.45ACP limited gun?

[Pro2AInPA]

For now I'm stuck shooting limited minor with my 9mm Glock 17L. In the not too distant future I'd like to move up to major PF.

For various reasons, I do not want to shoot .40 S&W, so that leaves me with .45ACP to make major. Is there a .45ACP pistol with a high enough magazine capacity to be competitive in limited, or would I be better served with a 1911 running 10 round mags in L-10?

[G-ManBart]

I should say "do a search" because this has been batted around many, many times before

Semi-short answer:

Really nothing ot be afraid of with .40, but if you're stuck on .45, L-10 is a better fit. Even with the highest capacity .45 available you won't have the same magazine capacity as the .40 shooters. Plenty of folks in .40 have 21 and 22 round mags, so you're looking at 22-23-round guns. I can't recall exactly, but I think 18 is about the most anybody is getting in 45.

The other thing is that most people seem to agree that a high-capacity gun is better as an L-10 setup because they're easier to reload than a single stack....bigger opening to hit, so most L-10 shooters seem to be shooting a 2011/Glock/Witness etc.

Some folks will say it doesn't matter because there's always a chance to reload in longer courses, but I don't believe it's true for anybody, and it's certainly not true for me. I can't reload and take three steps as fast as I can just take three steps (just an example). The other thing is that each reload offers one more opportunity to make a mistake and waste a huge amount of time....call that the disaster factor. On long stages where everybody is going to have to reload, the higher capacity gun gives you more options in when you reload, and sometimes will save your bacon when you've had to make up a couple of shots and still do the reload at your planned spot. If you plan to do a reload and are forced to do it earlier, it almost always totally trashes your run....we've all seen it happen. A little mag capacity buffer can help avoid that. Further, if reloading wasn't a factor, L-10 wouldn't exist.

[Pro2AInPA]

Thanks for that. I have my eyes on the Para Ordnance P14 for a possible L-10 blaster for the reason you mentioend (migger magwell opening as opposed to a single stack 1911). Other options in that general price range?

[ParaGunner]

For the last year I have been shooting Limited division with a Para 45acp getting 18 rounds in the mags. I think G-manBart pretty much covered it, there was times when the 20-22 round stages hurt me with a 45 having to reload and the 40cal shooters did not have too. That why I just switched to 40.

[nphd2000]

If your mind is set on a double-stack .45, L-10 is the place to be. No equipment disadvantage and some think .45 is softer shooting. If money was no object I would shoot .45 in L-10. I believe it's a slight advantage with softer re-coil (we won't discuss the easy score holes a .45 makes, especially with a lead semi wadcutter). Since money is a concern (for me anyway) I would re-think the .40 route. JMO

[Pro2AInPA]

If your mind is set on a double-stack .45, L-10 is the place to be. No equipment disadvantage and some think .45 is softer shooting. If money was no object I would shoot .45 in L-10. I believe it's a slight advantage with softer re-coil (we won't discuss the easy score holes a .45 makes, especially with a lead semi wadcutter). Since money is a concern (for me anyway) I would re-think the .40 route. JMO

I load my own ammo so there's basically no cost difference at all between shooting .40 vs .45. I've been loading .45 for years and I'm very comfortable with it. I just don't want to venture into .40 territory. I'm happy loading 9mm, .223, and .45 ACP.

So as far as a double stack .45 - Anything in the same price range as the Para P14 that I should look at?

[paul788]

EAA Witness in .45 if you want a steel gun or the Glock, M&P, or XD. All will be cheaper than the Para. I've been shooting a P14 for 5 years and most of that in L10. Switched to Limited last year. There are more parts available for the Glock than anything else. I like the Witness and you can do alot with the trigger yourself. Henning is the source for Witness parts. M&P and XD are going to be tougher to move up to Limited if you decide to switch divisions.

my 1 1/2 cents.

Paul

[G+16]

if you can find one Springfield made a double stack a couple times in the past few years, par magazines work in it just fine, if you adjust your magazine release sti 45 magazines will work, the xd is a great gun also, rock Island builds a double stack, I picked up one new last year for $485, but you also have to figure in your magazine funnel, 4 magazines, the holders for them and a slick holster, really it's what ever you'd feel right shooting, don't just be a follower (everone has STI, everyone has SA), enjoy the sport