forthehunt.com/Auction/Vi...?Item=89484185

Originally Posted by Liko81

Most 1911s are out of my price range and I'm kinda iffy about carrying a gun with the hammer cocked anyway whether that's "safe" or not.

Kinda iffy? Do any of your other guns go off spontaneously? Don’t let the irrational fear dissuade you. As my buddy Mike says "keep your booker hooker off the bang switch".

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

Kinda iffy? Do any of your other guns go off spontaneously? Don’t let the irrational fear dissuade you. As my buddy Mike says "keep your booker hooker off the bang switch".

Yes I do know it's an irrational fear, I don't have a problem with anyone else carrying C&L, and I wouldn't have a problem myself if I got used to it. The only problem is that the 1911s at my local gun range/store start at $700 and I do not yet feel the need to spend that much when there are an abundance of excellent .45ACP handguns for hundreds less.

How about a S&W 457? Here's one with a "Buy Now" price of $575. New.

That's what I know as a Model 45 Tactical. I may need to generalize, but I'd probably be happy with any variation of Model 45x.

Make sure you're operating your Glock or XD with a full mag...

It IS virtually impossible to drop the slide on an empty cylinder with an XD or Glock. The release is VERY hard, and it's designed that way, so that you DON'T drop the slide on an empty chamber when you need a bullet. When there is a bullet in the top of the mag, it'll go nice and easy. In the shop, next to the counter, empty, it's a bitch.

This is a safety feature...

That said, no school ever suggests using the mag release unless absolutely required. Put slight pressure on the release, pull back the slide with your off hand, and let'r go.

My two

Originally Posted by Lucretius

I also was a pre-conceived "anything but glock" guy,.......

I was right there with you. I took a unique path to finding a carry gun I liked. This may sound silly, but......


I would purchase a gun so that I could try it out during several trips to the range over a long term basis (found some used, most were new). I could not find everything I wanted to try as a rental, and I found that--except for an instant dislike--one session was not enough for me to make an informed choice.

Some of the guns I kept, others I took to my local gun store to sell on consignment (so that I did not have to advertise myself as having guns in my house). I can't count the number of weapons I've spun through this way.

Glock was the last gun I tried, mainly because everybody seemed to have one and I wanted to be different.

I finally bought a used 23 and a 27. It was love at first shoot.

I ended up buying a new 27 as my standard carry weapon, and put an internal laser in it.

Sure, I've got other guns I like to shoot, but I only carry my Glock.

And I haven't sold those used ones I bought!

I have owned a Ruger P345 for a couple of years now and find it fun to shoot and would recommend it. It has a fairly heavy DA trigger but I've found it easy enough to shoot accurately as long as I kept a good grip amd a steady pull. I recently changed out the hammer spring to a Wolff 19lb one which has improved the DA pull a lot.

You have already tried the S&W M&P .45 and liked the way it fit your hand, it's a reliable gun from a solid manufacturer, and they are on sale through February for very attractive prices. Sounds like a tough combination to beat.

I haven't seen too many M&Ps for rent on the ranges around here so it may be tough to try before you buy.

Another value priced gun is the Czech CZ-97B in .45. It's below your $600 limit, very reliable, and doesn't have that polymer feel. I think you can see this brand at your local Academy store.

I went through this same process when I wanted a Non-1911 .45. I settled on a SIG 220 because it's very reliable, eats all ammo with no issue, is accurate, and easy to strip and maintain. But a new 220 will put you over your price limit. SIG does make Certified Pre-Owned handguns and you could probably get a 220 for your price that way if you like the gun.

That S&W M&P is going to be tough to beat.

Happy hunting.