.45 ACP Pocket Pistols - Whose got one?

45 Caliber pocket pistol? I gather we're not talking pants pockets.

He's contemplating using cast boolits for carry? If not, he can get an after market barrel for a G30 (I have one for my G30SF) and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Of course there are thousands of casters like myself (started circa 1970) who shoot tens of thousands of cast boolits through all our Glocks. It wasn't until I was kerrectalyy edumicated via the internet about the horrors of cast boolits in Glock barrels that I even knew I was doing anything rong.

Glock doesn't make anything that I would consider a pocket .45. The Glock 36 is way too big. The Springfield XDS will fit in a jeans pocket in a DeSantis Super Fly. The weight isn't too bad but it is pushing the envelope in terms of size. I can get a firing grip on the gun but the draw has to be executed perfectly to avoid snagging, or else pants need to be selected with care so that the pocket opening is wide enough. So, while it can be used, it is not optimal. I have had no trouble feeding the XDS with light loads and with 200 grain lead SWCs that choked my Glock .45s. The XDS is an awesome gun and probably about the only potential option for a .45 pocket howitzer. For spares I took the grip adapters off a couple of 7 round XDS magazines, and they conceal IWB like a couple of 1911 magazines.

I had a PM45 once upon a time. It worked in my pants pockets with a thin pocket holster (specifically the one that came with the Crimson Trace laser guard). As mentioned previously, you wanted to make sure that you executed the draw correctly or it would get persnickety. In a pair of cargo shorts or Dockers, it was easy to get it right. That gun was eventually traded on an unfired, series 70 Colt commander-sized 1911.

Now I have an XDs that I like better than the Kahr I used to own. It feels lighter in the pocket and I shoot it better than I did the Kahr. Same commentary applies about fitting in pockets. Fits rather snug in Carhartt pants pockets, fits quite well in cargo shorts and Dockers. If your friend wants a pocket .45... hard to go wrong with an XDs.

With all that said, I currently tote my 9mm Shield more than anything else because I am currently shooting it more than anything else.

I just got back from the NRA convention. Two vendors were showing 2 different 45ACP 2 shot derringers. They were real pocket pistols, about .75" wide. Hezler(?) said they began shipping this month. The other brand is DoubleTap shipping in June. 5.5 inches long and less than 4 inches high. They may be the answer how to carry a 45 in a Texas summer.

USSR said:

Guys,

Pocket pistol is a euphemism for a small framed pistol. It does not have to actually fit in a pocket, and it would not be carried that way. I am talking about small .45 ACP pistols such as the Kahr and others.

Don

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Apparently you're the only one using "pocket pistol" as a euphemism. The rest of us are more literal and consider pocket pistols to be appropriate for pocket carry, compact or subcompact might be a better description of what you're looking for. Regardless, I agree with the others, look into the XDs, a friend bought one for a BUG/off duty gun and it's a pretty slick little piece, he hasn't had it long but so far it has proven to be reliale and accurate. When I shot it I was impressed by how manageale it was for it's size.

I'm with WC; when I hear 'pocket pistol' I think 'small enough to be carried in a pocket with reasonable comfort'. Maybe I'm wrong, and maybe that's not the general consensus - but it's what I consider.
G26 for example, was a pocket pistol for me when I first got it. Then I started to carry it all day every day, and eventually realized that it really isn't a pocket pistol; it's just too wide unless I'm wearing baggy jeans or cargo shorts.

I have the XDS and I can and do carry it in my pocket regularly. The only disadvantage I can see in it is the capacity. I carried a 5shot j frame for years so I'm gaining a round. Shoots great, including my reloads, more accurate than me, it's lightweight and has a decent trigger. Highly recommend it!

A Sig P250 SC is another option. I have one in .40, but nothing that small in .45.

I am with WC as well. I have never heard of "pocket pistol" as a euphanism for small pistol. Pocket pistols are of a particular size or configuration of small pistol that allow for carry in the pockets. Usually, when people ask about "pocket pistols" they are asking about pistols to be carried in the pocket, not just small framed pistols. All pocket pistols may be small framed pistols, but not all small framed pistols are pocket pistols.

With that said, I used to pocket carry a Kimber Ultra series. I carried this way for years with a particular style of cargo pants in which the Ultra fit very well. Sadly, the pants are no longer made.

Well I can probably fit my 1911 government in my pocket. There might be some ripping and cussing though.

+1 on the XDs as it is a .45 and roughly a pocket size gun. I feel your stance on Glocks, I am not a big fan of them myself although I am considering a Glock 19 just to say I have one, and fix their "perfection." AMT made a .45 that was a true pocket pistol but quality control on those back in the day were terrible and finding one that works is difficult.

My Kahr PM9 and my Springfield XD-S. While I typically carry either one OWB, I do pocket carry both of them. The XD-S is the newest of the two and as you can see, it is a bit larger. Regardless, I still like it. My XD-S review, including some chronograph results.

I think we are still waiting on real pocket 45's from Rohrbaugh and Boberg . . . .

I've got one. It certainly fits in my pocket and fires .45 ACP extremely well. They get poohed quite a bit but I accept that they need some massaging before being relied upon. This one's very happy with Hydra-shoks.

taurus pt145 one of the smallest 45 out there love mine

Para C6-45.

Uses Wilson Sentinel mags. One round smaller than officer mags.

I carried a Gock 36 for several years which I purchased shortly after they were introduced. I would hardly call it a pocket 45. Since that time several manufactureers have introduced small 45ACP semi auto. I would look at the KahrPM-45 and the Springfield XDM in addition tom the Glock46.

I like my PM45. Guess I'm lucky and got one of the good ones. Never had an issue with it.

I disagree with the assertion that Pocket Pistol is a euphemism for a small framed pistol.

It also bugs me to no end that someone will throw a pistol into a cargo pocket and declare the gun a "Pocket Pistol"

To me a pocket pistol can be carried in a normal front pocket in common brands of jeans and business casual pants - like Cotton Dockers, without obvious printing, and can be deployed with ease from the pocket.

I can't say how many times I've seen someone strain to cram a pistol into their front pocket and when they got it stuffed in there they declare it a pocket pistol - even if the pocket is ready to rip out the moment they sit down.

The DoubleTap used to be called the Heizer DoubeTap but the creator Ray Cohout had a problem with Heizer so he switched manufacturers. The company is now called DoubleTap Firearms and it is manufactured by Azimuth.

https://www.facebook.com/DoubleTapFirearmsLLC

I'm sure it must depend on your pockets. Clint Smith has often written in American Handgunner he pocket carries some S&W N-Frames, which I'm sure must include some in .45ACP. He has pocket holsters for those pistols from, I believe, Mitch Rosen and 5 Shot Leather.