.45 CCW Help

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JCook5003

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Ok Guys-

After carrying my P239 around for a while now, I have decided to upgrade to a .45, seems like a 1911 would be thinner and not that much weight difference.....

A Kahr .45 would be lighter thinner and smaller....but more expensive unless I pick up the CW series.

So I have some questions for you guys:

Who produces the most reliable stock 3" 1911 for under $1000 and is it worth the fuss trying to find a reliable Officers model or should I just pony up and carry a commander or Gov't model. I would ideally like to carry OWB is this easily achievable with any 1911 model? How would you recommend I carry it OWB?

The Kahr series seems like they get mixed reviews but I havent heard anything about the P45 or CW45, ideally I would like to pick up the CW45 if I got one.....anyone here have expierences if so what are they?

Thanks for the help guys.....

Josh
 
I personally carry an XD45 Compact. Not really overly thick, and it's got 10+1round capacity even when using the compact magazine. Plus, of course, the added benefit of the full sized 13+1 mag/grip for use at the range.
 
If you're worried about the weight of the pistol, I'd recommend into looking at the S&W Scandium commanders. They're true Commander size at 4.25" barrel length, and the extra slide length over the 3" does help with stability if you choose to carry IWB.

For OWB carry, good leather holster and belt would really, really help. Most Kydex OWB holsters don't hold the gun close enough to the body like a good leather holster would in my experience. I can effectively hide a fullsize government mode with a polo shirt and jeans wearing a Milt Sparks 60TK highride holster and belt.
 
I recently made some of the same decisions that you are pondering. My conclusion was to purchase a Para CCW. I found a great deal ($750 NEW)Many feel that it exhibits the best traits, just short enough to carry, long enough for good shootability. I like the combination of features, bobbed grip saftey, DA, traditional thumb safety, etc. If you want a shorter barrel they make essentially the same in the CCO model.

I also purchased a Kahr PM9 as a light carry/backup. I will probably upgrade to the 40 at some point. It is light and carries well in an ankle holster when I can not carry traditionally.

Both have performed very well on the range and have far more accuracy than I can realize at this time.
 
I personally like commander length guns for carry IWB... the 3/4" diffrence in length really helps when your sitting down.
 
My carry .45's are in order of preference, Springer 1911 micro, S&W 1911 commander sc, Kahr P45, and XD45. The Springfield is by far my favorite summer carry. It's light and concealable its only limitation is capacity, but I always carry a spare 8rd mag anyway. The Kahr is also a nice CCW, but I had to send it back to the factory within the 1st week of use. They fixed it and I can shoot it pretty well.
 
Like you, I decided to transition from the P239 to a 1911. I got in on the good deal Sig had going for military members and now carry a GSR 1911. I am using a Serpa OWB holster and open carry.
 
Well after some good advice and some more research I have narrowed my search down to these three guns:

Colt Defender
Kahr CW45
Springfield GI Micro 3" 1911

Any further opinions?
 
The Kahr P45 is an excellent choice IMHO. It is very compact, light and offers simplicity. I personally shy away from pistols that require multiple actions to fire. I prefer the simplicity of having only to pull the trigger. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
 
My Kahr P45 has been 100% reliable from the day I bought it NIB. I did not have even 1 problem during the 200 round break in that Kahr recommends. I have shot CCI aluminum, CCI brass, and Georgia-Arms Gold Dots and have 400-500 rounds thru it as of now...
 
Just a quick run down comparison of my top two choices:

Officers size 1911

Dimensions - 6.8 x 4.75 x 1.28
Weight - 25 oz.
3.0" Barrel
7+1 Capacity
$600-$1500



Kahr CW45

Dimensions - 6.32 x 4.75 x 1.28
Weight - 21.7 oz.
3.64 Barrel
6+1 Capacity
$399

In my opinion the Kahr wins in a lot of categories mostly price, does anyone have opinions on the CW45?
 
You can get Kimbers in both 3" (Ultra) and 4" (Pro) for around $800. I have had zero problems with mine.
 
Kimber Ultra CDP., 25 oz, 3 in. barrel, 100% reliable with all ammo. I've had the same experience with the Kimber Pro (4") Raptor, although I actually shoot better with the Ultra.
 
I vote Colt Defender, or other 3" 1911. I've been carrying my Defender for almost two years and I'm very happy with it. I did upgrade to slim Alumagrips.
 
Colt Defender or New Agent

S&W Sc Commander

Kimber 1st Gen...

IMHO Officers' models are great weapons; they have faults which can be addressed and then you'll not worry about them. LW ones getting hard to find.

Cheers, TF

My current carry piece is 1st gen Compact Aluminum Stainless; OOP, but something like it is still available.
Not currently buying due to location, Another Sc will be next purchase followed by New Agent;
Should also look at S&W 457; light, flat, dead reliable and mine have been very accurate.
Did I mention less expensive?
 
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When you go down to the barrel lenghts under 4'', approaching to the 3'' limit, you have a considerable amount of compromise in the bullet performance and reliability in .45 ACP.
The gas pressures which runs the pistol sometimes may not enough to cycle the slide reliably.
If you are thinking a compact .45 easy to carry, I strongly advice you to go with the ones with polygon profiled barrels for better gas sealing properties which aids for the bullet performance and reliability.
 
I carry the 4" Kimber Pro Carry II with night sights. I've heard there can be more issues with the shorter 3" barrels on 1911's, though I've never experienced it first hand.

The 4" barrel conceals just fine and with the alloy frame, isn't too heavy to carry. Just get a good holster and belt setup (Milt Sparks VM2 for me).
 
+1 on the Kahr CW45

I own a CW9 and really like it. Have been giving some thought to upgrading to the more powerful CW45 though. Now that they have an extended 7rd mag with a factory grip extension for it.
 
I just picked up a Kahr CW45. Fully loaded (6+1)with 230 grain bullets, it weighs about 26 ounces. To me, it is the perfect size, weight, and cartridge for CCW. It's about the same height and length as my CZ p-06, but a lot narrower and lighter, about 1/2 pound lighter. It fits my hands a bit better than the CZ, about as nice as my DW 1911, and much better than my Glock 23. The ergonomics are about as good as my Cz-p06, which is outstanding.

I shot 100 winchester fmj rounds without a hitch. I was surprised that it did not kick any more than it did. It has a strong, but controlled kick, not the snappy kick of my 40S&w's. The Kahr engineers did a nice job with the muzzle axis and grip. Followup shots were quite easy. It was as accurate as I could shoot, although the rear sight was off about 3 inches at 10 yards--and now I need to adjust it. The trigger pull is plenty long, but smooth as silk and easy to control.

Complaints: it only comes with one magazine, and new ones are 44 dollars. I'll have to take it to a gunsmith to adjust the rear sight or buy the fancy sight movers because those Kahr rear sights are pressed in very tightly--or send the slide to Kahr.

Also, I am concerned about the 45acp performance coming from the 3.6 barrel. Carefully following printed reloading data, I was only able to get 800 fps in a 200 grain xtp with the +p loads using Hodgdon HS-6. I'll try some other powders, but I think that's about the best possible. I have not tried 230 grainers yet, but I'm skeptical about that size in the short barrel.

I also own the Kahr MK 40, the metal mini 40. I like it too, but the CCW45 fits my hand just right.
 
Try 165 or 185 grain in shorter barrels; 230 was already slow (830 fps thru 5"). 165 was designed to cope with velocity loss in shorter barrels. I believe the hotter load helps cycling a bit too.
Cor Bon, works well for me.
Cheers, TF

S&W 457: 3.5" and dead reliable. Did I mention dead reliable? I never had a FTF or FTC&E with one. Never; have owned 5. 6, now that I recall the two tone. Cheers, TF
 
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