Help me pick my next handgun purchase

[oldnick]

OK, it's been nearly a year and a half since my last handgun purchase and I'm feelin the itch again.  I've read enough posts on here to see that there is quite a bit of knowledge around here, and I wanted to pose this question to like minded people (as far as survival/zombie apocalypse goes).

Overkill posted a thread about the XDM in 9mm, so that got me to researching the XDM. Then I was reminded of the good ol' 1911 I want.  I'm not really ready to spend $1000-1200 on two guns at this time, but depending on the size of my annual "bonus" at work, I really really want to buy at least one.

So from my way of thinking, here are the pros and cons of both. also, i'm posting links to examples of both (the specific models i'm talking about) on gunbroker. These may not be the specific guns i would purchase, but pretty close to the model.

Rock Island Armory 1911
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=120822606
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_Armory_1911_series

Pros:
Standard 1911 so parts are pretty common. Magazines can be found anywhere
Combat tested in the trenches
.45 is good for defense even if the zombies don't come

Cons:
Small capacity ( compared to the Springfield


Springfield XDM .40
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=120902828
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_XD

Pros:
higher capacity (16 for the .40)
Modern engineering (including safeties)

Cons:
Availability of parts including magazines (Midway currently shows Status:
Out of Stock, No Backorder and I'm unable to get into cheaperthandirt's site atm.)


I'm sure there are pros and cons to both that I'm not listing (but unfortunately I'm posting from work and trying to squeeze this in between oc-192 outages LOL)


OTHER:
make another suggestion (preferably in the .45 or .40 calibers) and convince me that it should be my next purchase.  Try to keep it in the same price range (under $700ish) or below as well... there's a reason I'm not looking at a pearl handled 1911 with chrome highlights and a gold plated slide. (other than it being ugly, imo).

Note: I'm mainly looking into .40 S&W and .45ACP because I already have handguns in .45 LC, .357/.38, 9mm, and .22

[OVERKILL]

 I voted for the XD(M)40. My reasoning is to buy a conversion cylinder for the 45 Colt to allow you to shoot 45 ACP, and the Springfield so you'll have the 40 S&W covered. I myself don't own a 40 cal, and have been considering that very pistol, unless I come across a deal on something else in that caliber. I would recommend a 1911 in 40 S&W, but they are a bit more rare and magazines aren't as plentiful as 45 ACP mags.

[Thumper]

I haven't even voted yet because there are so many variables. The .40 is the better round hands down. Better penetration, just as much knock down force, if not more, and larger capacity mags because of the size. Now, the .45 is been around for a long time. the rock island should be matchable to any 1911 parts you need. and the .45 still has lots of surplus ammo out there as well as great knockdown force and reliability. I don't own a 1911, but have shot the h#ll out of them and i have one in the family that will be mine one day so i can't justify the money. I have owned 2 .40 cal pistols and shot many more. and I truly believe the .40 is the best defense round. but i shot the crap out of my guns and 9mm is half the price and very effective as well. so i have since switched out to 9mm.The XD is a highly sought after weapon right now. so you will have trouble getting parts, and accessories  plus you will pay a premium. Also do you want to target shoot and carry for defense? or just one of them? check the XD and make sure it is double action or single action. it is hammerless which means if it is single action its the new single double, that does both like the Walther P99 or the Smith SW99, both awesome guns to consider as well. if it is double action only then you will use it for a carry gun and it won't be much fun for target shooting. I have rambled on, there is alot to consider so tell us all a little more about what you want it for.

[oldnick]

I finally found a place that had both pistols so I could take a look at them side by side.  I've spent the past 3 days visiting various gun shops and sporting goods stores in the Dallas area.  Everybody has Kimber 1911s and XDMs in 9mm... but anyway... after checking around to a few places that carry spare parts and mags, and then feeling the steel of the 1911A1 in my hands, I had to go with the Rock Island.  I'm not saying the Springfield would have been a bad or the wrong choice, and I wish I could have picked up both of them.  But today I had to go with the tried and true sidearm tested in the trenches.

Thank you guys for the opinions. I guess I'm just a little too old fashioned.

[Thumper]

excellent choice!

[OVERKILL]

 I may have to pick up the XD(m) now so we can compare the strong points of each. Been needin' a 40.

[OVERKILL]

 Well, maybe not. I saw an XD(M)40 at a local shop today. I had to stop and calm down when I saw the price tag. I'm still looking for a 40S&W and a 10mm though, anybody have any suggestions? I'd like to find  Megastar or 1006 ( if anybody has any leads let me know) for the 10mm, but don't really have a clue what I want in 40. Been lookin' at a S&W 610 revolver to shoot both.

[Thumper]

the Taurus 24/7 is a really nice gun with a low price tag, check those out, or a S&W Sigma as well. Both similar guns to the Glock style of guns (the sigma actually caused a lawsuit!)

[OVERKILL]

Thanks Thumper. I've shot Sigma 40 and didn't like it, don't care a whole lot for Glock, especially not the 9/40 frame size, but I'd be open to a 10mm possibly (POSSIBLY). I haven't got a hold of a Taurus 24/7, but I do like the 92 type pistols ( I think it's the PT100 and 101 that are chambered in 40 S&W, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong). I don't really don't "need" a 40, I'd just like to have one. I don't plan on concealed carry, so size isn't a problem, actually I prefer a larger grip to fit my hands better. Weight doesn't matter, I'm used to hefting a heavy revolver all day.

[Thumper]

yep, Taurus PT-100 and PT-101

[Duncan2474]

I look at handguns as a fall back weapon, in addition if I go with a .22cal as a primary rifle for ammo abundance I want a pistol to pack a punch for stopping people that will want what you have just as much.  For this the .45 Cal is best