[Shmackey]

I'm looking around for a non-DA/SA .45ACP semi-auto that's roughly Commander or Officer sized, in 1911 terms. So, along with 1911s, there's the G30 and... Hmm. The HK USP-C is a little big. I don't want a DA/SA pistol like a Sig. Anyone have any other preferences? I know Beretta makes some unsung .45s but I think they're DA/SA and not all that compact.

[SouthpawShootr]

ParaCarry, Para-Ordnance Companion, and the Para CCW come to mind. The trigger is technically DAO, but is very smooth and light for this type of gun. You might also look at the New Taurus Millenium Pro PT145. You can probably outfit the Sig P245 with a DAO module (although I think this one may be a bit too big). Not really much else aside from Colt Defender, and various Kimber models, of these, the Kimber Custom CDP impresses me the most.

[Doc]

yep, Para LDA would seem to fit the bill,
though I carried and loved my Glock M30 for
many years til my wife appropriated it

[Handy]

Sig makes all of their guns in DAO, so the 245 is a possibility.

S&W CS45?

[Shmackey]

Yikes, Para and Taurus...

The problem I have with the Sig DAOs is that they're essentially the same heavy, long DA pull you get with their regular models. I know it's not a bad DA for a semi-auto, but it's still too much for me. I don't love the Glock trigger (who does, really?) but it's short and light enough to manage. (I know it's not technically DAO, but I guess that's what was running through my mind.)

I'm spoiled, I guess; I whittled down my handgun collection to two bullseye guns: a Trailside and a Kimber with a trigger job. So my "worst" trigger is the 2.5-pound Sig/Hammerli.

Southpaw, the Kimber CDP is nice enough, but Kimber and Colt are definitely not the only Commander/Officer game in town. I sure would like a Baer Stinger or an STI Ranger. Hmm... Maybe if I trade the Kimber...

Guess I'll try to make the infamous decision after all: Glock or 1911. (If a good compact 1911 cost $550 like the G30, I have to admit I wouldn't be thinking about this for too long.)

[Handy]

Beretta Mini Cougar and 9000 are probably available DAO too.

[Tamara]

...but I don't think the 9000S is available in .45ACP.


How are you planning on toting this thing, Shmackey?

[Handy]

...but I don't think the 9000S is available in .45ACP.

Very true, got carried away.

[longeyes]

You ruled out the Glock 36?

[Shmackey]

If I'm going to go for a compact Glock .45, yeah. The 30 is just not that much fatter and is a little softer to shoot. Maybe if the 36 had a significantly shorter trigger reach (a problem with me and Glocks) I would think about it.

[Berg01]

I'd look at a Smith & Wesson 4553TSW, which has, IMO, a better DAO trigger, and definitely better sights than any of the other suggestions listed on this thread. You should rent or borrw one at your local range, and see for yourself.

[Shmackey]

You know, Berg01, that does look promising. How's the trigger feel and reach? (And what does TSW stand for?) Thanks!

[Berg01]

It is a compact pistol, the reach shouldn't be a problem for most any sized hand. The DAO trigger is extremely smooth, about a 9lb break, but the smoothness of the trigger makes it feel much less than that. The newer ones come with the Novak Lo-Mount sights as standard, which are some of the best combat sights going, and you would pay extra to have these installed on any of the other guns mentioned. It is the smooth trigger and excellent sights which make the 4553TSW worth a look.

TSW - Tactical Service Weapon (I think)

[Correia]

I'm not a Smith fan, nor am I a DAO fan. But I will say this, the smoothest DAO I have ever used was on a Smith TSW series gun. (sorry, don't recall the exact model, compact .45). CDNN has them right now in closeout. Around $450 IIRC.

I really like the Kimber Ultra Carry or the Springfield Micro. I've not shot an STI Ranger, but I really liked their LS.

[Berg01]

If you don't need DAO, the S&W 457 is a nice piece (traditional DA / SA). This is one of the best compact .45 ACP CCWs I've seen for the money (@$475.00). I personally would prefer this one to the DAO 4553TSW.

If you put this one up against the Sig 245, and the Glock 30 or 36, you just might be surprised at the result (and this is coming from a dyed-in-the-wool Sig fan!).

[Shmackey]

I'm not a Smith fan, nor am I a DAO fan. But I will say this, the smoothest DAO I have ever used was on a Smith TSW series gun. (sorry, don't recall the exact model, compact .45). CDNN has them right now in closeout. Around $450 IIRC.

I really like the Kimber Ultra Carry or the Springfield Micro. I've not shot an STI Ranger, but I really liked their LS.


I agree about the Smith/DAO thing. Sure sounds like I should check it out anyway.

I also just realized that the Springfield Compact has measurements very similar to the Baer Stinger. Commander-ish slide, Officer-ish grip. Something to investigate...

[chaim]

If there is a gun that fits you really well and has a good DA trigger pull and would otherwise be perfect for you except it is a DA/SA would you consider buying it and having it converted by a smith to DAO? If so, I think the S&W 457 would be less than the TSW model and the CS45 is a great size for CCW. That plus perhaps a trigger job to improve the DA pull and you really open up your options.

[Bowlcut]

Hey what about the old redheaded stepchild called the SW99 :D. I love my gun so im sticking behind it. Will be my daily carry here soon as Ive now seen that I can carry it IWB and be somewhat confortable. Great trigger IMHO but thats my opinion and like i always say

"Opinions are like *********s, everyone has one and they all stink"