[lobo9er]

45 compact. Old or new? 1911 best bet? or other?

[CDR_Glock]

I have a few compact/subcompact 45 ACP pistols:

Detonics Combat Master V, 6+1

Glock 36 6+1

Glock 30 10+1

Ed Brown Special Forces Commander 8+1

I don't know if you mean old=preowned or old=classic MILSPEC 1911 or new=modern tighter tolerance 1911s or new=new in box. Don't know your budget but a 1911 can cost a lot for the gun itself, followed by the break in period. Then we have to know how comfortable you are carrying cocked and locked=Condition 1 or condition 3 (empty chamber = not ideal for me). Polymer striker fired 45 ACPs can be thicker because many are double stacked except for the Kahr, Glock 36 and latest Springfield XDS 45 ACP.

What's your intended use? Concealment, targets, home defense? I assume concealed carry. If so you want reliability in addition to your ability to handle it accurately.

Later model 1911s can be finicky. Tighter tolerances. Higher end models require a break in that can cost as much as a Glock itself. Smaller 1911s like Kimber Ultra, Detonics 1911and Colt Officer pistols become intrinsically less reliable than the Kimber Pro, Colt Commander or other 4.25" counterparts. For 1911s, I trust a Government/full size or Commander/4.25" barrel for reliability, handling and accuracy. Glocks are more reliable pound for pound, dollar for dollar and for size, but they're double stacked guns, in general.

For me, my Glocks run out of the box but I'll still run ball ammo followed by my choice in self defense rounds. It's important to run the SD rounds to test for reliability, accuracy and handling.

in the end, it's based upon your ability, experience, budget and willingness to train.

[coalman]

Glock 30. As much as I like my 4" 1911, Glock 30.

[PabloJ]

I just picked up Glock 29SF but if I wanted compact .45ACP it would be Glock 30SF. One of the hottest ones out there is Springfield XDs. I have handled one last week before what LGS got in sold out almost immediately. I passed due to high cost, low capacity and extremely poor grip design for this type of firearm.

[Skylerbone]

Other. I wouldn't want to trust my life to anything less than a true Commander size (4 1/4") 1911.

The other will depend on what you are comfortable with as far as weight, capacity, exposed/concealed hammer, striker, decocker, safeties etc. There are some excellent S&Ws on the used market for under $400, a new Kahr CW45 for about the same and of course the Glock/XD/M&P/H&K options.

Knowing a bit more about your preferences, previous carry option and preferred carry method can help with suggestions as well.

[trickyasafox]

I have an officers sized 1911 from Citadel (armscor) that has served me well. However, not everyone is a 1911 fan. A lot of the compact polymer 45s are very nice.

[ColtPythonElite]

A Glock might not be sexy, but they sure are good guns. A 30/36 is hard to beat for reliability.

[Valkman]

I carry a Compact Kimber CDP and I also have a Compact XD45. Love the XD, holds 10 or 13rd mags.

[Certaindeaf]

Some sort of $3000 1911 might work. Never know though.

[critter]

I have a Colt New Agent that I carry a lot. Love the little thing! She has NEVER had a failure, is light and easy to carry and is more accurate than you'd imagine.

[PabloJ]

Some sort of $3000 1911 might work. Never know though.
I looked over one of those with Wilson or Brown name on it. The price was staggering $2800+ it would take lots of good vodka.......:rolleyes: That is almost as bad as some of those so called custom rifles where guy takes Winchester action, outsourced barrel, synthetic stock puts it together and charges over $10,000 which is pretty much nuts.

[dondavis3]

I love my Sig Sauer P220 Compact

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx67/dondavis3/Guns/IMG_1619.jpg

Fine gun IMHO

:cool:

[Averageman]

H&K USPC.
I have one and although it isn't as compact as many, it is compact enough, accurate and has never had as much as a hickup.
I highly reccomend them, even if H&K hates us all, they make a heck of a pistol.

[bds]

I had a Glock 30 and although it shot very accurate, it got replaced by Gen3 Taurus PT145 with SA/DA trigger - and this is coming from a Glock fan.

My wife found the grip too bulky and she had a hard time reaching the controls. PT145 has smaller grip and controls are easier to reach and operate (BTW, she likes shooting the M&P45 with small grip insert). Slide length is comparable to G26/G27 and grip length is comparable to G19/G23 (see comparison picture below). PT145 is a "natural pointer" with grip angle similar to Sig P226 and the Heine 8 sights are always right on the target when I point at anything.

If you reload, my primary 45ACP range load is lead 200 gr SWC but G30 won't feed SWC whereas PT145 will reliably feed/chamber SWC load all day long, even when dirty.

Taurus PT145:
WIDTH - 1.25"
LENGTH - 6.125"
HEIGHT - 5.125"


Glock 27:
WIDTH - 1.18"
LENGTH - 6.29"
HEIGHT - 4.8" (with +1 Pearce mag extension - 4.17" with 9rd factory flush magazine)

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=126845&stc=1&d=1283178089

[jj1962hemi]

I don't own one, but I rented a Glock 26, 27 and 36 (the range didn't have a 30 available), putting 50-100 rounds through each. I'm not a Glock guy, but I couldn't get over how great the 36 felt in my hand v. the double-stacked 26 and 27. It also kicked "better" (the 45 is less snappy) than the 40. I shot better with that 36 than I do with a 2.5" revolver. It's definitely on my list!

[JERRY]

whats your experience level?

[BRE346]

The Taurus 145 has become very popular due to its size, ease of handling and concealing.

[Trent]

I have a Taurus 145. GREAT little gun. Holds 10 rounds, doesn't feel awkward at all in big hands. I've fed it just about everything.. never had a reliability problem.

[Baba Louie]

As skyler mentioned, S&W gen3s, the 457 is a sleeper if DA/SA and the takedown procedure does not bother you.

And dondavis' recommendation of the compact 220. Really sweet.

Colts Defender seems to work well if small SA 1911 format is preferred.

(don't laugh too hard at this) Taurus old 945, a Commander size, is good and usually cheap.

Kahr and the Croats HS AKA SAs XD can be had in a compact .45 as well.

Hand size and fit. What feels best and points naturally in your paws? Slim or chunky (double stack)?

Lots of choices. If you buy used, you might be picking up someones problem child, so check them out in person when & if you can.

[ohwell]

I have a Springfield micro compact 1911 that's finicky,so I'll be picking up an XDs as soon as I can get one.

[Plan2Live]

Having fired the XDS, I find it very compact and accurate. It does kick a good bit and I thought the grip texturing was too aggressive for my "office hands". I would love to try the XDS with a softer Hogue grip like the one on my Sig 239. I'll bet that grip would make all the difference in the world without adding too much to the width.

A few weeks ago and prior to buying my Sig 239 I shot a European Sig 220 (full size) with the heel mag release. It was the first Sig I shot dead on with. That was a nice shooting 45 and I prefer a carry gun with the hammer down on a live round and a DA trigger for that first shot. I would like to try the 220 Compact (Carry) model.

[TennJed]

Suprised there has not been a mention for the Kahr CW45. I have one on layaway, so no personal experience yet. But my research seemed to indicate a great CCW 45

[Gtimothy]

I spent the better part of a year looking for my next CC gun and wound up purchasing an XDs. Awsome gun, very managable recoil, accurate, small and light and the best part....45acp! If you can find one to try, do it! I love mine!!!

[bluethunder1962]

Colt defender

[Robbins290]

i went with the 30sf. 10 rounds and alot of after market parts

[GCBurner]

I went with a Glock 30, also. I use the Pierce +1 floorplates on the magazines, increasing the capacity to 11 +1, and use a 13-round Glock 21 magazine as a spare. I figure a total of 25 rounds of .45ACP should be enough for almost any self-defense type situation. It's surprisingly accurate for such a short barrel and sighting radius, and has been 100% reliable with factory FMJ or JHP type ammo.

[Coltdriver]

Truth is the lightest possible pistol is a lot easier to carry than something that weighs over 2 pounds. And the 1911 pistols, unfortunately, become less reliable as they get smaller. Not saying a $1000 piece is not reliable. Not saying a nearly three pounds loaded steel Commander is not a great piece.

Colt created that New Agent and it still weighs more loaded than a Glock 36. I think they have one in a modern battery of arms. But I know one of them is the ancient 1911 battery. So you have to cock it. Or carry it cocked and flick off the safety at the potentially most stressful moment of your life.

You could get two Glocks' for a $950 New Agent. And Glocks are pull and shoot with all the safeties' coming off automatically as you pull the trigger as is standard with a modern battery of arms.

So check out a Glock 30 or a 36. About as small as they get, reliable and very light at around 26 ounces loaded for a 36.

[rondog]

I carry a RIA Compact, which is essentially a clone of the Colt's Officers ACP. 3.5" barrel, 1/2" shorter grip, M1911A1 platform. Works perfectly for me, and it's inexpensive enough that I don't have to baby it and worry about marks, dings and wear from daily carry.

These aren't the stock grips, and I have Lasergrips on it now.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/guns/my%20handguns/DSCN0945.jpg

How it compares to a full-size 1911.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/guns/my%20handguns/DSCN0951.jpg

[Bentonville]

HK45C is a great carry gun and as good as it gets out of the box for a .45. Soft shooting, accurate, reliable, ergonomically well designed. You owe it to yourself to try one before you purchase. Just one man's opinion.

[mnrivrat]

Taurus Model 24/7 Pro Compact has been giving me great service and feeds reliably with everything I have thrown in it so far. Comes with 10 and 12 round magazines.

I also have a Commander size 1911 but it is all steel and therefore heavy, a bit more fussy with ammo also. More accurate however. The 1911's shorter than the Commander used to have a mixed reputation for reliability but perhaps that is no longer the case.

[Mykey]

I was in the same boat as you trying to decide on a compact 45 and after handling and shooting many different ones i chose the Glock 36. It's light weight, balances good, conceals well and fits my hand like a glove.

[JERRY]

my only gripe about the G36 is that Gaston didnt finish the grip. the magazine should not have to complete the grip as this does.

i know, the +0 mag base makes it all better, im just sayin'.....

[mavracer]

Depend's on definition of compact. For a no holds barred IWB I find my STI VIP hard to top. It's compact, light weight, reliable holds 10 in a flush mag and is off the chart accurate. It is pricy though if I eeven think I might have to leave it in the truck I pack my Kahr CW45 custom covert it's just as reliable and lighter and probably accurate enough.

[NG VI]

my only gripe about the G36 is that Gaston didnt finish the grip. the magazine should not have to complete the grip as this does.

i know, the +0 mag base makes it all better, im just sayin'.....


I actually go the other way, I think he forgot to finish making the other set of magazines, the flush fitting five rounders that don't exist unless you get some baseplates and make them yourself.

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I'm never too sure what people mean by "compact." My ideals would be either the Glock 30 or the XDM 3.8"... They are standard 10rd and 9rd, respectively, but also take their big brothers' 13 round mags.

I cannot speak to the small 1911s, though. I have zero experience with them.

If something smaller is wanted, really only two good choices are out there--the Kahr P45/CW45 or the Taurus 145/745. I wouldn't really want the 745 (the single stack version of the 145), but I'd be OK with the others.

[tahunua001]

compact 1911s are notorious for reliability issues. you may be better off with a polymer. I have an XDM45 compact that has never failed me and just the other day I shot it with greater accuracy than any other handgun, full or compact. I was pretty happy with that.

[archer1214]

IMO...You cant go wrong with a Sig.....I also carry a P220 and the girl has never let me down, no matter what I feed her.;)

[1894]

Money no object, I'd take any one of 1911Tuner's beaters from that bottom drawer of his.

On a budget - another vote for the HK45C. Because you suck and they hate you. But, once you have the pistol, you won't need them anymore.

[PabloJ]

IMO...You cant go wrong with a Sig.....I also carry a P220 and the girl has never let me down, no matter what I feed her.;)
The problem with them "euro gals" is 45xx series S&W is almost as good at about half of SIGs price.

[Mac Attack]

I am a 1911 fan and own more than one Colt Commander but more often than not I find myself strapping on my G30. My G30 feels lighter than my carry combat commander thats with 2+ more rounds. 1911s are great guns but I trend to baby mine because the cost to replace a S70 or commander is a lot more than the cost off a Glock.

[bigfatdave]

compact 1911s are notorious for reliability issues.mine are notorious for working superbly - and they're "cheap" versions

[chicharrones]

my only gripe about the G36 is that Gaston didnt finish the grip. the magazine should not have to complete the grip as this does.

i know, the +0 mag base makes it all better, im just sayin'.....

I agree. I shouldn't have had to buy four +0s to finish off my 36.

[WRGADog]

Glock 30SF or Springfield XD compact.

[Prosser]

I have a Detonics Combatmaster. Excellent gun. Well designed. A bit heavy.
My next one will be the 45 ACP Kahr.

My needs are for light and small for carry. Should replace the PM9, with .45 punch. The new XD would be worth looking into as well.

Glocks?

Too fat and heavy for my needs. Weigh about the same as the Detonics. Sure, it's more rounds, but I'll need them because the glock trigger hurts my accuracy. Don't like a hammer and crow bar to put in rounds 9 and 10, either.

Others that I have had, and would recommend:
Kimber 3" Orion now has. A bit expensive when all is said and done, but light, and works. Don't like the full beavertail.

Colt Defender. Closest to a full sized action in a small 1911.

[vba]

Yep, USP compact 45. Like mine very much as well...

[NWCP]

HK45C. Try it before spending money on any other .45 Compact.

[71Commander]

My Para C6-45. It will feed any and all bullet profiles.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/tucker13/629cf775.jpg

[jblackfish]

45 compact........1911 best bet?.......
Wilson Combat CQB Compact.

[lobo9er]

Wilson combat, $2,500. Not that I wouldn't love one. :)

[lobo9er]

http://www.hinterlandoutfitters.com/wilson-combat-light-rail-lightweight-professional-pistol-prolrlw-acp9mm38-super-stainless-match-starburst-grips-armor-tuff-finish-pi-36570.html

[lobo9er]

:cool:http://www.cypressarmory.com/cypress/images/products/cqblw-cp-45.jpg
but outta my price range. :)

[jblackfish]

Wilson combat, $2,500. Not that I wouldn't love one. :)
Yep. You said "best bet" and that's one of em. There was no mention of price if I remember your 1st post. Good luck.

[jimbo555]

Buy a glock 30 if you want to carry a brick around all day,too wide for me.Glock 36 is the most problematic glock there is,just do a search.I have the colt new agent,100%reliable,super thin and very accurate.Put a glock in your hand and then try a new agent/defender you'll feel the difference.Plus there is no comparing the trigger between the two!

[Skylerbone]

The problem is still that the shorter the 1911 variant, the more difficult it is to get AND keep running. The best option is something reliable first without regard to preference or ergonomics or capacity or price. If there are multiple contenders standing when that first issue is settled the remaining ones (price, fit, caliber and looks) are a snap.

[jimbo555]

The only thing necessary to keep my new agent running reliably is replacing the recoil spring assy. I replace mine every 1000 rounds.All the smaller 45's including the glocks have the same system.I have had my new agent since 07 and it yet to fail on me.Check around the defender/new agent colts have a great reputation for reliability.

[Skylerbone]

I have checked, and they do not. I'm glad yours is working well but far too many do not.

[PabloJ]

The problem is still that the shorter the 1911 variant, the more difficult it is to get AND keep running. The best option is something reliable first without regard to preference or ergonomics or capacity or price. If there are multiple contenders standing when that first issue is settled the remaining ones (price, fit, caliber and looks) are a snap.
Yes, there are better choices like Glock 30sf.

[dondavis3]

I haven't noticed any mention of the Springfield XDs in .45.

Maybe it's too new.

Anyone have any experience with those?

:cool:

[lobo9er]

http://www.gunsandammo.com/files/2012/03/Springfield-XDS-001.jpg
I did see a clip from shot show on youtube about them. Looked like a pretty nice package.

[jimbo555]

Like most things everyone has an opinion,the fact that one person likes one thing doesn't make it better.Best advice is to try the different choices and decide for yourself.And don't believe everything you read on the Internet!

[MADDOG]

S&W CS45. Very easy to carry and also very reliable.

[dogsoldier0513]

I've owned and carried several Colt OACPs (SS and LtWt.), an SA Micro Compact Operator, an SA LtWt. Compact and a Glock G36. HANDS DOWN, my fav is the G36.

[Teachu2]

I've been a 1911 shooter for 35 years, and disliked Glocks nearly as long - until I shot a G30. Went right from the range rental to the sales counter and bought one. Could not be happier with it.

I'm a XXL guy, so concealing it is not a big issue. I chose a Gen3 standard frame, as it fits my hands well and I shoot it very well. The G4 isn't CA approved, and the rental I shot was identical to what I bought.

I also rented S&W M&P and XD Service and Tactical .45s, M&P 9, 9c, Glock 17 and 19, and a couple of XD 9mms. None suffered any failures (and were all dirty, well-used range rentals) and all were completely stock. The XD guns were OK, but the overly-aggressive checkering was a negative for extended range time. The M&Ps were the most comfortable to shoot (bought the wife a 9c) and I may still get a M&P .45 later on.

The G30 was a surprise in every way. The Glocks are the most foreign of the group to a 1911 shooter, but I shot the G30 better than any other gun I'd rented. It's an easy gun for me to shoot well, and the big grip tames the recoil very well. The accuracy is outstanding, IMHO.

The polymer single-stack .45 compacts are attractive, but didn't bring enough to the table to move me away from a 1911. Size and weight reductions also reduce shootability, and I didn't have a problem carrying a full-size 1911. The G30 is actually thicker than a 1911, but not enough to matter to me. It does weigh less, is as reliable as a sunrise, and holds 3 more rounds.

I prefer a CCW that I will shoot often. The G30 fits the bill for me. It won't for everyone. The smaller the gun, the more critical the fit to the shooter. If at all possible, shoot the ones you think are candidates.

You will find proponents of every make and model. All the guns mentioned in this post are quality guns, as are others mentioned elsewhere in this thread. It's like trying to buy running shoes based on what others wear. You need to see what fits you best.

[bds]

+1 on conducting comparative range tests to see how they actually shoot with your hands.

Holes on target speak volumes.

For me, ultimately aside from brand/model/price/features/hype, it comes down to how accurate and fast I can shoot it.

What good is a nice 45 compact pistol you adore if you can't hit your attacker when your life depends on it?

[mavracer]

The problem is still that the shorter the 45 acp, the more difficult it is to get AND keep running.
there fixed it for you.
Everybody has the same engineering issues when you try to turn that fat little 45 out of the mag and into the chamber, when you go from a 4" to a 3.5" to a 3" barrel you go to a shorter and shorter recoil spring setup, which in turn limits slide travel, which in turn limits the window with which they'll operate in.
Just for the record I've seen a lot of 3" 1911s get through a mag without a hiccup I've never seen a 3" Glock, XD or M&P feed a single round.

[george d dennis]

never had one problem with my g36, but i like the looks of the springfield xd.

[Skylerbone]

So what am I to think of an 1911 that is bushingless with a dual-recoil spring set-up with a reverse plug and ramped barrel sitting on an abbreviated frame with shortened dustcover and rails? Same engineering issues yes, that's of course the reason many newer models have been engineered from the ground-up to deal with those issues. Sure there are great options but they're barely recognizable in that guise and they are costly to boot.

A 3rd Gen. S&W for $350 or so would, in my opinion make a fantastic option. New, I'd look at Kahr and investigate the new XDS. Double stack, the M&P 45. It is also my opinion that a carry 1911 ought to have a 5" barrel on it to maximize dependability. I love the 1911 and I'll throw any of mine in the ring with a Glock but concerning compact .45s I truly believe there are better options unless the OP has north of $2,000 to spend.

[mavracer]

So what am I to think of an 1911 that is bushingless with a dual-recoil spring set-up with a reverse plug and ramped barrel sitting on an abbreviated frame with shortened dustcover and rails?
Well now that's really no more a 1911 than the 3rd gen Smith your touting. Look I'm not saying 3" 1911s are ubereliable quite the opposite I beleve everybody has more issues as the recoil system gets shorter. Lowering slide weight past a certain point causes problems too. Thats one reason the Smith CS45 works pretty good its heavy. I see you suggestes Kahr, I'd add that the P45 is a better bet than the PM45, the 1/2" longer barrel allows them to get rid of the duel spring and still have about 1/10" more slide travel.
It is also my opinion that a carry 1911 ought to have a 5" barrel on it to maximize dependability.
While a 5" gun works, 4 1/4" gives ample room to shorten the dust cover a smidge and at 3.9" my STI with a bull barrel and reverse plug actually has a smidge more travel than my 5" Para P14.

[whatnickname]

The 3" 1911 pistols are an engineering challnge. The slide lacks the weight and length of travel to function as reliably as the 1911s with longer barrels and slides. To compensate for this, the manufacturers attempt to use some pretty wildly heavy double slide spring units. Even with this the tolerances are right up againt the wall. I had a 3" Kimber once. After the recommended 500 round break in period, my rate of failure was easily 5% to 10%. Although the pistol ran fine for the first 15 to 20 rounds. When things got dirty she didn't always want to run. The reliability of this format is spotty with regard to the ammo used (FTF). Some guns will run just fine with anything. Mine would only run with ball, which is exactly what Kimber said I should use and nothing more. Not that I would feel sorry for myself if all I had in my pistol was 230 ball when the "stuff" hits the "fan". My G36 shoots anything I stick in it. My defense load? 200 grain Hornady XTP that clocks an average 950 fps out of my G36. Which round do you suppose would be more effective in a fire fight?

[west.22]

another vote for the glock 30, reliable and accurate.