Suggest a .45 to meet these criteria

[Hoi Polloi]

This goal isn't a primary carry gun. I have one I can use for that. I'm disappointed that my gun doesn't have any way to make it purty and want one that looks as nice as it shoots. It's a second gun so I can be picky and care about such trivialities, right? Who among you will tell me it's a bad reason for acquiring another gun?

Far from me to question anyone's reason for buying a gun. Heck I've bought them just because I wanted to try one out.

Based on your comments above, nothing is more beautiful or customizable than a finely crafted 1911.

It's a crying shame I don't care for 1911s, isn't it?

Pretty, but just doesn't feel "right" or intuitive when I shoot them. I want something like this.

[SQLGeek]

I'll echo the others recommending a Sig 220. Sounds like that would be your best fit.

[TridentFrog]

How about the Ruger P345? Not a compact by any means, but I haven't heard anyone else mention it.

[Middle Age Russ]

In addition to the SIGs and the P345 mentioned earlier, you might look at third generation Smith and Wesson pistols. The CS45 (Chief's Special) offers the smallest, lightest variant, and they go up in size/weight to the 4506 (all stainless slide and frame, full-size).

Shootability and recoil management vary with the weight, with the largest/heaviest offering less perceived recoil and quicker return to target. I had a second generation Smith 9MM that was a delight to shoot and absolutely reliable but the ergonomics was not great. The ergos for the third generation are better, and I have heard nothing but good things regarding the reliability of the third-gen. Smiths.

I am not certain how large the selection of aftermarket stocks for the third generation Smiths is, but there are at least a couple of different options from the standard stock.

[MoJo]

This goal isn't a primary carry gun. I have one I can use for that. I'm disappointed that my gun doesn't have any way to make it purty and want one that looks as nice as it shoots. It's a second gun so I can be picky and care about such trivialities, right? Who among you will tell me it's a bad reason for acquiring another gun?

Far from me to question anyone's reason for buying a gun. Heck I've bought them just because I wanted to try one out.

Based on your comments above, nothing is more beautiful or customizable than a finely crafted 1911.

It's a crying shame I don't care for 1911s, isn't it?

Pretty, but just doesn't feel "right" or intuitive when I shoot them. I want something like this.

Here's a suggestion, instead of looking for a gun, look for grips you like and see what guns they will fit. Your largest selection of "Purdy" handgun stocks are going to be for 1911 pattern pistols, single action revolvers and S&W double action revolvers. Most other guns with changeable grip panels will have some selection but, most will be wooden.

Hogue, Eagle, and Ajax all make a wide variety of grips there are numerous others google "handgun grips"

edit: 1911s are an aquired taste for some folks, sort of like sushi - - - I mean bait!

[RottenApple]

I'll echo the others recommending a Sig 220. Sounds like that would be your best fit.

I'll echo your echo and add some personal experience. My Pop gave me a P220 for my birthday this year. It very quickly became my favorite gun and I shoot it at lot. I've already put at least a thousand rounds through it. Once my I have my plastic I intend on carrying it full time.

[SQLGeek]

How do you plan to carry it? I don't carry yet but that seems like a lot of gun to conceal...not saying you won't be able to because I know plenty of folks conceal full sized guns.

[RottenApple]

How do you plan to carry it? I don't carry yet but that seems like a lot of gun to conceal...not saying you won't be able to because I know plenty of folks conceal full sized guns.

I'm planning on getting a kholster for starters. I've been told it's a rather comfortable IWB. For now I have an OWB DeSantis paddle holster that I can conceal quite well. The other day I had it on while working around the house and my wife never knew it was there till we went to bed.

[SQLGeek]

Gotcha, good luck and hope the plastic gets there quick.

[74novaman]

How do you plan to carry it? I don't carry yet but that seems like a lot of gun to conceal...not saying you won't be able to because I know plenty of folks conceal full sized guns.

People are leery of the prospect of concealing full sized guns, but no one should be. I've carried a 5" 1911 in an IWB holster wearing just shorts and a loose t shirt many times without a second glance my way from anyone. Honestly, weight of the gun is more of a problem than concealment.

[Dave2]

Honestly, weight of the gun is more of a problem than concealment.

Only because you aren't wearing a 2nd one on the other side to balance everything out

[74novaman]

Honestly, weight of the gun is more of a problem than concealment.

Only because you aren't wearing a 2nd one on the other side to balance everything out

Thats the problem!

[SQLGeek]

Honestly, weight of the gun is more of a problem than concealment.

Only because you aren't wearing a 2nd one on the other side to balance everything out

Thats the problem!

Three or four magazines full of .45 ought to do it.