.45 Carry pistol

[Run&Shoot]

SIG P245. If I had a compact 1911 then I would carry it, but right now the G23 or P245 are the main ones, and happen to be almost the same size.

 

[longeyes]

Glock 30, 36, or Commander-sized 1911.

 

[boomstik45]

Uh...the Springfield Xd is thinner than some other double-stack mag polymer types, but a short grip it is NOT. Particularly the .45acp version. The 9s and .40s aren't bad, but not much shorter than glocks, if at all.

 

[Richard]

I want to make you laugh and I know how to do it. Curious? I use a Bersa Thunder 45 for car/truck/carry. The Bersa is inexpensive, compact, lightweight, reliable, and accurate. I cannot think of a better 45acp for your purpose. Regards, Richard

 

[ugaarguy]

Uh...the Springfield Xd is thinner than some other double-stack mag polymer types, but a short grip it is NOT. Particularly the .45acp version

The XD45 Compact is short in the grip. I rather like the idea of the 4" bbl with short grip - very Colt CCO like. Speaking of a Colt CCO (Commander slide on the shorter Officer grip) does anyone know if they, or any other non-custom maker currently offer them? That would be another great idea for the OP's intended use.

Edit: It appears that the Kimber compact and STI Guardian fit the CCO bill.

 

[Johnny B]

Thanks for all the responses, gentlemen. It's plenty to think about. I'm the kind of guy that likes to do my research when I'm about to drop a chunk of money on anything, so all your advice has been nothing but helpful. But, a 1911 just looks more and more tempting the more I think about it...however, something with a little more than 7+1 capacity might also be nice. But heck, that's probably not that easy to find outside of a few models (esp. the XD).

 

[Pilot]

I like the Colt XSE Lightweight Commander for carry purposes.

 

[ajoker31]

The perfect carry piece for you

If you can, try out the Taurus PT-145 Milpro. It cost me $319, holds 10 + 1, and has a manual safety (which I prefer when I put a pistol in my drawers). They have become harder to find and prices have jumped a bit but I really like mine. They have a lifetime warranty also.

Understand though....guns are like shoes, everyone has different taste. I have quite a variety of pistols, Kimber, Ruger, Sig, Taurus, Glock etc. I trust them all with my life and they are all 100% reliable.....but I carry a PT-145. It conceals well in all situations, I didn't pay so much for it that I worry about scuffing it a bit, and it has good accuracy for a 3" .45 out to 15 yards. It took me a couple range visits to get used to it.....but now I wouldn't trade it for anything.

You'll see debates on every make and model (someone has found a bad apple or just doesn't prefer something about a specific gun). Do a search on the PT-145 and check out the reviews.

Jerry

 

[phantom45]

I was about to recommend the Taurus Millenium Pro .45 as well. My friend purchased one last summer and shot it one day, it felt good in my hand (have large hands many compacts just aren't comfortable for me) and shot well. Recoil wasn't an issue and overall I was very pleased with it. I'm considering getting a Millenium Pro 9mm or .45 myself for a good carry weapon (something a bit smaller/lighter than my 5" 1911) for these summer months here in Alabama. Very small and concealable, I like the safety, shoots well, and won't break the bank. Definitely one I would consider for a small .45.

 

[COK]

I carry a S&W 457S - it's been 100% reliable.

 

[boomstik45]

Yeah, you're right, UGAARGUY. I was thinking only of the .45 service and tactical for some reason. The compact is thinner and somehow more comfortable in the hand even grip wise than the glock 30. Even with the mag extensions, I can't seem to get the grip on the G30 as well as I can on the XD compact .45. Weird.

 

[B yond]

 

[DorGunR]

 

[Hitman13]

Hey guys I was trying out a few .45s for ccw this weekend, started with the kahr p45. Its a very small and light gun so it made sense for ccw, however, I found the recoil substantial. My groups at 15 feet where probably 12-18" in D. Also I found a mark on my thumb on the second knuckle from the recoil (is this common? maybe it was my grip). One of the guys at the range gave me the glock 30 and 36 and wow! what a difference! my aim accuracy was right back, and more comfortable. They are both heavier guns so that prob helps. My hat off to the Glock 30 (double stack) and thicker grip really helped.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

I remember reading an article by Massad Ayoob a few years back in which he singled out the 30 as one of the most accurate handguns he had ever shot.

I shot one last Thursday after shooting my 36 in a defensive handgun league. I shot my 36 pretty well, considering it was the gun's first outing, but on the first magazine through the 30 I punched out a small ragged hole right at the top of the 10 ring at 21 feet. I think Mr. Ayoob may be correct.

 

[Richard]

Hitman13 and Lobotomy Boy, are both correct about the Glock 30. They are among the softest shooting 45acps I have shot. Regards, Richard

 

[kellyj00]

try shooting an XD in .45 first... holds 13 rounds. Nice shooter and has a dovetail safety, chamber loaded indicator and cocked indicator both of which you can feel if it's dark out and you're not sure.

Also comes with light rail, the mags are double stack, but it doesn't feel all that wide, no wider than my springfield milspec 1911 with hogue rubber wraparound grips. Shoots well and has plenty of ergonomic features that just feel better than a glock.

I like it as much as the H&K usp .45 full size. Shot the xd in 4" barrel only, comes in 3" and 5" too

 

[P97]

It is all about personal preference. I have real large hands, and the only thing I have found that feels good and that I can shoot good is my CCW. A Ruger P97DC