Another help me pick a firearm post

[Shortdraw]

Hello. Fairly long time lurker, first time poster. I was helping to get some thoughts and guidance on my next handgun purchase. I’m looking for a semiauto, most likely in 45. Here are some “facts and figures” that might describe my needs etc.

First of all, I’m of pretty average build, 5’7” and 155lbs., medium hands. I currently have a Ruger GP100 3” and an LCR. I’m looking for a pistol that can reasonably carry concealed IWB or, sometimes, carried OWB. Something with a bit more capacity (and accuracy) than the LCR and not as bulky as the GP100. Sure, when I strap on the backpack and go for a couple of days, I can put the GP in a Wilderness safepacker and its fine but for daily hikes in the woods its kind of a hog with no concealability on my size frame.

I have looked at commander sized 1911s. The Ruger lightweight seems like an attractive choice. I shot a SA XDs thinking that would be THE gun but frankly I was not as accurate with it as a 1911 (no big surprise) or a Glock G36 (that surprised me!). In fact the Glock was notably more pleasant to shoot. I’ve shot bigger SAs but they seemed to suffer in potential concealment. I have enjoyed shooting some Sigs, even in DA/SA, but they seem kinda heavy…beautiful shooters though.

So to summarize, I seem to be leaning to a 3.75 – 4.25” barrel, most likely single stack for concealment. I would like it to be able to digest ammo up to and including hollow points as well as Buffalo Bore +P hardcast rounds (wouldn’t train a lot with it but want to know it can handle it).

While I recognize none of the semi-auto calibers are ideal for four leggeds (10 mm being an expensive exception), I assume 45 is about as good as it gets in semi auto ammo. Being in Colorado, mountain lions are probably as big, or bigger a threat, than bears and I bump into the occasional feral dog…and of course people. Oh, and while I am impressed with how easy field stripping a Glock or SA is, I really don’t mind the few extra steps with a 1911.

So if you made it through this long-winded post, what pistol would you recommend to me? I’m sure there will be a few opinions but I really value your reasoning. Thanks for reading through this and any thoughts you have.

 

[Bobson]

Welcome to THR.

Sounds like you were at least reasonably pleased with the G36. I didn't see any explanation as to why you don't already own one for this particular role, aside from the hints that you want us to talk you into buying a 1911.

Personally, I'd go with the G30SF for the gun you described. Extra capacity over both the 36 and a 1911, and it gives up very little in terms of concealment. A 1911 will look better and cost more, but from a purely practical perspective, it's an inferior choice. Bring on the flames.

 

[bannockburn]

Shortdraw

I would go with something in a lightweight Colt Commander or Colt Defender, mainly because few if any of the large caliber Glocks fit my hand properly. I like the feel of the grip design of the SA XD(M) and XD-S but don't own one so I can't speak as to their accuracy potential.

 

[ritepath]

XDS 4"....a little low on capacity but it fits all your needs.

 

[Ed Ames]

Do you have any interest in reloading? Here's why I ask:

It sounds like if I were in your shoes I would probably follow Bobson's advice. But I wouldn't stop there.

Lone wolf sells barrels reamed for .460 Rowland. .460 Rowland is a high performance .45acp variant that will feed from the same magazine. It should give a solid 200fps boost over ACP in the same gun. You would get a threaded barrel so it will come out closer to 4", and you would thread a compensator onto the barrel. That would add about an inch to the overall length when hiking, and easily convert back to the stock barrel for normal use.

The next thing I would look at is one of the S&W Scandium Frame 1911s.

Have you handled the XDm 3.8". 45?

 

[Shortdraw]

Ed Ames: Trying to think if I have handled the xdm 3.8". Not sure. Why do you ask? I have shot the shorter XDs and am curious about the 4" model as Ritepath mentioned. The shorter model didn't make me all warm and fuzzy. Haven't looked at the S&W scandium. Do you like it notably more than the Ruger?

Bobson: I need to hunt down a G30sf. Haven't shot or even held one but have looked on the website at it.

 

[Ed Ames]

Ed Ames: Trying to think if I have handled the xdm 3.8". Not sure. Why do you ask?

Springfield models are kinda weird. The XD and XDs come in 4" versions, but the "match" (supposed to be higher accuracy) is 3.8". Since you were disappointed with the accuracy of the non-match version you tried, checking out the match model might make sense

Haven't looked at the S&W scandium. Do you like it notably more than the Ruger?

I do, mainly because of the "round butt"/bobtail. Dan Wesson and others do the same thing but end up costing more.

As I said, I'd probably go the Glock+Rowland route, but you have a lot of good choices available.

 

[Control]

I know you mentioned semi auto, but I would be negligent in not recommending an SP101 in .357 with 3" barrel. It's on of those "just right" guns that is perfect for hiking, trips into town, truck gun, etc. It would go nicely with your GP100. For some mystical reason, the same gun with the standard 2.25" barrel just isn't as good...

The ultimate backpacking gun for longer trips is the smith and wesson 340 with no internal lock. It's super light, chambered in .357 again, and conceals easily. It's also a near nightmare to practice with full power loads but if every ounce or simple carry comfort is your priority with still enough critter stopping power then this is a good option.

For semi autos, you've done your homework already. I've never owned a Ruger lightweight but I've shot one and they seem nice for the price. I like that it's a series 70 and I love the titanium feed ramp. If I were in the market for a light weight commander under $1000, I'd get the Ruger...

The Glock 36 is also a fine choice, especially if you shoot it well. I see the 36 as Glocks attemp at building a commander... They did a pretty good job by most accounts.

Steer clear of shorter than commander length 1911s. Don't buy a Kahr or Taurus. Never get an AMT backup in .45. Even if they seem really cool at first.

 

[Evil-Twin]

I think length of barrel is not a deterrent when it comes to conceal.. single stack is the right choice for conceal. Personally, I think you are fighting two different forces. One is conceal, and two... accuracy and potential in the woods needs. IM 70 years old, and shoot a 3 inch barrel 45ACP. and shoot it well.. Almost any gun can be accurate in the right hands. So the question isn't so much the accuracy of the gun as much as it is the ability of the gunner. Many people blame the gun, and indeed it might be the gun, but truth be told most poor shooters blame the gun.
The other thing I notices was your body type... you are small framed, which makes conceal harder to achieve. So you are looking for a 4" single stack... 45ACP. most high quality 45acp caliber guns can achieve the same level of accuracy, because quality is built into the design... Many inexpensive guns are designed around a low cost to manufacture and a low cost to sell. low cost manufacturing with average tolerances make for a less than accurate gun.
A S&W, a Sig, Glock, or Kimber, are a few higher end blue collar guns. All with a focus on accuracy, quality, reputation, and less focus on building the cheapest gun they can make.

Like I said, IM 70 years old and carry every waking hour for the last 50 years, when I was young, my needs were not as necessary as they are now... today, one punch could kill me.
especially after so many surgeries.. I may now look like a victim ( old and a half step slower than when I was younger.. over my lifetime I have developed this mantra: " I can't afford to buy anything too cheap" ... my thought is, when I need it, I want it to work.
Ill leave you with this thought... I practice every week with my EDC Kimber Ultra Carry CDP 45 ACP, using my EDC carry load ( 45 ACP 230 gr. +P. ) around 60 rounds a month, just to keep my edge. I practice at 21 feet...
3" Kimber 45 ACP at 21 feet.

Most people will show only good targets... this is the first target of the three I shot on this day.. not as good but still acceptable, againthis was the first target of this particular day.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

First of all, I’m of pretty average build, 5’7” and 155lbs., medium hands. I currently have a Ruger GP100 3” and an LCR. I’m looking for a pistol that can reasonably carry concealed IWB or, sometimes, carried OWB. Something with a bit more capacity (and accuracy) than the LCR and not as bulky as the GP100. Sure, when I strap on the backpack and go for a couple of days, I can put the GP in a Wilderness safepacker and its fine but for daily hikes in the woods its kind of a hog with no concealability on my size frame.

I have looked at commander sized 1911s. The Ruger lightweight seems like an attractive choice. I shot a SA XDs thinking that would be THE gun but frankly I was not as accurate with it as a 1911 (no big surprise) or a Glock G36 (that surprised me!). In fact the Glock was notably more pleasant to shoot. I’ve shot bigger SAs but they seemed to suffer in potential concealment. I have enjoyed shooting some Sigs, even in DA/SA, but they seem kinda heavy…beautiful shooters though.

So to summarize, I seem to be leaning to a 3.75 – 4.25” barrel, most likely single stack for concealment. I would like it to be able to digest ammo up to and including hollow points as well as Buffalo Bore +P hardcast rounds (wouldn’t train a lot with it but want to know it can handle it).

While I recognize none of the semi-auto calibers are ideal for four leggeds (10 mm being an expensive exception), I assume 45 is about as good as it gets in semi auto ammo. Being in Colorado, mountain lions are probably as big, or bigger a threat, than bears and I bump into the occasional feral dog…and of course people. Oh, and while I am impressed with how easy field stripping a Glock or SA is, I really don’t mind the few extra steps with a 1911.

So if you made it through this long-winded post, what pistol would you recommend to me? I’m sure there will be a few opinions but I really value your reasoning. Thanks for reading through this and any thoughts you have.

Welcome to THR.

I have similar woods circumstances as you do (but no bears, only lots of cats), and I also recreationally hike a lot. A 14-16 mile day is a pretty regular occurrence for me, and I often work the wilderness trails with a hand saw to keep them clear. I do not however go on multiple day backpacking trips. When you work in the woods, sleeping in the woods too has little appeal.

For several years I carried an SP101 as my main carry gun. Then I lost a bunch of weight and the SP101 became a literal pain in my side if I tried to conceal it. I probably just needed a new holster. Open carry was still fine.

However, I wanted to make the switch to a small auto but I could never find one that gave me a good grip and proper trigger reach, until the XDs came along.

I still carry my SP101 openly on the trail, but during the tourist season, when I don't really care to deal with people who are afraid of guns, I choose to carry concealed IWB. I now carry a 3.3" 45acp XDs in a Hidden Hybrid Holster. I hike with it on. I cut trees off the trail with it on. I wear it under athletic shirts and conceal it without a problem in all circumstances. For me, it's as close to perfect as it gets right now for a 45 cal concealed carry weapon. I am 6'3" and 195 lbs though, so bare that in mind as it obviously has an effect on my ability to conceal a gun.

I know you said you didn't feel you were as accurate with an XDs as you were with a 1911, but there is a simple solution to that. Practice a lot. I actually find mine to be supremely accurate, especially if I stick to 230 gr ammo. They make 5, 6, and 7 round magazines for it, and I feel well protected with it on me, with the 6 round magazines really being the perfect size for shootability. Obviously the 5 rounders conceal a little better. I do shoot it a fair amount and use the thumbs forward technique.

The nice part is that you are increasing your capacity over the LCR you have for concealed carry no matter what magazine you choose, provided you carry it topped off. Sorry if what I said is not that helpful since you have already looked at the XDs. The XDm 3.8 may be a better fit for you.

The other suggestion I would make is to reexamine your carry method with your GP100. If your primary concern is for lions and black bears, a 357 is a good gun to carry, even with a short barrel. I would just suggest carrying 158-180 gr bullets. My very favorite trail gun is a S&W 686+ with a 3" barrel. I carry it in this holster.

http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Hip_Holster.php

I got it with the drop loop and reload loops. It keeps the gun right at the point where my hand would reach for a gun, rather than too high like many duty holsters do. The reason the drop loop is important to me is it keeps the gun grip out of the way of my pack. Something like this, and a willingness to carry openly may solve your issue.

That being said...... If you still have a desire for a new gun, then have at it.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I know you mentioned semi auto, but I would be negligent in not recommending an SP101 in .357 with 3" barrel. It's on of those "just right" guns that is perfect for hiking, trips into town, truck gun, etc. It would go nicely with your GP100. For some mystical reason, the same gun with the standard 2.25" barrel just isn't as good...

While I agree with you that the SP101 is a great trail gun, the OP stated he would like higher capacity than his LCR. The SP101 will not accomplish that.

 

[Mike J]

It really sounds like you want a commander length 1911. The Glock or XD might actually be better for your circumstance but if you want a commander I don't know that a plastic gun will scratch that itch.

FWIW, I own one 1911 & a few plastic guns. I like both but they are 2 different things.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Both the Glock and XD and simple to field strip. Before you discount the XD, was the accuracy acceptable for self defense usages? This is not a target pistol. Does one feel better in your hand or put a smile on your face more than the others. One that feels better and makes you smile is more likely to get range time and make you more skilled at using it. Those are my criteria. A 45 will be fine for defensive use against. 4 legged critters.

 

[JDR]

I have a Ruger SR1911 Commander steel frame. Great gun, I highly recommend it. But I f you can spend some extra money, consider the Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander which IMHO is a better gun than the Ruger.

 

[Zerodefect]

Try a Glock 23. The Glock 19/23 is the perfect midsize for many people. .40 compares to .45 nicely.

I recommend, in order of cost:
Glock23
Glock27
Springy XDS
Dan Wesson CCO
Colt CCO
Dan Wesson ECO
Dan Wesson Valkyrie
Dan Wesson Vbob
Guncrafter Industries No name Commander
Guncrafter No name CCO

 

[Lord Teapot]

glock 30, .45acp. concealable and accurate.

 

[Shortdraw]

A lot of helpful thoughts. Thank you all. At this point I am torn between the Ruger LW Cmd and the G30sf with the XDs and maybe Xdm compact needing a second look. I know the 1911 is a much different platform than Glock/SA but both are different from my revolvers and I'm a pretty capable learner. As to scratching an itch, this purchase has to be practical, reliable, and useful in the woods, occasionally around town, and of course at the range… regardless of the platform. Not that I'm opposed to occasional itch scratching as my collection of recurves will testify!

 

[Sergei Mosin]

Lightweight Commanders are great packing pistols, and the Ruger version is a lot of gun for the money. I own one myself. You won't regret the purchase.

 

[Teachu2]

One more to consider is the Glock 30s. It is a G30SF frame and magazine with a G36 slide, which is a bit slimmer. I own a 30, a 30SF, and a 36, so I can easily configure a 30s. I carry my G36 in summer for rattlers, with two rounds of CCI shotshells leading off, then Gold Dot Short Barrel HPs.