Need Help with 45.

[mjoinercpd]

OK, looking to buy a good used 45 acp in the next few months. Here is my questions. I am sure this has been covered, but help a brother out.

P-90
p-97
p-345

I know the 90 is a metal framed with a great reputation. This is my first choice.

97 -- polymer frame p90. No problems with one of these. What do I need to be on the lookout for? Did I see you need a different magazine follower so as not to wear parts of the frame? Any other issues to be aware of?

345-- Know very little about this. Any major issues? Issues on mags and what does it take? Magazine disconnect is not an issue to me. Accuracy acceptable?

Know a lot of you like the 1911, but work constraints prevent me from going single action. What are the opinions and suggestions amongst the above three.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Gregg1LE]

I own a P345 and even though I bought it used, it has been stellar in reliability and accuracy.

 

[Cholo]

Only one response from an LEO just north of me? Help a brother out, me not him, as I'm overdue for a *Get Out of Jail Free* card :wink:

Really, where are the responses? I know a lot of you own one or more of the 3 Ruger pistols he's asking about and have an opinion. My only Ruger CF pistol is an LCP so I'm no help beyond a courtesy bump.

 

[Snake45]

I suggest handling (shooting would be even better, if you can arrange it) all three to see which YOU like best.

For ME, the 345 is the clear winner in handling and feel, hands down. But that's not to say that the same will be true for YOU.

 

[roylt]

Each of the 3 have a little different feel in hand. I agree with snake, you got to hold them to know.

I have held all 3 but only fired the 97. didn't like it. went back to my 89 and 94 models.

 

[toysoldier]

My only experience is with the P90. I bought one from a co-worker who took it in trade. I didn't think I'd like the big grip, but it fits my hand nicely. The weight buffers the recoil, so it doesn't seem much more than my Mk III. Reliability has been 100%, and accuracy is excellent. Double-action trigger pull is just about as nice as my old 1917 S&W, and single-action comes close. Mine is the DC, but I picked up a "parts kit"---everything but the frame---of a safety model, and the slide assembly interchanges without a hitch. If my employment required going armed, I would carry it in whichever form was required.

Note---The P90 DOES NOT FIT a good 1911 holster. Bagmaster in St. Louis makes a tactical nylon holster for it.

 

[wixedmords]

The SR45 has just come out mjoinercpd. You may want to wait on reviews of that before you make a decision.

I second the motion that you should hold each and shoot each if you can. Nothing like getting a hand on one to determine which one you like.

Good luck.

 

[Sberk1]

If the SR45 is as good as the other SR models, I'd wait.

 

[Gregg1LE]

"OK, looking to buy a good used 45 acp in the next few months."

I don't think there will be any used SR45's available anytime soon.

 

[cjs1945]

All three are completely dependable, but for me the P345 is the most accurate. The one that appeals the most and feels the most comfortable in your hand would be the best choice for you. Other than personal preference, there is really not any feature or weakness that would make one better than the others, but for CC you might want to consider the new SR45 or preferably SR45c if it should come about because the P series are kind of difficult to conceal.

 

[pyth0n]

I have the 90, 97, & 345. I shoot them all equally well & would not give up any of them. I prefer the 97 or 345 for carry because they're lighter and slimmer than the 90. I'm on the short side & relatively small hands so I find the 345 carry is more comfortable for me. Magazines are the same for all three. I've used all three in IDPA & was impressed with function & accuracy.
Looking fwd to handling the SR45.

 

[brushunter]

Only have the P-345. Its been one of the best autos I've owned. Its never....I mean never missed a beat. I put hundreds of rounds through it while developing a load for it , from 185 to 230 grain , both lead and jacketed. Different powders and charges from 750 to 1025 fps ....it digested everything I put into it. Finally settling on the Hornady 200 XTP/hp over Bullseye ......It will make one hole at 15 yards. ( assuming ya do your part ) Maybe I got a better one , but I haven't heard too many people complain of them. As someone already pointed out , Rugers coming out with the SR45 , maybe it will be worth the wait. I believe the P-345 has been dropped from their line.....ya might find one real cheap as I figure everyone will be waiting for the SR45. Good Luck

regards , brushunter

 

[sargents1]

OK, looking to buy a good used 45 acp in the next few months. Here is my questions. I am sure this has been covered, but help a brother out.
P-90
p-97
p-345
I know the 90 is a metal framed with a great reputation. This is my first choice.

97 -- polymer frame p90. No problems with one of these. What do I need to be on the lookout for? Did I see you need a different magazine follower so as not to wear parts of the frame? Any other issues to be aware of?

345-- Know very little about this. Any major issues? Issues on mags and what does it take? Magazine disconnect is not an issue to me. Accuracy acceptable?

Know a lot of you like the 1911, but work constraints prevent me from going single action. What are the opinions and suggestions amongst the above three.

Thanks for the help.

From what I have read/researched, the magazines are the same for all three guns (P90, 97 and 345). The P345 is the only one I have shot and I thought it was fine. Accuracy was what you would expect and recoil was in line with any poly framed .45. It is also the newest, lightest and smallest, most ergonomic. It also has the Loaded Chamber Indicator, which is a feature I think should be standard for all guns.

I have a P85 so I can understand wanting the P90. I think any of those guns would serve well, but logic says that the P345 is probably the best overall, assuming you are OK with the magazine disconnect.

 

[jeffnles1]

I've had a P90 for a very long time, probably close to 20 years. I have no idea how many thousands of rounds are through it. 10K would not be an aggressive estimate. It's been 100% reliable. Only FTF I've ever had was with some bad primers and that wasn't the gun's fault. Accuracy is outstanding.

I haven't shot the others on your list so I can't comment.

Jeff

 

[noquarter]

Mas Ayoob carried a P345 as dept issue and praised it.
http://backwoodshome.com/blogs/MassadAyoob/2008/05/31/

I'm certainly no Ayoob, but mine has been trouble free and accurate. It will serve you well, but I would seriously consider the SR45 if I was in the market for a new 45.

 

[Snaggletooth]

I've had my P90 for years and I'm pleased with it's accuracy and reliability. The grip bothers some people but fits my over size paw nicely. I will say, if you're considering the gun for CC........ you might want to look at a less bulky model. Does tend to print a bit.

Snag

 

[sigmaman]

The P90 and P97 are awesome guns. I have both. I liked the size and feel of the P345, but didn't care for the magazine disconnect or the loaded chamber indicator, so I never bought one.

 

[ozark777]

I know you're looking for a used one, but Ruger just announced an SR45. It look awesome.

 

[JTQ]

97 -- polymer frame p90.

Not really. It is more like a precursor to the P345. While chunky like the P90, the P97 uses the same barrel lock up as the P345.

The P90 uses a barrel link like the 1911. The P97 and P345 both use the Ruger "cam block" as also used in the P95.

There is a potential problem with a used P345 as the firing pin safety can be damaged through repeated dry firing without the magazine installed. I'm sure Ruger would fix it for you, but something to be aware of.

 

[FergusonTO35]

If you want a 345 be advised that they appear to have been discontinued.