HK HK45 .45 ACP vs Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard .45 ACP

Two very different .45 ACP designs. The HK HK45 .45 ACP is a polymer-framed DA/SA pistol with a manual safety/decocker, 10 rounds, and a listed 4.5 lb trigger pull; the Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard .45 ACP is an all-4140-steel single action with thumb and grip safeties, 8 rounds, and a listed 5.0 lb pull. The 1911 weighs more (39.5 oz vs 31.2 oz) but is 0.24" narrower (1.3" vs 1.54") and runs a 5.0" barrel to the HK's 4.46". MSRP is $529.00 apart ($949.00 vs $420.00), and the HK ships two magazines to the RIA's one.

Pick the HK HK45 if:

• You want 10 rounds rather than 8, and less weight at 31.2 oz
• A DA/SA trigger with a decocker suits how you carry, rather than cocked-and-locked single action
• You want contrast-point sights, an interchangeable backstrap and two magazines out of the box

Pick the Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard if:

• You want a single-action trigger and a 1911 manual of arms with thumb and grip safeties
• $420.00 MSRP against $949.00
• A 5.0" barrel, a steel frame and a 1.3" width suit you more than the HK's 1.54" polymer grip

The HK45 is the lighter, higher-capacity, double-action gun; the RIA is the cheaper, narrower, all-steel single action. Pick the trigger system and the grip girth you want to live with, since that is where the extra weight and $529.00 go.