You don't have my top 3 in your poll:

1). S&W 945
2). Sig 220
3). SW99

I haven't tried any of your choices other than the P345 which I own. While it may not be a perfect pistol its cost to durability ratio is really high in my book. After all it's a RUGER

Could almost have been called the "Best Poly-.45" poll.. Not that I know from ownership experience, but I think there are some exceptionally notable metal-frame .45 ACP's out there..

P90 (for reasons of above.. Ruger built like a tank, yet affordable).
CZ 97 B ?? (This one especially intrigues me a lot)
P220 was already mentioned

In the poly's.. I'd also throw in the FNP-45 just for giggles.. built for SOCOM pistol trials.. Appears to be a tough tough pistol. And just for more giggles, 24/7 taurus.

"Whats my name???"

ok
so i missed a few
my bad

The Cz 97 is a 45 auto version of the Cz 75, famous for its ergonomics. The fullsize Witness pistols, also available in 45, are an excellent clone of the Cz 75. IMHO you have to drop the frame size down to 40 S&W/9mm scale to get anything, plastic or metal, which feels as good as a Cz.

I have a Witness in 45, which is basically the CZ. The one I have is polymer frame. For me the pistol is ergonomically the best I have ever fired with the exception of my 357 colt python from the 60's.

It drives bullets on a rail but it has some features that are less than desireable:

One is the Polymer frame, if I had it to do over again I would definately go for the steel frame. My polymer drives up hard when you fire so the double tap is really difficult.

Safeties are not designed well for the stubby fingered among us. Sadly that is me, you have to reach a bit for it.

There are some excellent selling features though. It comes apart for cleaning in 30 seconds or less. Also same frame size for 45, 9mm, 380 auto, 10mm, I have even seen a 357 sig modification from a 10mm. All this from just fitting a new slide assembly to the same frame pistol you have. That means for about $230 you can own a different handgun in all these calibers.

Also because the frame is exactly the same mags are interchangable with only fitting a new magazine follower onto the magazine frame, a $5 part instead of a $30-$40 mag.

Also there is the fact that the full size frame carries 10+1, a definate firepower advantage.

I'm looking into an XD right now just because with all the rounds that I'm firing the 45 is a bit cost heavy.

Just my two cents.

I have the steel frame Witness in 10mm. The only pistol in the world that feels, perhaps just slightly, better to me is a Browning Hi Power. But.... they don't make those in 45 acp. I love my Witness and they're bargain priced. By the way 13 round mags are available from EAA for about $ 25.00 (a batch of three is about $75.00)

S&W M&P .45. Very simple, very comfortable, holds 10 rounds (better than the Ruger and Sig, but I think the Glock and XD both have more), slim profile, lower bore axis than any XD (less muzzle flip), etc etc etc. Shorter, lighter pull than Glocks or XDs. There is a chamber indicator, but it's visual-only; a hole cut at the gap between chamber and breechblock. Ruger's got a tactile indicator as does XD. Follow Rule 1 and it's a complete non-issue. Price-wise it's comparable with Glock and XD, $100 more then the ruger but about $200 less than the Sig or H&K.

Downsides: Trigger could be better thought-out. There's some takeup, although nothing like what I have on my Ruger P95 in single-action. Once the slack's taken up the pull is all or nothing; if it takes X force to pull the trigger, it won't move at X-.01, but goes immediately at X+.01. It's thus very crisp, but if you, like me, are used to feeling the sear give way then this pull seems very sudden. The trigger design is OK (I like the strong curve), but what really needs to be thought out is the trigger latch; a foreign object or shirttail that gets in the trigger guard is going to have no problem releasing that latch design, where a bar latch like the Glock or XD protruding from the trigger face is harder to release accidentally. Therefore adherence to Rule 3 is an absolute, and extends to ensuring nothing else gets in the trigger guard.

I think I am going to get a Ruger 345 soon. It would be my 1st Ruger, but I';ve kind of eyed that model since they first came out. I wish I could find someone local to let me try one first, however.

But, I have rented the XD45, and I was VERY impressed. I voted for that. I've just never been a big XD fan - but, I think that will be the gun I get after the Ruger.

I really want one of the new HK45c's. I held a full size and she's a big girl. Only 10 rounds. But, the HK45c looks perfect. Too bad it costs ~ a grand.

I voted XD. You can't go wrong with 13+1 of 45.

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

I think I am going to get a Ruger 345 soon. It would be my 1st Ruger, but I';ve kind of eyed that model since they first came out. I wish I could find someone local to let me try one first, however.

But, I have rented the XD45, and I was VERY impressed. I voted for that. I've just never been a big XD fan - but, I think that will be the gun I get after the Ruger.

The XD 45 4" compact (XD9645HCSP06) with the 10 mag and 13 extended grip mag looks like a super versitile gun... Higher cap than a 1911 in compact "carry-mode" and 3 more rounds in "full-grip" mode.

Having shot an XD (an old old HS 2000 9mm range rental with a huge amount of rounds through it), I can say the single action trigger is nice... And it is an accurate and smooth gun.

Though I'm pushing towards that 92FS Inox a friend has, I still think I'd love an XD but don't know if Springfield has any kind of warranty such as Taurus' lifetime warranty.. Thats somewhat nice peace of mind.

But there's too much about the XD's to like.

The buddy of mine with the Ruger P89 just picked up a .357 Sig tactical length XD.. Man I can't wait to bust a few rounds with it when he comes to town.

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

I think I am going to get a Ruger 345 soon.

Actually, I hope you do go for a P345 and give us a good write-up.. Especially with those other poly guns to compare it to.

I was just about to get a SIG 220 with a DAK trigger, when they announced the 250. I'll hold off until I see one for sale in the store. If I like the looks of the 250, I'll get it. If not, I'll get the 220/DAK.

You don't have it listed but in my opinion it would be the SIG 220, out of the box it shoots very well and is extremely reliable, if I went to a polymer pistol I like my XD-45 and have no problems with it at all and am very satisfied, I also used to own the Glock 21, which was a very good gun but I did not like the grip even though I have large hands, I found it hard to keep my index finger of the frame while pulling the trigger and it would cause me to pull some shots, I'm sure the new SF frame would be better as that was the only detracter for me.

To be honest I like how the HK45 feels best. I haven't had a chance to shoot it though so I can't judge. I have shot various Sigs and they are top notch. I'd buy one if I was looking.

Beretta Cougar 8045

If it does'nt say " GLOCK " it won't be in my possesion.

What about the Smiths 4506, 645??? Cant leave them out

I have to go with some of these other guys....for a .45,the Cz designed frame in a Witness or IMI/IWI Baby Desert Eagle is pretty darn comfortable and is as solid as a tank.

Originally Posted by hawcer

I have to go with some of these other guys....for a .45,the Cz designed frame in a Witness or IMI/IWI Baby Desert Eagle is pretty darn comfertable and is as solid as a tank.

How about a sure enough CZ in the 97B??

Originally Posted by babs

How about a sure enough CZ in the 97B??

That would be an excellent choice.

Originally Posted by babs

How about a sure enough CZ in the 97B??

I guess I took that one for granted....since it is the actual CZ.

Originally Posted by milquetoast

That would be an excellent choice.

+1 They are great feeling guns, although I've never shot one.

-Jeff-