http://www.para-usa.com/2013/index.php
Thanks in advance, 'Pod.
Ping!
One word “Glock”..
Check out Taurus...they’re somewhat reasonably priced.
I don’t own any Glocks but they just came out with a new .45 with a thin slide (the top part of the gun that rides back and forth on the frame) maybe as thin as their .40, that I would take a good look at if I were—well, like eating at Hooters ... I’m always looking! Check it out.
I’d recommend something that you can carry in your pocket with the same knockdown as a .45. I carry a S&W .380 Bodyguard with Glazier (plastic pellet filled) ammo. It has the same lethality as a .45 ACP. It’s invisible. It only has a 3.5 inch barrel, though. I fired 1000 rounds before I carried it. I’m certain I could kill a target at 30 feet. I can hit one consistently at 50. Of course, I suspect all bets are off if they’re shooting back...
Also, if you use it, you’ll lose it. So go as cheap as you dare.
CTD was/is price gouging during the ammo shortage, they are off my vendor list.
If this is your first handgun go to a bog box store and fondle everyone they will let you handle. Then go to a range that rents that gun and shoot one.
My preference is old school. The genius John Moses Browning designed the perfect 45 acp fifty years before I was born.
http://www.shopguntalk.com/GunTalk-Presents-Fighting-with-the-1911-with-Tiger-McKee-1911DVD.htm
1911 or revolver?
Quickly is the operative word if you live in the Republic of Maryland .... too much dilly dallying, over thinking or analyzing and October will be past and you’ll no longer be grandfathered!!!!!!
http://www.para-usa.com/2013/index.php
Two places I have used to shop are www.gunbroker.com and www.gunsamerica.com - there are others, certainly.
If you're committed to that caliber (my favorite) there are numerous options within the $500-700 range. Many of these are 1911-type single-action-only models, but there are others as well. If you're a Glock fan the Model 21 fits your budget. FN makes a very nice FNX in .45 ACP.
Or you could opt for a gold-plated Springfield Armory Bill of Rights commemorative .45 for the low low price of $10,000. If you do that I want to be your friend.
Go to a range that rents guns and shoot all the different ones they have. You’ll find the one that is right for you.
I have dealt with Cheaper than Dirt with good results. Likewise Midway and Bud’s Guns. I would buy from any of these.
When you make your online purchase, you will need to give them a licensed dealer within your state to use as a shipping location. Using your zip code, they can provide a recommended dealer, but it’s your choice. I use my local, friendly pawn shop and they charged me $25 for the service. They call when the gun arrives, you go to the store, fill out the paperwork, and you are on your way. Easy. As a courtesy, I always ask permission from the local dealer and give them a heads up on shipping date.
I like Sigs.
You’re cutting it really close for purchasing a soon to be restricted pistol that has to be transferred in from out of state. I think you need to decide by tomorrow. You’re going to blow that $500 budget when taxes, transfer fees, and five extra mags are factored in. I’d consider ten mags, in fact, if I were you in MD and I’m glad I’m not.
I don’t know if IMI (Israel Military Industries) still makes them, but years ago they kicked out a really good piece for a really good price.
And all parts were interchangeable with the standard 1911.
But hey, I’m old, times change. You’ll get good advice from the crew.
weight should be considered because a heavier gun recoils less and has less muzzle flip - both meean faster folowing shots. However, too heavy and it gets left behind - baaad idea.
Smallest .45 ACP is the AMT 45 backup. Nice, but with a 17# trigger pull. Arguably a superb close range defense carry gun, and defense shootings are close encounters of teh Urban Feral kind.
The plastic guns function well and are lighter to carry.
My choice would be the AMT in my pocket because a man can walk with a hand in his pocket and no one notices - this can cut your time to draw and fire to under one second, as the gun is already in your hand if the situation seems threatening.
A SS .45 can be a good CCW choice if you can find a S&W 4516-1 or the S&W 4516-2 (AL frame). There is even a S&W Chief’s Special which is smaller than the 4516 series.
Depending on your size, you might even be able to CCW a .44/.45 revolver. In that case, the Dan Wesson revolvers can change barrels, though Keith favored the 4” .44 mag revolver.
In any, and all cases, do get a Laserlyte training laser. It is inserted in the muzzle and emits a 10 ms red dot to show where the bullet would have hit. This allows “range time” in many places and many times.
Best thing since smokeless powder!
Continental Arms in Timonium,On Target by Ft. Meade: rent a few at those ranges and see what you prefer.
More more comfortable in the hand than the Glock or Sig [in my opinion] and quite accurate. More magazine capacity than the 1911's.
Very reliable with any type of ammo. Comes with small, medium and large backstraps to accomodate most any hand size.
I've a lot of 45 caliber firearms in most platform configurations including revolvers. The M&P is my favorite semi-auto.
OTH, if this is your first weapon, why go for a BIG GUNZ? Bigger is not always better, especially in home defense.
Revolvers are cheaper, safer, easier for a novice to use,(unless you KNOW how to clear a ‘stove pipe’ you should avoid autos for your first weapon. Just MHO) HIGHLY effective, and sometimes fly under the radar of gun grabbers.
A really nice Taurus .357 in either 4” or 6” barrel, will let you practice cheap (.38 special rounds) and also let you penetrate deep (.357 mags or even .38 +P) rounds.
Please be honest with yourself, if you are not a person who will go to the range religiously to learn the peculiarities of temperament of a semi auto piece, look into a good revolver.
Notwithstanding the howitzer crowd here, they really are safe and effective and fall nicely into your price budget.