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Take a look at the FNP-45. Great gun.

Originally Posted by Buggy Chief

What brand and model should I be looking at? I want to try and stay around the 600-800 dollar range including a laser sight? Thanks in advance for any recomendations.

Given that you want a LASER within those prices, you have taken away some very good possibilities such as H&K, Sig, and 99% of the 1911's, but there are still a few good choices. Take a look at the Glocks, S&W M&P, and Springfield XD's. For a 1911 style, look at the Rock Island Armory and possibly the ParaUSA LTC if you can still find them for around $550.

EAA, Ruger, and FN also make .45's, but I'm not sure if anyone is making a LASER for them.

Of course I am assuming that you want a decent LASER, which will run at least a hundred and half, and most likely a lot more. If however you want one of those el-cheapo trigger guard-mounted ones, then your budget will most likely allow you to consider Sig and possibly even the HK's too, along with 1911's from Springfield and Kimber.

I just picked up a Taurus PT1911 for $700. Just put 250 rds though it and Im really diggin it.

Originally Posted by Uno99

I just picked up a Taurus PT1911 for $700. Just put 250 rds though it and Im really diggin it.

Dang those things must be going up. I got my stainless one for 600.00 and the blued for 525.00. They are pretty nice weapons. T find around here anyway the people that don't like them have not fired one. I shoot with a hard core Kimber guy and he wants one not after shooting mine.

AS to lasers if you really have to have one of those get one that's actually worth a crap. And good ones will drive the price of the weapon a good bit.

The FNP-45 has a rail for stuff like that. Personally I just can't see the big draw of gadgets like that. And it's not too expensive.

By personal protection I am guessing you mean home not carry. Honestly for that a laser would be second to a light and it would be better to use a hand held light not attached to the gun because you have to point the gun at whatever you want to light up. I have an FNP .45 and my girl has the .40. For the money I think they are hard to beat, even for much more money they are hard to beat.
While taking my CCW class I had a LakeCity round explode in my .45. The only think I felt was a little sting in my hand and it blew the bottom out of the mag and broke the decock lever. The gun still fired perfectly with no real damage. I am glad I had the FNP in my had when it happened, I believe a lesser gun would have suffered much more damage and so would have I.

I personally love my Rock Island Armory .45.It was my first gun & will probally always be my favorite gun out of all of my guns.I was able to get mine for around $325 or so but that was 7yrs ago.I would suggest looking at it & seeing if u like it.I is in ur price range & it is a good gun. Good luck in ur search.

Recently picked up a S&W 45 compact...$599...Awesome shooter...

Originally Posted by Buggy Chief

I am looking to add a .45 semi auto to my collection. I currently have a Ruger 9mm semi auto.

What brand and model should I be looking at? I want to try and stay around the 600-800 dollar range including a laser sight? Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

I plan on taking the ccw course along with my wife to get our ccw license. This weapon will be used for personal protection as well as target practice.

I have a Springfield 45XD and love it. Right price and could not be happier. Defiantly check one out a local shop.