What gun?

[bottlerocket]

x2 on the Witness, but I'd skip the "P" variant

[GeorgeG.]

Also pass on the S&W Sigma series...or at least research them. I bought a S&W sigma series 9mm for my first gun. Total crap, has like a 10-11 lbs trigger pull and a long travel before the gun actually fired. I can't say for sure if their .40 or .45 would be the same so that's why I said research it.

Spend a little more and get a good gun. This one has a 4-5 lbs trigger pull and feels good!
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Kimbe...Ntt=kimber+.45

These are the only two guns I have experience with. To be honest, IMO, they are on the opposite sides of the scale so I'm sure there are plenty of guns in between. If you don't want to find yourself unhappy with what you buy, go shoot different guns. Holding one only does so much, plus, unless you're already shooting it, you'll probably be holding one that's empty. A fully loaded gun can be a huge difference. Take that S&W for example. I bought it at Academy, held it and it felt good. Once I bought it, loaded it with 15-16 rounds of 9mm and it was not that great.

Went to the range one day with a buddy and shot his Kimber UCII and fell in love with it.

[CJ]

Also pass on the S&W Sigma series...or at least research them. I bought a S&W sigma series 9mm for my first gun. Total crap, has like a 10-11 lbs trigger pull and a long travel before the gun actually fired. I can't say for sure if their .40 or .45 would be the same so that's why I said research it.

Spend a little more and get a good gun. This one has a 4-5 lbs trigger pull and feels good!
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Kimbe...Ntt=kimber+.45

These are the only two guns I have experience with. To be honest, IMO, they are on the opposite sides of the scale so I'm sure there are plenty of guns in between. If you don't want to find yourself unhappy with what you buy, go shoot different guns. Holding one only does so much, plus, unless you're already shooting it, you'll probably be holding one that's empty. A fully loaded gun can be a huge difference. Take that S&W for example. I bought it at Academy, held it and it felt good. Once I bought it, loaded it with 15-16 rounds of 9mm and it was not that great.

Went to the range one day with a buddy and shot his Kimber UCII and fell in love with it.

LOL without a doubt, Sigma's are pieces of garbage. So much so S&W renamed the whole line because of the bad image. I don't know what S&W is up to at the moment with their semi autos, but the S&W .380 bodyguard has one of the worst triggers I've ever felt as well.

[Big A]

Went to the range one day with a buddy and shot his Kimber UCII and fell in love with it.

Lemme know where you can find one for anything close to $500, and I'm all over it.

[YALE]

LOL without a doubt, Sigma's are pieces of garbage. So much so S&W renamed the whole line because of the bad image. I don't know what S&W is up to at the moment with their semi autos, but the S&W .380 bodyguard has one of the worst triggers I've ever felt as well.

The M&P series is alright.

[LS1Goat]

I've put 300+ rounds through my Sigma .40. Zero issues. It cycles every brand of ammo I throw at it. There are spring kits for to change the trigger, if you don't like it. Sure, my P226 is a better gun, but also quit a difference in price.

[CJ]

The M&P series is alright.

I'm excluding the M&P series, but I find it troubling that S&W clearly has a problem across their lines and they are not addressing it.

[Jose]

XD45 in either 4" or 5" will run you under $500

FunFordCobra is selling a .45 XD Service Model in the Classifieds for $425 I think. I've got a good concealment holster for it to Wish I had the money for it as I sold mine a while back and miss it, it was a really nice gun.

As far as the original post, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Glock's, Springfield Armory XD's, or S&W M&P series guns.

[Mach1Run]

RIA 1911 is a good gun as long as you're okay running 230gr ball FMJ rounds. They won't cycle hollow points reliably. I wouldn't choose it as a carry gun though, not reliable enough imho.

Have not tried HP through my 1911 yet, it's too heavy and bulky to carry. That's what the XDs if for though.

[Jose]

Have not tried HP through my 1911 yet, it's too heavy and bulky to carry. That's what the XDs if for though.

Says who? I have no problems doing so with my full size Kimber, just need a good holster and belt.

[JC316]

Pass on the semi-auto Taurus. Just don't even bother with one.

I have a Taurus Millennium Pro .40 and I have no complaints with it. Once I figured out the damned straight 8 sights anyway.

[Cheezebandit]

I have a Taurus 24/7 G2 .. have close to 1000 rounds through it and not one single issue... I guess i got lucky

[Buckwild331]

Kinda have it narrowed down to:
-Springfield XD45 (OD green)
-Beretta PX4
-Taurus 24/7 G2

Still going to look this weekend and hold as many as possible, and see what feels right.

[lowthreeohz]

I have a Taurus 709slim and it hates white box (dimples primer but FTFs a lot) but shoots fiocchi without issue. From my experience with just this gun I wouldn't recommend one for carry duty.

[Mach1Run]

Says who? I have no problems doing so with my full size Kimber, just need a good holster and belt.

Says me. I'm a skinny guy so it looks like I have a brick under my damn T shirt.