Affordable 45s: Para USA, CZ, and Beretta Shoot It Out

When it comes to 45 ACP semi-automatics, we're always looking for ways to fill our holsters without emptying our bank accounts. There are many 45s that cost about $1200, and it's not hard to find 45s that cost twice that or more. In this test we will look at three affordable 45s with suggested retail prices that are well under the $1000 mark. Aside from categorizing by price, both the $650 Beretta PX4 Storm F and the $874 CZ 97BD could also be

45 ACP 1911-style pistols are often expensive, but the Para USA GI Expert (foreground) lists for only $600. Para put its money into reliability instead of fancy features. Upgrades such as the skeletonized hammer and relieved trigger speed lock time, and modern sights make it easier to shoot than traditional “GI” models. The GI Expert was faster to operate than its competitors and delivered more power, too. The CZ 97BD (center) is the decocker version of the 97B tested previously. Eliminating the single-action-only option didn’t hurt its speed or accuracy. The BD model was more expensive ($874) than the Expert, but the night sights were an upgrade that improved shooting in daylight, too. The $650 Beretta PX4 Storm F (top) offered lighter weight thanks to its polymer frame. We liked its styling and easy takedown process. But having to work the decocker up and down to make the gun ready proved cumbersome, our test team said. Also, the long trigger pull on the first shot slowed the gun down in our action evaluations.