Looking at getting a sub-compact 45acp

Go a head, get it over with, call me a limp wristed, lily livered weakling....
(Just don't call me a Liberal)
My first EDC was a Springfield XDS in .45. It was a small package that would deliver a very large projectile when and where it was needed.
I LOVED that gun, even though it was striker fired. Even after the recall I trusted my life to it. Liked the grip safety and loaded chamber indicator. Had no malfunctions, no FTF, no FTE, no misfeeds, the mag was easy to load, it fit my hand perfectly and was a serious tack driver.
But, as happens with love, things went to hell. With the choice of caliber, felt recoil and grip checkering (the huge chunky squares) the lovely little thing beat me to death. After shooting my palms were always red, the web between the thumb and forefinger was always red and sometimes even cut by the slide. At the end I was flinching so bad some of the shots where bouncing off the floor of the range. With a heavy heart It was sent to live upstate on a nice farm. With a heavier heart I moved to a M&P Shield in 9mm so the wife and I could carry the same pistol. (Her choice but she never got her CCL. Grrrrrrrrr) So, for now I'm stuck with the Shield. Still don't like the trigger or the struggle to get that last round in the mag but it carries well, recoil is much manageable, ammo is MUCH cheaper, she functions without issue and I can hit what I need to.
This isn't to dissuade anyone from a .45 EDC, when funds allow I'll go back to one. Maybe a compact 1911. Just be sure you can shoot what you want to buy. My mistake was never trying the XDS before purchasing..

Ive tried many of those shown above and some are excellent.

Still, If you can find a good one the Star PD is hard to beat. Parts and mags may be getting scarce.

Also Glock 36.

Both are 6+1 if that matters.

I like my XDs in .45. I would seriously consider a PM45 based on my experience with my CM9.

I don't own any 40's but would seriously consider one for more power than a subcompact 9 and more rounds than a subcompact 45 (and smaller).

Oh, don't forget about a Doubletap in 45 acp.

starling said:

This thread has kind of hightened my awareness. There really isnt that many subcompact style 45acps. This 9mm obsession needs to stop. Been thinking of other small 45s... there really are not that many. Maybe I should pick one up too. There doesnt seem to be anyone making a tue DAO mini pistol. If the patriot 45 didnt have the serial number at the bottom of the magwell/grip I could cut it down but Im not going the whole..remove the serial number route. Maybe its time someone brought back the AMT backup 45 and do a modern take on it.

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I really like the AMT Backup 45 but hear they have problems and even if you get a good one, field stripping them is very difficult. The AMT with DA and no safety is exactly what I am looking for. I don't want a plastic frame either. Apart from an AMT, I really like the Para PXT Carry DA 3" 6 round Stainless 45.

aaaaa said:

I really like the AMT Backup 45 but hear they have problems and even if you get a good one, field stripping them is very difficult. The AMT with DA and no safety is exactly what I am looking for. I don't want a plastic frame either. Apart from an AMT, I really like the Para PXT Carry DA 3" 6 round Stainless 45.

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That Para Ordnance looks really nice. I have never held one. Dont see a lot of those around here.

Hal said:

I like my .45acp Shield - right up to the point where I have to load the magazine - especially when I rack one in the chamber, eject the magazine and struggle to top it off.
Does the 9mm Shield require 8.7 tons of pressure to load the magazine?

(yes - I have an UpLULA - but you can't drag that thing around in your pocket with a handful of cartridges.)

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Yes! And as much as I love my little pipsqueak with the belt-clip, I absolutely HATE that one point about it. It makes it useless for a person with arthritis or weak hands. And I am slowly getting there myself!

I do have like 5 magazines for my 9mm Shield, but it seems imperative since reloading under pressure would be very time consuming. It's almost a deal breaker, having mags that you could only half fill in a high-stress situation.

For me, the runner ups to my Shield when I bought it was XDs and Beretta PX4.

In the winter when I wear more layers and my belt clip-mounted Shield gets buried under it all, and also people(including bad guys) wear thicker clothes, I switch to my urban winter carry: My Radom P83 Wanad loaded with 9x18 FMJ. Although a less powerful round, I am satisfied that penetration would be adequate with that FMJ. Also, the P83 mags are EASY to load and I have many holsters that fit it, even an East Bloc shoulder holster. Mags are no problem to reload and I have 5 of them.

Offhand McFlan said:

I do have like 5 magazines for my 9mm Shield, but it seems imperative since reloading under pressure would be very time consuming. It's almost a deal breaker, having mags that you could only half fill in a high-stress situation.

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You plan to reload a mag from loose rounds under pressure?

I certainly don't plan on it but if my life depended on it I suppose I'd try ---> As in the case.of an active shooter in a parking garage or something where I had limited cover, an empty mag, a box of ammo under my car seat and an empty semi-auto in my hand. Or maybe fleeing through woods or back streets from the location of a riot...with both good and bad people fleeing too. And I DO keep a box or two of ammo under my seat so my magazines can stay full if I have to hole-up

I'm not sure how you come to the conclusion that making reloading easier means that one is "planning on it".

YES, I know "most confrontations are over in just a few shots or none at all". Sheesh!

I sold my first handgun, a Bersa Thunder 45, because it bit my hand all the time. But the rounds were as smoothe as butter to load into the Bersa magazines...and 45ACP cartridges are so fat and grab-able compared to 9mm. Sooo much easier to feel and work with in the dark or under pressure. Things like that are no guarantee of victory, but sure can make a difference.

My friend who patrols Payson, would rather have more magazines already filled to reach for if in a fight rather than to have to both monitor the situation with a head on a swivel and pay attention to reload or top off magazines.

I agree with him. But if you think topping off or replenishing spent magazines is critical then by all means have at it.

Where did I say that I wouldn't want more magazines and that I would prefer to reload instead?

Does the fact that I carry a small tent and blanket in my car just in case I get stranded mean that I don't also have a gas can and tools to prevent it from coming to that?

Mauser lover said:

You plan to reload a mag from loose rounds under pressure?

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If so, he may as well have a revolver.

aaaaa said:

I really like the AMT Backup 45 but hear they have problems and even if you get a good one, field stripping them is very difficult. The AMT with DA and no safety is exactly what I am looking for. I don't want a plastic frame either. Apart from an AMT, I really like the Para PXT Carry DA 3" 6 round Stainless 45.

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This one looks pretty good too:

The BBR Series 3.10 is Rock Island's smallest, lightest 45ACP handgun. With its 10+1 capacity, this compact sidearm comes with an unbelievable amount of power.

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