If the three were on the table which would you choose? I'm at an impasse, I have a little over $1k to spend on a handgun or three. Right now I'm thinking of buying one of these three, a Taurus SS ultra-light 44, and a Buckmark for the boy. The other plan is to go with a S&W 1911PD, Sig 220 Carry, or an HK45 and maybe a Buckmark for the boy. Any suggestions/advice is appreciated.

Glock 21 hands down, and what ever for the boy.

Why the Glock over the others?

I suspect you'll find the answer to which of those 3 when you handle each of them. The FN is HUGE, the Glock is BIG whereas the 21SF is Big, you may even want to consider the S&W M&P 45 in there too. They all fit the hand differently so every user finds likes and dislikes in the fit.

Sig 220 or a nice 1911 would be my first choice in a 45


Of the ones you mentioned, the Glock would be the last on my list since I tend to shoot at least foot high when I point shoot one, the grip angle and myself do not get along. I like the XD, I have one in a 40 that has been 100% reliable and very accurate.

If you hands are medium sized like mine (measure 7" from palm to end of middle finger) then you probably aren't going to like the Glock or anything that size - feels really fat in my hand. Add an inch to your hand size and you'll probably think its great...

I have an XD45 and love it. I also have an older P220 and love it too.

If the P220 is new, its probabl going to crowd your other purchase - price wise.

The buckmark is a nice pistol. I'd also suggest a Ruger MkIII.

A big part of the problem, and the main reason I'm asking here, is that I don't have the opportunity to handle many of these. I have relatively large hands, over 8", so the size shouldn't be a big issue. I've handled and shot the 220 Carry and liked it a lot - balance, trigger, and fit were outstanding. I've also shot several Glocks and found them to be just OK, much better with a slip on Houge grip but not what the Sig is. I've handled the XD's and they were also OK but never shot one so don't know that I could say one way or the other if I like them. Never handled the FN, S&W, or the HK but like the looks of them. All seem to be in the same weight range give or take an ounce or two. My thought was that perhaps someone would be able to at least eliminate one or two of the options based on quality or accuracy, etc.

Well, you just said it. You've handled the Sig and really liked it. That's worth a lot. You will not find a higher quality, more reliable or accurate pistol. There are also plenty of good holsters available for them.

ETA - if you haven't bought from these folks yet, I highly recommend them - excellent, excellent service - very good prices, IMHO http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php

I just bought an EAA Witness 10mm from em.

They've got several Sig's in stock - this one for example:

Springfield. Of D/A .45's though, I'd pick a SIG tops.

XD 45 13+1, what more can you ask for?