Anyone that remembers the debate that Nekakami and I had on handguns (9mm vs .45 :roll: ...like it's really a contest) will know what a die-hard .45 man I am. I've owned or own most of the popular mfgs. 1911s as well as several customs (Kimber Custom Shop, Les Baer, Wilson), and my hands down favorite is the Springfield TRP in stainless. I have two of them with a combined 15000+ rds through them and they are the most reliable and accurate semi-auto handguns I have ever shot.
Having gotten that out of the way, I still have or have had several other styles of .45. I have a Glock 21 that I am extremely fond of. It is more than acceptably accurate and totally reliable. I love the simple design of the Glock, and the additional firepower provided by the hi-cap magazine is a welcome plus. If I had to go back into the bush again, this is probably what I would carry. Actually, I find myself carrying it on a regular basis when I am out in the boonie sections of my property. Lots of illegals still trying to cross my place, and the fact that the gun plus two mags gives me 37 rds. vs. 22 rds with my 1911s is reassuring. It isn't as refined as my tuned 1911s, but it has qualities that I believe make it a better soldier's choice for battlefield conditions. Recoil is not a real issue in my experience, but the Glock will have occasional feeding problems if you are a limp-wristed shooter. That actually goes for most semi-auto pistols. The grip fits my large hand well, but it doesn't point quite a naturally as my 1911s. That last issue is probably more a product of my much longer association with the 1911 than with the Glock.
I've shot the SIG 245 enough to know that i don't like it. It is reasonably accurate, and very reliable, but it just doesn't feel "right" to me. It is noticeably slower for me in quick-draw performance, and I have more difficulty staying on target under rapid fire. I truly think my problems with this gun are related more to fit and preferences than an actual design issue.
I have a SIG GSR 1911, and it is proving to be an excellent performer. It is phenomenally accurate, and will feed anything you give it. Problem with this one is it is heavier than my TRPs and the accessory rail makes it a bit more bulky. It is also basically a 1911 with some minor "improvements". Still, it is a great pistol and an excellent bargain for what you get.
The Rugers are OK, but just feel clunky and cheap. I have not been impressed with them, but the ones I've shot have been reliable if not overly accurate. I would put them in the "Buy One of These if You Can't Afford Anything Better" class.
Stay away from Llamas. Likewise the Colt Series 90s. They are complete junk. I still have a Series 90, but it resides at the bottom of one of my stock tanks (which is where I threw it after the umpteenth jam of the day with ball ammo!! This is after repeated eforts to make the damn thing work properly.). I would place the old AMTs and Safari Arms pistols in this category too. There are still a few of these junkers floating around on the used market.
Sorry Mel, I don't have any experience with the CZ97B, so I can't help you. I'll ask around and see if any of my buddies have one. If they do, we'll get it out to my place for a good wring-out session and then I can give you a report.
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