best 45 for concealed carry?

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For the smallest 45ACP I have, and know of, is the AMT Backup in 45ACP. I bought mine new in '94 or '95 (whenever they first came out) and only paid $365 for it. It may be difficult finding a used one, though. I can cup the Backup between my hands and hide it completely. After that, I'd go with a Colt Officer's ACP or clones. After that, I'd go for a tiny Glock.
 
Odd that the first gun posted to this thread was a wheelie. DIdn't see that coming. Just fired the S&W 325PD last night for the first time. Seems to me to be perfect for CCW. And this being my first moon clip experience, let me go on record as saying "DAMN" that is one quick and slick reload. I'm now searching for the Performance Center version, 625-10. Gotta have it, and soon.
 
Ditto what Blak Majik said...I can't imagine you being unhappy with either the

S&W 1911SC or Colt LW Commander, I am lamenting between both of these right now my self and just can not make up my mind...decisions...decisions... :D
 
Quote:
Can other manufacturers make pistols for that round or is it just a Glock thing right now?

Yes, they can. I've heard rumors of more GAP pistols being developed by Beretta, Steyr and CZ. The CZ rumor mill says to expect a RAMI in .45 GAP and if it sells well other models might follow suit.
Click to expand...

Colt came out with the .38 Super many many years ago. Several makers followed suit by making a firearm in .38 Super. You still can't go to your local Kmart, Wally world, target ...etc to buy ammo because it is a specialty round (Believe me I have tried. :) ) but you can't say the same thing about 9 mm, .45 ACP, .40 Cal ....etc. No doubt .45 GAP will be the same way.
 
Best is subjective.

Personally I prefer a 5" 1911 in Blue with wood stocks. Just a basic Gov't Model will do. Galco IWB

We do have a 5'12" Lady Moderator on this forum that totes a 5" 1911 style as well. IWB as well

5" 1911 styles do tote IWB quite comfy.

:)
 
There is a new Kahr 45 coming out according to Guns and Ammo. Looks pretty slim - might be a good gun. 6+1
 
I really like SIGs. But I'm surprised no one has mentioned the S&W Chief's Special .45, which is a high quality piece for $100 less or so than the SIG and probably 1/2 all the massaged mini-M1911's.

I have a CS9 and it's terrific.
 
Waitone,

You sound like me. My daughter will always be my baby daughter. She is 45, and also I tend to call women younger than my daughter "little girls."
My wife often says, "She is not a little girl, she is in her 30s."

Mine carries a Smith 642.

Jerry
 
Kimber Ultra CDP. It was mentioned that the HK USP45C was not large. I have both and the Kimber replaced the HK in the carry role for that purpose. The HK is HUGE compared to the CDP. When carrying, millimeters matter, but we're talking inches here. The Kimber is also way more accurate. I would put the HK up against anything for reliability, but my Kimber has also been reliable.
All in all, I like a 1911 and the Ultra CDP gives me that in a light, small, gorgeous package. Hydra-Shoks, please. :D
 
Quote:
"You might want to take a look at the Star PD 45. Discontinued, but much loved by those who had the pleasure of using or owning one."

Yeah, but will standard 1911 mags work in them?
 
If you can find an early Kimber Compact Aluminum get one. It replaced both my ltwt Comander and Officers models. I am not a Kimber fan nor a "bull barrel guide rod" guy. The Compact Alums are a great compromise and flat out work. I know several owners and they agree. If I couldn't find one, I'd go with the Ltwt Comander. :)
 
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Yep - Kimber Compact CDP. Aluminum frame, 4-inch barrel, officer's sized butt. Includes nightsights and a nice carry melt treatment. Best compromise I've found for a carry piece.
 
Well I have long been on this quest

Here is what I think:
Grip length is the hard part to conceal NOT barrel length
Thinner is better
Lighter is better
3 inch barrels arent as trouble free as 4"+ ones in general
Carry guns are shot enough to be proficient with only in general
SO....
After going through many carry guns I have a winner (or two) in your price range
Either a Kimber or Springfield lightweight compact or commander length
My setup is a Springfield lightweight (alloy frame) compact
I put Chip McCormick thin grips on it and it made all the difference
If you find the grip short for your big hands get Wilson mags with the added base plate- perfect extra to get your pinkie on.
 
I agree w/ CentralTexas' summary.

I carry a Kimber Compact and it disappears under just a t-shirt

More importantly perhaps, 45ACP ammo as a group does not sound like it performs well out of barrels shorter than 3.5 inches (this figure is for autoloaders). David DiFabio of ammolab.com reported this finding a while ago, finding only the Win Rangers to expand reliably in these short length barrels.
 
Mac Attack said "Colt came out with the .38 Super many many years ago. Several makers followed suit by making a firearm in .38 Super. You still can't go to your local Kmart, Wally world, target ...etc to buy ammo because it is a specialty round (Believe me I have tried. ) but you can't say the same thing about 9 mm, .45 ACP, .40 Cal ....etc. No doubt .45 GAP will be the same way."

My Walmart and mom and pop shops all carry .38 Super. I can buy it pretty much anywhere. I do doubt though that the .45 Gap will be as popular.

ranburr
 
anyone here have the para carry or stealth carry??? really small...seems nice...any input?? thanks....
 
"If you can {find} an early Kimber Compact Aluminum get one. It replaced both my ltwt Comander and Officers models."

Webley,

So what you're saying is the early ones have the std. bushing Bbl. and can be used with or without a guide rod?

TIA

CH
 
No the early one's have the bushingless barrel and the guide rod. They were well made and work. despite the fact that they are set up as they are, I have found them to be an outstandig compromise. In my experience they work. From what I have seen the newer Kimbers don't fare as well. This is my opinion based upon my experience.
 
One more vote for the Kimber Compact CDP, which has also replaced my StarPD for daily primary carry.

Browns Fan - no, the Star mags are wider than the ones the 1911's use.
 
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